Welding Gloves: MIG vs TIG vs Stick Gloves

Choose welding gloves by process. TIG gloves are thin, usually goatskin or deerskin, so you can feel and feed the filler rod. MIG gloves are medium-weight leather, a balance of protection and dexterity. Stick and flux-core gloves are thick cowhide or elkskin with long gauntlet cuffs and a lining, because those processes throw the most spatter and heat. Most welders who use more than one process own more than one pair.

Gloves by welding process

Process	Glove	Leather	Cuff	Why
TIG	Thin, close-fitting	Goatskin, deerskin, kidskin	Short to medium	Feel for the filler rod and torch; little spatter
MIG	Medium weight	Goatskin, cowhide, pigskin	Gauntlet	Moderate spatter and heat
Stick (SMAW) and flux-core	Heavy, lined	Cowhide (split), elkskin	Long gauntlet	Heavy spatter, slag and radiant heat
Plasma cutting and grinding	Medium	Cowhide or goatskin	Gauntlet	Sparks and hot metal

Leather types

Leather	Character	Typical use
Goatskin	Thin, strong, flexible, resists abrasion	TIG and MIG
Deerskin	Very soft, stays soft after heat; less abrasion resistant	TIG, comfort
Kidskin	Very thin, finest feel	Precision TIG
Cowhide (split or grain)	Thick, durable, good heat resistance	Stick and MIG
Elkskin	Soft but thick, handles heat well	Stick and heavy MIG
Pigskin	Breathable, resists moisture	MIG, general welding

Features to check

• Kevlar stitching. Kevlar thread doesn’t burn like cotton or nylon thread, so seams hold.
• Cuff length. The cuff should overlap your jacket sleeve so sparks can’t get in at the wrist. Welding jackets covers sleeve and cuff fit from the jacket side.
• Lining. Cotton or foam linings add heat protection for stick welding but reduce feel.
• Reinforced palm and thumb. That’s where gloves wear through first.
• Fit. Too loose and you lose grip and catch fingertips; too tight and heat transfers to your skin faster.

Care and replacement

• Keep gloves dry. Wet leather conducts electricity and heat and can give a shock or a steam burn.
• Don’t pick up very hot metal with thin TIG gloves; use pliers or heavy gloves.
• Replace gloves when the leather goes hard, cracks or has holes, or when seams open.

Gloves are one part of the protection; see welding safety tips for the full list.