5 Top Picks
3 Reviewers
13 Hours of Research
15 Products Considered
At A Glance: Our Top Picks for Welding Caps
They are great not just for a welder, but a lot of pipefitters, ironworkers, boilermakers, and sprinkler fitters also wear them.
A welding cap will prevent your head, neck and ears from the fiery welding sparks that may end up hurting your ear canal, neck, scalp or eyes, even when wearing protective glasses.
By Gregory Sanders: This article has been updated to reflect the most accurate information regarding welding caps available for those who are interested in welding. The best 5 available have changed, and information has been added to assist individuals in finding the best caps for welding currently available on the market. The FAQ has also been updated.
Best Welding Caps
These caps can come with some not-so-common images on them. They sometimes can make quite a style statement. They can look cool, and are often worn by non-welders as well. However, these caps bring a lot more functionality to a welder than just another accessory.
If you see a welder wearing the flaps on the side, it is more to protect their ears from heat and the UV rays produced by the welding arc than to set a new trend.
Welders working in hot work conditions are also prone to losing hair more rapidly, too. A welding cap helps save them from going bald.
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Revco - BC5W-BK Armor Cotton Welding Cap Pros
This cap from Revco serves as a welding cap, beanie and a doo rag in one.
It is made of 100% cotton with double-layer protection. It has elastic sewn into the cap so it can expand to fit a slightly larger head size than the indicated size..
It keeps your hair tightly tucked inside. It works great for overhead and vertical welding. Amazon prime friendly for free shipping.
Revco - BC5W-BK Armor Cotton Welding Cap Cons
It comes in a single size. One size fits all - but of course that depends on what your head size really is.
Lincoln Electric K3203 Pros
Lincoln Electric always produces high-quality products, and it’s carried over to their welding caps - particularly this red, white, and blue one that just screams 'murica.
This one has a trendy print that would pretty much suit everyone. It is made of 100% cotton with an air cushion inserted on the inside of the cap, making it breathable. This is for maximum sweat absorbency.
The high crown design aids ventilation. Seams are flat-stitched for better comfort. It’s machine washable, too, although it’s recommended to hand-wash it.
It is made with lightweight material that has good elasticity, making it suit many head sizes.
Lincoln Electric K3203 Cons
The elastic used can get annoying at times and it only comes in one color.
Comeaux Caps Reversible Welding Cap Pros
This Comeaux cap comes in a sophisticated solid grey color. It has 6 panels and is made of pure cotton. It has a soft brim and is reversible.
It is medium-crowned in order to cover welder’s ears and neck.
This is made with great forethought and there is no disappointment once you purchase. Comeaux is definitely an industry leader.
Comeaux Caps Reversible Welding Cap Cons
Make sure it’s what you want before you buy it. They do not have a return policy.
BSX Gear BC5B-BK Welding Beanie Pros
If you’re looking for power, then look no further than APH Alpha. Dishing out a whopping 200 amps and with a range of 100-220 V, this machine is one of the most flexible on the market.
Combine that with amazing arc stability, AC/DC capability and 60% duty cycle, and you get an excellent tool for even the finest of welds.
The machine can handle anything between 1/4’’ aluminum to 3/8’’ mild steel.
BSX Gear BC5B-BK Welding Beanie Cons
BSX Gear makes this cotton beanie for welders. It is made to fit many sizes. Be careful with washing it, as it may shrink. It is not a cap per se and so don’t expect any flaps.
Miller Genuine Arc Armor Ghost Skulls Welding Cap Pros
This Miller Cap comes right from another leader in welding industry. It’s made of 100% cotton and is breathable.
It has a low 6 ½” crown with a soft bill and can be reversed too. It is available in various sizes.
Combine that with amazing arc stability, AC/DC capability and 60% duty cycle, and you get an excellent tool for even the finest of welds.
The machine can handle anything between 1/4’’ aluminum to 3/8’’ mild steel.
Miller Genuine Arc Armor Ghost Skulls Welding Cap Cons
Make sure it’s what you want before you buy it. They do not have a return policy.
Features To Look For When Buying A Welding Cap
The cap also cushions your head from the uncomfortable parts of wearing a helmet.
To protect the eyes while welding, helmets with special tinted glass are used. While this is a safety measure in itself, a welding cap can further protect your head boiling in the metal container while also providing some cushioning.
Welding caps are also fire retardant and absorbent, helping to wick sweat away from your scalp and keep it from dripping into the eyes.
Also, welding caps are generally made of cotton, keep them light, comfortable and absorbent. The multiple-panel design makes them easy to fit, and even tuck in your hair if needed. A high-quality welding cap will also have a sweatband.
Flaps on the welding help protect not just your head, but also your neck down to the collar.
Having a cap may not be “required” safety equipment, but it’s definite a great addition to your gear in the field.
Welding Caps Alternatives
Don’t get carried away by the simplicity of a welding cap’s design. Baseball caps might be more “in” right now, but they’re not nearly as practical for a welder.
Traditionally, a welder’s cap was stitched by the mother or wife of a welder as a way to make sure their head and neck are covered against the sparks. Leftover fabric was used and multiple panels were stitched together. Even in commercially-produced designs, the multi-panel design remains prevalent.
With more stringent safety policies and norms, a welding cap is now usually made of pure cotton fabric to manage the heat.
Another option that people choose in place of a welding cap is a bandana. This piece of cloth is good to cover your head but cannot protect your ears.
While purchasing welding cap, keep the following points in mind. It is not complex.
How do you size a welding cap?
This chart may come in handy while picking a welding cap that fits you.
Size | Head Measurement (Inches) |
7 | 22" |
7 1/8 | 22 1/2" |
7 1/4 | 23" |
7 3/8 | 23 1/4" |
7 1/2 | 23 3/4" |
7 3/4 | 24 1/2" |
FAQs
What are welding caps for?
Welding caps help protect your head and neck from sparks that may come as a result of welding. They are alternatives to helmets if you want to do some light work.
Why do welders wear bandanas?
Welders wear bandanas as a lining to the helmet/cap that they wear so that when they sweat it will just get absorbed into the bandana. That way the sweat doesn't get in the way of work and also won't get the helmet/cap dirty.
Why do electricians wear welding caps?
Welders can use the brim to turn the cap to protect their ears and neck while welding. Additionally, the cap helps prevent sparks from striking their head/hair.
Conclusion
A welding cap is a great addition to your protective gear and can let you make an unusual fashion statement as well.
Don’t underestimate how much the use of flaps that cover various parts of the upper body can do to protect you.
If you are a welder who works on-field for longs hours, it’s always good to wear one of these caps. It definitely provides some additional security and comfort!