There's virtually no end to the number of tasks gloves can be used for. From raking and gardening to shoveling and carpentry, gloves keep your hands safe while enhancing comfort and providing a firm grip. Not all gloves, however, are suited to all tasks. Some are light and form-fitting for delicate tasks that require nimble fingers while others are rugged and tough for providing protection against sharp tools and coarse surfaces. More likely than not, you'll need more than one set of gloves for tackling different jobs. Consider the following questions to figure out the best types of gloves for the projects you undertake on a regular basis:
- What types of gloves are available?
- What materials are they made from?
- What applications can gloves be used for?
- What do they protect against?
- How can you ensure the best fit and sizing?
Types, Applications, Sizing and Safety
Gloves can be made from an incredible array of materials, including leather, latex, cotton, canvas, metal mesh and more. Each material has different properties and, while some can be used for a variety of different tasks, others are best suited to one specific application. Finding the right fit is important for a couple of reasons. Properly sized gloves provide greater dexterity than oversized, ill-fitting gloves and are more comfortable than gloves that are too small. Wearing the right size will also minimize the chances of blisters and other forms of skin irritation. If you're working with chemicals or pesticides, it's extremely important that you properly clean or dispose of your gloves afterward.
Types and Applications: Gloves can be use for a variety of household and home improvement tasks. Working in the yard, handling power tools, painting, installing insulation, gardening, shingling and HVAC work all require gloves and, in many cases, different types of gloves. All-leather gloves, for example, are well suited for construction and woodworking applications while lightweight cotton gloves are better for painting and gardening tasks. Generally speaking, gloves are made to protect against chemicals, abrasions, cuts or heat. Consult the following chart to learn more about the types of materials available and the applications they're best suited for:
Gloves can be made from an incredible array of materials, including leather, latex, cotton, canvas, metal mesh and more. Each material has different properties and, while some can be used for a variety of different tasks, others are best suited to one specific application. Finding the right fit is important for a couple of reasons. Properly sized gloves provide greater dexterity than oversized, ill-fitting gloves and are more comfortable than gloves that are too small. Wearing the right size will also minimize the chances of blisters and other forms of skin irritation. If you're working with chemicals or pesticides, it's extremely important that you properly clean or dispose of your gloves afterward.
Types and Applications: Gloves can be use for a variety of household and home improvement tasks. Working in the yard, handling power tools, painting, installing insulation, gardening, shingling and HVAC work all require gloves and, in many cases, different types of gloves. All-leather gloves, for example, are well suited for construction and woodworking applications while lightweight cotton gloves are better for painting and gardening tasks. Generally speaking, gloves are made to protect against chemicals, abrasions, cuts or heat. Consult the following chart to learn more about the types of materials available and the applications they're best suited for:
| Material | Applications | Points to Consider |
| Aluminized |
|
|
| Canvas |
|
|
| Cotton / Jersey / Fabric |
|
|
| Full Leather |
|
|
| Latex |
|
|
| Leather Palm |
|
|
| Metal Mesh |
|
|
| Rubber / PVC / Neoprene |
|
|
Sizing and Fit: Getting the right fit is essential for working in comfort. In many cases, however, that's easier said than done. Some manufacturers make unisex gloves that are modeled on men's hands, which tend to be somewhat broader and thicker, so keep this in mind when choosing your size. Glove sizes generally range from small to XXL, while some come only in a one-size-fits-all option. Thickness is measured in mils, with thinner gloves generally offering better dexterity and more flexibility and thicker gloves providing more protection.
- Poorly fitted gloves restrict motion and can cause muscle cramps, aches and blisters
- Gloves with seams across the palm are often more comfortable
- Gloves with seams across the back may provide a more exact fit
- Inside seams last longer but may rub or chafe your skin
- Outside seams are more comfortable but tend to wear out more quickly
Usage and Safety: When you're working with chemicals or pruning roses and other thorny plants, it's always a good idea to choose gloves with long cuffs to protect your forearms. Bear in mind that leather, cotton and canvas gloves are not particularly well suited to working with pesticides and other chemicals. While some types can be washed and reused, others will need to be thrown away. Always dispose of gloves properly after working with hazardous materials. Gloves that are covered with dangerous chemicals should be peeled off by turning them inside out so as to avoid exposing your skin to the chemicals as you remove them.
- When working with power tools, always make sure the power is off when you're done working
- Avoid wearing gloves when working with machines such as drill presses, lathes and grinders, as they can get caught and cause injury
- Tuck sleeves into gloves to prevent chemicals or abrasive liquids from contacting skin
- Replace gloves as soon as they become worn or frayed
Features
Rubber Dots: For better gripping ability, look for gloves that have rubber dots lining the palm and fingers.
Gel Inserts: Working with devices like chain saws, leaf blowers and other machines that constantly vibrate can leave your hands feeling numb and achy. Gloves with gel inserts absorb some of the shock of the vibration to help minimize these effects.
Lining: Glove liners can serve a number of purposes, ranging from providing protection when working with high-heat or electrical applications to absorbing perspiration.
Heating System: When you're working outside in cold weather, even heavy-duty gloves may not keep your hands warm enough. One innovative way to keep hands warm on cold days has been introduced in the form of a heating system that's powered by your own breath. By exhaling into a port located on back of the glove, warm air filters throughout the entire length of the glove, even to the tips of your fingers. A hydrophilic fiber absorbs the moisture to keep your hands dry.
Rubber Dots: For better gripping ability, look for gloves that have rubber dots lining the palm and fingers.
Gel Inserts: Working with devices like chain saws, leaf blowers and other machines that constantly vibrate can leave your hands feeling numb and achy. Gloves with gel inserts absorb some of the shock of the vibration to help minimize these effects.
Lining: Glove liners can serve a number of purposes, ranging from providing protection when working with high-heat or electrical applications to absorbing perspiration.
Heating System: When you're working outside in cold weather, even heavy-duty gloves may not keep your hands warm enough. One innovative way to keep hands warm on cold days has been introduced in the form of a heating system that's powered by your own breath. By exhaling into a port located on back of the glove, warm air filters throughout the entire length of the glove, even to the tips of your fingers. A hydrophilic fiber absorbs the moisture to keep your hands dry.
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