Best Cut Resistant Gloves

Cut resistant gloves are a type of protective glove designed to protect the wearer’s hands from cuts and lacerations. Cut-resistant gloves protect against accidents when using knives, blades, box cutters, saws, broken glass etc. They are commonly used in factories, warehouses, construction and other high-risk occupations. The level of cut protection varies based on the materials used and number of layers.

The material used to make cut-resistant gloves typically includes:

1. High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE): This is a type of synthetic fiber that is highly resistant to cutting, tearing, and abrasion. It’s also lightweight and comfortable to wear.

2. Kevlar: Kevlar is a type of aramid fiber that is used in various types of protective gear, including cut-resistant gloves. It’s five times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis, and it’s also flame-resistant.

3. Steel: In some cases, tiny threads of steel are woven into the glove’s fabric to make it more cut-resistant. This is often combined with other materials to increase flexibility and comfort.

4. Dyneema: Dyneema is a fiber that is 15 times stronger than steel on a weight-for-weight basis. It’s also highly resistant to moisture, UV light, and chemicals.

5. Glass fiber: This is often blended with other materials to create a high level of cut resistance.

6. Nitrile: Nitrile is a type of synthetic rubber that is resistant to cuts, punctures, and abrasions. It’s often used as a coating on the palm and fingers of the glove to provide a better grip.

It’s important to note that the design of the glove also plays a role in its cut resistance.

Here are some common situations when it’s recommended to wear cut resistant gloves:

• Working in industrial or manufacturing environments where there are risks of cuts from sharp metal edges, tools, machinery parts, etc. This includes working with things like sheet metal, aluminum cans, glass, etc.
• Jobs involving hand-held power tools like saws, grinders, pruners, knives that could slip and cause cuts.
• Food processing, meat cutting, fish processing, or other jobs involving manual cutting of foods.
• Working in warehouses where boxes, cans or other items may have sharp edges.
• Gardening, landscaping, brush clearing jobs using tools like pruners, loppers, hedge trimmers.
• Automotive repair work where hands may contact razor-sharp sheet metal or other edges.
• Glass handling and glassworking occupations.
• Working as a craftsperson with wood, metal, ceramics or other materials that could cause cuts.
• Cleaning jobs involving trash/waste handling or working around potentially sharp debris.
• Any situation where there is a risk of cuts from sharp objects like knives, blades, scrap metal, etc. during tasks like dismantling equipment.

So in general, cut resistant gloves should be worn as protective equipment anytime one’s hands may come into contact with sharp edges or tools where cut or laceration injuries are possible.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing cut resistant gloves:

• Application/Task – Consider what material or tools you’ll be working with and select gloves with a cut level appropriate to protect against those hazards.
• Cut Level – Look at the ASTM or EN certification level ranging from 1-5 based on the cutting test used. Higher levels withstand sharper blades.
• Hand Size – Measure your hands to get the right sized gloves for fit and dexterity. Too big or small reduces protection.
• Material – Consider grain, strength, dexterity needs. Leather or synthetic works for many tasks but Kevlar or steel inserts provide highest cut resistance.
• Coatings – Choose gloves with proprietary coatings that add abrasion and puncture resistance on top of cuts.
• Price – Consider your budget but don’t compromise on protection for cost. Cheaper gloves may not block sharp edges as well.

Choosing gloves tailored specifically to your job tasks and cut/puncture hazards will offer you the best hands protection.

Here are some good places for you to purchase cut resistant gloves:

• Safety supply retailers – Large chains like Grainger, McMaster-Carr, Amazon Industrial, etc. carry a wide selection of cut resistant gloves from various brands.
• Industrial safety stores – Stores specializing in PPE (personal protective equipment) often have knowledgeable staff to help pick the right gloves.
• Direct from manufacturer – Many glove brands sell direct on their websites. This can be a good option to see their full product lines.
• E-commerce marketplaces – Sites like Amazon, eBay, etc. aggregate new and used gloves from many sellers.

When purchasing, confirm the gloves meet the required ASTM or EN cut levels for your industry/task.