When it comes to the automotive industry, there so many different task areas, which each requires different types of protection. Given that there are so many options and variables that play into this choice, we want to give you some basics to help make this process less intimidating.
Below, we’ll highlight some of the main categories of work found under the automotive industry umbrella, and let you know what types of gloves are best for each situation.
Metal Stamping
This area is one where the hands, and therefore gloves, take the biggest beating. That means in order to protect your hands well, and to employ a durable glove, you should look for a glove with an ANSI cut level no less than 4. If you are regularly coming into contact with sharp edges and other serious cut hazards, you should use a glove like the Tsunami Grip CR609. This glove is engineered with an extremely high cut and abrasion resistance and is coated with a chemical nitrile foam which enhances grip in both dry and oily environments. These gloves are also able to be laundered without suffering from shrinkage, which is important.
Parts Assembly
The main hazards to protect against in the area of parts assembly are items with sharp edges and used parts or tools that are oily. Depending on what specific parts you are working with, and the relative hazards they present, you could utilize a glove with an ANSI cut level of anywhere from 1 to 4. The three main characteristics to look for in a glove to be employed in parts assembly include excellent fit, superb grip, and cut resistance. When working with various tools and parts, it is vital to have tactile sensitivity so you can feel what you’re doing, and to have the ability to grip securely to large and small automotive parts. One of our new favorite gloves is the MaxiFlex Ultimate 34-874, and it is a perfect option for parts assembly. This glove meets every requirement including a knitting technology that enhances fit and improves fingertip sensitivity, a micro-foam nitrile coating which provides excellent abrasion resistance, and a micro-cup finish that offers high grip ability.
Powertrain
When working in the powertrain area of automotive production, workers typically handle slippery objects including fine automotive parts. This requires a glove which fit excellently and provide a high level of tactile sensitivity. Depending on the hazards you’re presented with in your specific environment, you can choose a glove with an ANSI cut level of anywhere from 2 to 4. We think a great option for powertrain is the cousin of the Maxiflex Ultimate, Maxiflex Ultimate Elite 34-274. This glove is ultra light weight glove. It is 30% thinner than comparable nitrile coated gloves, which means it delivers the best tactile sensitivity and dexterity you can find. Not only hat, but the nitrile coating offers wearers excellent grip and added abrasion resistance. If you’re handling small, fine, or slippery parts on a regular basis, these gloves are what you’ve been looking for.
Painting
When it comes to automotive painting, the biggest hazard to protect against are the chemicals found in paint. Since there’ll likely be a lot of it floating through the air, you’ll want a glove to protect your hands as well as the integrity of the paint job. You want to find a glove that will minimize any form of contamination that could occur when utilizing a paint gun. Depending on your needs, you could choose a glove with an ANSI cut level anywhere from 1 to 4. Our recommendation is the MaxiDry 56-425. This glove is manufactured to offer a great fit, awesome dexterity, as well as liquid and abrasion resistance. The nitrile coating makes this glove resistant to liquids and chemicals and also gives wearers great grip.
Say No to Leather
One thing to be sure, when choosing a glove for your automotive application, do not choose leather. As it stands on its own, leather is not inherently cut resistant. Unless you are using a leather glove in combination with another pair of cut resistant gloves, we recommend just saying no to leather.