Welding gloves are not just for welders! In fact, there are many jobs that require the use of welding gloves. Here are some of the jobs that require welding gloves.
Jobs that use welding gloves
Jobs that require welding gloves include:
- Welding
- Building and home construction
- Automotive work
- Metal fabrication
- Pipeline construction (water, oil & gas)
Other jobs that can benefit from wearing welding gloves include:
- Chimney sweep: Those who work to clean chimneys often have to wear welding gloves to protect their hands from soot and debris.
- Slaughterhouse worker: Workers in slaughterhouses must wear welding gloves to protect their hands from sharp knives and hooks.
Welding gloves are an important part of any welder’s safety gear. Welding gloves protect the hands and fingers from heat, sparks, and other dangers that come with welding. There are many different types of welding gloves available on the market, so it is important to choose the right welding gloves for the job.
Welding glove types
There are many different types of welding gloves, each with its own specific purpose. Depending on the welding job, you may need more than one type of glove. Some of the most common types of welding gloves are:
- MIG/TIG Welding Gloves: These gloves are made of thin, yet durable materials that allow you to work with delicate materials without putting too much pressure on them. The fingers are usually welted together to prevent them from being burned.
- Stick Welding Gloves: These gloves are made of thicker materials than MIG/TIG gloves, as they need to be able to withstand more heat and pressure. The fingers are not welted together, as this would make it difficult to grip the welding rod.
- Plasma Cutting Gloves: These gloves are made of fire-resistant materials that will protect your hands from the high temperatures involved in plasma cutting. The fingers are usually welted together to prevent them from being burned.
Why welding gloves are important
Welding gloves are an important part of a welder’s personal protective equipment (PPE). They protect the welders’ hands from the high heat generated by welding, as well as from dangerous ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation.
However, wearing the wrong type of glove can result in serious injuries, including burns, cuts, and other injuries.
How to choose the right welding gloves
There are many different types of welding gloves available on the market, and it can be difficult to know which ones are right for you. Here are a few things to consider when choosing welding gloves:
- The type of welding you will be doing: There are different gloves designed for different types of welding, so it is important to choose ones that are suitable for the type of welding you will be doing.
- The size and fit of the gloves: It is important to choose gloves that fit well and are comfortable to wear. If the gloves are too big, they may interfere with your work, and if they are too small, they may not provide enough protection.
- The level of protection you need: Some gloves offer more protection than others, so it is important to choose ones that will provide the level of protection you need.
There are many different brands and styles of welding gloves available. Some of the most popular brands include Miller, Lincoln Electric, and Hobart.
If you’ll be doing a lot of heavy welding, for example, you’ll want a pair of gloves that offer extra protection against heat and sparks. If you’ll be doing mostly light welding, on the other hand, you can get away with a thinner pair of gloves that offer better dexterity.
No matter what type of welding you’ll be doing, it’s important to have a good pair of welding gloves on hand. This will help to protect your hands from the heat and sparks generated by the welding process.
How to care for your welding gloves
Despite their durability, welding gloves need to be cared for properly in order to protect the welder’s hands and extend the life of the gloves. Here are some tips for caring for your welding gloves:
- Wash your hands before putting on your welding gloves. This will help keep the inside of the gloves clean and free of dirt and debris.
- Store them in a cool, dry place: Be sure to store your welding gloves in a cool, dry place when you’re not using them. If they get wet or are exposed to extreme temperatures, they will degrade faster.
- Avoid using them for other purposes: It’s tempting to want to use your welding gloves for other tasks, but it’s best to avoid this if possible. Using them for tasks such as gardening or cleaning can cause wear and tear that will shorten their lifespan.
- Inspect them regularly: Inspect your welding gloves regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you see any holes or fraying, it’s time to replace them.
- Don’t use damaged gloves: It might seem tempting to continue using damaged welding gloves, but this is a bad idea. Damaged gloves offer less protection and can actually cause more injuries.
- Replace them when needed: Even if you take good care of your welding gloves, eventually they will need to be replaced. When this time comes, don’t delay in getting new ones – your safety is worth it!
If you take care of your welding gloves, they will last longer and provide you with better protection.
Welding gloves FAQs
Q: How important are welding gloves?
A: While some welders may be able to get by without gloves, most find that welding gloves are an essential part of the job. They help to protect your hands from the heat and sparks generated by welding, and can also help to prevent burns.
Q: What kind of gloves should I use for welding?
A: There are a variety of gloves available for welding, and the type you use will depend on the type of welding you’re doing. For example, welders who work with arc welds will need a different type of glove than those who work with MIG or TIG welds. You should consult with your supervisor or an experienced welder to find out which type of glove is best for you.
Q: How do I care for my welding gloves?
A: It’s important to take care of your welding gloves so that they last as long as possible. After each use, inspect your gloves for any damage and repair or replace them as needed. Be sure to store your gloves in a cool, dry place when not in use.
In Closing
There are a wide variety of jobs that use welding gloves to protect workers from injury. Many are not directly tied to welding tasks. If your employer recommends welding gloves, take it into serious consideration.
NEXT UP: When To Replace Your Welding Gloves
