"What type of gloves for TIG welding?"

"TIG gloves are thin goatskin or kidskin leather for maximum dexterity. You need to feel the filler rod and manipulate it precisely. TIG produces less spatter and heat than MIG or stick, so heavy protection isn't necessary. Tillman 24C, Lincoln K2981, and Miller 249 are popular choices. They wear out faster than thicker gloves but the dexterity is essential for TIG work."

"What type of gloves for MIG and stick welding?"

"MIG gloves are medium-weight cowhide or pigskin with a gauntlet cuff. They balance dexterity and heat protection. Stick welding gloves are the heaviest, using thick cowhide or elkskin with long cuffs to protect against heavy spatter and slag. Don't use TIG gloves for stick welding since the thin leather will burn through quickly."

"How often should you replace welding gloves?"

"Replace gloves when the leather becomes stiff, cracked, or worn thin enough to feel heat through the material. For daily professional use, MIG gloves typically last 2-4 weeks. TIG gloves last 1-3 weeks. Stick gloves last 2-6 weeks depending on the work. Hobby welders can get months out of a pair. Burnt-through spots or holes mean immediate replacement."

Welding Gloves — Reviews & Buying Guide

Welding glove reviews by process: MIG, TIG, and stick. Leather types, heat resistance ratings, dexterity vs protection tradeoffs, and top picks from Tillman, Lincoln, Miller, and others.

Welding gloves are process-specific gear. A glove that works great for TIG is wrong for stick, and stick gloves are too bulky for TIG. The right pair protects your hands from heat, spatter, and UV radiation while giving you enough dexterity to control the torch, gun, or electrode holder. Getting this balance wrong means either burning your hands or fumbling your work.

Gloves by Process

TIG gloves prioritize dexterity above all else. They’re thin (goatskin or kidskin leather), form-fitting, and unlined or lightly lined. You need to feel the filler rod between your fingers and feed it smoothly. TIG produces minimal spatter, so heavy protection isn’t the priority. Expect to pay $15-35 per pair, and expect them to wear out faster than heavier gloves.

MIG gloves split the difference between dexterity and heat protection. Medium-weight cowhide or pigskin leather with a cotton or foam lining handles MIG spatter and moderate heat while keeping enough finger feel to operate the gun trigger and adjust wire tension. A 4-5" gauntlet cuff protects the wrist. Price range is $15-40.

Stick gloves are built for maximum heat and spatter protection. Thick cowhide, elkskin, or deerskin with a long gauntlet cuff (6" or more) shields against heavy slag and sustained high temperatures. Stick welding throws more spatter and generates more radiant heat at the hands than any other process. Dexterity is less critical since you’re just holding an electrode holder. $20-50 per pair.

Leather Types

Goatskin is the go-to for TIG. Soft, thin, excellent dexterity. Moderate heat resistance.

Cowhide is the all-purpose leather. Tough, good heat resistance, moderate dexterity. Used in MIG and stick gloves.

Elkskin handles high heat better than cowhide and stays softer when hot. Premium stick and MIG glove material.

Pigskin is durable and breathable. Used in lighter-duty MIG gloves and general-purpose work gloves.

Articles in This Section

Reviews of welding gloves for each process, head-to-head brand comparisons, sizing guides, and tips on extending glove life.

Welding Gloves — Reviews & Buying Guide

Gloves by Process

Leather Types

Articles in This Section

All Articles

Best Heat-Resistant Welding Gloves (2025): For Extreme Heat Applications

Best Welding Gloves for MIG (2025): Top Picks for Spatter Protection

Best Welding Gloves for Stick (2025): Maximum Heat and Slag Protection

Best Welding Gloves for TIG (2025): Dexterity That Doesn't Compromise

Leather vs Synthetic Welding Gloves: Material Comparison Guide

Tillman vs Lincoln Welding Gloves: Brand Comparison by Process