Best Welding Gloves Reddit – 7 Options Reviewed

When I started my welding journey, one of the first things I learned (the hard way!) was the importance of good gloves. My hands were taking a beating from heat, spatter, and sharp edges. Searching for the best welding gloves Reddit threads was a turning point. It’s where I found real-world feedback from folks who actually put these gloves through their paces. In this guide, I’ve compiled the top-recommended welding gloves, diving deep into their features, comfort, and durability so you can find the perfect pair for your next project, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

IMAGE	PRODUCT NAME	AMAZON LINK
	TOPDC Welding Gloves 16 Inches 932℉ Fire/Heat Resistant…	View on Amazon
	TICONN 16 Inch Welding Gloves, 1000°F Heat-Resistant…	View on Amazon
	Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves | 14″…	View on Amazon
	WZQH Leather Work Gloves for Men or Women. X-Large Glove…	View on Amazon
	Lincoln Electric womens Jessi Combs Women s MIG Stick…	View on Amazon
	WZQH 16 Inches,932℉,Leather Welding Gloves, Heat/Fire…	View on Amazon
	Welding Gloves Fire Heat Resistant: Blue 16IN 932℉ -…	View on Amazon

TOPDC Welding Gloves 16 Inches 932℉ Fire/Heat Resistant

These TOPDC gloves are built like tanks, ready to protect your hands from the serious heat of welding. I was particularly impressed by their reinforced Kevlar stitching and double leather layering, which really gives you peace of mind against extreme temperatures and daily wear. The 16-inch extra-long sleeve is a game-changer for forearm protection, preventing painful burns from unexpected sparks or spatter. They manage to offer this robust protection without feeling overly stiff, thanks to their soft insulated cotton lining.

Key features that stand out:
– Great Heat Resistance: Guaranteed to withstand temperatures up to 932°F (500℃).
– Extreme Wear Resistance: Made from 1.2mm thick natural cowhide leather with reinforced stress points.
– Superior Comfort: 100% soft insulated cotton lined interior for sweat absorption and breathability.
– Superior Protect For Forearm: 16 inches extra long glove with 7.5 inches long sleeve.

Pros:
– Excellent heat and fire resistance for heavy-duty tasks.
– Highly durable construction resists abrasion, cuts, and punctures.
– Comfortable for long wear due to soft cotton lining.
– Offers comprehensive forearm protection.

Cons:
– The thickness might slightly reduce dexterity for intricate work.

Best for:
Stick welding, MIG welding, flux-cored welding, and other high-temperature applications like forge work or grilling.

Expert Opinion: “These gloves are a go-to for tasks where maximum heat and wear protection are paramount. Their multi-layered leather and Kevlar construction provide exceptional safety, making them ideal for heavier welding processes.”

TICONN 16 Inch Welding Gloves, 1000°F Heat-Resistant

If you’re dealing with truly scorching conditions, the TICONN 16-inch gloves are worth a serious look. Their thickened 3-layer construction includes an insulating aluminum foil layer, which is less common and speaks volumes about their heat resistance. The 1000°F rating is genuinely impressive, pushing the boundaries of what you’d expect from a welding glove. Despite their heavy-duty nature, the soft flame retardant cotton lining keeps your hands comfortable, a crucial factor during long sessions.

Key features that stand out:
– Excellent Heat Resistance: Withstands extreme temperatures up to 1000°F (538°C) thanks to a 3-layer design.
– Wear Resistance & Comfort: Double leather stitching on key areas and 100% soft insulated cotton lining.
– Forearm Protection: 16″ gloves with extra-long 7.5″ sleeves and an adjustable elastic cuff.
– Versatility: Suitable for welding, barbecuing, fireplaces, and other hot environments.

Pros:
– Outstanding heat resistance, among the highest on this list.
– Enhanced durability with Kevlar-reinforced stitches.
– Adjustable elastic band on the cuff prevents slippage.
– Good balance of protection and comfort.

Cons:
– A slight initial odor is noted, though it typically fades.

Best for:
Heavy-duty welding, forge work, and situations requiring extreme heat protection.

Expert Opinion: “The TICONN gloves truly excel in extreme heat scenarios. The aluminum foil layer is a smart addition for thermal insulation, making them a top choice for high-temperature welding or forge work where heat exposure is constant.”

Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves | 14″

Lincoln Electric is a name synonymous with welding, and their traditional MIG/Stick gloves live up to the reputation. These 14-inch gloves strike a great balance between protection and practicality. I appreciate the focus on superior comfort with the soft cotton hand liner and straight thumb design, which really makes a difference for fingertip sensitivity. They’re built with industrial durability in mind, featuring Kevlar threading and reinforced stress points, proving they’re made for daily professional use.

Key features that stand out:
– Great Heat Resistance: Made of high-grade leather and soft cotton liner.
– Industrial Durability: Features Kevlar threading and leather reinforced stress points.
– Superior Comfort: Soft cotton hand liner and straight thumb design for enhanced sensitivity.
– Used by Professionals: A trusted model for daily fabrication tasks.

Pros:
– Reputable brand known for quality welding gear.
– Good blend of heat resistance and dexterity.
– Excellent comfort for prolonged use.
– Durable construction with professional-grade materials.

Cons:
– Shorter 14-inch length provides less forearm protection than 16-inch options.

Best for:
MIG and Stick welding where a balance of heat protection, comfort, and good dexterity is needed.

Expert Opinion: “Lincoln Electric’s traditional gloves are a staple for a reason. They offer reliable heat protection and impressive comfort, which is crucial for welders who spend hours on the job. The straight thumb design genuinely aids in dexterity.”

WZQH Leather Work Gloves for Men or Women. X-Large Glove

While not exclusively welding gloves, the WZQH Leather Work Gloves are an incredibly versatile option that can certainly handle lighter welding tasks and general shop work. What stands out here is their exceptional material and design, using 100% split cowhide leather and cotton lining for a blend of abrasion, puncture, and temperature resistance. Their wide range of applications makes them a great all-around utility glove, useful for everything from gardening to light welding. The adjustable wrist is a nice touch, preventing debris from getting inside.

Key features that stand out:
– Excellent Material and Design: Made of 100% split cowhide leather and 100% cotton lined.
– Wide Range of Applications: Ideal for garden work, construction, farming, and light welding.
– Excellent Thorn Proof and Wear Resistance: Robust protection against thorns and wear.
– Adjustable Wrist: Prevents dirt and debris from entering the gloves.

Pros:
– Highly versatile for various work and home tasks.
– Good general resistance to cuts, punctures, and light heat.
– Comfortable with a soft cotton lining.
– Adjustable wrist for a secure fit and debris prevention.

Cons:
– Not designed for heavy-duty, high-temperature welding.

Best for:
General shop work, light welding, utility tasks, and anyone needing a durable, multi-purpose leather glove.

Expert Opinion: “These WZQH gloves are a fantastic utility choice. While not a primary heavy-welding glove, they’re perfect for setup, grinding, and light tack welding where you need good hand protection and flexibility. Their versatility is a major plus.”

Lincoln Electric womens Jessi Combs Women s MIG Stick

It’s great to see welding gear specifically designed for women, and the Lincoln Electric Jessi Combs gloves deliver. Sized for smaller hands, these gloves aim to solve the common problem of ill-fitting, bulky gloves that compromise dexterity. Like their traditional counterparts, they offer great heat resistance with high-grade leather and a soft cotton liner, alongside industrial durability thanks to Kevlar threading. The superior comfort is a key benefit, as a glove that fits well is a glove that performs well.

Key features that stand out:
– Sized for women’s/children’s hands: Designed for a better fit and improved dexterity.
– Great Heat Resistance: High-grade leather and soft cotton liner for heat protection.
– Industrial Durability: Features Kevlar threading and leather-reinforced stress points.
– Superior Comfort: Soft cotton hand liner and straight thumb design for enhanced feel.

Pros:
– Tailored fit for women, improving dexterity and reducing fatigue.
– Reliable heat resistance for MIG and Stick welding.
– Durable construction with professional-grade features.
– Endorsed by professionals.

Cons:
– Specific sizing limits its appeal to a broader audience.

Best for:
Women or individuals with smaller hands engaging in MIG, Stick, or flux-cored welding.

Expert Opinion: “The Lincoln Electric Jessi Combs gloves are a crucial step towards inclusive welding gear. A proper fit is paramount for both safety and control, and these gloves provide that for smaller hands without compromising on the robust protection expected from Lincoln.”

WZQH 16 Inches,932℉,Leather Welding Gloves, Heat/Fire

WZQH makes another appearance with these serious 16-inch welding gloves, boasting a 932°F heat resistance. These are definitely a step up for dedicated welding tasks compared to their general work gloves. The extreme heat resistant protection comes from a thoughtful three-layer design, including an air-isolated aluminum foil intermediate layer, which is excellent for thermal insulation. They prioritize extreme wear resistant protection with thick cowhide leather and double stitching on high-stress areas, ensuring they hold up to rigorous use.

Key features that stand out:
– Extreme Heat Resistant Protection: Withstands 932°F (500℃) due to a 3-layer design including aluminum foil.
– Extreme Wear Resistant Protection: Made from 1.2mm thick soft shoulder split natural cowhide leather.
– Superior Protection for Hand and Forearms: 16 inches long with 7.5 inches sleeve.
– Perfect Gift: Versatile for welding, forge, grill, and other hot tasks.

Pros:
– High heat resistance comparable to leading brands.
– Excellent protection for hands and forearms.
– Durable construction with reinforced stitching.
– Comfortable inner lining for extended use.

Cons:
– May feel bulky for very fine TIG welding or intricate tasks.

Best for:
Stick, MIG, flux-cored welding, forging, and heavy-duty tasks requiring high heat and wear protection.

Expert Opinion: “WZQH delivers a robust welding glove here, particularly with its multi-layered heat protection. The inclusion of the air-isolated aluminum foil layer provides an extra shield against radiant heat, making these gloves highly effective for extended welding sessions.”

Welding Gloves Fire Heat Resistant: Blue 16IN 932℉ – RAPICCA

The RAPICCA 16-inch welding gloves are designed for serious protection, evident in their great fire & heat resistance up to 932℉. They boast a premium fireproof leather exterior combined with an insulating aluminum foil middle layer and a flame-retardant cotton liner, ensuring multiple layers of defense. I particularly like the double leather-reinforced padding on critical areas, which adds both durability and enhanced heat protection. Their rugged reliability comes from Kevlar stitching and comprehensive material layering.

Key features that stand out:
– Great Fire & Heat Resistance: Rated up to 932℉ (500℃) with a multi-layered design.
– Superior Security for Forearms: 16-inch extra-long gloves with 7.5-inch sleeves.
– Ultimate Comfort: Soft insulated cotton lining for heat resistance, sweat absorption, and breathability.
– Rugged Reliability: Premium leather with Kevlar stitching and double reinforcement.

Pros:
– High-level heat and fire resistance.
– Exceptional forearm protection.
– Enhanced durability with Kevlar stitching and reinforced padding.
– Comfortable for long periods of wear.

Cons:
– The thickness could impact very fine motor control.

Best for:
Professional welders, blacksmiths, and anyone needing maximum protection for Stick, MIG, Flux-Core, and forge work.

Expert Opinion: “RAPICCA’s offering is a formidable contender for serious welding protection. The combination of premium materials, multi-layer insulation, and Kevlar stitching means these gloves can handle the toughest conditions, making them a solid investment for safety.”

Comparison Short Insights

When looking for the best welding gloves Reddit users often prioritize different aspects. For extreme heat resistance, the TICONN 16 Inch Welding Gloves and WZQH 16 Inches,932℉,Leather Welding Gloves stand out with their multi-layered designs, including insulating aluminum foil, pushing temperature limits past 932°F. If durability and professional use are your main concerns, the Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves and the RAPICCA 16IN 932℉ Welding Gloves consistently get high marks for their robust construction and Kevlar stitching. For those needing maximum forearm protection, all the 16-inch gloves like TOPDC, TICONN, WZQH (16-inch version), and RAPICCA are excellent choices. Comfort and dexterity are often improved with a good fit; the Lincoln Electric Traditional and Jessi Combs (for women) models are specifically noted for their comfortable liners and thoughtful designs that enhance feel. Finally, for versatility in a workshop environment where you do more than just heavy welding, the WZQH Leather Work Gloves offer a good all-around protective solution for lighter tasks.

Final Verdict

Choosing the “best” welding gloves really boils down to your specific needs and the type of welding you’re doing.

If you’re tackling heavy-duty MIG or Stick welding with intense heat and spatter, I’d lean towards the TICONN 16 Inch Welding Gloves or the RAPICCA 16IN 932℉ Welding Gloves. Their multi-layered protection and high heat ratings offer serious peace of mind.

For a solid, reliable all-rounder that balances protection with good comfort and dexterity for everyday MIG/Stick work, the Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves are a fantastic choice, backed by a trusted name in the industry.

And for women, or those with smaller hands, who struggle with bulky gloves, the Lincoln Electric Jessi Combs Women’s MIG Stick Welding Gloves are a thoughtful and highly effective solution that doesn’t compromise on safety.

Ultimately, investing in a good pair of welding gloves isn’t just about comfort; it’s about protecting your hands, which are your most valuable tools in the workshop.

Best Welding Gloves Reddit: FAQ

What are the main types of welding gloves?

The main types are MIG, Stick, and TIG welding gloves. MIG and Stick welding gloves, like many reviewed here, are typically thicker and offer higher heat resistance for heavy spatter and radiant heat. TIG welding gloves (not explicitly featured but important to know) are usually thinner, offering more dexterity and feel, but less heat protection for the more precise TIG process.

What materials are best for welding gloves?

Leather is the most common and effective material for welding gloves due to its natural heat and abrasion resistance. Cowhide, pigskin, and goatskin are frequently used. Cowhide offers excellent durability and heat resistance, while goatskin provides better dexterity. Many gloves also feature Kevlar stitching for enhanced durability and fire resistance, and cotton linings for comfort and sweat absorption. Some heavy-duty gloves might even include aluminum foil layers for superior thermal insulation.

How important is the length of welding gloves?

Glove length is very important for protecting your forearms from sparks, spatter, and radiant heat. Longer gloves, typically 14 to 16 inches, provide more comprehensive coverage, preventing burns further up the arm. For heavy-duty processes like Stick welding or forge work, longer gloves are highly recommended. For lighter tasks or if you have sleeves providing additional coverage, a 12-inch glove might suffice, but generally, more coverage is better for safety.

How do I choose the right size for welding gloves?

A properly fitting glove is crucial for both safety and dexterity. Welding gloves should be snug enough to not slip off but loose enough to allow full range of motion and finger flexibility. Check the manufacturer’s sizing chart, which usually involves measuring the circumference of your hand or the length from your wrist to your middle finger. If your gloves are too big, they can reduce dexterity; if too small, they can be uncomfortable and restrict movement.

How often should I replace my welding gloves?

The lifespan of your welding gloves depends on how frequently you use them and the intensity of your work. You should replace gloves immediately if you notice holes, significant burns, tears, excessive thinning of the leather, or degraded stitching. Any compromise in the glove’s integrity can lead to serious injury. Even if they look okay, if they’ve lost their insulating properties or feel stiff and uncomfortable, it’s time for a new pair.

Can I clean welding gloves, and how?

Yes, you can clean leather welding gloves, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid damaging the leather. Generally, avoid submerging them in water or machine washing, as this can strip natural oils and make them stiff. For light dirt and grime, wipe them with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, use a specialized leather cleaner. After cleaning, let them air dry completely away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent cracking. Applying a leather conditioner can help maintain their flexibility and prolong their life.