Best Welding Gloves for Stick: How to Choose the Right One
Proper hand protection tops the list of essential safety gear. That’s why we rounded up the best welding gloves for Stick. We also added a full section on choosing the right one for your requirements.
Safety always comes first. And in the field of welding, it’s of paramount importance. Nobody likes to get burned by melted metal, experience an electric shock, or receive a cut from a sharp edge.
Quick Comparison Table
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1. West Chester IRONCAT 9070LHO Goat and Cow Stick Welding Glove |   |  |
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2. RAPICCA 16 Inches 932℉ Leather Forge/Mig/Stick Welding Gloves |   | |
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3. Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves |   | |
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4. MILLER ELECTRIC MIG/Stick Welding Gloves |   | |
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5. IRONCLAD Welding Leather Gloves |   | |
The 5 Best Welding Gloves for Stick Reviewed
1. West Chester IRONCAT 9070LHO Goat and Cow Stick Welding Glove
The West Chester welding gloves provide a well-balanced mix of protection, dexterity, and comfort. They can be used for demanding projects that need extra accuracy and working with metals that spark and spatter excessively.
These gloves are characterized by long sleeves, prime quality material, and molded grip.
The IRONCAT gloves are 22.5 inches long, which means they cover the arms well above the elbows. They’re made from split cow leather, giving significant protection from heat and abrasion. In addition, there’s a goat grain component, which enhances the softness of the material, and at the same time, increases its durability.
Heat shielding is quite dependable with the Climax Aerogel method of insulation. It extends from the grip and throughout the length of the gloves. Thus, welders can focus on getting the job done rather than being wary of the hundreds of degrees of generated heat they workaround.
The seams of any protection gear are its weakest part. But that’s not the case with these gloves, as they are stitched up with Kevlar threading. So it’s immune to sparks, heat, and even the occasional metal spatter.
Welding gloves aren’t known for being wieldy and flexible, despite that being a highly valued feature. That’s why we were happy to see that the IRONCAT gloves are actually effective with precision work. The pre-curved fingers are to thank for that, and as an added perk, they’re a lot more comfortable to wear.
The West Chester welding gloves provide a well-balanced mix of protection, dexterity, and comfort. They can be used for demanding projects that need extra accuracy and working with metals that spark and spatter excessively.
These gloves are characterized by long sleeves, prime quality material, and molded grip.
The IRONCAT gloves are 22.5 inches long, which means they cover the arms well above the elbows. They’re made from split cow leather, giving significant protection from heat and abrasion. In addition, there’s a goat grain component, which enhances the softness of the material, and at the same time, increases its durability.
Heat shielding is quite dependable with the Climax Aerogel method of insulation. It extends from the grip and throughout the length of the gloves. Thus, welders can focus on getting the job done rather than being wary of the hundreds of degrees of generated heat they work around.
The seams of any protection gear are its weakest part. But that’s not the case with these gloves, as they are stitched up with Kevlar threading. So it’s immune to sparks, heat, and even the occasional metal spatter.
Welding gloves aren’t known for being wieldy and flexible, despite that being a highly valued feature. That’s why we were happy to see that the IRONCAT gloves are actually effective with precision work. The pre-curved fingers are to thank for that, and as an added perk, they’re a lot more comfortable to wear.
Features and Specifications
- Extended 22.5-inch cuff
- Made from split cow and goat grain
- Kevlar threads for seam protection
- Climax Aerogel heat insulation
- Keystone-thumb and Pre-curved glove fingers
Pros
- Durable gloves
- Highly flexible
- Resistant to abrasion
- Soft on the skin
- Provide a natural grip
- Comfortable to wear
- Allow for reasonable dexterity
Cons
- They’re a bit pricey
- Available in XXL size only
2. RAPICCA 16 Inches 932℉ Leather Forge/Mig/Stick Welding Gloves
The RAPICCA gloves have phenomenal heat resistance. So, if your workpieces need continuous welding or you’re using metals with high melting points, then these gloves are for you.
However, these gloves often come with a warning that they shouldn’t come in direct contact with open fires or grates for prolonged periods of time. That’s because the high thermal resistance of these gloves occasionally tempts users to wear them in extreme conditions. In fact, it could be used in such high-temperature applications, but only for 15 seconds!
The superior thermal protection of this gear is achieved through an elaborate manufacturing process. It’s made from a composite of heat-resistant split leather, Kevlar padding, and a flame retardant layer made from air-insulated aluminum foil.
The lining of the glove provides both comfort and an extra layer of protection, as it’s made from a flame retardant cotton cloth.
A 16-inch glove with high thermal protection is certainly perfect for Stick welding. But we also look for good grip and flexibility. Luckily, this one is quite effective in both areas.
Features and Specifications
- Made from cowhide
- Soft cotton lining
- Long-term thermal protection
- 16-inch sleeve
- Reinforced padding on all fingers
- Kevlar padding on elbows and back
- Flame-retardant liner
Pros
- High durability
- Puncture and cut resistant
- Oil resistant
- Comfortable to wear
- Available in 14 and 16-inch sleeves
- Comes in 4 different colors
Cons
- It shouldn’t get wet
- Can’t be machine washed
3. Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
The Lincoln heat, flame, and electric shock-resistant gloves are well-suited for demanding welding tasks. They’re also affordable and look pretty cool, and we have to admit that working in style is not bad at all!
The Lincoln gloves are resistant to workplace risks, like metal-spatter, sparks, flames, and electric shocks. These gloves may not be designed for mechanical hazards, though, so you should be careful around sharp edges.
Welding requires wearing heavy gloves for long durations, so having a soft lining is always appreciated. The Lincolns give that degree of comfort and add a moisture absorption feature that we don’t see too often in similar gear.
You can pull on these gloves whenever you need to feel the piece you’re working on. The cut and padding allow your fingers to move freely, and you get to sense the material you’re handling. The pros are often keen on gloves that provide grip, dexterity, and a bit of sensitivity. That’s probably the best usage for these gloves.
Features and Specifications
- Made from high-grade cowhide
- Kevlar threading
- Leather reinforced stress points
- Heat and flame resistant
- Amperage resistance up to 300 amps
Pros
- Reputable brand Industrial-level durability
- Cotton lining absorbs extra moisture
- High thermal protection
- Natural finger molding for comfort
- Remarkable fingertip sensitivity for accurate work
- Moderately priced
Cons
- The sleeves are a bit short
- The padding is a bit thin for full mechanical protection
4. MILLER ELECTRIC MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
Miller is among the industry leaders in welding machines and safety gear. If you’re looking for premium-quality gloves, then these gloves are it.
These pull-on gloves are made for welding tasks that require accuracy and control. They provide effective protection from the regular workshop safety issues. But they excel in balancing thermal and electric protection with agility and comfort.
The cowhide makes most of the glove material and extra padding where the heat hits most. The seams aren’t any less fortified, and they’re fully welded for maximum strength and durability.
These gloves don’t come cheap, and we don’t expect them to. However, they offer good value for the money, and they’re known to stay in good working condition for a long time.
Features and Specifications
- 13-inch sleeves
- Made from cowhide
- Electric shock, heat, and flame resistant
- Extra padding on palms, back, and thumb
- Fully-welted seams
Pros
- Prime-quality product
- Available in large and extra-large sizes
- Good-fit
- Easy-to-wear pull-on style
Cons
- It’s a bit expensive compared to similar gear
- Not suitable for folks with large hands
5. IRONCLAD Welding Leather Gloves
These elkskin ironclad welding gloves are made for heavy-duty tasks and demanding Stick welding projects.
A combination of elkskin and cowhide gives these gloves high thermal resistance and effective protection from abrasive environments. The palm reinforcement is quite welcome as it increases heat insulation, and so is the elkskin on the back.
The fleece or cotton lining also contributes to warding off the heat, and at the same time, this soft lining is easy on the skin. The importance of that feature becomes evident at the end of a long workday.
The sleeves are long enough to offer extra protection of the forearms all the way to the elbows. This is further guaranteed by the kevlar stitching that keeps the seams resistant to heat, sparks, or flames.
Features and Specifications
- Made from split elkskin leather and split cowhide
- 10-inch safety cuff made from cowhide leather
- Kevlar stitching
- Welted seams
- Straight thumb
Pros
- Thermal and abrasion protection
- Available in small to extra-large sizes
- Long sleeves
- Generous palm padding
- Soft liner
- Comfortable gloves
- Versatile usage
Cons
- Not flame resistant
- They shed a lot of lint
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Your Best Welding Gloves
Here are a few points to consider before buying welding gloves. This should match the suitable product with your actual requirements.
General Usage
There are several techniques for welding, and each one can be applied in recommended settings. Besides the fundamentals of MIG, TIG, and Stick, there are also the specific types of metals you’ll be welding.
A project that generates huge amounts of heat, sparks, and metal, is quite different from metals with a low melting point. These materials sometimes give off smoke, but they don’t make a mess.
Materials
Cowhide is one of the most popular materials used in welding gloves. It’s resistant to heat, sparks, and flames. And with the extra padding, it becomes even more efficient in mechanical safety.
Goatskin is similarly effective in thermal protection, but it has an extra bit of flexibility. Usually, manufacturers use a combination of materials to get optimal results.
Protection and Sleeve length
Welding gloves come in various lengths, from the ones extending a little beyond the wrists to the ones that cover the forearms and elbows. If your work involves higher than usual amounts of spattering and sparks, then the longer-sleeved gloves would offer more suitable protection.
Flexibility
The padding, thermal insulation, and thick materials used in welding gloves often make them quite stiff. Clearly, this isn’t the best way to handle work requiring dexterity or accuracy. That’s why a degree of flexibility in the gloves is highly appreciated.
Comfort and Fit
If you’re going to wear welding gloves for a day’s work, they should feel comfortable. Additionally, these gloves should fit well and leave a little space for your skin to breathe.
Grip
Holding the welding probe, stick, and workpiece needs a material that’s not all slippery and smooth. A good grip isn’t only convenient, but it’s essential for the safe handling of extremely hot surfaces.
FAQs
Here are some of the questions we often get and our best answers for them.
Do I need gloves for welding?
Welding metals requires generating enormous amounts of heat and usually reaching tens of hundreds of degrees. Additionally, sparks and melted spatter of metal could fly about while working.
There are also regular electric and mechanical hazards that are often present in metalworking sites.
Failing to put on suitable gloves while welding could result in burns, cuts, or an electric shock from the welding device. These are unpleasant events that can be avoided by wearing the right type of gloves.
Can you use MIG gloves for stick welding?
MIG gloves are often made to withstand high temperatures and prolonged exposure to heat. However, they aren’t designed to fend off spatter, sparks, and flames. These are often associated with stick welding, and that’s why MIG and TIG gloves don’t always fit the bill.
Can you use leather gloves for welding?
It’s highly recommended to use leather gloves for welding, as long as the gloves have the right thermal protection. This is achieved by extra padding, specialized threading of the seams, and often adding a liner.
Conclusion and Best Offer
Safety gear is essential while carrying out jobs that include heat, sparks, and abrasion. Wearing hand protection guarantees that a welder would stay injury-free and capable of working.
It’s not enough to just pull on any kind of glove, though. Choosing the right kind for the welding process is key to providing protection.
The Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves are good options for beginners and pros alike. These gloves provide effective thermal and electric protection, they’re durable and quite comfortable to wear.
Best Offer
Lincoln Electric Traditional MIG/Stick Welding Gloves
These gloves may not be too powerful in protecting from cuts, abrasion, and other mechanical hazards. Also, they need some breaking in before they become pliable and well-fitting.
The Alternative
If you value quality over the economy, you can invest in MILLER ELECTRIC MIG/Stick Welding Gloves. These are heavy-duty, top-of-the-line, durable pieces of safety gear.
The Miller gloves have superb thermal and electric protection. Plus, they have extra padding and kevlar threading of the seams.
YESWELDER 110/220V Stick Welder, 125A ARC Welder Machine
Another reason to consider this option is that it’s slightly lighter in weight and even more affordable, making it a compact option for a limited budget.
