Why Do You Need A Welding Cap?

Welding caps may look a little wacky and perhaps don’t go with what you’re wearing but they do a great job of protecting your head and ears when you’re welding. Not just for welders, boilermakers and iron fitters also wear them.

A welding cap can protect your head, ears, and neck from fiery sparks which could end up causing damage to your ear canal, scalp, eyes, or neck even when you’re wearing protective glasses. So let’s take a closer look at how they’re designed to give you the protection you need.

Function over style

Sometimes these caps can look quite cool and non-welders may even choose to wear them. If you see a welder with flaps on the side of his cap, it’s more about protecting his ears from the heat and UV rays which are created from the welding arc than it is about being a trendsetter. Did you know that welders in hot working conditions are also more likely to lose their hair faster? Wearing a welding cap may stop you from going bald 🙂

The cap is also designed to cushion the head from the uncomfortable parts of wearing a helmet. Helmets with specially tinted glasses are for eye protection when welding and while this on its own is a safety measure, a welding cap also prevents your head from boiling in the metal container and provides extra cushioning.

Welding caps are also absorbent and fire retardant, wicking away any sweat from the scalp and preventing it from dripping into your eyes. Generally welding caps are made from cotton which keeps them lightweight, absorbent, and comfortable. A high quality welding cap will have a sweatband while the multi panel design makes for a better fit and even allows you to tuck in your hair if needs be. Flaps don’t just protect your head but also protect your neck right down to your collar.

Although a welding cap may not be ‘required’ it’s a great addition for anyone who does a lot of welding.

Here are some things to look for when buying a welding cap:

• It should be made from cotton

• The more panels, the better, as it moulds to the shape of your head more easily

• Should be made from double thickness of material to be stronger

• An extra strip should be there to protect your forehead and ears. This also absorbs any sweat and stops it dripping down

• The cap should cover your neck

• Any stitching should be in cotton too since other materials burn more easily

Never under-estimate the amount of protection the flaps provide to the upper parts of your body.

If you work for long periods of time welding, then it’s a good idea to wear a welder’s cap for additional security and comfort.