Shopping for gloves can feel overwhelming with so many options to choose from. It’s tough to figure out which one’s best for the job! But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! We've broken down the different types of gloves available and their ideal uses to help make your shopping experience a breeze. Let’s simplify it and find the perfect pair for you!
Cotton or Fabric Gloves:
These lightweight gloves are breathable and serve as a protective barrier between the skin and tools or materials. They're commonly used in environments like assembly lines or warehouses to help prevent minor cuts and abrasions. Cotton gloves can also be worn as liners under heavier gloves to add warmth.
Coated Fabric Gloves:
Often used for general tasks such as warehouse work, construction, or gardening, these gloves offer enhanced resistance to cuts, punctures, and certain chemicals compared to basic fabric gloves. Common coatings include latex, nitrile, polyurethane, and PVC, which provide added durability. However, some coatings may lose flexibility in colder weather.
Nitrile Gloves:
Nitrile gloves are primarily found in healthcare and laboratory settings due to their ability to protect against a variety of hazardous substances, such as biohazards, chemicals, oils, and solvents. They're form-fitting and provide excellent dexterity, although they offer limited protection against sharp or abrasive objects.
Leather Gloves:
Durable and tough, leather gloves provide excellent protection against sharp objects and offer a good grip. They're also resistant to sparks and can withstand moderate heat, making them ideal for tasks like welding or general manual labor. With proper care, leather gloves are long-lasting, though excessive heat can cause them to dry out and become stiff.
Aluminized Gloves:
These gloves are built to withstand extreme temperatures and are ideal for tasks such as welding, working in foundries, or handling items in high-heat environments. The aluminized material reflects heat and insulates the hands, providing protection up to 2,000°F.
Kevlar Gloves:
Known for their high resistance to cuts and abrasions, Kevlar gloves are commonly used in industries that require protection from sharp tools, knives, or other hazardous items. They are favored by workers in fields like welding, fabricating, and food processing for their protective properties.
Puncture-Resistant Gloves:
These gloves are designed to resist penetration by sharp objects like knives, needles, or glass. They're ideal for industries like construction, automotive, or material handling, where workers frequently encounter dangerous, pointed objects.
Impact-Resistant & Vibration-Resistant Gloves:
Impact-resistant gloves are necessary for jobs involving heavy machinery or frequent use of tools like grinders and jackhammers. These gloves also reduce vibration, offering comfort and protection for those working with power tools in industries such as construction, automotive, and landscaping.
Chemical & Liquid-Resistant Gloves:
These gloves are essential for preventing skin exposure to hazardous chemicals, which can cause immediate or long-term health issues. It's important to choose gloves specifically designed for the types of chemicals being handled to ensure safety.
Butyl Rubber Gloves:
Butyl rubber gloves provide superior protection against a wide range of chemicals, including acids, solvents, and peroxides. They're often used in environments where workers are exposed to harsh substances, such as laboratories or chemical plants, and offer excellent resistance to water and steam.
Natural Latex Gloves:
Latex gloves are commonly used for light-duty protection against water-based chemicals like cleaners and detergents. They're a staple in healthcare settings, including hospitals and dental clinics, as well as in cleaning and laboratory environments, due to their flexibility and comfort.
Neoprene Gloves:
These gloves are well-suited for handling chemicals such as acids, alcohols, and hydrocarbons. They are frequently used in industrial settings like oil refineries, printing, and chemical processing, as well as in HVAC tasks, providing both chemical resistance and physical protection for the hands.