Which Industrial Gloves Are Worth Your Hands?
Picking the right gloves is not about guessing.
It’s about not losing a finger.
Seriously.
If your crew’s dealing with chemicals, sharp bits, or even that weird smell coming from the lunchroom fridge, you can’t mess around with cheap gloves.
You need the tough stuff.
The kind that keeps your hands safe without falling apart halfway through the job.
Let’s break it down.
What gloves to pick.
When to use them.
And why some are about as useful as a wet paper bag.
Nitrile Gloves: Built for the Messy Stuff
Oil. Grease. Solvents. Nitrile eats that stuff for breakfast.
Way stronger than latex. No allergy drama either.
If you need to stay clean while working dirty, go nitrile.
Best for:
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Car repairs
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Lab work
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Chemical handling
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Cleaning jobs that make you gag
Why it works:
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Tougher than your manager’s Monday meetings
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Resists punctures and rips
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Latex-free (no itchy hands)
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Comes in industrial thicknesses (5 to 8 mil)
Latex Gloves: When You Need to Feel Everything
Not emotionally.
We’re talking precision.
Latex gloves hug your hands like they owe you money. Great for fiddly stuff.
Best for:
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Food prep
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Cleanrooms
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Medical checks
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Quality inspections
Why it works:
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Super stretchy
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Feels like you’re wearing nothing (in a safe-for-work way)
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Ideal for long wear
Not great for:
- Chemical work
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People with latex allergies
Vinyl Gloves: Cheap and Cheerful
You won’t be building spaceships with these.
But for short, low-risk jobs? Perfect.
Best for:
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Serving food
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Cleaning tables
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Light inspections
Why it works:
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Low cost
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Latex-free
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Anti-static
Downsides:
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Tears easier than your nan watching a rom-com
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Loose fit
Reusable Gloves: Heavy Duty, No Nonsense
Not every glove is one-and-done.
Some jobs need the kind of gloves that can take a beating.
That’s where reusable gloves come in.
Types to look for:
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Cut-resistant (made with Kevlar or HPPE)
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Leather (classic, grippy, tough)
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Impact-resistant (extra padding where it counts)
Best for:
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Welding
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Glass work
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Metal grinding
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Rigging jobs
Pro tips:
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Check for ANSI and EN388 ratings
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Wash them
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Store them dry
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Stop using them when they look like a chewed-up shoe
Shop Reusable Gloves
Chemical-Resistant Gloves: No Surprises, No Burns
Some chemicals will chew through your hands like acid on toast.
Use the wrong glove, and you’ll find out the hard way.
Glove materials matter:
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Butyl = best for gases
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Neoprene = good for oils
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PVC = decent with mild acids
Best for:
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Hazmat handling
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Deep industrial cleaning
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Lab work where the labels have warning skulls
Always check the chemical compatibility chart before picking a pair.
Shop Chemical-Resistant Gloves
Match the Glove to the Job
Don’t guess. Get specific.
Mechanic?
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Go nitrile (7 mil+)
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Or cut-resistant if sharp edges are in play
Food prep?
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Vinyl or latex
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Powder-free
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FDA-approved
Working with chemicals?
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Nitrile or neoprene
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Right thickness matters
Construction?
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Leather or impact gloves
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Protect those knuckles
Warehouse?
- Cotton or nitrile-coated
- All-day comfort and grip
Sizing Tips So You Don’t Lose Feeling
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Measure the widest part of your palm in inches
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Disposable gloves = snug fit
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Reusable gloves = a bit looser
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Need splash protection? Look for extended cuffs
Storage and Shelf Life
Your gloves are not immortal.
Keep them cool, dry, and out of the sun.
Disposable gloves last 3 to 5 years.
After use:
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Toss disposables properly (no, not on the floor)
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Don’t reuse them (gross)
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Wash reusables based on the label
Why Buy From OneSource?
Because we don’t stock rubbish.
We’ve got what pros use:
- Bulk options
- Certified safety gear
- Gloves that don’t fall apart mid-job
Whether you need 100 pairs or 10,000, we’ll get them to you fast.
FAQs
Are nitrile gloves better than latex?
Yes, if you need chemical resistance and no risk of allergies.
What glove thickness is best for mechanics?
Look for nitrile gloves around 7 to 8 mil.
Can vinyl gloves be used for cleaning chemicals?
Only light cleaning. For heavy-duty chemicals, go nitrile or neoprene.
What are cut-resistant gloves made from?
Usually Kevlar, HPPE, or steel blends.
How do I know if a glove is chemical-resistant?
Check the manufacturer’s chemical compatibility guide. Different gloves work for different substances.
Can I reuse nitrile gloves?
No. Disposable nitrile gloves are one-time use only.
Do gloves expire?
Yes. Most disposables last 3 to 5 years if stored properly.
Right glove = safer hands.
Wrong glove = pain, complaints, and someone filling out a safety report.
Don’t guess.
Choose gloves that work for the job and protect your people.
