4 Best Welding Sleeves Review 2020 and Buying Guides

Welding is fun- of course, it is! But, it is also risky because it involves flames, gases, heat,and rays that could affect your health. As a smart welder, you need to have the right gear and equipment. Top on your priority list should be welding sleeves!

There may be a large variety of welding sleeves on the market, but; not all will serve your purpose. That’s why we compiled an extensive review of the best welding sleeves brands. We’ve also included a tutorial with the features and designs that will guide you into safety.

4 Welding Sleeves Review

The Pros

Lincoln Electric welding sleeves boast being one of the most popular brands on the market. The pair of slip-on welding sleeves is built to protect you from the spatter and heat that results from the welding. Apart from the ‘big’ brand name, the sleeves have elastic cuffs at both ends. The elastic cuffs make them comfortable and fitting around your arms.  A fitting pair of sleeves is vital as it rids of the chances of slipping out and exposing the body to the welding flame.

The 9-ounce flame resistant material used in making the sleeves is just about the most crucial feature. The leather sleeves keep your arms safe- whether you are using gas or electric welders. Also, the material keeps your arms safe and dry from corrosive liquids and oils. It can also be a great winter gear as it would keep you warm during chilly weathers.

The other advantage of using this pair of sleeves is its size and lightweight nature. It is 21 inches long, which is long enough to cover the arms of an average adult. This means that it can protect the entire arm- from the wrist to the biceps area. Further, the material measures nine ounces per square yard only. The lightweight gear is comfortable, fitting and easy to use over a long period.

The cons

If you are about 6’, then the sleeves may leave a part of your arm exposed to the flame. In the same way, if you are less than 5’7”, then they may be too large for you.Lincoln Electric welding sleeves come only in one size,and this may put off people who are either taller or shorter than the described height.

Verdict

If you have an ordinary men’s height – 5’9” to 6’4”, this is a 5-star pair of sleeves for you. However, it may not be good enough if you don’t belong to that category. If the size coincides with you, then the sleeves are a good buy!

This 4.5-star pair rightfully claims its place in our list. It is an 18-inch brown leather sleeve that will resist not only heat and sparks but also molten metal drops. Further, it keeps your arms safe from any scratches involved in welding or cutting metals. The leather sleeves also have elastic cuffs on their ends.

The Pros

Welding sleeves are comfortable for both men and women. They are fitting and look stylish for several users, especially those who are 5’2” to 5’8”. Plus, the golden brown color breaks the monotony and is quite aesthetic. The elastic cuffs at the end make it fitting and comfortable. It doesn’t slip out when in action.

Then, the sturdy golden brown leather design is not only elegant but also resistant. It will protect you from heat, abrasion and the workshop’s corrosive liquids. Leather would also shield you from minor accidental cuts.

Again, the sleeves are durable. The leather is sturdy and will not be damaged by the normal abrasion. The leather is more stringent than most materials, and this makes the Welding sleeves some of the best you can buy.

Finally, you can use these sleeves for a wide array of activities. For instance, you may use them for limb cutting, pruning or metal work.

Cons

They only measure 18 inches, and this may be too tight and small to wear for people who are bigger than 6 feet. Again, they lack the thumb hole which means you must rely on the elastic material- which may get faulty when used for long.

Verdict

These welding sleeves may be small, and they lack the thumb notch. However, they are made of resistant and durable leather material. They are a blend of quality and affordability.

Get your arms protected from any sudden flame, UV light and sparks using the US Forge welding sleeves. The 23-inche and 9-ounce welder’s sleeves are made of cotton and have elastic ends. The washable 100% cotton is flame resistant and will shield you to molten splash and workshop liquids.

The Pros

This pair of welding sleeves is made from 100% flame retardant cotton Proban material. It protects you from the welding flame as well as any sparks or light molten splashes. It’s a crucial feature as it keeps you safe from any hazards related to the welding flame.

It is also washable – by hand or machine. The cotton material retains the sleeves shape even after you’ve washed it severally. Washing with warm water, however, may damage the elastic ends.

The elastic material at both ends of the unit makes it comfortable and fitting. It grips your arm to ensure that it doesn’t slip off in action. Further, the elastic material protects you from any exposure to the flame.

Also, if you are interested in colors, you may love these green sleeves. Noteworthy, the majority of sleeves are either brown or black. Plus, they are long enough to use in a T-shirt.

The Cons

These are some of the cheapest welding sleeves at the stores today, for the price, literally. The elastic material is likely to loosen after a few months of use.

Verdict

US Forge is best  for a tight budget. It will serve you right, though not for long.

You can protect your arms from cut, abrasion or flames using this resistant pair of welding sleeves. It is a sturdy black double layer 18 inch Kevlar knit sleeve with thumb holes on the front end.

The Pros

Welding can be a risky activity if you do not have the right gear. BSX Gear Revco welding sleeves have a double layer which offers extra protection from welding flames, sparks and any molten splashes. The layer underneath fortifies the protection by keeping you warm and safe. Remember, abrasion and cuts only happen if you are wearing a weak gear. The double Kevlar layer forms a retardant construction rated at ANSI cut level 4.

Also, the welding sleeves are 18 inches long. This means they can comfortably fit on the average height (about 6 feet tall).

The sleeves come as a pair, and this is crucial to consider as the majority of sleeves on the market come as a single unit.

Ideally, welding sleeves should be both comfortable and fitting. They shouldn't slide off either. With the BSX Gear Revco sleeves thumb notch, your arms will not have contact with the flame or other hazards of the workshop.

The Cons                                                

For some people, the 18 inches is too small to protect the entire arm. Expressly, this is disappointing for people who are taller than 6 feet as they cannot weld in a T-shirt. They could also start stretching out after washing.

Verdict

If you are looking to buy a pair of welding sleeves that is resistant enough to last for the first 3 to 6 months, we’d advise you take this one.

Importance of Wearing Welding Sleeves

The ideal pair of welding sleeves should be able to address the hazards associated with welding. Notably, welding is an exciting profession, but; it can also be risky. It involves joining pieces of metals using heat, pressure, or both. This makes it hazardous, and you should be equipped with the right sleeves.

Some of the hazards of welding include electric shock, toxic fumes, fire and flame as well as ultraviolet rays. All these can easily harm the welder’s eyes, skin and even internal organs.

Caution, therefore, needs to be taken to avoid injuries. One of the surest ways to avoid welding-related injuries is to wear the appropriate gear. This includes bibs, gloves, jackets, aprons glasses and sleeves among others.

It’s the arm that is closest to the danger. So, you should protect it with thick, high-quality welding sleeves. Find leather, denim, cotton or Kevlar sleeves as they are sturdy and heat resistance. Again, go for comfort and the ability to clean them.

Buying Guide For the Best Welding Sleeves

When you get the welding sleeves, it should protect you from the possible hazards in the welding place. So, you must ensure that the welding sleeve offers the maximum protection for you.

Therefore, you must focus on the following factors when deciding to get these sleeves for your welding chores.

Cuff construction:

The cuff on the welding sleeves must be broad, thick, and stiff to protect arms. Also, the cuff must be quickly adjustable for the perfect fit and comfort of the welder.

Adjustment of the sleeves openings:

A sleeve has mainly three openings that include the collar, shoulder, and cuffs. All these openings must feature quick adjustability. If you don’t find any adjustable feature for these openings, at least, get one with good elasticity. The firm elastic will stretch whenever necessary to allow a good grip for the comfortable grip.

Stitching quality:

The stitching quality of the sleeves will determine its durability largely. A tubercular shape with the single-piece woven design of the sleeves works the best. So, all the joints and seam must have a uniform and sturdy stitching.

It will minimize the sagging and separation of the material in the workplace and safeguard you from welding hazards.

Materials used:

All the welding sleeves and protective equipment for the welding jobs are built with flame-resistant material. It is crucial to ensure protection from heat, flame, and accidental fires. However, flame-resistant fabrics are available in various materials. It includes-

• Leather fabric: It is the most commonly found fabric for flame and fire-resistant protective equipment, including the sleeves. Leather sleeves are made rugged and protect users from cuts and abrasions. The only drawback of it is that it lacks breathability. So, you might feel heat and sweat inside.
• Kevlar:  It is a synthetic material developed in the modern-day. It offers maximum protection from welding hazards. So, more manufacturers are using the Kevlar fabric in their welding sleeves. It is lightweight and so comfortable for a long time wearing. But it is the costliest material which may not suit all.
• Cotton and canvas: These fabrics are not entirely fireproof. When manufacturers treat them with chemicals, they become highly fire-resistant. Also, it is the lightest of all and offers maximum breathability. But it not no so sturdy as the Kevlar and leather fabric. So, it gets damaged easily and might not protect your arms from minor cuts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the use of Kevlar sleeves?

The Kevlar sleeves are a refined form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).  It is made of Kevlar fabric, which is an artificially built synthetic fiber. The synthetic material is developed to protect the wearer from heat, fire, and abrasions. It also prevents accidental cuts. When a welder wears Kevlar sleeves, he will enjoy protection from the cuts, bruises, fire, and heat for your hands.  The Kevlar sleeves are lightweight and offer comfortable wearing for long-term usage.

2. Aramid or Kevlar sleeves, which is stronger?

Kevlar and Aramid both are incredibly efficient and reliable fabric used for different Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Both materials are usable in industry and workshops. However, Kevlar is slightly more robust than Aramid fabrics. Aramids are made of carbon fiber and feature a remarkable weight to tensile strength ratio. But it is somewhat less than the Kevlar. However, it is still highly recommendable for welding clothes to safeguard from fires, heat, and abrasion.

In conclusion

It’s not easy to stress out the importance of wearing the right gear whenever you are welding. Although it is fun to join metal bars, it is also risky. The fumes, flames, sparks and light from the activity is harmful.

The arms are the most vulnerable, and this makes it necessary to have the best welding sleeves worn every time. Expressly, choose those made of denim, Kevlar, leather and cotton. These materials are comfortable and retardant to heat and abrasion. Check out our site for more reviews on welding prospective gear, will you?!