How to choose the right welding gaiters (gloves for welders)

Types of gloves

Today, there are mittens and gloves made from several types of materials on sale. There are also combined models made using several materials at once .

1. Canvas gauntlets are the least popular because they do not cope very well with the most important task - protecting the hand from high temperatures and sparks during welding. In addition, this material is burned and can even ignite, which can greatly harm the performer’s hands.
2. Leggings made from genuine leather are called split leather. These products are highly resistant to high temperatures and flying sparks. Leather that has undergone special treatment is very elastic, durable, hygienic and comfortable. Split leather leggings, equipped with a fleece or cotton layer inside, provide warmth to the hands and allow the skin to breathe.
3. Felt products are also very good for welding.

As for the size, welding gaiters can be up to the elbow or cover only the hand. Many models have a special cuff that serves as an additional measure of limb protection.

Brief information

A welding machine is considered one of the most dangerous construction equipment. Even if safety precautions are followed, the operator may be injured, as the process can cause burns from flying shards of molten metal or arc flames. Special gloves - gaiter - can protect your hands. This element of protection must be used regardless of the level of professionalism. It is worth noting that ordinary cotton gloves will not provide the safety of a worker’s hands as much as welding models. The main advantage is that durable materials are used to make the mittens. The most common models are made of leather and felt, but in some situations you can also find a canvas option. Kevlar threads are used for fastening.

According to statistics, hands take second place in situations with accidents during welding work (first place is eyes). Even a professional operator can get burned due to high temperatures. As for novice welders, it is necessary to become familiar with the types of gloves and the features of their choice. It is not recommended to start work if the thickness of the gloves does not correspond to the temperature conditions. It is also worth considering the fact that many manufacturers produce highly specialized gloves. For example, there are gaiters for argon welding. Such protective gloves cannot be used when working with conventional welding, since the protective layer is too thin, as a result of which the worker can get burned.

Design

This piece of workwear can be of different modifications - mittens, five-fingered or three-fingered gloves.

1. The most popular option is five-fingered welding gaiters. They are very comfortable to use because the fingers and hand can move freely. In addition, the material allows you to provide effective protection even when performing hazardous work.
2. Two-fingered models are standard mittens with a thumb, which is located separately. This configuration makes it possible to firmly hold the equipment.
3. Combined products involve the use of two different materials. The most vulnerable area - the top - is reinforced with a thick stripe. Often, a tarpaulin is used for this type of gaiter, but thanks to the presence of inserts, the products become much more reliable. This sewing technology can significantly reduce the cost of leggings. The vulnerability of such models is considered to be seams.

Features of choice

When choosing split-leaf gaiters for a welder, it is necessary to take into account the nature of their future use. If it is assumed that this element of work equipment will be used in conditions of elevated temperatures, preference should be given to models made entirely of split wood with fire-resistant impregnation .

It will be convenient to work in them both in the lower and vertical directions, without the risk of burns from sparks and hot iron.

Also, when purchasing, you should pay special attention to the seams , which are the most unprotected area of ​​these gloves. They must have sufficient density and be made of special threads with increased strength and heat resistance.

To perform more delicate work, it is better to use five-fingered type models , choosing from them varieties of suitable length. When putting on, the gaiter should fit snugly on the hand, without restricting movement or squeezing the fingers, but under no circumstances should it slip off. For work in winter, special insulated leggings with an additional layer of faux fur are suitable.

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Price

The cost of welding gloves depends on the material used to make them, size and manufacturer..

Canvas models are considered the cheapest, since this material is the most accessible. The most expensive ones are imported split leather.

But the industry was able to find an excellent loophole - combination gloves. They allow you to reduce the cost of production.

The cost of such products varies from one hundred to one and a half thousand rubles.

Handling and care

Some welders neglect advice regarding goggle care. Because of this, the product quickly loses its functions and becomes unusable. Proper care will help maintain function, which ensures the safety of the welder and will also extend its service life.

It is worth highlighting a few care recommendations:

1. Regular washing or cleaning . It is recommended to clean leggings made of various types of leather (natural or artificial leather, split leather, suede) with special products. Products made from other materials tolerate washing well. The water temperature should not exceed +40°C.
2. stored in a dry place, no closer than one meter from operating heating devices; prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and contact with chemically active materials should not be allowed.
3. After washing, the leggings must be dried thoroughly ; no moisture should remain inside.

To be fair , it should be noted that many welders do not care for the goggles in any way, but simply completely “kill” them in their work and put on new ones, using them as a disposable consumable.

How to choose welding gaiters

When choosing leggings, you should pay attention to their main function - protecting the limbs. Also, the products should not restrict the hands, but securely fix the instruments. Split leather leggings are considered the most reliable, however, they are quite expensive.

An important element of gloves is also their internal filler.:

1. For use in the cold season, it is better to take an insulated model of welding gloves. The inside of such products is insulated with natural or synthetic fur.
2. For use in warm weather, it is recommended to take lightweight variations that are lined with cotton material that allows the brush to “breathe.”

In the process of purchasing welding gloves and mittens, you need to pay attention to all existing seams. At first glance, it may seem that this unimportant element can be overlooked. However, it is very important. It would be great if Kevlar thread was used to make the gloves. This material is characterized by high resistance to temperature changes. It is also very durable and ductile .

If the seams are stitched with lavsan-based thread, then the product must have additional dense inserts.

Combined type gloves should be purchased taking into account the place where welding work will be carried out. This is a great option if you want to save money. Welding performed under the ceiling involves strengthening the bottom of the mitten. The wide edges of the mittens are very convenient for use in winter. These models are very convenient to wear over regular clothes.

Manufacturers of leggings: ranking of the best

Welder's gaiters are an individual thing, and each specialist chooses his “favorite”. Based on reviews from customers and experts from specialty clothing stores, we have compiled a rating of the most popular and popular welding gloves:

1. Curved MIG Glove. Manufacturer: Swedish company ESAB. The model is made of specially processed split leather. The gloves perfectly follow the shape of the worker’s hand. They are equipped with durable palm grips and soft padded cuffs. The gloves are suitable for manual and semi-automatic arc welding. Cost – from 1500 rubles.
2. Welding gloves "Bars". The Russian manufacturer of the same name is the leader of the domestic market. The gauntlets are made of fire-resistant split leather, they retain their shape, so the worker can remove them at any time. These gloves are also distinguished by their durability, softness and versatility. But wear resistance is lower than that of the leader in our rating. The cost of the model is from 500 rubles. \
3. Siberia T30-11-ru. Combined leggings made of specially treated goatskin. Designed specifically for argon arc welding. Such leggings perform their protective function 100% and do not hinder the owner’s movements at all. Among the interesting features are a special cut for the thumb, allowing them to work unhindered, stitching of the seams with Kevlar thread and ultra-thin material. True, gloves are not suitable for other types of welding. It will also be difficult to withstand sub-zero temperatures. The cost of the model is from 500 rubles.
4. Optima Plasma Kevlar. Made from premium split leather with cotton lining. The strength of the seams is enhanced by additional stitching with Kevlar thread, which is known for its fire-resistant properties. The disadvantages are that the gloves cannot withstand prolonged contact with hot metal, and the elastic band prevents them from being removed instantly. Cost – from 400 rubles.
5. T10 leggings are an option for thrifty and practical people. Protects against all traditional welding hazards, but wears and breaks quickly. It is very easy to stumble upon a fake of this model, so you should only trust certified stores. The cost of gloves is from 200 rubles.

Kinds

Face split is used for the manufacture of work gloves quite rarely. The top layer is used to make expensive models of gloves from high-quality leather. Working models made from split grain are sewn from waste obtained from the main production. Even the smallest scraps and pieces of genuine leather are used to make gloves.

The front layer is highly valued for its main quality - the ability to restore its original shape after various types of deformation. In addition, this layer of skin is characterized by elasticity, elasticity, high strength, excellent air permeability, but retains water. When drying after getting wet, the material may shrink slightly. In the insulated version, this type of gloves becomes an integral attribute of a builder for winter work.

Gloves made from a mid-cut material that has extra-strength characteristics are the most common among construction workers. The products are used for working with heavy metal and wood parts.

They have reinforcement in the palm area, this increases their strength and extends their service life.

Welding all-split gauntlets are made of melon layer. They are not afraid of open fire sources and elevated temperatures.

Bakhtarma is the layer of animal skin that serves as protection for internal organs and tissues from external heat shocks. The melon layer is inferior in strength to the middle layers of leather, and has no equal in its thermal insulation properties.

The ability of the product to withstand high temperatures is not affected by the cut layer. Typically, for the manufacture of products for working with fire, a layer with a thickness of 0.6 to 1.2 mm is used. The main qualitative characteristics of split leather are density and wear resistance. All these properties depend on the tanning of the leather and its quality.

For five-fingered gloves, grade is very important. It is established based on the presence of defects and the basic properties of the material. If the split structure is weak or damaged, a decrease in tensile strength is observed. The reason is a violation of processing technology. For working models, one of the main quality indicators is tensile strength.

Different types of layers have different requirements for this strength indicator. The lower the strength, the lower the level of wear resistance, resistance to cuts, tears and punctures. To date, materials have not been tested for tensile strength, since it is excluded from mandatory certification. Therefore, experts recommend checking split-leaf gloves for compliance with EN 388, and models for welding also for compliance with EN 407.

Characteristics

Leggings 350 mm long, made of gray or red split wood, are considered a certain standard in production. Gray gloves are most often made without any lining, and therefore are thinner and more convenient to work with small parts.

Red gloves are made from sanded and dyed split calfskin with a thickness of 1.2 mm. They are distinguished by a more rigid cuff, and the length is 15 cm. It is also important to add that this type of gaiter can use a non-woven lining, which adds a certain comfort to this model, and also allows a person to perform work in lower temperatures.

Overview of species

There are several types of welder's gloves. The division occurs based on the features of their design.

Five-fingered. As the name implies, these leggings have a separate hole for each of the fingers. This type of gloves is optimal in terms of comfort and convenience. Five-fingered gauntlets do not reduce finger mobility and are considered universal - suitable for all types of installation and welding work. In accordance with the requirements, the leggings are made of split leather with additional leather inserts. The inside of the glove is covered with airtight fabric or fleece. Length according to GOST – 35 centimeters.

They have special textile inserts on the palms and on the back of the hand. The lining for them is made of cotton fabric, and the reinforcement is made of double split leather or tarpaulin. It is worth noting that now most welding gloves are combined. Although, of course, you can find simpler options.

1. Increased sleeve length.
2. Extended bell for wearing over a winter jacket or overalls.
3. Insulated lining made of fur or fabric of increased density.

All this allows you to work comfortably even in very low temperatures.

Popular manufacturers

The ZUBR OVK company is one of the largest enterprises producing and supplying tools, equipment and materials for industrial and domestic work.

the “RUSSIAN LIONS” trademark combine the following characteristics: functionality, reliability, affordable cost. The use of exclusively high-quality and natural materials provides comfort to the welder’s hands.

Trading House “Spetsperchatka” is a manufacturer of leggings under the trademarks “DIGGER”, “RUSSIAN LIONS” and “EASTERN TIGERS”, and also carries out comprehensive supplies of personal protective equipment and workwear.

Manipula Specialist company is a leading Russian manufacturer of professional personal protective equipment for hands; products are sold under the same brand name.

The company “TETU” from Finland specializes in wholesale sales of work clothes and gloves. The products are characterized by high quality, good price/quality ratio and a variety of PPE offered.

The German company “UVEX ARBEITSSCHUTZ GmbH” is a manufacturer of a wide range of clothing and gloves that perform protective functions. The products are manufactured under the “UVEX” brand.

Jasic Technology Co. – developer, manufacturer and seller of welding equipment and tools, as well as personal protective equipment. The company's head office is located in Shenzhen.

“ELITECH” brand is the Russian company “LIT Trading”. Since 2008, this brand has produced a wide range of equipment for various purposes. Most of the production capacity is located in China.

the “EASTERN TIGERS” trademark are in great demand among specialists and guarantee the user reliable protection from various harmful and dangerous substances and influences.

The BARS trademark occupies a leading position in the market of products for welders. Customers are provided with a wide range of equipment, accessories, components and personal protective equipment.

ESAB is one of the most renowned companies specializing in the production of products for the welding industry.

Other manufacturers of personal protective equipment are presented in the article “Welder's Leggings”.

Requirements

Welding gloves have a whole range of requirements that they must meet:

• heat and fire resistance;
• strength;
• wear resistance;
• durability;
• repels moisture and liquids;
• high-quality tailoring;
• presence of lining: in winter models - from natural or artificial fur, in summer models - from cotton fabrics.

Manufacturing of split hags

As stated above, split leather is genuine leather that has undergone certain processing. They are distinguished by increased resistance to fire and thermal effects. The natural elasticity of any leather ensures high mobility of the welder’s fingers in such hags, which are reliably protected by a thick layer of material.

The “split leather” material is obtained due to a special tanning technology from the skin of calves or kids. Perhaps this is using a special encryption technology, or as it is also called layering. Essentially, the animal's skin is separated into several layers. Depending on the thickness of the skin, you can get from 3 to 5 layers. Any layers except the front layer are suitable for making split leather.

Technological processes for obtaining such material as split wood are now quite rare. Therefore, welding scargs made from them are very valuable and are quite expensive, but cheaper than those made from genuine leather. Such products are characterized by increased strength and wear resistance. Therefore, they are relevant for all types of welding work, regardless of whether they are performed for domestic or industrial purposes.

Additional processing

It is important to note here that gray split leather leggings without lining, without any additional processing or impregnation, can be used in the following temperature range: from -10 to +45 degrees Celsius. However, in order to make them optimal for use by welders, they are most often treated with a special compound. Thanks to this action, the gloves become more protected from splashes of sparks or even hot metal. It is also important to add that after an additional processing process, the temperature limit increases from 45 degrees to 100 degrees Celsius.

Kevlar thread is also used in the production of split leather leggings. It is used for sewing seams on gloves. This material belongs to the para-aramid group. In other words, this thread adds a high margin of strength, and, in itself, has a high fire resistance rating.

Welder's leggings

Gaiters are a type of work gloves that are used for welding work. Welder's gauntlets are elongated gloves , which are made of PVC or split leather (special split calfskin). In both cases, the thickness of the goggles is sufficient to protect the welder’s hands from both splashes of molten metal and sparks, even with prolonged exposure. There are also canvas gaiters impregnated with a special fire-resistant compound; such gaiters are equipped with additional reinforced handhelds, usually made of split leather. The welder's gloves must be selected based on the working conditions and the expected volume of such work.