Best Welding Gloves For 2021

Top 5 Picks for Best Welding Gloves For 2021

Award	Product Image	Product Title	Price	Buy
#1 Best Overall		Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves with Reinforced Palm & Thumb & Index Finger, Seamless Forefinger, 5" Cuff for Extra Protection (Medium)	$30.93
#3 Alternative		Caiman 1878-5 21-Inch One Size Fits All Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove with Boarhide Leather Heat Shield and Cuff	$44.18
#4 Alternative		RAPICCA Welding Gloves 16 Inches,932℉,Heat Resistant Leather Forge/Mig/Stick Welding Gloves Heat/Fire Resistant, Mitts for Oven/Grill/Fireplace/Furnace/Stove/Pot Holder/BBQ/Animal Handling-Blue	$17.84

Regardless of the type of welding you engage in, you cannot second-guess or random-pick the welding gloves you use.

Because the last time we checked, even some celebrity welders were sure enough to recommend a good pair of welding gloves before starting any lesson.

 If you have a different opinion, it is probably because you do not have sufficient in-garage experience. 

As you get used to the intricacies within TIG, MIG, and stick welding, you would also understand how the right pair of welding gloves can protect your hands from sparks, metal parts, and other types of injuries in the garage.

We are talking about lacerations, hands getting crushed, smashed, and degloving. Therefore, the right pair of welding gloves should offer you comprehensive protection so that you can focus on precision.

It is an important cycle that you would learn to appreciate as you get into long-term welding projects.

Here’s the problem, though. Most welding gloves come with some standard features such as heat resistance, moisture resistance, electrical insulation, anti-burn protection, and various comfort-fit sizes.

But as we said, you may need something more when choosing the best welding gloves for 2021. We understand this massive issue and have selected five of the best welding gloves for 2021.

Best Welding Gloves For 2021

#1: BEST OVERALL: Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves

If you need the best of the best welding gloves in the market, you should check out the Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves. There are a couple of features that make these gloves a superb choice for most welding professionals, though.

First, these gloves offer best-in-class protection from almost every trouble that professional/hobbyist welders come across. Second, Revco has followed a design that can offer maximum comfort for long-term projects.

The high-quality materials used across the design provide a superior level of ergonomics as well. It is difficult not to notice how well-constructed each simple side is.

As for the material in use, these recommended welding gloves choose a blend of grain cowhide leather and split cowhide leather.

While the grain cowhide construction offers resistance from even the bigger risks on the outside, the split cowhide leather on the inside ensures protection from common problems without any compromise in comfort.

In addition to these, Revco Black Stallion has used Kevlar stitching for the entire pair of gloves, making them more resistant to heat and sparks. This extra stitching is one of the reasons why the Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves can last longer than typical welding gloves.

The Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves use a full cotton liner inside, which can improve the durability of the gloves by a long shot.

If you have to work for extended periods, these welding gloves will assist you in the process. The additional reinforcement for the index finger and thumb comes in handy while ensuring precision for your welding project.

The manufacturer has used an exclusive design to provide extra protection for the wrist and the side of the thumb. These are respectively called dragpatch and restpatch, as they offer additional precision while dealing with several welding scenarios.

In terms of design, a few more aspects of the gloves require attention. For instance, the closure system is a pull-on one, and it works smoothly after a few first attempts.

We also noticed that the product is available in a variety of sizes, starting from Small and Medium. In addition to the top size of XX-Large, the gloves are available in Limited Edition designs.

Some users say the size is small, but you will get used to the design in a few days, anyway. All these editions, both standard and unique, are available in a Tan-colored finish, though. We would have loved some extra colors.

As for the problems, some users say that the left side of the Revco GM1611 Top Grain Leather Cowhide MIG Welding Gloves is more prone to damage than its right counterpart.

This could be a problem with the hand you use more. Apart from this, and the issue of the gloves being a little smaller than expected, this is indeed the best pair of welding gloves in the market.

BENEFITS

• An affordable price tag
• Multi-layer protective design
• Optimized for multiple environments
• Can handle higher temperature levels

DRAWBACKS

• The inner coating could be improved

#2: RUNNER-UP: Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves

If you need a pair of welding gloves that offers more focused protection while engaged in projects, you can check out the Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves.

Like the top pick we have selected, these gloves also bear the benefits of premium design and advanced construction. However, the difference in the arrangement of such features means you have better protection in some areas than others.

We should also mention that even the most advanced variant of the Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves is available for a reasonable price. In the end, you are relying on a manufacturer with decades of experience.

Like we saw in the previously listed product, the Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves are also made using select shoulder split cowhide. It means you don’t have to worry about the durability of the gloves while using them on a regular basis.

The back portion of the gloves comes with additional insulation by foam, which not only gives extra comfort during extensive working hours but also reduces impact. Improved dexterity is also one of the good things about cowhide construction.

Therefore, in addition to the fact that these gloves last longer, they stay ergonomic all the way.

As we take a look inside, the gloves seem to offer some advanced features. For instance, it uses something called the ThermoCore foam to insulate the back and a hybrid cotton lining for the inside.

As you can guess from the name, the extra layer can increase the resistance the gloves have towards the fire. On the other hand, the cotton lining inside has been included for extra comfort.

Considering that palm is an area that receives a lot of impact during welding projects, Steiner was keen to include an additional patch. We also noticed that the secondary welting for fingers helps a lot.

In terms of design, however, the Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves don’t show any magic. Sure, you can enjoy the high-quality construction and premium finish from the company, but that is it. For one, you cannot get these gloves in colors other than brown.

We also could not have any variety in terms of size. Improving these two sectors would have been a significant step in design, though. Customers also say that the gloves feel very sturdy and protective when worn.

In particular, the additional protection for thumbs allows welders to focus on precision and not on the technicalities of safety.

One problem is that the premium design does not prevent the gloves from attracting too much wear or other dirt while engaging in stick and MIG welding.

Considering how much we pay for this pair of gloves, we had expected something like that. If you use the Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves for an extended period, you will see that the gloves become dirtier than you thought.

BENEFITS

• Sturdy construction overall
• Ergonomics-friendly designs
• Additional layers of protection
• ThermoCore foam insulation

DRAWBACKS

• Picks up more dirt

#3: ALTERNATIVE: Caiman 1878-5 American Deerskin Welding Glove

There are times when you need a pretty powerful pair of welding gloves, even if it means spending a massive amount on them. These gloves can offer you top-of-the-line protection for a long period as well.

If you find yourself in this situation, you should check out the Caiman 1878-5 American Deerskin Welding Glove. This famous pair of gloves from Caiman comes with multiple layers of security and safety.

Because it has been optimized for overhead, stick, and plasma welding, you can enjoy superior experience and comfort. We also loved how the company has integrated some cool features into this compact package.

These 21-inch welding gloves are notable for quite a few features. First of all, it has used genuine American deerskin instead of cowhide. Deerskin not only feels more premium than cowhide but also provides better durability.

In addition to this primary layer, Caiman has used a boarhide-based leather heat shield, which is capable of protecting your hands from extreme heat and sparks. On top of these, Caiman has used Kevlar sewing to provide maximum support for the threads on these gloves.

It goes without saying that you can expect extra protection from reinforced palm and cuff-and-lean on the patch.

The Caiman 1878-5 American Deerskin Welding Glove doesn’t seem much in the first look. However, upon a deeper look, we understand the ingenious design that Caiman has employed.

First of all, the product comes in a one-size-fits-all design, which means the gloves can optimize the size and breadth according to the size and type of your wrist and hand.

Second, the built-in accessories on the gloves can help you speed up the wearing and removing process. It just takes a few seconds to wear these gloves and get ready for a non-stop welding experience.

It is worth noting that customers use the Caiman 1878-5 American Deerskin Welding Glove for needs other than welding. Some users have pointed out that these gloves can even prevent snakebites, meaning that the pair is optimal for a variety of protective conditions.

When it comes to limitations, the gloves are available in a black-and-gold finish only. We would have loved to see some better color options in the market. In the same way, we think Caiman could have added a few custom sizes instead of a one-size-fits-all option that is problematic in some scenarios.

BENEFITS

• Super-premium design and construction
• Made using genuine American deerskin
• An additional heat shield made of boarhide
• Ergonomic placement of accessories

DRAWBACKS

• A little expensive

#4: ALTERNATIVE: RAPICCA Leather Forge/MIG/Stick Welding Gloves

If you are looking for maximum value while purchasing a pair of welding gloves, you may have to look at an immersive set of features. Apparently, the RAPICCA Leather Forge/MIG/Stick Welding Gloves checks all the necessary boxes.

First of all, we should note that these gloves are multipurpose in nature. They have been designed to assist you in various tasks, such as welding, barbequing, leather forging, cooking, managing furnace, and even animal handling.

Because it comes with a long sleeve, you can ensure maximum protection from all sides as well.

Because it is a wallet-friendly choice, you would have expected some compromise in the construction part.

The RAPICCA Leather Forge/MIG/Stick Welding Gloves uses a combination of materials, such as cowhide and aluminum, to provide top support for your hands and wrist with minimal loss on the flexibility front.

As for the inner layer, you can find the cotton lining that we spotted in the previously-mentioned products. Despite the combination of materials, the overall protective coating on these gloves stays powerful enough to protect your hands and wrist from virtually any damage.

We should also appreciate the design for being so multipurpose-friendly. For instance, thanks to the longer sleeves they come with, the welding gloves can offer protection from debris and other issues.

Even when it comes to using some not-so-common welding technology, these gloves can catch up with your needs. Since the manufacturer has chosen shielding for individual fingers, you don’t have to compromise the overall space of precision either.

In other words, the RAPICCA Leather Forge/MIG/Stick Welding Gloves can withstand any problem you come across.

Rugged construction and multi-layer protection are some of the reasons why you must consider the RAPICCA Leather Forge/MIG/Stick Welding Gloves for day-to-day needs.

Although they are not optimized for welding exclusively, the many protective layers on the system can keep your fingers, hand, and wrists from virtually any kind of damage.

It’s also worth noting that the gloves have been rated to withstand high temperatures without losing their structural formation.

BENEFITS

• An affordable price tag
• Multi-layer protective design
• Optimized for multiple environments
• Can handle higher temperature levels

DRAWBACKS

• The inner coating could be improved

#5: ALTERNATIVE: US Forge 400 Welding Gloves

The US Forge 400 Welding Gloves are the best alternative if you are looking for maximum savings. Of course, you may have to compromise a number of premium features on the table.

Even then, the manufacturer can offer a seamless protective layer through the gloves. Considering that you can spend less than what you will spend for a coffee, the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves are a sensible choice for the most part.

In case you are wondering, this product is available in two versions: the Standard and the New version, the latter of which is improved in a couple of aspects.

There are two major aspects you would notice in the construction aspect. First, there is a cotton-based layer that has been optimized for comfort and long-term support. You can count on this particular layer when you want to handle hours-long welding projects with ease.

On the other side, the maker has used extra stitches to increase the durability of the pair. When combined, the glove creates a sustainable environment for the overall protection of your hand. Unlike the other products, though, the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves does not have dedicated protection suites.

Therefore, we cannot recommend the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves to everyone out there, especially those who spend 10 or 15 hours in the garage. In that case, even if precision isn’t your priority, you should have a better layer of protection.

At the same time, if you are a hobbyist when it comes to welding and associated tasks, you can consider what the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves have to offer. Some users who have used the pair for hobby-based projects have noted that its design is suitable for welding alone.

However, the product does not work well when you want to handle hot objects.

If you can ignore this issue and use the gloves combined with a few accessories, we think the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves will be a great addition, indeed. The lower price of the product means you can get a couple of these gloves and save them.

We also noticed that the standard design of the product could fit people with bigger hands. The way we see it, you can always try getting one build of the US Forge 400 Welding Gloves and see how it works for you. Even if you cannot use the gloves for long-term projects, you can use them as an intuitive choice.

BENEFITS

• Design suitable for big hands
• Multi-layer construction
• Made of cotton linen system
• Suitable for hobbyists

DRAWBACKS

• Subpar protection level

Welding Gloves Buying Guide

There are a few factors you should consider while choosing the best welding gloves for your needs. And you will have to filter the results based on broad criteria. Some of them are:

• Purpose: Not all welding gloves are made in the same way. While some have been designed for stick and TIG welding, others are optimized for MIG welding. You should check which one is suitable for a project before making the final bid.
• Material: The best welding glove is also the best glove made using the right material. While cowhide is the best option out there, some premium manufacturers use deerskin and elkskin. Goatskin is also one of the used options.

On top of these, you have to check the protective features of the gloves.

Welding Gloves FAQ

Are welders’ gloves fireproof?

The specific answer depends on the product that you have bought. In most cases, gloves made for welders are designed to be fire-resistant.

However, fire-proof is a bold term, and you cannot find many gloves from the category. At the same time, you can choose one of the best welding gloves for high temperatures if you want to deal with specific projects.

What is the difference between MIG and TIG welding gloves?

As you may know, MIG and TIG are two different modes of welding, and they use various equipment. When compared to each other, TIG does not require a lot of strength.

As a result, gloves made for TIG are softer and non-rugged. On the other hand, gloves for MIG welding need to have better construction quality. You may also have to pay a tad higher for MIG welding gloves.

What do welding gloves protect against?

Welding gloves can protect you against several threats you may encounter while welding. First of all, welding generates a tremendous amount of heat and sparks, which aren’t suitable for your fingers or hands.

More importantly, based on the material you are using to weld, there could also be other debris present. While you may have some other gear to protect your eyes and nose from dust and debris, the gloves protect your hands from the same.

Depending on the size and design of gloves, they can protect your wrist and arms from too much heat as well. This is an impressive point if you want to handle hot products and other materials as a part of the project.

As we mentioned regarding one product, some of these welding gloves are designed for multiple needs, such as barbequing and machine assembly.

How long should welding gloves last?

It is impractical to predict how long a pair of welding gloves would last. The final number depends on a few factors. First, you should analyze how much you use these gloves.

Second, you should check the quality of the gloves you have bought. To give you an example here, if you have purchased a high-quality pair of welding gloves, you can keep using them for a decent few years.

On the other hand, if your projects are high intensity and put the gloves under too much pressure, you’d have to replace them once a year or so.

Conclusion

We hope we recommended some of the stick welding and MIG welding gloves from the market. During the process, we have also explained how you can find the most suitable welding gloves for your needs.

Do make sure that you pay attention to these factors before making the final bid on a pair of wedding gloves. We will also mention that you should spend as much as you can on a pair of welding gloves.

After all, these seemingly simple protective gear matters a lot when you are in a serious welding or construction project.