When you’re working with sharp objects, dangerous chemicals, rough materials and other hazards, it’s important to protect your hands.latex coated string knit gloves String knit gloves are a great choice because they provide comfortable, lightweight hand protection for general use. Many styles also have a durable coating on the palm and fingers to increase grip and glove longevity. This makes them perfect for assembly, light fabrication and general maintenance tasks.

There are several types of safety gloves, but the most versatile are string-knit gloves.latex coated string knit gloves These have a flexible fit that closely mirrors the human hand, making them more comfortable than cut-and-sewn styles. Some of these are coated with a material like latex or nitrile, while others have a polymer blend that provides both durability and comfort.

Choosing a pair of string knit gloves with a latex palm coating gives you the best combination of comfort, sensitivity and dexterity for most jobs. The palm coating is durable, and it offers good gripping strength even in wet or greasy conditions. This type of glove is also ideal for work requiring close handling of slippery materials because the latex won’t allow those substances to stick to the gloves.

Some of these work gloves have a natural rubber latex coating, which is very soft and flexible. It offers excellent gripping, but some people may be allergic to it. It also doesn’t have the chemical resistance of nitrile or polyurethane, so it’s not appropriate for industrial jobs that require protection from hazardous chemicals and liquids.

While nitrile and polyurethane gloves offer excellent puncture, tear and abrasion resistance, they aren’t as flexible as a string-knit glove. Nitrile is a good option for medical grade gloves that must be puncture resistant, but it’s not recommended for other applications. Polyurethane, on the other hand, is a good choice for general purpose gloves that can be used in a variety of applications.

A string-knit glove that is completely dipped in blue latex is an inexpensive option for protecting your hands from oil, dirt and grime. This style of glove is typically used for cleaning or maintenance tasks, handling certain kinds of machinery, equipment and tools, and rough materials like raw wood. It’s an economical alternative to more expensive gloves made with nitrile, polyurethane or other materials that are more durable but not as flexible or as soft.

Another option for keeping your hands safe is a protective face mask. These are available in a wide range of sizes, and they provide full coverage that keeps dust, debris, and other contaminants from getting into your eyes. They can be worn in conjunction with a respirator to reduce your exposure to airborne contaminants while you’re working. You can find these and other options for respiratory protection on our Face Masks page.