28 Leather Welding Gloves Starting at $9.90
Protect your hands with premium leather welding gloves designed for superior heat resistance and dexterity. Whether you need the rugged durability of cowhide and elkskin for high-heat Stick welding or the precision touch of deerskin and goatskin for TIG applications, we stock the industry's most trusted brands like Tillman, Miller, and Black Stallion.
Lincoln Welding Apparel
Heavy Duty Stick/MIG Welding Gloves - Large - Left Hand Only #K4082-L-LHO
Choosing the Best Leather for Your Welding Gloves
Not all leather is created equal. The "best" glove depends entirely on the welding process you are performing and the balance you need between durability, heat resistance, and dexterity.
1. Elkskin: The King of Heat Resistance
Best For: Stick Welding & High-Heat MIG
Elkskin is widely considered the premium choice for high-heat applications. Unlike other leathers, elkskin resists charring and hardening when exposed to intense heat, meaning your gloves stay soft and pliable longer. It is thicker than deerskin but offers excellent comfort.
2. Deerskin: Unmatched Dexterity
Best For: TIG Welding
Deerskin is incredibly soft and molds to the shape of your hand, offering the highest level of dexterity. It is ideal for TIG welding where feeding filler rod requires fine motor skills. While extremely comfortable, it is not as heat-resistant as elk or cowhide.
3. Cowhide: Rugged Durability
Best For: Stick & MIG Welding
Cowhide is the industry standard for durability and affordability. It is tough, abrasion-resistant, and handles sparks and spatter well.
- Top Grain Cowhide: Smoother and more pliable, used for higher-quality MIG gloves.
- Split Cowhide: Rougher and thicker, offering maximum protection for heavy-duty Stick welding.
4. Pigskin: Breathable & Oil Resistant
Best For: Wet/Oily Conditions & MIG Welding
Pigskin is unique because of its porous texture, which makes the gloves breathable and cool to wear. It also withstands oil and water better than other leathers; if it gets wet, it dries soft without stiffening.
5. Goatskin (Kidskin): Tensile Strength
Best For: TIG Welding
Goatskin has a high natural oil content and high tensile strength, allowing it to be cut very thin while remaining tough. This makes it excellent for TIG gloves that require a "bare hand" feel.
Matching the Glove to the Weld
- For TIG Welding: Look for thin, sensitive leathers like Deerskin, Goatskin, or Kidskin. You need to feel the tungsten and filler rod.
- For MIG Welding: Look for medium-weight leather like Top Grain Cowhide, Pigskin, or heavy Deerskin. You need moderate heat protection and good grip for the gun.
- For Stick Welding: Look for heavy-duty insulation. Elkskin and Split Cowhide are best to block the intense radiant heat and sparks.
