The Best Welding Aprons And Bibs
The best welding aprons will feel sturdy and protective; they should have adjustable straps to hold them in place securely; they should be quick and easy to take on and off. Luckily, we’ve scoured the market to find nine of the best welding aprons that fulfil all these criteria!
1. Steiner 92166 Bib Apron
The Good
Whether you’re large- or small-framed, tall or short, you’ll find that this apron fits really well. This is because it features adjustable straps and a long length, so it will hold securely in place while protecting the whole of your front. It’s been stitched with Kevlar thread and reinforced at all the major stress points, so this apron is incredibly durable.
Add on the fact that it’s made from leather and you really do have a very strong, sturdy piece of kit. The leather material is flexible (so it’s comfortable to wear for long periods), while guarding against heat, sparks, abrasion, cuts and many other risks. Finally, it’s been fitted with a quick release buckle which makes slipping it on and off quick and effortless.
The Bad
This apron doesn’t come fitted with a waist strap, which is surprising from a brand such as Steiner. The result of this is that it doesn’t always feel like it’s staying in place all that well, which might leave you feeling a little exposed and vulnerable.
In addition, it’s not really suitable for heavy duty welding, but if you only intend to use it for light duty welding then it should be more than adequate!
Conclusion
If you don’t mind fashioning your own waist strap to hold it in place, then this apron is a good buy!
2. Hobart 770686 Cotton Welding Apron
The Good
This apron is made from flame-retardant cotton, so you can be guaranteed good protection from heat and sparks. However, as it’s not leather, it’s also very comfortable and lightweight to wear, which is something that you’ll really notice after you’ve had it on for long periods of time. The waist strap is elastic as well as being adjustable, a feature which makes it so much more comfortable than the waist straps on many other welding aprons.
It always feels like it’s held in place securely, which is really important when it’s so quick and easy to take off and on. Although this apron is ideal for welding, it’s also suitable for a wide range of other uses too – both inside and outside the workshop.
The Bad
This apron is unlined. This might be an unattractive feature for some, but on the plus side it does reduce the weight significantly, meaning that this apron isn’t as heavy as most others that are lined. However, this thin, lightweight nature means that it isn’t really suitable for heavy duty welding or extremely high temperatures, so there may be limitations on how much you can actually use it.
In addition, several wearers have found the neck strap to be too long, while others who have larger frames find that as it’s one size fits most, it’s a little too tight.
Conclusion
This is an impressively cool, lightweight apron for light duty welding.
3. Lincoln Electric Flame-Resistant Leather Welding Apron
The Good
Many leather products (including welding aprons) can’t stand up to the elements all that well, but this split cowhide apron is weather-resistant. As a result, it is suitable for use outdoors, even in damp conditions. Not only is it durable and protective against heat, spatter and flame, but it also feels strong and well made.
This gives you a strong sense of security and protection when you’re wearing it. Lincoln Electric have made the apron with adjustable straps to ensure that it always fits well; these straps also ensure that the weight of the apron is evenly distributed, which makes it remarkably comfortable to wear over long periods. Your shoulders will feel noticeably less tense and sore after a full day of welding!
The Bad
Although it does have adjustable straps, this apron only comes in one size. As a result, larger frames might find it a bit tight or the straps marginally too short.
Conclusion
Overall, this is a solid, well made piece of kit that will keep you well protected from both the elements and dangers associated with welding.
