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Whether you are working in the garden, doing some DIY renovations around your home, work gloves can protect your most precious asset; your hands.
Hand-related injuries at our place of employment and home can be detrimental, not only to our health and quality of life, but they can be expensive. A pair of strong and comfortable work gloves can protect your hands from injuries such as cuts and abrasions from workshop and gardening tools, as well as chemical and electrical burns.
Sometimes we can be so consumed by our tasks or hobbies, we forget to think about hand-related safety. However, when you consider the sobering fact that60% of hand injuriescan be reduced by wearing work gloves, protecting your hands should be your No.1 priority at work and home.
If you just stop and put on some work gloves, you will dramatically reduce your risk of injury.
The 7 Best Work Gloves
- Pine Tree Tools Gardening Gloves
- Carhartt Men’s System 5 Work Gloves
- Mechanix Wear Material4X Original Work Gloves
- Wells Lamont PVC Coated Work Gloves
- G&F Products ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves (Our Top Pick)
- Bionic Rose Women’s Gardening Gloves
- NoCry Cut Resistant Work Gloves
Our Top Pick for the Best Work Gloves
Our top pick for the best work gloves is the G&F Products ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves.
These high-quality work gloves give you an excellent level of protection for a large range of home-based tasks. Whether you are fixing a tractor, cutting wood, or doing some DIY renovations around your property, the ATG MaxiFlex gloves will protect your hands, and give you the flexibility and dexterity you need, while also keeping your hands cool and comfortable.
How to Choose the Best Work Gloves
To be able to choose the right type of gloves that will suit your specific task, you need to identify the6most common types of hazards that are around your home.
Common Hazards
1. Chemical-related Tasks
If you are working with chemicals such as fertilizers, corrosives, acid, or commercial solvents, they can cause serious damage, such as burning or staining your skin, and they can have long-term effects on your health.
Gloves that have been designed for working with chemicals are made from specialized chemical-resistant material such as strongPVC rubber,which will protect your hands from coming into contact with harsh chemicals. As well as protecting your hands from chemical-related injuries, these types of gloves also have breathable liners that can keep your skin cool and comfortable in hot and uncomfortable conditions.
2. Gardening Tasks
Working in the garden can have a beneficial effect on our health. When we breathe in the fresh air and fragrances of the flowers, herbs, and rich earth, we can de-stress. However, the garden can be a dangerous place too.
There can be thorns and thistles and sharp branches that can cut our skin. Biting insects such as spiders and wasps may lurk in the undergrowth. A pair of thick and stronggardening glovescan protect our hands while we go about our gardening chores.
3. Kitchen-related Tasks
Working in the kitchen can expose us to a lot of hazards. Sharp instruments such as knives that are used for slicing and dicing can cut more than just vegetables and meat. Kitchen-based machinery can have cutting implements as well, which can accidentally cut off fingers or thumbs, or leave us with nasty, unsightly scars.
You can wear rubber gloves or choose gloves that have been specifically designed for kitchen use and offer you the highest level ofcut-resistant materialto protect your hands while you cook up a storm.
4. Working in Extreme Temperatures
These are hazards that can occur when your hands are exposed to extreme cold or extreme heat. You may have to work outdoors in the cold while you fix your snowblower or you may have to work with boiling water or oil.
Burns are one of the most painful injuries you can experience. So wearing gloves that have been designed to withstand extreme temperatures will protect your hands from being scalded by hot water or burns from hot oil or freezing ice.
5. Electrical Tasks
Other hazards can occur around your home such as electrical hazards, which can be caused by exposing your bare hands to “live wiring.”
As well as making sure you are safe when you need to work with electrical wiring by turning the electricity off, wearingglovesthat are designed to protect your hands against electrical burns, gives you that added protection for unforeseen circ*mstances.
6. Mechanical or Woodworking Tasks
If you prefer to fix your own car, make your own furniture in your workshop, or need to do some DIY work around your property, there are a wide range of hazards that can cause serious damage to your hands.
As well as chemical solvents or cleaning agents that can burn the skin or leave unsightly stains, there are sharp cutting tools such as chainsaws and even a hammer drill that can cause serious cuts.
Wearing work gloves may be the last thing on your mind when you have an important repair job or renovation to consider. However, protecting your hands should be non-negotiable. Not wearing proper work gloves can lead to injuries that will need more than a band-aid to fix.
Once you have identified the most common tasks that you perform around your home, you need to choose the right type of glove material that best suits your task or tasks.
Material to Choose
Work gloves can be made from leather, fabric, PVC rubber, or specially designed materials such asMicro-Foam Nitrile. Not all work gloves are suited for all tasks, so choose your work gloves carefully.
1. Leather
Leatherwork gloves can be made from thick cow-hide, pig, or deerskin, and they provide very good protection against cuts and abrasions and can withstand very cold temperatures.
Some work gloves such as theMechanix Wear Material4X Original Work Gloves are constructed from a dense core fiber that is wrapped with polyester and stretchy spandex fibers. This material provides superior protection but still maintains the strength and suppleness of real leather.
Leather glovesare very versatile and they are ideal for most manual tasks such as household maintenance, fixing machinery, woodworking, or gardening. As the leather is strong and durable, it is designed to protect your hands from being damaged by rough surfaces and sharp objects. If the gloves have an insulated liner, they can also be useful if you are working with electrical power.
The only downside of wearing leather gloves is that the material may be too thick to give you a high level of dexterity, but overall, they give you very good protection and comfort.
2. Fabric Gloves
Fabric gloves are made from thick cotton blends or synthetic materials and they have heavy-duty insulation such asNomex or Kevlar, which has a high resistance to heat and cold and are flame-resistant.
These types of gloves can also be ideal for working in the kitchen, when you have to carry hot oven dishes or utensils, or when you need to handle ice. Fabric gloves are also useful for handling slippery material because of their ability to increase your grip and they provide a good level of dexterity.
3. PVC Rubber
A PVC glove is also known as a rubber glove. PVC is a strong waterproof material that can safeguard your skin from being damaged by chemical burns and commercial solvents, which not only burn the skin but can also cause skin irritations.
PVC gloves give you a high level of protection against infectious agents and scratches, abrasions, and cuts. Work gloves that are made from PVC can also give your hands a good level of protection in boiling water. And if they have a cotton fleece lining, they can keep your hands warm in cold conditions.
4. Nitrile
If you have sensitive skin, or you have a sensitivity to latex, Nitrile is a great alternative to the disposable latex glove. It is similar in texture and weight to a latex glove and can provide you the same biohazard protection as a latex glove without having to worry about the threat of an allergic reaction. Micro-Foam Nitrile is a 100% silicone-free material that is compatible with light oils and provides excellent abrasion resistance.
Some work gloves that are made fromNitrilehave extra features such as a micro-cup finish and innovative knitted technology that produces smooth and rounded fingertips. These extra features improve finger sensitivity to help you maintain a firm grip on your work tools.
Nitrile work gloves are ideal for a large range of tasks from electrical tasks to working with wood and metal. However, they may not give you enough dexterity for handling small mechanical parts.
5. Combination of Polyethylene, Glass Fibers, and Spandex
If you need to work with sharp cutting instruments, especially in the kitchen, work gloves that are made out of a combination of polyethylene, glass fibers, and Spandex can give you a superior level of protection against accidental scrapes or cuts.
Work gloves that are made out of this material, which is four times stronger than leather, have a high safety rating ofEN388 level 5 cut resistance. So you can safely prepare your favorite meal, knowing that these gloves will help your hands stay injury-free.
As well as knowing the different types of hazards that you may face around your home, and the different types of material that work gloves are made from, you also need to consider the level of flexibility and padding the gloves can provide.
Flexibility
As well as protecting your hands against cuts, abrasions, burns, and hot and cold temperatures, work gloves have to fit well and be flexible, especially by your finger joints. If you are working in the garden, pruning back an unruly raspberry bush, or handling mechanical tools, you need a material that allows your fingers to move freely, so that you can easily grasp and manipulate tools.
Although thick leather provides excellent protection, it may not be the best choice for working with small tools. It also may not give you the flexibility to bend your fingers or close your hand.
Padding & Protection
Padding is another important feature to look for especially in the palm and finger areas. The padding can provide long-term durability, protect your knuckles from getting bashed on hard surfaces or sharp edges, and can give you a very good level of comfortability if you have to lean against a branch while you are pruning a tree.
Extra-long gauntlet cuffs provide protection for your forearms against scratches from thorns and can stop your clothing from getting torn on jagged branches.
7 Best Work Gloves – Reviews
1.Pine Tree Tools Gardening Gloves
You may find yourself fighting pandas over them. However, you will not have to worry about getting your hands scratched or cut while you are out gardening in the yard or fishing at your favorite watering hole. These super comfortablePine Tree Tools Gardening Gloves will fit like a second skin and will protect your hands.
The work gloves are made from bamboo, a naturally sourced material that is hypo-allergenic, so these gloves are ideal for people with sensitive skin.
Bamboo is more absorbent than cotton or other synthetic fabrics, so the material will absorb perspiration and keep your hands cool while you work. The seamless gloves are very flexible and provide a strong grip, which makes them the ideal choice for hand protection while you prune your fruit trees, trim bushes, or complete other kinds of garden maintenance.
The gloves can be worn by men or women and they come in a smart green and black design and are available in 5 sizes: small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Ideal for light tasks
- Good quality
- Made from eco-friendly bamboo
- Strong
- Breathable
- Snug fit
- Very good grip
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Not ideal for working with sharp objects
2. Carhartt Men’s System 5 Work Gloves
Whether you need to work out in your yard or perform some maintenance on gardening equipment, the Carhartt Men’s System 5 Work Gloves are built to take on just about any type of job. The cotton/polyester outer construction is thick but allows for good dexterity in the fingers and the durable cotton duck shell keeps your hands comfortable and warm.
If you need to work with rough materials such as wood or steel, the synthetic leather palms are reinforced with suede cowhide palm patches and the synthetic leather knuckles protect your hands from cuts or abrasions. The easy-on safety cuff fits comfortably over your clothing for a snug fit.
The brown color looks smart, and the gloves are available in 5 sizes: small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Thick cotton/polyester outer construction
- Good dexterity
- Comfortable
- Cotton duck shell keeps hands warm
- Synthetic leather palms are reinforced with suede cowhide palm patches
- Synthetic leather knuckles
- Easy-on safety cuff
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
3. Mechanix Wear Material4X Original Work Gloves
If you need to complete some DIY renovations around your property, these strongMechanix Wear Material4X Original Work Glovescan protect your hands even in the toughest working conditions.
Mechanix Wear has constructed these high-quality work gloves from dense core fiber that is wrapped with polyester and stretchy spandex fibers. This material was designed as an alternative to natural leather, but it still maintains the strength of real supple leather.
Whether you are laying copper pipes or handling wood, the Material4X microfiber and the reinforced panels provide an extra level of durability and make the gloves highly resistant to tearing and abrasions.
As well as giving you an excellent level of protection and flexibility, the seamless material conforms to the shape of your hands, and the thermoplastic rubber closure that has loops and hooks provides a secure fit to your wrist.
If you need to work in a hot environment, the form-fitting TrekDry material will keep your hands cool and perspiration-free. The Mechanix gloves have been subjected to rigorous testing in commercial conditions, so you can be assured that they can measure up to almost any kind of challenge.
Aside from their high-quality construction and superior level of protection, the gloves are machine washable, and the material will not harden or retain moisture when exposed to water, oil, or solvents. The gloves have a very stylish tan and black design with the Mechanix logo on the top of the gloves and they come in 5 sizes: small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large.
For those ladies who prefer a more attractive color, Mechanix also supplies work gloves that come in ahot pink and black design.
Pros
- High-quality synthetic leather construction
- Innovative design
- Very good level of protection
- Durable
- Snug fit
- Breathable
- Comfortable
- Good grip
Cons
- Stitching can come away on the fingers
- Not ideal for working with sharp or jagged material
4. Wells Lamont PVC Coated Work Gloves
If you have to work with dangerous chemicals such as gasoline, fuel oils, fertilizer, alkalies, and non-acidic chemicals, the bright blueWells Lamont PVC Coated Work Gloves with gauntlet cuff are a great choice for both men and women.
The Lamont gloves are made from tough and flexible synthetic rubber material with a heavy-duty PVC coating, which gives the gloves an excellent resistance to harsh chemicals, cuts, and abrasions, and can give your hands a good level of protection in hot water.
The 100% seamless cotton fleece lining and the pre-curved design make for a comfortable fit and keeps your hands warm in cold conditions. If you need to work in wet conditions, the gloves are waterproof, and the rough areas on the palm and fingers give you that much-needed grip when you need it.
To protect you from any splashback from chemicals the 12-inch gauntlet cuff extends protection past your wrist. The only downside of these PVC gloves is that they are only available in one large size, so people who have small hands may find that the gloves restrict movement in their fingers.
Pros
- Good quality
- Very good level of protection against chemicals
- Strong and durable PVC rubber
- Waterproof
- Can withstand boiling water
- Provides a good grip
- Long gauntlet cuff
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Lining can make your hands sweat
- Only one size available
- Poor flame resistance
5. G&F Products ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves
TheG&F Products ATG MaxiFlex Work Glovesare a premium lightweight pair of breathable gloves that are designed to provide an excellent level of protection and comfort.
If you are fixing garden machinery, or need to do some painting around your property, your hands will stay safe and secure as the patented black Micro-Foam Nitrile 100% silicone-free material is compatible with light oils and has excellent abrasion resistance.
The micro-cup finish and innovative knitted technology produce smooth and rounded fingertips, which improves finger sensitivity to give you superior flexibility and a firm grip for holding work tools. The knitted wrists will stop any dirt or debris from getting stuck inside the glove.
If you have to work in hot weather, the 15 gauge seamless knit nylon and Lycra liner have 360° breathability, which will keep your hands cool and comfortable. If you have sensitive skin, you can wear these gloves without having to worry about skin irritations as the gloves have been evaluated and certified by The Oeko-Tex® Association as being skin safe, and The Skin Health Alliance has awarded professional dermatological accreditation.
These super-strong gloves are also lightweight and fit snugly, so they do not even feel like you are wearing gloves.
With a high level of protection and good dexterity, the MaxiFlex gloves are of excellent value and can be used for almost any kind of task in and around your home. The ATG MaxiFlex gloves come in a smart black/gray design and are available in S-XL.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- High level of protection
- Durable
- Designed with specially patented Nitrile material
- Ideal for mechanical, woodwork, metalwork, and electrical tasks
- Great high dexterity work gloves
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Available in S-XL sizes
Cons
- Not flexible enough for detailed mechanical work
- Not ideal for people with large hands
6. Bionic Rose Women’s Gardening Gloves
If you love to work in the garden, pruning rose bushes, or re-designing your flower beds, theseBionic Rose Women’s Gardening Glovesare designed with a woman in mind and offer you a superior level of protection while you trim your garden into perfection.
The gloves are made from 100% thick Cabretta leather which stretches to fit your hands, and the ergonomic pads relieve any pressure while you are reaching up to prune or shear unruly bushes or trees.
You do not have to worry about being scratched by sharp thorns or having your sleeves torn as the extra-long gauntlet cuff protects your forearms.
The Bionic Rose gloves have been designed by an orthopedic hand specialist, so they will feel comfortable and also give you a good level of flexibility, while the reinforced thumbs help you maintain a good, secure grip on your gardening tools.
These durable gloves look very stylish with a pretty black, red, and white design, and they come in small, medium, large, and x-large sizes, and they are machine washable.
The gloves do run true to their advertised sizes, but if you have large hands, it is recommended that you order a larger size.
Pros
- Very good value for money
- High quality
- Very good level of protection
- Flexible
- Thick and sturdy 100% leather
- Good fit
- Attractive design
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty gardening tasks
7. NoCry Cut Resistant Work Gloves
TheseNoCry Cut Resistant Work Glovesprovide excellent protection against nasty cuts from sharp instruments, so they are ideal for working in the kitchen.
The gloves have a high safety rating of EN388 level 5 as they are made from the highest level of cut-resistant material on the market, which is a combination of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, glass fibers, and Spandex, which is four times stronger than leather.
Whether you are cutting through vegetables or a rack of lamb, the gloves are very lightweight and the material stretches to give you a good fit, a superior grip, and good dexterity.
The NoCry gloves are 100% safe to use around food and they are easy to clean as you can just put them into the washing machine. As the gloves are ambidextrous, you do not have to remember which one is left or right, and they are available in small, medium, large and extra-large sizes.
Pros
- Very good quality
- Lightweight
- Highest level of cut-resistant material
- Great design
- Snug fit
- 100% food safe
- Machine washable
Cons
- Material can stretch out of shape
- Not ideal for working with heavy-duty cutting instruments
Our Top Pick for the Best Work Gloves
Our top pick for the best work gloves is the G&F Products ATG MaxiFlex Work Gloves.
These high-quality work gloves give you an excellent level of protection for a large range of home-based tasks. Whether you are fixing a tractor, cutting wood, or doing some DIY renovations around your property, the ATG MaxiFlex gloves will protect your hands, and give you the flexibility and dexterity you need, while also keeping your hands cool and comfortable.
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