Practical answers on choosing and using long-cuff welding gauntlets, including aluminised, reversible and lined types.
Which gauntlet is right for MIG and stick welding rather than TIG?
For MIG, MAG and stick welding, where more spatter and radiant heat reach your hands, the welding glove standard points you to a Type A gauntlet. Type A has higher heat, spatter and mechanical requirements, with less finger movement. Type B is the lower-protection, more flexible type recommended for TIG.
Check for the Type A or B marking on the gauntlet, and look at any heat pictogram. For very high-current work, ask your supplier or the maker about options with extra heat protection, and base the final choice on your risk assessment.
Are gauntlets suitable for arc welding electrically?
Gauntlets are not insulating gloves, and the HSE is clear that welding PPE is not designed to prevent electric shock. Gloves for arc welding are, however, expected to have a minimum electrical resistance in clean, dry condition, which is checked when they are tested.
Keep the gauntlets clean and dry, never touch live parts, and replace any that are damp, soaked with sweat or contaminated. Follow the equipment maker's instructions and your risk assessment, and remember that electrical safety depends on the whole set-up.
What is an aluminised gauntlet for?
An aluminised gauntlet has a reflective aluminised layer on the back of the hand or forearm. The layer reflects radiant heat, which makes it useful for high-current MIG and stick welding, foundry work and other jobs where heat from the arc or the workpiece builds up on the back of the hand.
The layer reflects radiant heat but does not make the glove fireproof, and the leather beneath still has limits. Check the maker's heat ratings and instructions, and be aware that reflective layers can wear or scratch off with use.
Can I use an aluminised gauntlet for cutting or gouging?
Many makers list aluminised gloves for plasma cutting, gas cutting and gouging, because these jobs produce a lot of radiant heat and sparks. Whether a particular gauntlet is suitable depends on the maker's stated use, its heat ratings and the process.
Read the instructions and markings for the gauntlet, and use your risk assessment to judge the heat, sparks and slag involved. If the information does not clearly cover your process, ask the maker or our team before relying on it.
What does a reversible gauntlet mean in practice?
A reversible gauntlet is made so that the same glove can be worn on either hand, rather than being shaped as a left and right pair. This can be convenient because a single glove can be turned over if one side wears more quickly, and an odd glove can be paired with another.
The fit is usually a little less shaped than with a left and right pair, so check that the glove sits comfortably and that your fingers can still handle the torch or electrode holder. Look at both sides for wear before use.
Are lined or winter gauntlets suitable for welding?
They can be, if the maker intends them for welding and they carry the welding glove marking. A lining adds warmth and some insulation, which helps in a cold workshop or outdoors, but it also makes the glove bulkier and reduces feel.
Do not assume that any warm lined glove is safe near spatter, as some linings and fabrics can melt or burn. Check the Type A or B label and the heat markings, keep the lining dry, and read the maker's instructions for how to care for it.