Quick answer: For MIG, flux core and stick, get a thick leather gauntlet glove such as the Lincoln Electric KH641. For TIG, you need a thin goatskin glove like the Tillman 1328 so you can feel the filler rod. Most home welders end up with one pair of each.
How we picked: we compared specs, duty cycle and thousands of verified buyer reviews on Amazon.com, with the eye of someone who inspects welds for a living. We have not tested every product in person.
Welding gloves are cheap, but the wrong pair makes welding miserable: too thin and spatter burns through, too thick and you cannot control the gun or the rod.
These are the gloves we would buy for a home shop, grouped by process.
At a glance
| Product | Best for | |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric KH641 Leather Welding Gloves | Best for MIG and stick | Check price |
| 16-Inch Heat-Resistant Leather Welding Gloves | Best budget | Check price |
| Tillman 1328 Goatskin TIG Gloves | Best for TIG | Check price |
| Caiman Goat Grain Multi-Task Welding Gloves | Best all-rounder | Check price |
The best welding gloves
Lincoln Electric KH641 Leather Welding Gloves
Classic split-leather gloves with a long cuff, from a brand welders trust. Thick enough for spatter and hot metal, flexible enough to hold a MIG gun.
- Thousands of reviews
- Long protective cuff
- Fair price
- Too thick for TIG
16-Inch Heat-Resistant Leather Welding Gloves
Long, lined leather gloves for MIG and stick at a low price. They also work for grinding, the wood stove and the barbecue.
- Very cheap
- 16 in long cuff
- Lined for heat
- Bulky for fine work
Tillman 1328 Goatskin TIG Gloves
Thin top-grain goatskin that lets you feel the filler rod and the torch. The standard choice for TIG welding.
- Excellent dexterity
- Soft goatskin
- Low price
- Not for heavy spatter
Caiman Goat Grain Multi-Task Welding Gloves
Goatskin palm with a cowhide back: more dexterity than MIG gloves and more protection than TIG gloves. Good for light MIG and TIG.
- Balanced protection and feel
- Good for several processes
- Not ideal for heavy stick work
How to choose welding gloves
- Process. Thick cowhide for MIG, flux core and stick; thin goatskin or deerskin for TIG.
- Cuff length. A long gauntlet protects your wrists from spatter and UV.
- Fit. Too loose and you lose control; too tight and the leather transfers heat faster.
- No synthetics. Never weld in nylon or rubber gloves: they melt onto your skin.
Make your gloves last
Keep them dry and away from oil and grease, which can catch fire. Do not pick up just-welded metal: even good gloves shrink and harden with heat. Use pliers or let the part cool.
Keep reading: Best welding helmets under $100 · Welding safety gear checklist · Best welding tables
FAQ
Can I use the same gloves for MIG and TIG?
You can, but it is not ideal. MIG gloves are too thick to feel the filler rod, and TIG gloves are too thin for heavy spatter.
What leather is best for welding gloves?
Cowhide for heat and spatter resistance, goatskin for dexterity. Many gloves combine both.
How should welding gloves fit?
Snug but not tight, with room to move your fingers. Try them with the welding gun or torch in your hand.
Are BBQ gloves the same as welding gloves?
Some long leather gloves are sold for both. For welding, make sure they are leather, not silicone or synthetic.