Work and Disposable Gloves

Choose the glove by the hazard

Pick the protection first, then the size. Disposable nitrile gloves resist oils and many cleaning chemicals; thickness is given in mil, where one mil is a thousandth of an inch, and 4 to 5 mil suits general tasks. Cut-resistant gloves use the ANSI cut scale, where A6 is a high level for blades and sheet metal. Heat gloves list a maximum temperature, so check whether it is for brief contact or continuous use.

Chemical and puncture ratings are listed separately, so a glove strong against cuts may not resist solvents or hot surfaces. If a task has more than one hazard, such as handling sharp parts with oil on them, look for the combination in the title, and treat any rating as applying only to the use the maker names. Food-safe labeling matters if the gloves will touch food.

Sizing, care and electronics work

Sizes run from small to extra large, and numeric sizes such as 8 follow a different scale, so check the chart. A glove that is too loose reduces grip, and one that is too tight tears or tires the hand. Disposable gloves are single use, while reusable ones can be hand-washed or wiped, depending on the label.

For assembling PCs, antistatic gloves in nylon with conductive threads help protect sensitive parts from static discharge and keep fingerprints off boards and cooler surfaces. Powder-free versions leave fewer particles behind. Latex can cause allergies, so people sensitive to it should choose nitrile or another latex-free material, and anyone with long fingernails should size up slightly so thin gloves do not tear at the fingertips.

Questions about Work and Disposable Gloves

Nitrile or latex gloves: which is better?

Nitrile resists oils and many chemicals and avoids latex allergies, so it suits most garage and cleaning jobs. Latex is stretchier and more sensitive to the touch but can trigger reactions in some people.

What does ANSI A6 mean on a glove?

It is a cut-resistance level on the ANSI scale, where higher numbers resist heavier blade force. A6 is high protection. It does not cover heat, puncture or chemical resistance, which are rated separately.

Are oven mitts the same as heat-resistant gloves?

Not always. Oven mitts are made for brief contact with hot cookware, while industrial heat gloves list a rated temperature. Compare the stated maximum before using one for hot parts.