Did you know that more than 50% of the products in the US require welding? That is how important welding is to our existence. However, the welding process requires the right gear for safety and better performance. Welding gloves are among the vital protective gear that you need. They will protect your hands from rough equipment and burns.

How do you select the best welding glove? The answer to this question can be puzzling especially if you are new to welding. However, I have outlined insights, reviews and vital tips that you can consider while choosing the best welding gloves.

Top 15 Best Welding Gloves Reviews

1. Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves, Burnt orange Y-Series 23-Inch Length

Steiner gloves are ideal for heavy-duty welding. Their features are best suited for MIG and Stick welding.

Pros
Made from shoulder split cowhide making them strong and durable They feature foam insulation at the back The gloves are fitted with full cotton lining thus ensuring comfort The gloves are thick and heavy for durability as well as protection during welding They feature a thumb strap

Cons
The gloves are poorly stitched

2. RAPICCA Leather Forge Welding Gloves Heat/Fire Resistant

RAPPICA welding gloves are some of the best gloves around. They are perfect for MIG and TIG welding and also perform well in stove, fireplace or oven. The gloves are crafted from thick flame-resistant leather.

Pros

flame resistant leather with double-layer palms and fingers, and there is cotton lining to added more heat resistance, The gloves have perfect heat resistance and can endure up to 1472°F. Their interiors are lined with hygroscopic cotton which absorbs sweat hence providing grip and comfort The gloves have long sleeves which protect the forearms from sparks or flying debris RAPPICA gloves are reinforced by a double layer of Kevlar on the backs, palms, and padding thus enhancing heat insulation They are thick, durable and resistant against punctures, cuts, fire or oil

Cons
The lining on the interior of the gloves is loosely fitted

3. John Tillman and Co 50L Top Grain Leather MIG Gloves

The John Tillman welding gloves are designed to endure extreme welding conditions such as MIG.

Pros

The gloves are made of top grain cowhide and reinforced by split leather back to enhance durability The gloves are fitted with elastic which keep them intact and perfectly fit They feature Fleece lining that enhances protection in cold or hot conditions John Tillman gloves also have seamless top grain fore or index finger for best feel The gloves are stitched with Kevlar for maximum heat resistance

Cons
Cotton which is fitted in the interior gets bunched up constantly after use The gloves are relatively thick and bulky

4. BSX Premium Grain Pigskin Cowhide Back MIG Welding Gloves

The glove is ideal for arc and MIG welding. It is made of premium Gunn leather grade which makes it thicker for proper heat insulation during welding.

Pros
It is fitted with large cuffs which prevent the hand from burning and also makes the glove to last longer The gloves also feature a drag patch that provides extra padding on the palms It comes with Kevlar stitching at pressure points thus making the glove sturdy

Cons
The glove can be is bulkier and might be stiffer after being used for a while

5. Hobart 770440 Premium Form Fitted Welding Gloves

This pair of welding gloves is designed for super heavy duty. They are made from pure grain leather and cowhide split which makes the glove strong and tough.

Pros
They come with a form-fitted design that allows more dexterity and comfort They feature Kevlar stitching that makes them durable The gloves are fortified with padded palm and protective knuckle patches to enhance comfort They also feature backhand to improve insulation as well as to protect the palms

Cons
Remember to specify your size preference as most come in small sizes

6. Upgrade Welding BBQ Gloves, 932°F Heat Resistant Leather Grill Glove for Tig Welder

I have used the Upgrade Welding BBQ gloves in my oven and their performance was remarkable. They remained intact despite extreme heat conditions. Here are some of their features:

Pros

The welding gloves are made 1.2mm thick shoulder cowhide leather guaranteeing durability The thick leather also makes the gloves puncture resistant, cut resistant and flame retardant They bear superior heat resistant properties and can endure up to 932°F / 500℃ They have proper insulation with 100% soft and thick cotton interior living The inside is fitted with aluminum foil that enhances heat resistance on the interior They are 16 inches long which ensures maximum protection of the forearmsSoft and comfortable

Cons
They come in one size which implying that they may not fit perfectly if you have smaller hands

7. Lincoln Electric Grain Leather TIG Welding Gloves

TIG welding does not produce much splatter, sparks or heat. This is why the Lincoln welding gloves are not so thick. They are made for top grain goat skin leather and fit perfectly in addition to being comfortable.

Pros
Are made from goatskin leather which pliable, soft and ideal for TIG Welding conditions They are lined with padded palm which provides dexterity

Cons
The gloves are made from a thin material that might not be durable

8. DEKOPRO Welding Gloves Heat Resistant Lined Leather, Blue – 14 Inch for Mig, Tig Welders

I can tell from firsthand experience that Dekopro welding gloves will give you quality for your money. The gloves provide the best comfort, dexterity, and protection during welding. Listed below are more pros and cons of these gloves:

Pros

They are long enough at 14 inches to protect the forearms and the rest of your hands from injury They are heat resistant, puncture resistant and bear superior insulation properties as well The gloves are made of premium leather which makes them durable They are ideal for TIG welding The gloves also feature stitching at stress points to enhance safety Dekopro gloves are flexible which allows for more dexterity They feature a cotton inner lining which is hygroscopic leaving the inside dry for easy grip

Cons
The length of the gloves might not provide sufficient protection compared to other longer gloves

9. Miller 263343 Arc Armor Mig/Stick Welding Glove

Miller gloves are known for their comfort and durability. They are mostly made of cowhide or pigskin which makes them tough and enduring to extreme welding conditions. Below are some of their advantages and disadvantages:

Pros
Flexible and comfortable to wear Made from premium cowhide or pigskin that make the gloves durable Its inner surface is lined with wool for insulation and to keep it hygroscopic They feature pre-curved fingers and a perfect fitting shape which enhances comfort Are reinforced with double layer patches on the back and palm The gloves are puncture resistant

Cons
The gloves may turn out to be a little small

10. Tillman 24D Top Grain Pearl Kidskin TIG Glove with 2″ Cuff

I love these welding gloves because of their sensitivity to heat. You can keep working regardless of the temperature. This makes them ideal for TIG welding. Kidskin leather makes them firm and flexible. Here are the pros and cons

Pros
Perfect for TIG welding Can withstand extreme temperature Designed to fit perfectly Made of kidskin which is top grain goatskin Features extra padding on the fingers and palm Fortified with Kevlar lock stitching

Cons
The gloves lack proper inner lining thus reducing dexterity and comfort

11. Caiman 1878-5 21-Inch One Size Fits All Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove

I have used the caiman 1878-5 21-inch one size fits all genuine American deerskin welding gloves a couple of times. I loved their performance in hot flames. The only downside that I noted is that they tend to be bigger and lack perfect dexterity. Here are more pros and cons:

Pros

They have a perfect fitting shape They come with pre-curved fingers Good for forearm protection due to their 21-inch length They feature extra padding to enhance their performance against splatter, sparks and extreme heat They are sewed with Kevlar thread for durability Feature deerskin with split palm which enhances their strength Are ideal for plasma, stick and overhead welding Their thickness provides sufficient

Cons
They lack hygroscopic interiors which makes them sweaty under hot conditions Their thickness makes them less comfortable The gloves come with minimal dexterity

12. US Forge 403 18-Inch Extra Length Welding Gloves

This is another set of excellent performing welding gloves. I have used them in place of oven mitts to keep my forearms safe while reaching into the oven. They bear remarkable insulating qualities. Below are more pros and cons:

Pros
Crafted from top-grain leather which enhances pliability and comfort Come with a soft inner lining to improve dexterity Are reinforced at frictional spots to increase their durability The gloves are flexible Bear top insulating properties The gloves are ideal for plasma, stick and overhead welding

Cons
May not be thick enough to withstand extreme heat Their inner lining is not hygroscopic enough to absorb sweat

13. Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves

This pair is designed for extreme heat welding conditions. The gloves are an excellent choice for TIG welding.

Pros
Feature welted seams and Kevlar stitching which culminate into durability They have sock lining on the inside to enhance comfort They are strategically fitted with pads at high wear regions for durability The gloves are made of heat and puncture resistant shoulder split cowhide

Cons
They lack straps to hold them in place Their length is not ideal for forearm protection

14. KIM YUAN Extreme Heat & Fire Resistant Gloves Leather with Kevlar Stitching

I boast of more than ten years of experience in the welding industry. One of the key aspects that I consider for the best welding glove other than safety is the durability of the glove. This pair of welding gloves is made from pure cow leather making it very long lasting. Here are its features and downside:

Pros
Made from pure leather making them strong and durable They have sufficient thickness at 1.2mm that provides effective insulation They feature a double layer to enhance protection of the forearm They measure 14 inches in length thus protecting the forearms adequately Their thickness makes them tough and puncture resistant

Cons
Their insulating properties are relatively weaker They tend to be larger and fit loosely All fingers bear the same length which affects dexterity They lack padding

15. ZaoProteks ZP1705 Cowhide Leather Heat Resistant Welding Gloves

This pair of welding gloves has superior insulation properties and is comfy too. They will effectively protect you arms and forearms during welding.

Pros

The main material is made of pure cowhide leather making the gloves durable ZaoProteks also feature double stitching that offer high abrasion resistance The inner lining of the gloves consist of cotton which absorbs sweat and also enhances abrasion. They are fortified with suing the wing thumb design which make allows easy gripping and flexibility The gloves are highly insulated by the thick cowhide leather which makes them pierce or cut resistant as well.

Cons
You should specify your preferred size as most gloves tend to run a little large on the sizinz

Types of Welding Gloves

Glove for Stick Welding

Stick welding also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). It is the most common welding process. A lot of heat is produced in stick welding which is accompanied by spatters and sparks. You will need to get thick gloves to protect from burns or abrasion due to heat and puncture.

Stick welding produces heat between 3000-20,000 degrees Celsius. Use aluminized gloves to reflect most of the heat away from the gloves. Aluminized backed gloves are able to reflect up to 95% of the radiant heat produced.

I would recommend thick gloves with internal cushioning. I prefer cotton cushioning for insulating the interior from heat transmitted through the aluminum. The insulation protects the fingers from the excess heat that penetrates the aluminum. However, thick and aluminized gloves leave little dexterity.

You will need to find gloves that provide a balance between protection from heat and sufficient dexterity while welding. Stick gloves are normally thick, less flexible and mostly customized with cotton insulations.

Glove for TIG Welding

TIG welding does not produce much splatter, sparks or heat. Hence, you need to look for something flexible but with maximum protection for your hands from metal heat. TIG welding is often used for precise welding processes such as structural design and fine-works.

When purchasing TIG gloves you need to get gloves that provide ample touch sensitivity as well as enough protection from bruises and heat. The gloves should offer enough touch sensitivity.

Although heat and burns are not common in TIG welding, radiant heat from the metal can be intense. So the material should be very tough and considerably thick.

Choose gloves which provide enough hand coverage. Unlike stick and MIG gloves, TIG welding gloves do not create slag. Therefore, you will need to find breathable hand sleeves which run to the wrist to protect the arms from the UV light.

TIG gloves are susceptible to wear and tear because of the increased metal contact. You will be safer by purchasing goatskin or other tough leather. The lifespan and safety of the gloves are highly dependent on the toughness of the material used.

Glove for MIG Welding

The MIG welding is common for its universal use in a wide range of welding processes. MIG welding processes produce less heat and spatter. Nonetheless, MIG gloves need to be protective. The gloves also need to provide sufficient dexterity and heat/burn protection.

I prefer my MIG gloves to be made from goatskin. Goatskin is thick in addition to offering ample touch sensitivity. Choose gloves with thin internal insulation lining from heat build-up.

The choice of thickness is dependent on the amount of expected heat and spatter. Therefore, deerskin, goatskin, and cowhides are some of the most common leather are some good options available.

To seal the deal, only choose welding gloves made from top-grain leather. They should be tough, flexible and if possible oily and water resistant. This is to provide the required dexterity and heat protection.

The wide range of application of the MIG gloves predisposes the gloves to damages as you haul equipment around. Therefore, go for gloves with anti-abrasion protection and nylon spandex to improve grip as well as reinforced thumb protection.

Gloves for Flux Core

Flux cored welding produces a lot of heat. It’s by far hotter than Stick welding. Flux core has many welding positions including vertical and horizontal welding. The welder requires a shielding armor to stay protected from the huge amount of heat produced as well as spatter and sparks.

The high heat of up to 40,000 degrees Celsius requires multilayered aluminized back layer gloves. The rayon design aluminum backing reflects over 95% of the radiant heat.

Metal heat and the un-reflected radiant heat that build-up may result into the burning of fingers. Therefore, I recommend you to ensure the gloves are thick enough and have quality heat-absorbent materials. Gloves for flux core welding don’t require high dexterity. The thicker the welding glove the better.

Look for gloves with flame-retardant foam. They reduce the impact of the spatters produced by the welding process. The flame retardant foam is heat resistant and will also improve comfort for the welder.

The gloves should be properly reinforced to ensure high grip and protection. You should ensure that flux core gloves have thumb straps and are uniquely stitched to match the heavy duty quality.

Benefits of The Best Welding Gloves

Welding is associated with many risks such as burns, cuts, corrosion from reactive liquids, electric shock, high heat radiation, sunburns, and can also lead to long-term illnesses due to spatters or falls.

Gloves are therefore a principle safety gear since they will eliminate such dangers. Below is a detailed list of their benefits:

1. Gloves protect the welder from injuries such as cuts and abrasion. Metal sheets, welding wire and the welding gun itself can cause serious injury in the cause of the welding process.
2. Gloves limit the chances of sharp objects hurting your fingers.
3. They eliminate the chances of touching a live wire which can cause electrocution
4. The welding gloves are specially made to protect your fingers from radiant heat and spatter
5. It’s the only way to avoid burns associated with welding.
6. Gloves protect from a possible major hazard, long-term hazards, and accidents associated with welding
7. The welding gloves offer the required grip and touch sensitivity to improve the comfort of the welder while making the welding process comfortable

What Materials Are Used for Welding Gloves?

Welding gloves are made from different materials bearing different properties. The leather is the most common material for welding gloves although cotton is also used:

Cotton and Fabric Gloves:

Although not so common, welding gloves that are made of cotton or fabric are known to have soft interiors which are good for abrasions. Their inner linings are hygroscopic to keep hands dry and comfortable. The only downside of cotton-made welding gloves is that they are not strong enough to handle sharp objects or rough material.

Leather Welding Gloves

There are several reasons why leather is the most preferred material for welding gloves. The leather is firm and flexible. It is also fire resistant, firm, comfortable and durable. There are six types of leather that are used in making leather welding gloves. All the six types of leather feature unique qualities and exhibit different capabilities in terms of performance. There are listed below:

1.Goatskin gloves

Welding gloves made of goatskin possess good tensile strength and abrasion as well. Goatskin is ideal for TIG gloves since it provides the appropriate dexterity. Gloves made from kidskin – which is the hide from young goats – tend to have soft interiors and enhanced dexterity.

2.Horse skin gloves

Horse skin gloves are tough and long-lasting.  Welding gloves that feature horsehide also have soft inner linings and provide the necessary dexterity. They are ideal for working under mild welding temperature.

3.Pigskin gloves

Pigskin hide performs better for TIG, MIG and stick welding. The hide is wet and oily which give comfort to the welder. Pigskin gloves are naturally breathable in addition to providing sufficient grip.

4.Cowhide gloves

Cowhide is preferred due to its superior qualities like toughness and durability. There are two types of cowhide that are categorized depending on where it is extracted. Shoulder split leather comes from the hide that is extracted from the shoulder area of a cow. On the other hand, side split leather is extracted from the sides and it happens to bear more strength and uniformity. Cowhide is ideal for MIG and STICK welding gloves.

 

5.Deerskin gloves

Deerskin welding gloves are known for their dexterity as well as comfort. Their soft feel provides hygroscopic properties to keep the hands dry and enhance gripping capabilities. Its thick surface provides adequate insulation in high temperatures. Thick deerskin is good for resisting high temperatures, and it provides the advantage of taking the form of your hand over time, which makes it a very comfortable glove option.

6.Elkskin gloves

Elkskin gloves are known for their exceptional performance, softness, and comfort. It is more flexible compared to cow or deerskin which results in more dexterity. It is also preferred because it does not harden easily under excess heat. Welding gloves made from elkskin are ideal for STICK welding conditions due to their ability to endure extreme temperatures.

How to Choose The Best Welding Gloves

Choosing the ideal kind welding glove will not just enhance your safety, it will also improve your pace and ability. As much as people have different taste and preferences, there are certain aspects that you should consider while buying welding gloves.

The ultimate gloves should be durable, heat resistant and flexible. You can also use the aspects below for effective selection:

MATERIAL

The perfect material for welding gloves should not only be flexible but also have the capability to protect your hands from excess heat or debris that may fly off the workpiece.

Additionally, the material should not burn, shrivel or wear out easily. This means that the material has to be thick.

Leather turns out to possess all these features and that might explain why most welding gloves are made of the material.  It is also an insulator, comfortable and long-lasting.

DEXTERITY

Dexterity of a welding glove dwells on the flexibility of your fingers or hand movement while wearing the glove.

The best welding gloves should give sufficient rooms for the movement of your fingers depending on the task being done. Dexterity is determined by the thickness of the gloves. It is also dependent on the material used.

While wearing the gloves, you should also be able to move or rotate your finger in order to perform other functions such as operating the welding gun. This is why the dexterity of a glove is important.  Thus, it is wise for you to first try out a welding glove and confirm its dexterity before purchasing it.

BUCKLE AND STRAP

Welding requires one to have the right gloves for protection against hot metal particles and sparks that fly off the workpiece.

Ideal gloves should cover your hands and remain intact at all times during the whole welding process. That is why you should choose welding gloves which have a buckle and strap at the end to shield you from such harm.

STITCHING

There are several ways of stitching welding gloves. Lock stitch – which uses two-strand stitching – stands out as the best and most durable. It is preferred due to its durability and sturdiness.

 

THREAD FOR STITCHING

When welding gloves are exposed to high levels of heat for long, their stitching threads are likely to experience thermal damage. Therefore, it is wise to buy a welding glove with flameproof thread.

Most welders prefer gloves with Kevlar threads due to their superior flameproof capabilities. I always avoid gloves made with nylon strands because nylon can barely withstand extreme heat.

MATCHING SIZE

It is advisable for you to wear welding gloves that fit perfectly. Loosely fitting gloves may fail to cover the gap between the inner lining of the glove and your hands. This can be unsafe as space might allow debris to slip into the glove.

Such a glove will also make gripping objects difficult. On the other hand, if a glove fits tightly or is smaller, it might result in discomfort and also temper with dexterity. Hence, you have to ensure that your hand measurements match with the side of glove you intend to buy.

INNER LINING

The inner lining of welding gloves provides comfort to the user.

The comfort you get from a glove is dependent on the softness of the material used to make the interior.

Cotton is mostly used for the inner lining as well as other cushiony material.

SLEEVES

A good glove should have long sleeves to offer protection when welding is done overhead. One way to help you get the right glove is to compare your arm length with the specifications of the glove you intend to buy.

HEAT INSULATION

The main idea behind having your gloves on while working is to insulate or protect your hands from the excess heat that comes from welding. The best welding gloves are more efficient at insulating heat.

The heat insulation of a glove is determined by the type or quality of material it is made of as well as its thickness.

Most manufacturers indicate the maximum temperature that welding gloves can protect you. You can confirm the insulating details of your gloves from the description. Otherwise, you can follow up on reviews.

PUNCTURE RESISTANCE

Safety should be your top priority while welding. Welding without the right gloves is risky. You are likely to hit a sharp corner as you work.

The results from such a scenario can be devastating if you are wearing a pair of gloves that is inferior in terms of puncture resistance.

Puncture resistant gloves can be selected based on the thickness. This makes it hard for sharp edges or material to penetrate thus guaranteeing ultimate safety.

 

DOUBLE STITCHING

I always go for durability when it comes to selecting the best welding gloves. A glove with double stitching is firmer, stronger and more durable.

It is easy to verify whether a glove is double stitched by checking the manufacturer’s description. Similarly, you can check out for reviews and insights from other customers.

WELTING OF SEAMS

Welts refer to the material or the piece of leather joined between two pieces hence making them durable. Welting is the whole process of strengthening welding gloves.

In most cases, seams are the first parts that succumb to mechanical damage on a glove. Welts are used to hold seams firmly in place. If you want welding gloves that will last longer then go for a pair that is fortified with welts.

You can look at reviews or check the gloves out the description to select the right pair.

HYGROSCOPIC INTERIOR LINING

Naturally, hands produce sweat after working for some time. Thus, you need to have a glove that will remain comfortable and maintain a proper grip even after sweating.

This can be achieved using welding gloves with hygroscopic inner living. Such gloves absorb sweat from your palms leaving you a firm, comfortable grip.

Keep your eyes on the manufacturer’s description to ensure that you get a pair with this feature.

PRICE

Price is an important element that you should put in mind while choosing a welding glove. Most hardware and stores prefer to stock cheap gloves that do not last.

Such gloves get worn out very easily and need to be replaced after a very short duration. You should not really focus on price; it can dupe you into buying a low-quality pair of welding gloves.

I would rather go for a well-made costly glove that can endure extreme working conditions for a longer period.

Therefore, I would advise you to do some comparative shopping while at the store and find a pair that is comfortable and durable.

How to Care for Your Welding Gloves?

Your work gloves are bound to get dirty if you use them regularly. I find it imperative to clean my welding gloves every time I am done working to maintain the durability and life.

Caring for your gloves is crucial to maintaining the life and longevity. Cleaning is not only good for the gloves; it prepares them for the next time you may need to use them.

There are several basic cleaning rules for gloves depending on the material with some tips cutting across all materials although leather is the most common.

 

Washing welding gloves?

There are so many things that you should consider when washing leather Regardless of how enthusiastic you are about washing your favorite leather gloves, avoid getting them overly wet. Use a sponge, cold water and mild soap to tidy up your gloves. Leather gloves should be laid flat to dry rather than wring the water out after washing.

On the other hand, cotton work gloves should be rinsed off a hose to get rid of any glass or other dirt particles that may be caked on. They can be dried using a drier or wringing.

Preserve welding gloves?

Avoid storing your gloves in damp areas or closed plastic bags. I would recommend storing them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

This prevents the growth of mildew and also ensures that the natural oils in leather remain intact.

Question and Answer

To make you work easier while choosing any top rated welding glove I would like to share basic questions you should ask yourself alongside their answers that will guide you.

What Is The specialty Of Top-Grain & Split-Leather Gloves?
Split-leather is known to have high abrasion resistance which is linked to dense fibers. It is also more flexible compared to other materials used to make welding gloves. Moreover, gloves made from his split-leather are thick and can withstand high heat.

Can welding gloves be used as winter gloves?
Welding gloves can be used as winter gloves since they have some properties that are ideal for the winter conditions. Most welding gloves are lined with wool or cotton which can provide warmth during winter. Besides that, welding gloves are long for forearm protections which are an added advantage during winter.

High-temperature welding gloves?

The ideal welding gloves for high temperatures should: ​Be thick enough for proper insulation ​Be long enough to protect the arms(longer than 14 inches ) Have straps to hold them in place Have hygroscopic interiors to absorb sweat and keep them comfortable Be made from strong materials such as split cowhide to enhance heat resistance Be abrasion and cut resistant ​Be able to withstand more than 500 degrees Fahrenheit Be fortified with Kevlar or Polybenzimidazole Some of the best high-temperature gloves include: Steiner 0403W-L High-Temperature Welding Gloves, Thermal Tanned Cowhide Wool        Lined, Large RAPICCA 662F Leather Forge Welding Glove KIM YUAN Extreme Heat & Fire Resistant Leather Gloves with Kevlar Stitching Genuine Coolskin 375 GTX Heat Resistant Anti Burn Gauntlets Oven Gloves Caiman 1878-5 21-Inch One Size Fits All Genuine American Deerskin Welding Glove with  Boarhide Leather Heat Shield and Cuff What kinds of gloves are best for all types of welding? The perfect gloves for all types of welding should have superior qualities that apply to TIG, MIG and Flux Core welding. Some of them including comfort, forearm protection, puncture resistance, adequate insulation, heat resistance, proper dexterity, thick leather among others. Here are some of the best welding gloves for all types of welding: NKTM Leather Welding Gloves Extreme Heat Resistant and Wear Resistant Steiner 21923-L Welding Gloves, Burnt Orange Y-Series 23-Inch Length Shoulder Split Cowhide, Foam Lined, Large

Conclusion

The best welding gloves should offer effective protection against any hazards that you might encounter while working. Some of the common features of top-notch welding gloves are comfort quality material, heat resistance, fire resistance; adequate insulation, and good dexterity. Price should not be the main factor to be considered while buying welding gloves. You should rather consider the performance and durability.  Keep your eyes on customer reviews as well as details of the manufacturer to make the best choice.

View original post at : 15 Best Welding Gloves and Buying Guide

15 Best Welding Gloves and Buying Guide

Introduction

The 3350 Series welding helmet from Lincoln is a mid-range auto-darkening welding helmet. A conventional fixed shade helmet needs to be manually lifted and lowered at the correct times to ensure that the welder’s eyes are protected and the welder can see the workpiece at the required times.

This additional work makes welding more difficult especially for a new starter, which was also my experience when I was learning to weld. This problem is addressed by using an auto-darkening helmet which automates the shade switching task.

Presenting the product

The 3350 Series welding helmet from Lincoln is a mid-range helmet which comes in one universal size. It is a versatile auto-darkening helmet and caters for all the conventional welding processes. The welding helmet is supplied with a bag and a bandana.

This welding helmet is aimed at the tradesman and is an overkill for DIY use.

Pros

• checkComes with numerous features
• checkSuitable for use with most common processes
• checkLarge viewing area

Cons

• Not suitable for the tradesperson
• Exclamation TriangleNo choice of colors or pattern
• Exclamation TriangleMid range cost

Features & Benefits​

The 3350 Series welding helmet from Lincoln comes with the following features:

• firstSuitability with processes: This helmet can be used on grinding, cutting and welding applications due to the quick reaction time of the lens.
• 2Optical class: The optical class rating determines the quality of optical vision through the vision lens. This unit features 4C(TM) lens technology for optical clarity.
• 3Variable dark shades: This unit has variable shade settings from #5 to #13 with caters for the various processes according to the intensity of the arc/light. These varying shades are necessary to ensure that the welder’s eyes are adequately protected for all the processes.
• 4Size of viewing lens: This helmet has a large viewing area of 3.74″ x 3.34″. This large lens provides the welder a wider vision.
• 5Sensitivity and delay adjustment: This helmet has good sensitivity and fast reaction time. Reaction time: 1/25,000 seconds – Dark to Light: 0.1-1 Seconds adjustable to suit the process and personal preference. These fast sensitivity and delay settings ensure that the viewing lens changes to/from the darkened state at the specific times. This will ensure that the welder’s eyes are protected, while able to see weld at the required times.
• 6Arc sensors: Four arc sensors are provided to ensure multiple redundancy.
• 7Minimum arc rating to detect arc: DC TIG Amperage Rating: >2 Amps. A low value is crucial in TIG applications with thin sheets. This low value will ensure that the viewing glass is activated to the darkened state at the low Amperage values.
• 8Battery only or battery/solar cell: This unit has a solar Cell + batteries installed which are replaceable. This solar cell ensures that the batteries have long battery life.
• 9Colour and patterns: This helmet is available in plain black color only.
• tenWeight: This helmet is lightweight which prevents welder fatigue.
• 11The rigidness of the helmet: The helmet is made out of nylon/polycarbonate.

Alternatives

There are many other popular auto-darkening welding helmets of which three are listed below: 

1. Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 

This helmet is lot cheaper than the Lincoln 3350 Series welding helmet with a smaller viewing glass and less advanced features. This welding helmet meets European, American and Canadian.

2. Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Welding Helmet​

This helmet is lot cheaper than the Lincoln 3350 Series welding helmet with a smaller viewing glass and less advanced features. This welding helmet meets European, American and Canadian.

3. 3M Personal Protective Equipment 70071688561

This is the higher end range of auto-darkening welding helmets and provides for more advanced and elaborate options than the Lincoln 3350 Series. These include advanced color optics, longer battery life, and elaborate sensitivity/delay settings.

Conclusion

The 3350 Series welding helmet from Lincoln is a versatile auto-darkening welding helmet targeted for trade use. It caters to many welding processes and is handy with numerous features. The auto darkening feature ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected as the arc ignites and makes welding easier. This helmet is a small investment to make for a tradesperson to ease welding and is reasonable value for money considering the extensive features included.

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Source : Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Welding Helmet Review

Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Welding Helmet Review

Introduction

The CARBON FIBER RH01 welding helmet from Rhino is an auto-darkening welding helmet available at a reasonable price. An auto-darkening helmet changes from light to dark shade automatically at the appropriate times depending on the intensity of the light. This capability frees the welder to concentrate on the welding without having to lower and lift the helmet depending on the work step.

Things to Consider Before Buying an Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

An auto-darkening welding helmet requires following considerations:

• Processes: TIG, MIG, MMA, plasma and grinding.
• Alternate Arrow RightTrade/personal use: If the helmet is for trade use, it is likely to be used more often, and the price is likely to be high. Also, it is more likely to be used in different welding positions and confined areas. This requires the helmet to be suitable for these applications for the protection of the welder.
• Alternate Arrow RightConformity: Meets industry and safety standards.
• Alternate Arrow RightCheck shade change is triggered at low Amps: If the helmet is intended for thin sheet metal TIG welding it important to ensure that the minimum arc rating of the vision glass is sufficiently low.
• Alternate Arrow RightSize of viewing lens: Generally, the larger the lens, the better, as it provides for a wider vision.
• Alternate Arrow RightShade: A universal shade is provided to protect the welder’s eyes in both light and dark states of the vision lens. Also, as the intensity of the light from the various processes is different, adjustment of shades is required.
• Alternate Arrow RightSensitivity/delay: Sensitivity determines the amount of arc required to darken the lens, and the delay sets the time for switching from dark to light state. These two settings are useful when working in different light conditions and with various welding processes
• Alternate Arrow RightLight or electromagnetic sensors: Reliable sensors are required to switch the shaded state (light to dark or dark to light). The light sensors may get blocked, and redundancy of sensors is recommended. Electromagnetic sensor is considered more reliable as they detect the electromagnetic fields generated by the welding process.
• Alternate Arrow RightBattery life: Long battery life is important. This is usually achieved by providing solar cells and automatic on/off feature.
• Alternate Arrow RightAesthetics: Colour and patterns available
• Alternate Arrow RightTemperature range: This needs to suit the location of use. 
• Alternate Arrow RightComfort: Weight of the helmet is important as a heavy helmet can contribute to welder fatigue.
• Alternate Arrow RightAdditional features: Availability of spare parts, additional items supplied as part of the package, e.g. bag, accessories.

​Note: ​Read more about: How to choose right welding helmet for job

Presenting the Product

The CARBON FIBER RH01 welding helmet from Rhino is an affordable upgrade to welding goggles and fixed shade helmets. It is a versatile auto-darkening helmet and is not only suitable for most of the conventional welding processes, but also for grinding. It complies with the North American, European and international industry standards. The welding helmet is supplied complete in a retail box complete with batteries, instruction manual, and headgear.

This welding helmet is aimed at the DIY welder and not ideal for the tradesperson.

Pros

• checkLow cost
• checkComes with numerous features
• checkLarge viewing area
• checkCompliant to industry standards
• checkSuitable for use with most common processes

Cons

• Not suitable for a tradesperson
• Exclamation TriangleOne standard color i.e. carbon fiber
• Exclamation TriangleLack of advanced screen technology

Features & Benefits

The CARBON FIBER RH01 welding helmet from Rhino comes with the following features:

• Compliance with industry standards: Compliance to local and domestic industry standards is necessary. This helmet meets American, Canadian, European, Australian/New Zealand and international Standards: Safety – Conforms to ANSI Z87.1 / CE / CSA / AS/NZS / EN379 / ISO9001-2008.
• checkSuitability with processes: It is useful to have one helmet which is versatile and can be utilized for a number of processes. Due to its quick lens reaction time, this helmet can be used on grinding, cutting and welding applications.
• checkLight state lens: A #4 light state shade protection is provided which applies at all shade states i.e. before, during and after the welding.
• checkVariable dark shades: This helmet has variable shade settings as #9-13 to suit the various processes. This ensures that the welder is protected as the shade is varied according to the light intensity of the process.
• checkSize of viewing lens: This unit has a large viewing area of 4″ x 2.6″ and in comparison, standard view lenses are about half that size. This provides the welder a wider viewing area.
• checkSensitivity and delay adjustment: It is important that the viewing lens switches to/from the darkened state at the correct times. This feature is controlled by the sensitivity and delay settings and ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected and the welder is able to see the workpiece when necessary. This helmet has good sensitivity and fast reaction time. Reaction time: 1/25,000 seconds – Dark to Light: 0.15-0.8 seconds adjustable to suit the process and personal preference.
• checkArc sensors: Two arc sensors are provided to ensure redundancy
• checkBattery only or battery/solar cell: This unit has a solar Cell + 2X CR2032 batteries installed which are replaceable. This solar cell ensures that the batteries have a long battery life.
• checkColour and patterns: This helmet is available in carbon fiber color only.
• checkWeight: This helmet package weighs 1.2 lbs and is lightweight due to the nylon shell. This helps with the prevention of welder fatigue. 
• checkThe rigidness of the helmet: The helmet is made out of nylon shell and is not suitable for overhead welding applications.
• checkOther features: Low Battery Indicator – signals are provided for the replacement of both batteries 
Lens Covers – Interior and Exterior lens covers come installed.

Alternatives

There are many other popular auto-darkening welding helmets of which three are listed below: 

1. Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

This helmet is slightly cheaper than the CARBON FIBER RH01 welding helmet has a smaller viewing glass and fewer features. This helmet meets European, American and Canadian. It is provided with four arc sensors, adjustable delay, sensitivity adjustment knob and is compatible with a cheater or magnifying glass.2. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series by Lincoln Electric

This is an auto-darkening welding helmet with a mid-range price and provides for more enhanced features than the CARBON FIBER RH01. These include four sensors, advanced lens technology, and a widescreen view.

3. 3M Personal Protective Equipment 70071688561​This is an auto-darkening welding helmet in the high-end price bracket and provides for more advanced and elaborate options than the CARBON FIBER RH01. These include advanced color optics, easy to use interface, longer battery life, and elaborate sensitivity/delay settings.

Conclusion

The CARBON FIBER RH01 welding helmet from Rhino is a versatile auto-darkening welding helmet targeted for DIY use. It caters to many welding processes and is handy with numerous features. The auto darkening feature ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected as the arc ignites and makes welding easier.

This helmet is a small investment to make to ease welding and for eye protection. Being a helmet targeted at the DIY clientele, it is not suitable for overhead welding and laser cutting/welding applications. It is good value for money considering the extensive features included.

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Read original at : Rhino RH01 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

Rhino RH01 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Review

Introduction

The 9100 welding helmet from 3M is a high end auto-darkening welding helmet. On a welding helmet, the auto-darkening feature is a very useful feature as it automates the shade change. Otherwise, as is the case with conventional helmets, the welder needs to lower and lift the helmet according to the stage in the process. These actions divert the welder’s attention away from the actual welding process and makes welding more challenging especially to a new starter.

Presenting the product

The 9100 welding helmet from 3M is a high end and versatile auto-darkening helmet and is suitable for most of the conventional welding processes and grinding. It have a very large viewing area and complies with the American standards. The welding helmet is supplied complete with welding cap, carry bag and starter kit.

This welding helmet is aimed at the tradesperson and is an expensive choice for DIY applications.

Pros

• checkVery large viewing area
• checkComes with numerous features
• checkCompliant to industry standard
• checkSuitable for use with most common processes

Cons

• High price
• Exclamation TriangleNo choice of colors or patterns
• Exclamation TriangleCompliance with international standards not stated

Features & Benefits ​

The 9100 welding helmet from 3M comes with the following features:

1. On-off switch: To extend the life of the battery a fully automatic “grab and go” power ON/OFF is provided. This feature enables welders to work quickly.
2. Compliance with industry standards: ​Compliance with the local and domestic industry standards is mandatory. This helmet conforms to American standards: ANSI Z87.1-2010 impact standard.
3. Suitability with processes: ​This helmet which can be used for grinding, cutting and welding applications because of its fast response to arc from these processes. This unit has an external grinding mode activation. The 9100XXi silver front panel houses external controls, enabling fast and easy access to the grinding and memory modes.
4. Optical class: ​A realistic appearance of the weld puddle assists the welder with having better control of the weld puddle. This unit has an improved optics to allow welders to see more realistic and vivid details of the colors, tones, contrasts (dark and light). This feature ensures that the welder focuses on welding set-up, welding technique, grinding, and weld inspections.
5. Light State lens: ​This helmet has a DIN 3 light state shade which is applied in all states. This universal shade is important as it provides protection to the welder in the light state.
6. Variable dark shades: •The shades of the lens on this helmet can be varied from DIN 5 to 13.
7. Size of viewing lens: ​This unit has a very large viewing area of 2.8 inches high x 4.2 inches wide (72 mm x 107 mm) which helps ease welding by providing a very large view for the welder.
8. Sensitivity and delay adjustment: ​This helmet features good sensitivity and fast reaction time. Reaction time: approximately 0.1 milliseconds (1/10,000 of a second), Dark to Light: 40-250 milliseconds adjustable to suit the process and personal preference. This unit has two memory modes that allow welders to set individual settings for dark shade, light-to-dark switching sensitivity, and dark-to-light delay. These features ensure that the welder is protected at all times in the process.
9. Battery only or battery/solar cell: This unit has 2X CR2030 batteries installed which are replaceable. These batteries have a long battery life of up to 1800 hours.
10. The rigidness of the helmet: The helmet is made out of polycarbonate for welder safety.

Other features:

• This unit is supplied with a welding cap, carry bag, and starter kit.
• An improved user interface is provided that is easy to understand.
• Exhaust vents provided to direct the exhaled air out of the helmet. This helps to reduce heat, humidity and fogging of the welding filter.
• Large knobs for adjustment of while wearing gloves

Alternatives

There are many other popular auto-darkening welding helmets of which three are listed below: 

1. Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet:

This helmet is a lot cheaper than the 9100 welding helmet from 3M, but has a lot smaller viewing glass and less advanced features. This welding helmet meets European, American and Canadian.2. Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ​

This helmet is a lot cheaper than the 9100 welding helmet from 3M, but has a smaller viewing glass and less features. This welding helmet also meets European and other international standards in addition to American and Canadian.3. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series by Lincoln ElectricThis is a mid-range auto-darkening welding helmet and has a smaller viewing glass than the 9100 welding helmet from 3M. It has 4 sensors, advanced lens technology, and a widescreen view.

Conclusion

The 9100 welding helmet from 3M is a high end and versatile auto-darkening welding helmet targeted for tradespersons use. It caters to many welding processes and is handy with numerous features. The auto darkening feature ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected as the arc ignites and makes welding easier. This helmet is good value for a tradesperson considering the enhanced and extensive features included.

​Comment and share if you love this post: 

Read more at : 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet Review

3M Speedglas Welding Helmet Review

Introduction

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is an affordable auto-darkening welding helmet. While learning to weld, I struggled to place satisfactory welds using a fixed shade welding helmet as I was not able to see the weld puddle and the joint. Furthermore, I had to manually lift the helmet every time there was a need to inspect the weld.

The helmet also had to be lowered before the start of each weld just in time to protect the eyes from the arc. A solution to this problem is to use an auto-darkening helmet which allows you to see the workpiece before starting the arc and makes it easier to keep the welding torch or electrode in the joint.

Things to consider before buying an auto darkening welding helmet

The choice of an auto-darkening welding helmet will depend on the following factors:

• Type of use: Trade or personal use. For trade use, the frequency of use and budget is likely to be high.
• checkCompliance with industry and safety standards.
• checkSuitability for use with processes: TIG, MIG, MMA, plasma and/or grinding.
• checkPermanent shade: To protect eyes against ultraviolet/infrared radiation when the shade in normal and darkened mode. 
• checkVariable shades: The level of light emissions are different for the various processes, and hence the shades require adjustment.
• checkSize of viewing lens: A larger lens provides a wider viewing area.
• checkSensitivity and delay adjustment: Adjust the sensitivity and delay in a state change to suit the process and personal preference. Sensitivity changes the amount of light/arc required to darken the lens and is useful for adapting to variable light conditions and a wide range of welding processes. Delay setting determines the speed with which the lens turns from dark to light.
• checkNo of sensors or electromagnetic sensor to switch to the mode (light to dark and vice versa): Ensures that the welder is not flashed if some of the sensors are blocked. Electromagnetic sensor detects the electromagnetic fields generated by the welding process.
• checkMinimum arc rating to detect arc: Important to check when using TIG for thin sheet metal welding to ensure the shade is triggered at low amperes.
• checkBattery only or battery/solar cell: If powered by just batteries only, the batteries require regular replacement. The solar cell ensures that the battery is kept charged.
• checkColour and patterns: Consideration for aesthetics and personal preference.
• checkWeight: A heavy helmet can lead to welder fatigue.
• checkThe rigidness of the helmet: For trade use, the helmet needs to be rigid. This will allow for safe working even in overhead welding situations.
• checkSuitability for climate: Temperature range needs to suit the minimum and maximum temperatures at the location of use. 
• checkAvailability of spare parts: Readily available spares and accessories for the helmet are essential. 


​​Tips: Read more buying guide at:

https://www.weldingrodeo.com/best-auto-darkening-welding-helmet/​

Presenting the product

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is an affordable upgrade to welding goggles and fixed shade helmets. It is a versatile auto-darkening helmet and is not only suitable for most of the conventional welding processes, but also for grinding. It also complies with the North American and European standards. The welding helmet is supplied complete with batteries, instruction manual, and spare covers.

This welding helmet is aimed at the DIY welder and not ideal for the trades person.

Pros

• checkLow cost
• checkComes with numerous features
• checkCompliant to industry standards
• checkSuitable for use with most common processes

Cons

• Small viewing area
• Exclamation TriangleNot suitable for the tradesperson
• Exclamation TriangleNo choice of colors or patterns

Features & Benefits of Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra comes with the following features:

• 1On-off switch: To extend the life of the battery a fully automatic power ON/OFF is provided.
• 2Compliance with industry standards: Compliance with the local industry standards is a must and conformity to the domestic industry standards is mandatory. This helmet meets American, Canadian and European standards: ANSI Z87.1 / EN379 CE / CSA Z94.3.
• 3Suitability with processes: It is convenient to have one helmet which can be used for a broad range of processes. Due to the speedy response to electric arc from TIG, MIG, MMA or Plasma applications, this helmet is versatile and can be used on grinding, cutting and welding applications.
• 4Permanent shade: To protect the welder’s eyes at all times even when the viewing lens is in the light state, ultraviolet and infrared protection are necessary. This helmet has a permanent Shade DIN13 for this purpose.
• 5Optical class: The optical class rating determines the quality of optical vision through the vision lens. This unit has an optical class of 1/1/1/2.
• 6Light State lens: An auto-darkening lens usually has a #3 or #4 shade, which is applied before, during and after the weld. During welding the state changes to the darkened state. This helmet has a DIN 4 light state shade.
• 7Variable dark shades: It is necessary to have shades suitable for the intensity of the arc which depends on the process. This ensures that the welder is adequately protected and still able to see the welding process. As this unit caters to multi-processes, it has variable shade settings as DIN 5-9/9-13. 
• 8Size of viewing lens: A larger lens provides a wider viewing area and helps significantly with ease of welding. This unit has a standard viewing area of 98mm x 44mm / 3.86″ x1.73”.
• 9Sensitivity and delay adjustment: Sensitivity and delay settings are essential to ensure that the viewing glass switches to/from the darkened state at the correct times. This will ensure that the welder is not flashed, but also able to see the weld joint at the appropriate times. This helmet has good sensitivity and fast reaction time. Reaction time: 0.00004(1/25,000) seconds – Dark to Light: 0.1-1 Seconds adjustable to suit the process and personal preference.
• 10Arc sensors: Two arc sensors are provided to ensure redundancy.
• 11Minimum arc rating to detect arc: DC TIG Amperage Rating: >2 Amps. A low value is essential when using TIG for thin sheet metal welding to ensure that the viewing glass is triggered to change to the darkened state.
• 12Battery only or battery/solar cell: This unit has a solar Cell + 2X CR2032 batteries installed which are replaceable. This solar cell ensures that the batteries have long battery life.
• 13Colour and patterns: This helmet is available in plain black color only.
• 14Weight: This helmet package weighs 1.9 lbs and is relatively lightweight which will help with the prevention of welder fatigue.
• 15The rigidness of the helmet: The helmet is made out of high Impact Polyamide Nylon material for welder safety.
• 16Suitability for climate: The temperature range needs to suit the location of use geographical and indoor/outdoor). This helmet can be operated in a pretty wide temperature range and will suit most indoor (garage) applications. -10°C- 55°C (14°F-131°F) .

Other features:

• A hard hat adapter (sold separately) is available for separate purchase for this helmet.
• checkA battery indicator and testing function are provided on the helmet.
• check6 external and 1 internal lens covers included as spares. These spares will help as lens covers get scratched thus obscuring the vision. These lens covers require regular change.

Availability of spare parts: Spares for this helmet are readily available including the following:

Exterior lens covers, Inner lens covers, Head Gear, Hard hat adapter, Sweat Band, Auto Darkening Lens, Cheater Lens

Alternatives

Three auto-darkening welding helmets are listed below for comparison: 

1. Rhino Large View + Grind Auto Darkening Welding Helmet ​

This helmet is slightly more expensive than the Antra AH6-260 Series, but has a larger viewing glass and is lighter. This welding helmet also meets European and other international standards in addition to American and Canadian.

2. Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series by Lincoln Electric

This is a mid-range auto-darkening welding helmet and provides for more enhanced features than the Antra AH6-260 Series. These include 4 sensors, advanced lens technology, and a widescreen view.

3. 3M Personal Protective Equipment 70071688561 3M Speedglass

This is the higher end range of auto-darkening welding helmets and provides for more advanced and elaborate options than the Antra AH6-260 Series. These include advanced color optics, longer battery life, easy to use interface and elaborate sensitivity/delay settings.

Conclusion

The AH6-260 Series welding helmet from Antra is a versatile auto-darkening welding helmet targeted for DIY use. It caters to a number of welding processes and is handy with numerous features. The auto darkening feature ensures that the welder’s eyes are protected as the arc ignites and makes welding easier.

This helmet is a small investment to make to ease welding and for eye protection. Being a helmet targeted at the DIY clientele, it is not suitable for overhead welding and laser cutting/welding applications. It is good value for money considering the extensive features included.

​Comment and share if you love this post:

Refer original post at : Antra AH6-260-0000 Welding Helmet Review

Antra AH6-260-0000 Welding Helmet Review