This week you can really up your game with your glove knowledge! We’ve rounded up some different technical glove terms you might not be aware of. Hopefully after working your way through the rest of this article you’ll be able to make more informed decisions when purchasing gloves.
Palm Coatings
There are 6 major types of palm coatings that you’ll encounter.
Flat Nitrile: This type of palm coating is capable of protecting wearers from numerous types of hazards and is super popular because it is inherently puncture and tear resistant and can also hold up in oil-use applications. It also withstands a wide range of temperatures.
Foam Nitrile: This is constructed from the same type of material as flat nitrile, however it has been manipulated to act like a sponge. It is therefore able to absorb liquids and offers a much better level of grip in comparison to flat nitrile.
Micropore Nitrile: Yet another variation of flat nitrile, this type of coating is specially treated resulting in a coating that has tiny craters on the surface that act as suction cups. This greatly increases the level of grip on the glove and can hold up well in liquid-based and oil-heavy applications.
Polyurethane: This type of coating is well known for its versatility and is often used in cut resistant gloves because it offers a light-weight feel but maximizes puncture resistance and grip. Polyurethane is also chemical resistant and is perfect for use with solvents, oils, grease, and gasoline. It does not withstand hot water or temperatures over 175° F.
Neoprene: This coating is resistant to oils and is suitable to be used in wet and dry environments. Another great feature is that neoprene doesn’t melt when exposed to heat or flames.
Three-Quarter Dip: A three-quarter dip coating covers the entire palm, fingers and a portion of the back of the glove. This is perfect for the applications that require an extra level of protection.
Impact Standards
When it comes to determining which glove has the level of impact or cut resistance you need, there are standards in place for this very reason.
ANSI/ISEA 138: The American National Standard for Performance and Classification for Impact-Resistant Gloves was establish to help lessen the burden for consumers. They have developed glove testing methods that are standardized and provide a clear classification system that helps manufacturers classify their gloves and allows consumers to know what they’re getting.
Other Terms
Reinforced Thumb Crotch: This is a feature on some gloves that provides additional protection between your thumb and forefinger. This area on the glove is usually the highest wear, so this additional layer of material helps to increase your glove’s durability and lifespan.
Safety Cuff: This type of feature adds extra protection around your wrist and forearm, but is also easily removed in the case of an emergency.