Heat, sparks, and spatter automatically come with the territory of working as a welder. While a welding helmet can safeguard your face and head, your lower body needs the same attention. Enter welding chaps – a vital piece of welding PPE that is designed specifically to keep your legs safe and comfortable. Let’s learn more about welding chaps!
What are welding chaps?
Welding chaps are welding PPE that protects the lower body from the knee down. Welding pants provide a wide range of protection for the lower body, but they aren’t the best choice in every situation. Here’s where chaps shine:
Versatility:
Since chaps provide protection from the knee down, they are ideal for lighter welding tasks like MIG or TIG welding. Compared to welding pants, chaps offer more flexibility, which means more freedom of movement, making welding more comfortable.
Breathability:
Chaps are made from lighter materials like fire-retardant treated cotton or leather. Compared to welding pants, these can give you better airflow which makes them a better option when you weld during the summer.
Easy on and Off:
Unlike welding pants, welding chaps are easy to put on and easy to take off. This saves you a lot of time between welding sessions, especially if you switch between tasks.
Welding Chaps Material
Leather Welding Chaps
Leather welding chaps are durable and offer excellent heat and spark resistance. However, leather can be heavy and stiff.
Fire-Retardant Treated Cotton
FR Cotton welding chaps are more breathable and lightweight than leather which makes them perfect for hot environments. But, over time, flame retardant material can wear off, unlike leather which lasts for a long time.
Blended Materials
These combine the breathability and the durability of leather.
So, basically, choosing the best welding chaps really boils down to the type of work and the welding environment you are in.
Welding Chaps Features
Here are some features that welding chaps have that may work for you.
Kick Panels
Welding chaps have kick panels on the bottom that are either leather or abrasion-resistant. These panels offer extra protection from sparks and hot debris that bounce off the floor.
Pocket Options
Welding chaps usually have pockets where you can store small tools or electrodes. This keeps them within easy reach.
Comfort Features
If you are going to get welding chaps, make sure you get one with breathable linings or panels that are strategically placed to improve airflow and reduce heat buildup.
Welding Chaps vs Welding Pants
One might ask, are welding chaps a substitute for full welding pants? Nope, they are not. Welding pants give the best protection for any type of welding job. It’s a must when you invest in quality welding PPE. But, for lighter welding tasks, welding chaps are comfortable and versatile options for protecting your lower body.
