Spiderhand Gloves FAQs
Practical answers on choosing, wearing and looking after premium goat and deer skin MIG and TIG welding gloves.
What do Type A and Type B on a welding glove label mean?
Welding gloves made to the European welding glove standard must be labelled either Type A or Type B. Type A gives higher heat and mechanical protection but less finger movement, so it is the usual choice for general welding and cutting. Type B gives more dexterity and a closer fit but lower protection, which is why it is the one normally recommended for TIG.
Check the label on the glove itself rather than relying on the description alone, because the type tells you which job the glove was designed and tested for.
Do welding gloves protect me from electric shock?
No. Welding PPE gives some protection against heat and spatter but it is not designed to prevent electric shock, and the HSE points out that damp or contaminated clothing and gloves conduct electricity more easily. Gloves for arc welding are also expected to have a minimum electrical resistance when they are clean and dry.
Keep your gloves dry, do not touch live parts, and follow the equipment maker's instructions and your risk assessment. If your gloves are soaked with sweat or water, change to a dry pair.
Can I pick up hot workpieces with TIG gloves?
Only briefly and with care. The welding glove standard asks for a basic level of contact heat resistance in both types, which is low, so a thin TIG glove is meant for holding a torch and filler rod rather than handling hot metal for any length of time.
Use pliers, tongs or a clamp for freshly welded work, and let parts cool where you can. Never rely on a glove to protect you from a part you know is very hot, and check the heat rating on the label for the limits of your pair.
Why do some gloves have a goat palm and a cow back?
It is a mixed-leather design. A soft goat palm gives you feel and grip on the torch, while a tougher cow back protects the back of the hand, where most of the spatter and radiant heat land. The result is usually a bit more durable and more protective on the back than an all-goat glove, with the dexterity kept where you need it.
The exact balance depends on the maker, so look at the glove's type label and any heat markings, and try a pair on to be sure it suits the way you hold the torch.