A Guide to Cut Resistant Glove Levels

Posted on by The Glove Guru

This is a quick guide to selecting Cut Resistant Glove Levels with a bit more to help you in selecting the right Cut Resistant Glove for your specific needs or work.

Cut Resistant Gloves are commonly used and required for food handling and food processing, manufacturing, and the trade industries to industrial operations such as mining and quarrying. After all, it’s all about safety issues and PPE – Personal Protective Equipment (OSHA) requirements.

I prepared this guide and created a nice chart to minimize any confusion and help our customers in their glove selection. This is because it was only a few years ago that cut resistant gloves only had Five (5) levels of cut resistance standards as required by ANSI. (American National Standards Institute which establishes safety requirements in the USA).

Today, there are Nine (9) levels of cut resistance due to the tremendous advancements in glove material technology. For example, the previous highest level of cut resistance was an A5 which equaled a test up to 3,500 grams. Today, the high cut hazard standard is an A9 which equated to a test up to 6,000 grams. This almost double test of cut weight clearly demonstrates the new advancements in cut resistant gloves.  

Therefore, the new ANSI/ISEA 105 Standard (2016 ed.) includes Cut Level Scores from A1 to A9. The changes include new classifications levels which includes a new scale to determine cut score (commonly referred to as the ANSI cut score), and a revised method for testing gloves to the standard.

I would like to note that we presently do not offer any gloves among the 48 different models that we feature above an A6 rating since I have not been pleased with the dexterity of the higher cut rating models available today. For example, I recently tested a nice thin A9 coated model, but it was too stiff and did not offer the dexterity and flexibility that most users would desire and need for more intricate work. In any case, the A4 models and A5 models have done a nice job all these years offering Medium to Heavy Cut Hazards Levels up to 2,200-gram weight tests.

On that note, I will continue to test newer models and if and when I see a suitable model with those very high cut scores, I will let you know.

ANSI 105 Standard Testing

I will not go into discussing the rigorous straight blade testing methods for brevity here since I believe our glove users are more interested in the actual glove performance rather than how they are tested, so I will leave this topic up to the glove testing gurus at ANSI.

Types of Cut Resistant Gloves

Today, there are many types of cut resistant gloves that offer various types of specific attributes.

These types vary from the cut-proof Stainless Steel Metal Mesh models popular with butcher’s and in food processing operations to simple thin flexible coated knit work gloves that are the most popular. We offer models that are Touch Screen compatible as well as Heat Resistant versions and cut-resistant glove models with added impact resistant features.

Cut Resistant-Glove Attributes

As I mentioned, we offer over 48 different cut resistant glove models so I will not cover all of them here since we have detailed product descriptions on each model on our web site. We also have a nice search function where you can view all the glove models and select an “attribute” in the search function from the “main category listing”. That link is provided below.

New Thin Cut Resistant Glove model

As far as new gloves with new features, I would like to bring your attention to a cut-resistant glove that I discussed late last year.

They are the:

PIP G-Tek Polykor Seamless Nitrile Foam Grip Coated Touch Screen Thin 21 Gauge Cut Resistant Gloves – PIP Model 16-351.

Link to Product ID: WK-CC-16351

I covered these gloves here in the blog posts last December and it may be useful to read that post as to why these have the “newest” and the “thinnest” features coupled together into one model.

Important Links:

Cut-Resistant Glove Models

The link below will take you to a nice PDF file that can be printed out and posted in your place of work which shows all the new ANSI Cut-Resistant Levels along with the typical applications.

GO Gloves ANSI Cut Resistant Chart

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Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Glove Chemical Resistant Chart

Posted on by The Glove Guru

We added a handy Glove Chemical Resistant Chart to our Glove Resources Technical Data Section (link below). This chart is a nice guide for selecting the proper glove performance against chemicals. It includes a list of chemicals and the chemical resistance to Latex, Nitrile, Neoprene, and PVC Gloves.

It is the most comprehensive list available and virtually covers every known chemical in a work and household environment.

This chart can be printed out and posted in your workplace as a handy reference for your employees.

Link: Glove Chemical Resistant Chart

Chemical-Liquid Proof Glove Lines  

Below is a handy link to our Chemical and Liquid Proof Gloves. These gloves include Disposable Gloves, and Unsupported and Supported (lined) Glove Models.

A note about our chemical glove selections is that we enhance and purge our inventory annually to include new improved and advanced models and eliminate outdated and redundant models which only confuses buyers.  

Link: Chemical-Liquid Proof Gloves

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Cotton Work Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

Cotton Work Gloves is one of our oldest work glove categories going back over 25 years now. Historically speaking, Cotton Work Gloves were always the most popular work gloves by far along with leather work gloves long before thin coated nylon work gloves hit the glove work scene around 2005.

The most popular cotton work gloves were the familiar Brown Jersey Gloves which remain popular today due to their comfort, durability, and low cost. As a matter of fact, the Brown Jersey Gloves were one of our first models of “work” gloves to be added to our web site back in 1996.

Often overlooked and under-rated, Cotton work gloves range from general purpose work glove models to very high-performance work gloves from intense heat protection to superior cut resistance with the addition of blended aramid fibers such as Kevlar which offer high tensile strength for cut resistance along with heat and flame resistance.

The other big advantage with cotton work gloves is their low cost since they are made from a natural sustainable plant unlike man-made fibers. This is also a nice feature and benefit in today’s quest to become more ecological and environmentally friendly.

Speaking of environmentally friendly gloves, let me also take this opportunity for me to give our popular GO Greens Bamboo Gloves a plug which are also very high-performance work gloves made from bamboo which makes them very Eco-friendly. I would like to add that these gloves were developed by yours truly many years ago and remain one of our top selling work, garden, and chore gloves today.

Cotton Work Glove Applications

Obviously, there are many broad uses and obvious uses for Cotton Work Gloves, but I will mention a few of them as examples.

Besides the normal uses in various household chores both indoors and outdoors, they are widely used in trucking, warehousing, moving companies, hot-mill metal working, glass and ceramics manufacturing, grocery and food stocking, bakeries and pizzerias, general construction and mechanical work, recycling operations, landscaping, foundries and metal casting, forging operations, high heat manufacturing, and these are simply the most popular uses and work applications as some examples. We also carry a few models that are FDA approved for food contact.

Types of Cotton Work Gloves (a few examples)

I am only discussing a few models for some examples to provide you with some insight into the broad range and depth of these cotton work gloves. There are many more types available, and these are just a few examples.

Brown Jersey Gloves

The traditional Brown Jersey Glove is a normal weight cotton glove that is also available with dotted palms for a better grip. Although many are made from 100% cotton, we prefer to sell a model that is blended with a polyester fiber which makes them a bit stronger and extends the life of the glove.

Poly-Cotton Work Gloves

These are standard “form fitting to the shape of the hand” knit cotton gloves with polyester fibers for added strength and long life. There are 100% cotton models available at the same price, but these are a better option for your money. They come in a light weight (13 Gauge) to a medium weight (10 Gauge) to a thicker heavy weight (7 Gauge) model. Keep in mind that these are form fitting models for better dexterity. These models are also used in work related to food contact since they are certified for FDA food handling requirements under 21 CPR – Part 177.

Premium Grade Hot-Mill Glove

These are heavy weight gloves which also offer cut resistance as well as heat resistance up to 500° F. They have an extended protective gauntlet cuff and are commonly used in operations that require a more durable and protective glove.

Heat and Cut Resistant (Blended Cotton) Form Fitting Glove

These are seamless knit “form fitting” gloves that come in many sizes and offer both heat resistance and cut resistance. They protect up to 500° F and offer an ANSI Cut Level A3 Cut Resistance.

Heat and Flame-Resistant Glove

These are heavy weight terry cloth cotton gloves with a gauntlet cuff which is flame retardant and heat resistant up to 450° F. An ANSI rated Level 4 Flame Resistant Glove. It should be noted that these are not certified for TIG or MIG welding operations.

Please note that there are many and numerous types of cotton work glove available and over the years we have reduced our offerings to only the most popular and practical models that cover most everyone’s needs. It also eliminates a lot of confusion when you offer many similar models. This means that we narrow our offerings to make it much easier for you to select a cotton work glove that meets your needs rather than make a mistake. If you don’t see a model that you wish to purchase, please let us know since we have access to many glove models not shown on our web site.

In conclusion, this should provide you with some good examples and information on Cotton Work Glove and you can easily find more product details in each of our product listings in our Cotton Work Glove category which you can easily link to using the link below.

It’s an interesting glove category that many are not familiar with and one that is not routinely promoted by others due to the low costs and low margins in these types of gloves. However, it is our job to keep our customers better informed since we want to be your single source for all your glove needs.

Link: Cotton Work Gloves

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Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Welding Glove and Garment product line expanded.

Posted on by The Glove Guru

I am pleased to announce that due to customer demand we have recently expanded the depth and range of our product line of Welding Gloves, including the addition of some high-quality Garments. 

Our focus and selections are exclusive to the Caiman and Ironcat welding product line by PIP due to the higher quality and range of product for both TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and Stick Welding Professionals.

Like our expansion a few years ago in the Electrical Glove Safety product line which has led to a dramatic increase in our customer base among electricians and utility companies, we feel that the same increase will occur in our welding segments due to the broader quality of our offerings and our highly affordable pricing.

We’ve sold welding gloves since 1999 and there have been many changes over the years and during this time, we also learned the good and bad of welding gloves. Therefore, our new focus is all about customer satisfaction and we have discontinued selling those low-cost inferior welding gloves.

The most intriguing issue that I have discovered over the years is the many intricate features and details in the Caiman Welding Gloves that many take for granted and are not found in other welding gloves. Simple details like their famous Kontour design (natural anatomical shape of the hand) and Keystone Thumbs for natural ergonomic fit, high dexterity, and comfort which is vital when you are required to wear gloves for longer periods. Another aspect is the extra patches and padding on high wear areas to increase the life of the gloves. I mention these important details since they are not found in competing welding gloves which we used to carry and sell.

It is also important to note that your welding gloves should be stitched with 100% Kevar thread which is abrasion resistant and heat/flame resistant that extends the life of the glove unlike gloves with traditional fibers and threads that will fail when exposed to abrasion, high heat, and sparks.

On that note, you will find that we added some cut resistant welding glove models to our line. It should be noted that the welding process itself doesn’t generally pose any cut or laceration hazard, but the tasks performed prior to and after welding where these hazards can be found such as the general handling of raw materials like sheet metal.

Link: Welding Gloves and Garments

Welding Garments

We have also added some very useful high-quality welding jackets and a nice welding apron to our welding product line. As one professional welding person told me recently, “jackets are the number one product purchased by welders since they really can’t weld without one”.

Link: Welding Garments

As always, let me know if you have any questions and thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Thin Cut Resistant Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

GO Gloves is proud to introduce the “newest” and “thinnest” Cut Resistant Coated Work Gloves available with Touch Screen compatibility.

This is worthwhile reading regarding cut resistant work gloves.

Everyone knows the old colloquial phrase – “Thin is in”. However, this is almost an understatement when it comes to these new thin cut resistant gloves introduced by G-Tek. These gloves offer unparalleled dexterity and deliver ultra lightweight 360° high (Level A5) cut protection.

These new gloves are referred to as the:

G-Tek Polykor Seamless Nitrile Foam Grip Coated Touchscreen Thin 21 Gauge Cut Resistant Gloves – 16-351

Let me give you a little perspective and background on cut resistant gloves for those that may not be familiar with the new 21 Gauge thickness. This is the unique and breakthrough feature in cut resistant glove technology. This is like bare-hands, and they feel like wearing a thin disposable healthcare glove.

For example, going back to the 80’s and early 90’s gloves made with Kevlar fibers was the standard since it provided cut resistance and heat resistance. However, Kevlar was a thick heavy denier dense fiber, and the gloves were a thick 7 gauge and 10 gauge. Some of these models are still made and sold today since thicker gloves are often required in higher heat operations that also require cut resistance. We still sell many of these popular Kevlar gloves. As a footnote, today there are some blends of Kevlar in thinner versions, but the cut resistance is not as high as many thinner, newer cut resistant gloves.

Eventually, with advancements in fiber technology, the industry began to see new cut resistant 13-gauge gloves and recently some newer 15-gauge models which are very thin and becoming very popular. 

Now, with the introduction of these new 21-gauge ultra-thin cut resistant models, they will begin to alter and lead to a new demand in cut resistant gloves. This is my prediction once users learn about these gloves and purchase a few pair.

The additional and most important aspect and feature of these new gloves is that they offer an astonishing ANSI/ISEA 105-2016 Level A5 Cut Protection. To put this level of cut protection in perspective, most thin coated cut resistant gloves test in with a cut resistance around A3 which is also nice but obviously A5 is much better and preferred. Normally, A5 cut resistant gloves or higher are only offered in heavier and much thicker cut resistant work gloves.

The proprietary fiber is an HPPE fiber (High Performance Polyethylene) is a thermoplastic polyethylene-based fiber. 

The other nice feature is the ultra-thin Foam Nitrile coating, is so thin and breathable and durable that it acts as a second skin, and designed with a cell structure that disperses fluids on contact for an improved grip. Additionally, nitrile also offers some great protection to most common chemicals.

Additional features in this new model include the handy Touchscreen compatibility feature which allows you to operate a touch screen phone or device without removing the gloves. And, from a design aspect these models also have reinforced thumb crotch which provides longer wear life and increased protection to a very vulnerable high wear area.

A knit wrist helps prevent dirt and debris from entering the glove and the black color hinders looking soiled.

They also come in unisex sizes from XS-XXL.

Product Link: G-Tek Polykor WK-CC-16351 Gloves

Please let us know if you have any questions.

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

Electrical Glove Testing Information

Posted on by The Glove Guru

FAQS on Rubber Electrical Insulating Protective Gloves

I have included the following information on the frequently asked questions about testing issues on new and used NOVAX Electrical natural rubber insulating gloves.

How are Novax gloves electrically tested?

The manufacturer of NOVAX gloves electrically tests every glove prior to shipment. Each “batch” of gloves is also subjected to a battery of physical and electrical tests to ensure that the gloves meet the D120 Standards. It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the gloves have passed the required electrical test within the specified time.

How long does the user have to put new gloves into service?

The user has 12 months from the test date to put new gloves into service.

When should rubber insulating gloves be retested?

There are two standards that prescribe test intervals:

  • OSHA 1910.137 – Must be electrically tested before the first issue and every six (6) months thereafter.
  • OSHA 1910.268 – (Tele-com) – Natural rubber insulating gloves must be electrically tested before first issue, twelve months after first issue and every 9 months thereafter.
  • Any UN-issued glove that has not been tested within twelve months must be re-tested before issue.

How are the NOVAX gloves “marked” with the factory test date?

Each pair is marked with the test date of the initial test completed at the factory. Each glove has an individual serial number that provides traceability back to the factory test.

Retesting verses buying a new pair of gloves.

This is a very common question, and it is primarily a personal use issue. Obviously, these types of gloves prevent “life threatening” accidents, and it is my opinion to purchase a new pair rather than have them tested. The expense to retest gloves and the time it takes to have them tested makes getting a new pair quicker the better and safest option. The type of usage and frequency of the gloves use is another factor to be weighed. 

Frequently asked questions about Novax Rubber Electrical Insulating Protective gloves.

The manufacturer has prepared a nice FAQ brochure which answers many common questions about selecting and using these gloves. You can download the PDF file and print it out as a nice reference for employers and end users to review. See the link below:

Link: Novax FAQ Document

Link to Gloves Line

Please let me know if you have any questions and thank you for subscribing to the Glove Guru Blog.

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

USDA goes green with the GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves

Posted on by The Glove Guru

We are very proud to announce that the USDA – United States Department of Agriculture has added our GO GREENS Bamboo Gloves to their armamentarium.

The APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) Division is the USDA division sector that has ordered considerable amounts of the GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves since they are economical, earth friendly, durable, and have a high grip for their tree climbers.

This is a very exciting endorsement and addition to the many users and organizations across the globe that use the GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves for use in their routine work and jobs. We believe it says not only a lot about the quality of our GO Greens Gloves but our company as well.

The tree climbing aspect is a new one for me but I will leave that up to those workers to enjoy.

See the GO Greens® Bamboo listing at the link below which also includes a nice video about them:

GO Greens Bamboo Gloves

About the USDA APHIS:

For nearly 50 years, APHIS has been protecting the health and value of America’s agricultural and natural resources. It’s a vital mission: Healthy and profitable American agriculture provides food and clothing for countless people worldwide and is a key pillar of our economy.

Millions of people benefit from APHIS’ programs and services every day. As our name suggests, APHIS’ work centers around animal and plant health, but our programs also address animal welfare, biotechnology, wildlife damage management, and global trade. Although APHIS may not be a household name, our efforts are seen and felt both far and wide. From ensuring an abundant and affordable food supply, safeguarding air travel against wildlife-related accidents, and sheltering household pets from harm during a disaster, to protecting the trees in our forests and communities, APHIS’ work touches people’s lives in a multitude of ways.

Let me know if you have any questions and thank you for subscribing.

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

GO Greens® is a registered trademark of Gloves-Online. Inc.

GO Greens Bamboo Gloves

Gloves fit for a King

Posted on by The Glove Guru

Once again, we are honored and proud to provide our distinct White Military Honor Guard Gloves and Parade Gloves for another important event in the United Kingdom and this one is more celebratory honoring the King Charles’ upcoming Coronation in the United Kingdom on May 6th. 

It was only last September, when we were rushed to supply over 1,200 pairs of the same gloves for the Queen’s funeral events which was very somber but this time this royal event is more pompous and grander which is more uplifting and moving due to this rare historical occasion.

We have supplied our distinct gloves to many special events world-wide for over 25 years to many countries from Australia to the UAE including the UK and the many US Military units across the country.

Due to the large number of Honor Guard Gloves ordered, we anticipate that the Coronation is going to be a rather large royal ceremonial event.

As you can imagine, it is very exciting for us to see our gloves in action on the live news broadcasts and we are honored that the British Family Royal House of Windsor continues to choose our gloves due to our high quality and excellent service.  

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Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

The Glove Guru

A Tenacious UV Protective Work and Garden Glove

Posted on by The Glove Guru

It amazes me that common work, gardening, and landscaping gloves used outdoors do not offer UV protection since skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. Too much sun can cause skin cancer according to the CDC.

Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun and UV rays can damage skin cells.

As noted by the CDC, protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer months. Did you know that UV rays can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off surfaces like water, cement, sand and even snow. Therefore, it is very important to wear certified UV protective work gloves when working outdoors to reduce the risk of skin cancers.

Many heavy-duty work gloves like full leathers, welding and rubber electrical safety gloves offer natural UV protection due to their thickness but most common thinner work and garden gloves do not offer any UV protection.

I am proud to say that we have offered a very tenacious multi-purpose work and garden glove with certified UV protection since 2009 and many of our customers are not aware of this unique feature in this very popular and versatile work glove.

These gloves are our famous GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves.

These gloves have many unique features but the feature most overlooked is the UV protection that they offer.

The GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves provide excellent UV protection from UV-A and UV-B rays naturally without any chemical treatments. Certified independent tests demonstrate that they block 99.97% of both UV-A and UV-B rays and have a UPF 50+ rating. This UPF (UV Protection Factor) rating is used for textiles and should not be confused with the SPF rating for FDA compliant sunscreen products.

These multi-purpose earth friendly form fitting coated work gloves are also made from sustainable bamboo, are 100% biodegradable, anti-bacterial, very economic, fiber wicks away moisture, and extremely durable with a high grip foam coating. They are also Oeko-Tex standard 100 certified.

Since I am discussing UV protection, I would also like to add that we also offer warm weather cooling sleeves that also offer UV protection and are great for people who work outdoors during the hot summer months. You can find them by typing UV in our search bar or at the UV Protection Glove link below.

If it is important for you, we have copies of the UV protection testing certification on the GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves in the glove listing on our web site.

As usual, it amazes me that other glove manufacturers have not paid attention to the benefits of UV protection in work gloves that they make but we are true glove expert developers and manufacturers and try to cover all the protection bases in gloves when we can. However, the natural UV protection benefits of our unique bamboo fiber made my job very easy with the GO Greens® Bamboo Gloves.

Links:

GO Greens Bamboo Gloves

UV Protection Gloves

Let me know if you have any questions and thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru

GO Greens Bamboo Gloves to make an appearance at Cary Arbor Day on March 18th

Posted on by The Glove Guru

This will be Cary’s 40th year as a Tree City USA community since 1983 and we are fortunate enough to be headquartered in this wonderful green conscious town in North Carolina.

Sarah Justice, the environmental outreach program coordinator of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources and her great staff have been very busy preparing for this wonderful event so don’t miss it.

The Arbor Day celebration will be held this Saturday near the town hall campus at the Page-Walker Arts and History Center courtyard, noon-3 p.m.


Celebrate Cary’s commitment to our urban forests with live music, local food, kids’ activities, and more! Enjoy a live falconer demonstration, paint a bluebird house to take home, ask an arborist about the trees in your yard, or pick up a native sapling while supplies last. This event will include free fun for the whole family plus the chance to engage with environmental experts about native plants, healthy soils, and going green at home. Don’t miss the chance to register to win a free compost bin, rain barrel, or native plant gardening kit while we celebrate Cary’s 40th year as a Tree City USA community. Learn more at https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/environmental-events/arbor-day

We are pleased to participate in this event with the Garden Kit Raffles with our unique earth-friendly GO Greens Bamboo Gloves, a multi-purpose garden and work glove.

Additionally, they will also have a native tree giveaway program for residents.

In case you didn’t know, the green conscious Town of Cary has 30 public parks and natural areas, a green-way system of more than 80 miles, and four sports venues. Cary also operates the Good Hope Farm which is a community-supported urban farm supporting the local food system through events and workshops, farm-growth produce, and resources for new farmers. Their mission is to marry Cary’s agricultural past with an innovative future by connecting beginning farmers to affordable farmland and our community to local food.

We know that most of our subscribers are not local to us but the many who are, may find this event worthwhile.

See the links below to learn more about our GO Greens Bamboo Gloves.

https://www.gogreensgloves.com/

https://www.gloves-online.com/go-greens-coated-bamboo-gloves

Thank you for subscribing,

Joe McGarry

The Glove Guru