Get a Grip: How to Choose the Right Work Glove for the Job

When it comes to safety on the job, gloves aren’t just accessories—they’re essential equipment. The right pair of gloves protects your hands from cuts, burns, impact, and exposure to chemicals. The wrong pair? That’s an injury waiting to happen.

At Brasco Safety, we believe your gear should work as hard as you do. That’s why we stock a wide range of high-performance hand protection—from general-purpose gloves to specialty options for hazardous environments. Whether you’re in construction, industrial maintenance, oil & gas, or electrical work, here’s your complete guide to choosing the right work glove for the job.

Why Glove Selection Matters

Industry data consistently shows that improper glove use is a major contributor to preventable hand injuries. That’s why choosing gloves based on the right cut level, grip, and protection matters.

The truth is: no single glove does it all. That’s why knowing how to match glove features with job hazards is key.

Step 1: Understand the Hazards

Before you even start shopping, ask yourself:

• Am I handling sharp objects?
  
• Will I be exposed to oils, chemicals, or grease?
  
• Do I need protection from impacts or abrasions?
  
• Will I be working in hot, cold, or wet environments?
  

Once you identify the primary hazards, you’re ready to choose a glove designed to combat them.

Step 2: Know the Glove Types (and When to Use Them)

1. Cut-Resistant Gloves

Use for: Sheet metal work, glass handling, sharp tools, and general construction
Cut injuries are among the most common workplace incidents. Look for gloves with ANSI Cut Level ratings (A1–A9) to match your risk level.

🚨 Brasco Pick: Ironclad Command™ A6 FN Impact

2. Impact-Resistant Gloves

Use for: Demolition, heavy equipment handling, oil & gas, rig work
These gloves include thermoplastic rubber (TPR) padding to absorb and deflect impacts.

🚨 Brasco Pick: Watson Gloves 547TPR Van Goat

3. Nitrile-Coated Gloves

Use for: Automotive, assembly, light maintenance, wet or oily conditions
These gloves offer excellent grip, oil resistance, and chemical protection without sacrificing dexterity.

🚨 Brasco Pick: Bob Dale ¾ Nitrile Coated 15 ga. Nylon/Spandex

4. Leather Gloves

Use for: Welding, construction, general purpose
Leather gloves are great for heat resistance and abrasion protection. Ideal for rough, dry conditions.

🚨 Brasco Pick: Stout® NT-0917 Driver Series Summer

5. Disposable or Light-Duty Gloves

Use for: Janitorial, food processing, or short-duration use where protection from chemicals is needed
Not suitable for mechanical hazards but offer barrier protection.

🚨 Brasco Pick: Ironclad CLEANFIT® 6MIL Orange

Step 3: Get the Fit Right

A glove that doesn’t fit won’t protect properly. Too loose, and you’ll lose grip or risk snagging. Too tight, and circulation suffers, reducing dexterity.

How to Measure Your Glove Size:

1. Width: measure the circumference of your hand at the knuckles (excluding the thumb).
2. Length: measure your hand from the base to the tip of your middle finger.

Need help? Visit us in-store or give us a call—our team is happy to walk you through glove fitting.

Step 4: Look for Certifications

Make sure your gloves meet the right standards for your worksite:

• ANSI/ISEA 105 for cut, puncture and impact resistance
  
• EN 388 for mechanical risks
  
• ASTM standards for chemical exposure and heat resistance
  

Every product on the Brasco website includes clear information on safety certifications, so you can shop with confidence.

Bonus Tip: Take Care of Your Gloves

Don’t toss them in your truck bed and forget them. A little maintenance = a lot more life.

• Shake out debris daily
  
• Wash according to manufacturer guidelines
  
• Store in a cool, dry place
  

Some cut-resistant gloves are even machine-washable—check the tag!

Final Word: Don’t Settle for “Good Enough”

The right glove does more than protect—it helps you work better. At Brasco, we carry a curated line of gloves that are field-tested, worker-approved, and built for real-world conditions.

So before your next shift, ask yourself: are your gloves built to handle your work?

👉 Browse All Hand Protection