Weldfabulous Blog

How do you select the right type of glove for you and your application? First is to understand what a welding glove in particular is supposed to do for you. These gloves are supposed to protect your from electric shock, flames, hot parts, sharp or flying metal and arc rays. In keeping all of those features in mind what is the best glove for you? First consider the type of job you are doing and the processes you will be using to accomplish this. Secondly determine your hazards. Lastly talk to your supervisor and supplier to ensure the proper fit of the glove. One thing to note is that welding gloves are a bit loose on purpose. The thing that some people might not know is that these gloves are designed that way in case a spark or piece of hot material gets into the inside of the glove so that the user can quickly remove the glove by a simple whip of the hand to throw the glove off. I don’t know that I know anyone who in their experience as a welder hasn’t had that happen and in the predicament it’s critical to get the glove off as quickly as possible. These gloves are made for different applications as well so you want to be sure you are using the right type of glove for your application. I don’t know if you've ever tried to TIG weld with a stick or MIG glove but it’s very difficult. The bulkiness of the glove makes it very difficult to be as precise as you need to be while doing TIG. So be sure you have the correct glove. See the highlighted features and information below to help select the proper glove.

How do I measure to ensure the proper fit?
Most glove manufacturers use the same method for measuring for the proper glove size. Measure around your hand above the V of the thumb which gives you the circumference in inches this will give you the measurement to the manufacturers corresponding glove sizing charts.

Glove Types
Stick Welding Gloves – These gloves are typically thicker cuts of leather which are going to deliver the most protection. Often produced by various grades and grains of split leather cowhide, however, also offered in elkskin, pigskin and goatskin.
MIG Welding Gloves – Made with medium thickness leather these gloves offer protection as well as the dexterity necessary for MIG welding. MIG gloves are made of many different types of leathers including deerskin, pigskin, goatskin and cowhide.
TIG Welding Gloves – The thinnest cut welding gloves typically produced by very thin cut grain leather or synthetic leather to provide the high dexterity and snug fit needed for TIG welding.
Driving Gloves – These gloves are a medium cut grain glove often produced from cowhide, elkskin, goatskin and pigskin. They provide a very snug fit and durability.
Leather Palm Gloves – These gloves are probably the most common type of gloves used for general protection. They are typically produced from low grade leather due to the nature of their general purpose.
Ergonomic Gloves – Ergonomic gloves are made fit your hand in its proper position to produce the highest amount of dexterity and fatigue in a glove for its specific application. They can be made from pretty much any type of material depending on the type of glove and its purpose.

Glove Features and Their Meanings
Keystone Thumb – Classic ergonomic design of the thumb resulting in superior movement and comfort. This thumb style is most typically found in driving gloves.
Wing Thumb – With and angled construction this allows good flexibility with no seams in the palm area to obstruct work or cause fatigue. Often found in welding, driving, leather palm and ergonomic gloves types.
Straight Thumb – This is a simple design that points vertically and is good for gripping. Typically this thumb style is found on welding, driving and cotton/synthetic gloves.
Welted Seams – This feature is where strips of leather or other material are sewn at the seams to protect the seams from abrasion and/or sparks
Seamless Index Finger – A glove design in which the seam at the side of the index finger is placed farther away from the palm leaving the working area of the finger smooth and clear for better dexterity.
Kevlar Stitching – Kevlar thread features better protection against sparks and abrasion. This type of stitching is typically found in quality welding gloves.

Weldfabulous offers a vast array of different gloves and not just for welding. Here are the many different varieties we offer:
• MIG Gloves
• TIG Gloves
• Stick Gloves
• Drivers Gloves
• Mechanics Gloves
• Metalworking Gloves
• Nitrile Gloves
• Work Gloves
• Winter Gloves
• Hi-Vis Gloves