Welding Gloves

About Welding Gloves

Welding gloves, also known as welding gauntlets, are essential personal protective equipment designed to safeguard hands and forearms during welding operations. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of welding gloves from trusted brands including Portwest, Sealey, Draper and Scan, offering protection against molten metal splashes, extreme heat, sparks and mechanical hazards. Available in specialist variants for different welding techniques, these heavy-duty leather gloves provide the thermal insulation and dexterity required for professional welding work.

Our collection includes MIG welding gauntlets for general fabrication work, TIG welding gloves offering enhanced finger sensitivity for precision tasks, and reinforced welding gauntlets for heavy-duty applications. Whether you need standard welders gauntlets for everyday workshop use or premium lined options for extended comfort during longer welding sessions, MyToolShed provides professional-grade hand protection suitable for both trade professionals and serious DIY enthusiasts.

Applications

Welding gloves are essential for:

• Professional welders and fabricators - MIG, TIG, arc and gas welding operations
• Construction trades - structural steelwork, pipefitting and metal fabrication on-site
• Automotive and engineering workshops - vehicle repairs, restoration and custom fabrication
• Manufacturing and industrial facilities - production welding and metal processing environments
• Agricultural and farming work - equipment repair and farm machinery maintenance
• Maintenance engineers - general repair welding and metal cutting tasks
• DIY enthusiasts - home workshop welding projects and metal art creation

Choosing The Right Welding Gloves

Selecting appropriate welding gloves depends on several key factors:

Welding process: TIG welding requires thinner, more dexterous gloves for precise control of the torch and filler rod, whilst MIG and arc welding need thicker, more heavily insulated gauntlets for protection against higher heat and larger spatter volumes.

Material construction: Quality leather (typically split cowhide or grain leather) provides excellent heat resistance and durability. Reinforced palm areas and Kevlar stitching extend glove life in high-wear zones.

Gauntlet length: Extended cuffs protect forearms from sparks and radiant heat. Ensure gauntlets are long enough to overlap with protective sleeves or clothing to eliminate gaps in coverage.

Lining options: Lined welding gloves offer additional comfort and insulation for prolonged use, whilst unlined versions provide maximum dexterity and breathability for shorter duration tasks.

Compliance standards: Look for gloves meeting EN 407 (thermal hazards) and EN 388 (mechanical risks) standards to ensure adequate protection levels for your specific welding applications.

Safety Information

Always inspect welding gloves before each use for holes, tears or degraded areas that could compromise protection. Replace damaged gloves immediately. Ensure gloves fit properly - too loose risks them being pulled off accidentally, whilst overly tight gloves restrict movement and circulation. Never use wet welding gloves as moisture dramatically reduces thermal protection and can cause steam burns. Store gloves in a cool, dry location away from direct heat sources and sharp objects. Welding gloves should always be used as part of complete PPE including welding helmets, protective clothing and appropriate footwear.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between MIG and TIG welding gloves?

TIG welding gloves are typically thinner with superior finger dexterity, allowing precise torch control and filler rod manipulation. MIG welding gauntlets are heavier and more insulated to protect against the higher heat and larger volume of sparks generated during MIG welding processes.

How often should welding gloves be replaced?

Replace welding gloves when you notice significant wear, holes, burns, stiffening of the leather, or compromised stitching. With regular professional use, quality welding gloves typically last 3-6 months, though this varies based on welding intensity and proper care.

Can I use the same gloves for all types of welding?

Whilst general-purpose welding gauntlets can handle multiple welding processes, specialist gloves optimised for specific techniques offer better protection and performance. TIG welding particularly benefits from dedicated gloves that provide the enhanced sensitivity required for precision work.