Your hands are one of the most important tools you have. As a worker, protecting your hands should be a top priority. The right pair of work gloves can help prevent injuries and allow you to work safely and efficiently. Tips for choosing the best work gloves will be provided in this guide.
What to Look for in Work Gloves
When shopping for work gloves, here are some key factors to consider:
Materials
– Leather – Durable and protective. Provides good dexterity. Popular for construction and welding.
– Cotton – Breathable and comfortable. Used for light-duty tasks.
– Synthetic materials like nylon or Kevlar – Cut-resistant. Good for handling sharp objects.
– Rubber or latex – Waterproof. Used for wet conditions.
Features
– Wrist closure – Elastic, velcro, or snap closures secure the gloves.
– Padding – Extra foam or rubber padding protects from impact. Important for heavy lifting.
– Thermal lining – Insulates hands from heat or cold. Essential for extreme temperatures.
– Grip dots – Rubber grip dots improve dexterity. Helpful for oily or slippery tasks.
– Touchscreen compatible fingertips – Allow use of touchscreen devices while wearing gloves.
Fit
– Measure your dominant hand and compare it to size charts. Proper fit is key for protection and flexibility.
– Try on different sizes and brands. Everyone’s hands are slightly different.
– Fingers should reach the end without being too tight or loose.
– Long cuffs help seal out debris.
Types of Work Gloves
There are many specialty gloves designed for different occupations. Ogrifox.com is best place where you can get best and reliable gloves.
Construction Gloves
They are designed to protect against abrasions, cuts, vibrations, and impacts. Features like thermoplastic rubber guard the knuckles against debris. Leather palms and fingertips improve grip on tools. Great for carpenters, masons, and demolition crews.
Welding Gloves
Provide heat resistance up to 1400°F. They are made from insulating materials like tanned leather. Often have extended-length gauntlet cuffs. Help welders handle hot metals and avoid burns.
Mechanic’s Gloves
They are made to improve grip and protect hands around sharp parts or hot engines. Usually, a tactile synthetic leather palm with a cotton back. It allows flexibility while preventing oil and grease stains.
Gloves that are chemically resistant
Defend against liquids and oils that are caustic, toxic, or solvent-based. It is made from rubber, neoprene, or other waterproof materials and used by janitors, chemical plant workers, and biohazard clean-up crews.
Cold Weather Work Gloves
Insulate hands in freezing temps while still allowing freedom of movement. Feature thick thermal lining and water-resistant exterior. Helpful for construction, agriculture, oil rig, and mining work in cold climates.
Cut Resistant Gloves
Using high-performance fibers like Kevlar or Dyneema, these gloves resist cuts from blades and sharp objects. Different levels are available for light to maximum cut protection. They are used for glass handling, metal fabrication, carpentry, and food prep.
Disposable Gloves
They are made from latex, nitrile, vinyl, or other single-use materials. Help workers avoid transferring or contracting germs, chemicals, or bodily fluids. Common in medicine, food service, janitorial, salon, and manufacturing settings.
Key Brands
There are many reputable work glove manufacturers. Here are some top brands to look for:
– Ansell – Specializing in cut, chemical, and thermal protection. High-quality materials.
– Wells Lamont – Affordable gloves for construction, welding, and landscaping. Known for durability.
– Mechanix Wear – Innovative tactile gloves. Great for automotive and maintenance.
– Ironclad – Tough construction gloves. Offer advanced impact protection.
– Maxiflex – Nitrile disposable gloves. Comfortable with a precise fit.
– Carolina Glove – Wide range of styles including cotton, leather, and hi-vis.
– Made in the USA by West Chester Protective Gear. FR and arc flash gloves, plus winter gloves.
– MCR Safety – EN-certified cut and thermal-resistant gloves.
Proper Care and Replacement
Taking care of your gloves helps them last longer:
– Inspect for defects before each use.
– Wash the fabric and leather gloves regularly with mild soap.
– Allow gloves to air dry between uses fully.
– Repair minor rips with glove glue or patches.
– Toss out gloves with holes, tears, or irreparable damage.
– Replace disposable gloves frequently.
– Have multiple pairs in rotation.
– Follow manufacturer guidelines on retirement.
Take your time with worn-out gloves. Replacing them regularly helps keep your hands safe on the job.
Conclusion
Choosing the right work gloves for your profession helps prevent debilitating hand injuries. Look for styles suited to your industry with protection features while maintaining dexterity and grip. Quality materials and proper fit are also important. Brands like Ansell, Mechanix Wear, and Ironclad are known for their durable and innovative gloves. Take proper care of your gloves and replace them regularly. A worker’s hands should be protected at all times. This guide lets you choose the best gloves for your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the main benefits of wearing gloves?
A. Wearing proper gloves prevents injuries to your hands from cuts, abrasions, burns, vibration, and impacts. You can also grip tools and materials better with their help. The purpose of gloves is to keep your hands safe and productive while you are working.
Q. Do need to be replaced every so often?
A. Replace gloves immediately if they show signs of tears, holes, or irreparable damage. Also, regularly replace gloves exposed to chemicals, extreme heat, or other degrading elements. Disposable gloves should be replaced frequently, following usage guidelines.
Q. How tight should it’s fit?
A. You should be able to move freely while wearing gloves. Your fingers should reach the end and move freely without feeling loose in the glove. The right fit enhances skill and safety.
Q. Can touchscreen devices be operated?
A. Yes, many work glove manufacturers now make styles with touchscreen-compatible fingertips. This enables using phones and tablets without removing gloves in cold weather. Look for touchscreen capability specifically called out.
Q. Should you use different gloves for the left and right hand?
A. Not necessarily. Most quality gloves are ambidextrous with no specific left or right-hand design. The exception may be gloves with unique safety features tailored to a particular hand.
Q. What’s the difference between cut-resistant and cut-proof gloves?
A. No glove offers complete cut-proofing. Cut-resistant gloves use strong materials like Kevlar, which provide high cut protection but cannot guarantee to stop all cuts entirely.
Q. How should you clean it?
A. Leather and fabric gloves can be hand-washed and air-dried. Use mild soap and water, then allow to dry before the next use fully. Disposable and rubber gloves should be replaced. Never use harsh chemicals which may degrade materials.
Q. What are EN-certified work gloves?
A. EN-certified gloves meet standards from the European Committee for Standardization for safety equipment like protective gloves. EN388 tests cut resistance. EN407 certifies heat protection levels. EN12477 for welding gloves.
Q. Do work gloves have expiration dates?
A. Like all safety gear, gloves have limited lifetimes. Leather and fabric gloves may last 1-2 years with proper care. Rubber and chemical gloves expire faster, some in less than a year. Check manufacturer guidelines and inspect regularly for signs of aging.