How to Choose the Perfect Pair of Welding Gloves

Are you a professional welder? As you may know, welding requires the use of appropriate safety gear. One of the most important pieces of safety gear for welders is a pair of welding gloves. 

Welding gloves are a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) for professional welders. They are durable, heat-resistant gloves that protect the hands from welding-related injury.  You'll still be able to bend and move your fingers while wearing them. The welding gloves will simply provide a barrier of protection to minimize the risk of injury. Here are several things to consider when choosing a pair of welding gloves.

Material

You should consider the material when shopping for welding gloves. While they are all durable and heat resistant, welding gloves are available in different materials. Some of them are made of Kevlar, whereas others are made of leather or various synthetic materials.

Size

Like with other gloves, welding gloves are available in different sizes. They should fit comfortably to ensure maximum protection and dexterity. Welding gloves shouldn't fit too tight or too loose. If they are too tight, you may struggle to bend and move your fingers. If they are too loose, they may fall off your hands. Check the size when shopping for welding gloves to determine whether they will fit.

Lining vs No Lining

Something else to consider when shopping for welding gloves is lining. You can find welding gloves with and without lining. Lining refers to a separate layer of material -- typically a thin material -- that's sewn into the gloves. Some workers prefer welding gloves with lining, as it offers a softer and more comfortable fit. Other workers prefer welding gloves without lining, as it gives them more feeling and dexterity when wearing the welding gloves.

Certifications

Some welding gloves are certified. When choosing welding gloves, check to see if they have any certifications, such as those from the American Welding Society (AWS) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Certifications show that the welding gloves have been tested and proven to offer sufficient protection against various welding hazards.

Reinforced Thumb

You may discover that some welding gloves have a reinforced thumb. The thumb section is designed with additional materials or layers so that it's stronger than the rest of the gloves. if you regularly use your thumb when welding, you may want to choose welding gloves with a reinforced thumb such as this.