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The Best Mechanic Gloves for Automotive Work

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

Anyone who relies on their hands for their living knows how important using the proper work gloves are and no one knows this fact more than mechanics. Unlike most other professions, mechanics need to use different gloves depending on what part of the vehicle they are working on.

The gloves they need will also depend on the task at hand. Some tasks require brute strength or very steady hands. If you are a budding mechanic or thinking of making a hobby about tinkering with your car then you need to invest in the best mechanic gloves immediately.

best mechanic gloves

It is foolish to think that you can work on your car using just your bare hands. There are so many ways you can mess up your hands when you are working on any part of your car. You can scrape the skin off your knuckles, get a portion of your fingers lopped off, or cut your palm open.

If you’re not the type of person who is willing to gamble with your health then you need to get work gloves. However, avoid just any ordinary gloves. You need the top-rated auto mechanic gloves.

best-gloves-for-working-on-cars

Top 1

GlovePlus Nitrile Gloves

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Top 2

Custom Leathercraft 125M

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Top 3

GLOVEWORKS Gloves

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11 Best Work Gloves for Mechanics Reviews

1. GlovePlus Industrial Black Nitrile Gloves

Mechanics these days are also using nitrile gloves for automotive use. These are not just for medical uses anymore and many old school grease monkeys have wondered why they haven’t been using them since long ago. These are among the top-rated disposable nitrile gloves for mechanics or people like me who like to dabble with their cars.

It is because it is thin while staying puncture-resistant. Another reason why I love using this mechanic work glove is that it has textured palms and fingers. This provides me the extra grip I need, especially when I am working on small parts of my car. These helped with my butterfingers.

I have yet to lose nuts, bolts, or screws while I am wearing them. I have a slight sensitivity with latex, which is why I am glad that these nitrile gloves do not contain even an ounce of latex. They are also completely hypoallergenic. There are no red and itchy patches on my hands after using these for several hours.

Another reason why I like these most trusted gloves for working on cars is because of their color. Aside from looking cool by wearing black gloves when working on a car, the color also perfectly hides all the dirt and grease that I tend to collect on my hands. It just makes my hands look clean, making me want to work even more.

These are great as oil change gloves as well because they repel oil and grease. What I don’t like about this product is that the sizing guide is inaccurate. I bought several pieces thinking that I will need extras. I also used the sizing chart the manufacturer gave. It turns out that they were too small.

At first, I thought that they were supposed to fit tightly but when I clenched my fist, the gloves split open at the back. Fortunately, I was able to get replacements and got the next larger size and they fit my hands properly.

What We Like
  • Thin and lightweight
  • Does not hamper finger dexterity at all
  • Comes with textured palms and fingers for exceptional grip, even on oily and wet surfaces
  • Does not contain latex, which is good for those allergic to it
  • The black color helps disguise how dirty the gloves are.
What We Don’t Like
  • The sizing system runs too small; you need to order the next larger size for a better fit.
Sizing issues aside, when you get them in the perfect size, they will serve you well. These are durable, provide excellent grip, comfortable to wear, well worth the money, and among the best disposable gloves for auto mechanics.

2. Custom Leathercraft 125M Handyman Work Gloves

Another popular product in several Reddit forums on work gloves is this Custom Leathercraft mechanic working gloves. After trying them myself, I’m pleased to find that their quality is indeed impressive.

These safety gloves strike the delicate balance between comfort and durability. So far, they do not shrink or harden after being washed or getting wet. Besides the protection against abrasion, the inner stitching effectively prevents them from getting snagged by sharp debris or wood splinters.

The padding shields my hands from the impact of falling objects and keeps my skin from getting blisters. But even with all these layers of fabric and materials, my hands and fingers move freely and control the tools with precision. Plus, I like that the Velcro wraps my wrist securely to prevent dirt from getting in and rubbing my skin raw.

In addition to mechanical work, I can see that these are great for carpentry, utility, plumbing, framing, and farming. That said, these gloves have one minor flaw: the baggy fingertips. In this day and age, I think manufacturers should think about using smartphones as part of the worker’s job. To be fair, it’s not too much of a hassle to remove the gloves to type.
What We Like
  • Excellent all-purpose work gloves
  • Prevents abrasion and snagging
  • Fits comfortably and securely in place
  • Allows for unrestricted movement
  • Keeps the hands blister-free
What We Don’t Like
  • Loose around the fingertips
Suitable for a wide range of utility, industrial, and household jobs, these safety work gloves can keep your hands safe against various workplace accidents. With flexible construction and materials, your fingers will not feel restricted when you need to grip your tools.

3. GLOVEWORKS Nitrile Disposable Gloves

Sold in a box of 100, these heavy-duty nitrile gloves are suitable for artists, janitors, plumbers, mechanics, and a wide range of industrial and household applications.

In my case, having a box of these nitrile gloves comes in handy at work. For one, they can effectively protect my hands against chemicals without breaking down. For another, they prevent slippage as I hold on to greasy hand tools or carry big boxes. Their textured surface enhances the grip. Aside from that, I know that artists will love using them since they do not leave any streaks or marks on painted or glossy surfaces.

When I wear them, I can see that the material wraps around my fingers and hands without leaving large gaps. Even if the gloves have an aggressive texture, I assure you that it will not affect the comfort. The gloves are stretchy, ensuring superb dexterity. Not to mention, the orange color is stylish and promotes high visibility in dark workplaces.

A heads up for those who need heavy-duty 8 mil gloves: I noticed that the quality is not consistent. Speaking from experience, I’ve had a few gloves torn apart when I pulled up to wear them.
What We Like
  • No slippage when holding wet greasy tools
  • Ensures superb dexterity
  • Suitable for various applications
  • The color is highly-visible in dim areas
  • Provides reliable protection
  • Helps prevent leaving marks on glossy surface
What We Don’t Like
  • Inconsistent quality
Despite the few defective ones that got mixed up, I must say that the gloves perform satisfactorily in different industrial, artistic, or household applications. More than that, they can help you carry or grip greasy items easily.

4. Ironclad GUG-03-M General Utility Gloves

When it comes to durability, these utility gloves rank score high in my book as they held up well for years. Moreover, they are among the comfiest that I have ever tried.

I would attribute the durability to the manufacturer’s excellent craftsmanship and choice of materials. When my hands hit something, the knuckles are sufficiently protected by the thermoplastic rubber. For good measure, the synthetic leather strengthens the area that often gets torn due to wear and tear. Even after daily use, I don’t ever see a single thread unraveled.

The gloves lets me grip different hand tools and operate machines well. Yet, the fabric feels comfy to wear for long hours. On top of that, they are equipped with adjustable hook and loop closures. This system ensures that they stay in place as I tinker small items or handle big boxes. At the same time, it does not leave a gap to let dirt in.

The hand and wrist sizes is not a problem because you can further customize the way they fit. Based on the feedback I gathered from other workers, the only issue is that the sizes run big. Those who bought extra-small still found the gloves slightly loose.
What We Like
  • Durable material and construction
  • Can protect every part of the hands
  • The fabric feels comfy on the skin
  • Hook and loop fasten the gloves securely
  • Gives you an excellent grip on your tools
What We Don’t Like
  • The smallest size may still feel big for some
Arguably the most durable gloves in the industry, this pair is perfect for those who work in tough industrial environments. Best of all, they offer great dexterity and comfort so you can focus on your job.

5. Mechanix Wear MFF-05-010 FastFit Work Gloves

Mechanix Wear is one of the best mechanic gloves, which is their namesake. The MFF-05-010 FastFit Work Gloves are yet another fitting addition to the brand’s already long list of high-quality work gloves. What impressed me the most about this product is that it is very thin while remaining strong and durable.

These are so light that there were times when I have forgotten I was wearing them. These are just 0.6mm thick at the fingers so they do not interfere much with finger dexterity. I can still work with my hands just fine. The gloves do not do much to hamper the tactile feeling of my fingertips.

I can even grab and manipulate small bolts and nuts without too much difficulty. The thumb and forefinger portions are also reinforced because these are the digits that mechanics use the most. This additional padding provides yet another layer of durability to an already durable pair of gloves.

The feature that I liked the most is surprisingly the cuff, specifically their elasticity. Other work gloves have Velcro straps to help secure them around the wrist but the MFF-05-010 features an elastic wrist cuff, which makes putting it on and pulling it off much easier and faster.

I discovered this is helpful whenever I need to quickly change between tasks. Even though it seems like the MFF-05-010 FastFit Work Gloves are perfect, they are far from it, unfortunately. However, the problems that I did encounter were not that serious.

They are more like slight inconveniences. For instance, I find that the gloves are a bit loose but will not slide off the hands. It feels more awkward than annoying.
What We Like
  • Made of very thin and lightweight material
  • The back is made of Trek Dry material, which is form-fitting and breathable.
  • Features reinforced thumbs and forefingers for added durability
  • Comes equipped with elastic cuffs, making them easier to put and take off
  • Still allows the use of touchscreen smartphones
What We Don’t Like
  • Slightly loose around the fingers
If you spend hours working on your car, you will need to get yourself a pair of MFF-05-010 FastFit Work Gloves. The fit may not be perfect but you will get used to it in no time then you will see just why these are considered as among the top-rated gloves for automotive work.

6. Maxiflex 34-874 Nitrile Grip Work Gloves

These gloves are not completely made of nitrile but rather, they have palms and fingers coated with it. This provides enhanced grip, even on smooth and wet surfaces, which is crucial for mechanics. The nitrile coating is also abrasion-resistant so you can also use it for logistics purposes, specifically in the warehousing department.

These also have knit cuffs that have a bit of elastic. I liked this feature because it prevents debris from getting into the gloves. Also, because it is soft, it makes it easier to wear and remove. I also enjoyed the fact that these gloves can keep my hands warm. I do not always work in the comfort of my garage.

There are times when I have to work outside in the chilly air and these gloves help make the experience bearable. They are also form-fitting, which allows the hands and fingers a wide range of motion for added comfort and control. This also greatly helps decrease hand fatigue.

These gloves were comfortable that one might even forget that they are wearing it after a while. One that I am not completely happy about regarding these gloves is that the nitrile coating tends to disintegrate after a month or two.

Once the lining is gone, the rest of the gloves follows. If the nitrile coating is a bit more resilient then this would be perfect.

These gloves were comfortable that one might even forget that they are wearing it after a while. One that I am not completely happy about regarding these gloves is that the nitrile coating tends to disintegrate after a month or two.

Once the lining is gone, the rest of the gloves follows. If the nitrile coating is a bit more resilient then this would be perfect.

What We Like
  • Nitrile-coated for enhanced grip
  • Keeps hands warm when it’s cold in the workplace
  • Forms to the hand for maximum dexterity
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Made of breathable and sweat-absorbent material
What We Don’t Like
  • The nitrile coating usually only lasts a month or two.
For what it’s worth, these car mechanic gloves rarely last a couple of months, which means these are already above average in terms of durability. The proven functionality of the gloves makes them worth the try.

7. Grease Monkey Pro Fingerless Gloves

You might think that fingerless gloves will not provide enough protection for your hands but that is not necessarily is the case. Some people do not necessarily like wearing gloves because they lose finger dexterity but they still need protection for their palms against abrasion.

For them, fingerless gloves provide the best of both worlds. You get maximum dexterity with ample protection for the rest of the hands. These are not fingerless mechanic gloves, only the fingertips are exposed.

This is why I can still do pretty much everything that I can do without gloves but with additional grip, thanks to the reinforced palm. There are patches of synthetic leather that allow me to get a tighter grip on my tools, which can be painful when done barehanded.

Because the fingertips are exposed, I can pick up small objects and do intricate tasks, like threading a small bolt into an even smaller nut, something that I could not do when wearing thick working gloves. This is also the reason why these are great as weightlifting gloves.

You can grip the bars more securely without removing the gloves when changing plates. Another feature I like is the rubber knuckle protector. I have had many instances when my wrench will slip and cause the back of my hands to slam onto solid steel. I have had almost all of my knuckles split open at least once.

That does not happen anymore once I started using these gloves. I only hope that the company could improve more in terms of durability. As of now, they don’t last more than two months with regular to hard use. Although it is understandable given its price point, Grease Monkey could still have made these gloves a bit more wear-resistant.
What We Like
  • Provides excellent finger dexterity
  • Features reinforced palms for extra grip
  • Has rubber knuckle protectors
  • Comes with a strong Velcro strap for a perfect fit
  • Made using soft and breathable materials
What We Don’t Like
  • Does not last long when used for heavy tasks regularly
If you are not a professional mechanic and only work on your project car for a couple of hours every weekend, then these gloves will be fine for your needs.

8. Mechanix Wear Original Work Gloves

This is one of the most popular mechanic work gloves around. Many professional mechanics and who work on NASCAR use Mechanix Wear gloves. With its reputation alone, you should already seriously consider getting them. When I am wearing mine, I feel like I am working on a top fuel dragster even though it’s just a 97 Civic.

I am a big fan of the TrekDry material that Mechanix uses for the top of their gloves. This material lets my skin breathe. It also wicks away the sweat out to keep my hands cool and dry. I have tried other work gloves before but only a few can rival the Mechanix Originals in terms of comfort.

The palms are made of synthetic leather, which is highly durable, puncture and cut-resistant. It also provides an excellent grip. The palm is also made of two separate pieces of synthetic leather and they are cut in such a way that they follow the shape of the hands. This prevents the material from bunching up at the center.

I also liked the elastic wrist. This feature makes it easy to put on and take off the gloves when needed. However, the elastic is still strong enough to hold them firmly in place. I just need to pull on the loop at the cuff and the gloves will slide onto my hands easily.

They will stay there until I pull them off, which is convenient whenever I need to switch to another task that requires another kind of glove. The thing that I am disappointed about is that they are no longer as durable as they used to be.

After a few weeks, the fingertips of the first pair of Mechanix Originals I got started to fray and large holes appeared. It seems that the new material they use is not as durable as the one Mechanix used. However, this will not be much of a problem if you will only be using them occasionally but it would have been better if these were sturdier.

What We Like
  • Comes from the same brand that professional race mechanics and pit crews use
  • Does not need to be broken in since are already soft and flexible right out of the box
  • Features a fast elastic wrist that provides a secure yet comfortable fit
  • Cut and puncture-resistant synthetic leather palm
  • Anatomically constructed palm prevents bunching of materials
What We Don’t Like
  • Not as durable as they once were
To be fair, Mechanix Originals gloves are not meant for heavy-duty tasks. They are meant for light to medium jobs mostly, so if you stick to the recommended usage then these will serve you well for months.

9. Adenna CAT456 Catch 9-mil Nitrile Gloves

I liked just how thin and flexible the Adenna disposable mechanics gloves are. These gloves provide ample protection without compromising finger dexterity and tactile sense. At just 9mil thick, these feel like a second layer of skin on your hands, making them barely noticeable.

With these gloves on, I can do tasks that require near surgical precision without any problems at all. These are also affordable, which is always a good thing because mechanics like yourself go through a lot of these gloves every year. It is nice to know that these gloves just cost around 14c per pair if you buy them by the box.

I have a couple of boxes in my garage because I do use them regularly and I am very satisfied with them so far. I also liked that these nitrile mechanics gloves do not contain any latex. I have a slight latex allergy. When my skin touches latex gloves for mechanics for even just a couple of minutes, my skin will start to get red and itchy.

Because these are made out of pure nitrile, which is completely hypoallergenic, I can wear them all day and I will not feel any discomfort whatsoever. I also appreciate that these gloves for oil change have completely dimpled surfaces because they provide grip.

Even though my tools are a bit greasy, I have no problem grasping onto them with the help of this product. Speaking of grease and oil, this product does a great job protecting my hands from harsh chemicals and substances. This is why these are not just for mechanics.

I have used these when I worked on making cast resin items, and they work like a dream. My only complaint is the confusing sizing guide. The guide tells the customer to measure the width of their palms and get the appropriate size glove.

However, the gloves are measured while they are laid out flat, so they will naturally be too tight when worn. It is best to just get the size you usually wear rather than consult the sizing guide.
What We Like
  • Can resist many harsh chemicals and substances
  • Only 9-mil thin so finger dexterity and tactile sense are not compromised
  • Features a dimpled surface for excellent grip
  • Made from hypoallergenic materials
  • Durable and puncture-resistant
What We Don’t Like
  • The sizing guide is wrong.
Sizing guide confusion aside, there is nothing that should dissuade you from getting a box or two of these rubber gloves for mechanics. When it comes to performance, durability, and price, these gloves are aces.

10. Vgo High Dexterity Heavy-Duty Mechanic Glove

This is made of multiple materials that provide excellent protection and durability. First, the palms are made of synthetic leather that is durable, flexible, and abrasion-resistant. On top of the palms are patches made of PVC. These provide an extra layer of abrasion protection and increase the grip of the gloves.

The top is made of a spandex-like material that is flexible and breathable while wicking sweat away from the skin. Finally, on top are thermoplastic rubber knuckle guards to protect against impacts. All these components completely protect the hands against any kind of potential injury.

There’s also a nifty little detail that I liked. On top of the thumbs is a small patch made of terry cloth. This is made so that while in the middle of a strenuous task, you can wipe the sweat of your brow without losing a beat. This is a nice little touch that shows how much Vgo thinks about the needs of their customers.

Another nice touch (pun not intended) is the forefinger of the gloves. If you look closely, the tips are not reinforced with PVC. This is intentional so that the user can still use their touchscreen devices. I find this useful because it means that I do not have to remove the gloves when I need to answer a call or change the music that I am playing.

Vgo used three-dimensional hand modeling to come up with the most ergonomic glove design. This is constructed using several pieces, which allowed the glove to follow the natural curves of the hands and prevent the material from bunching up.

Whenever I wear the gloves, they feel like a second layer of skin – that’s how close-fitting they are even though they look bulky. The only problem I have about this product is the sizing. The fingers are a bit tight on my gloves the first time I used them. Thankfully, after breaking them in, they started to fit much better.

If you want an exact fit right out of the packaging, you might want to get a pair that is one size larger than what you usually use.

What We Like
  • Provides excellent protection against abrasion, impacts, vibration, puncture, and cuts
  • Has an ergonomic design for extreme comfort
  • Features a terry cloth strip for wiping sweat off the face
  • Can still use touchscreen devices with them on
  • Affordable at less than $10 a pair
What We Don’t Like
  • The sizing runs too small.
Aside from the sizing issue, there is nothing much to complain about the Vgo High Dexterity Heavy-Duty Mechanic Gloves. They provide ample protection and improve grip while being offered at an affordable price, making them truly great investments.

11. KAYGO KG125M Mechanic Work Gloves

First of all, these gloves are quite strong. The main material used is durable and abrasion-resistant synthetic leather, which is then double-stitched together with high-quality threads. You can also find additional leather reinforcing patches across the palm, the saddle, and under the fingers, providing extra protection against wear and tear.

I have used these for a couple of weeks and so far, I have yet to develop blisters on my hands. The reinforced patches also serve to provide extra grip. I appreciate this feature because I am not a neat worker when I am under the hood of my car, so my tools get a bit greasy and hard to hold most of the time.

With these gloves, I no longer accidentally drop wrenches into the engine bay, which is always a good thing. Kaygo used three-dimensional modeling to figure out the most ergonomic way to construct this product. Unlike traditional leather gloves that bunch up around the palms and wrists, these are form-fitted to the hands.

This makes them feel more like a second layer of skin, which also means that finger dexterity is not compromised. Furthermore, it has a 100% money-back guarantee. If for any reason, you are not entirely satisfied with the product, Kaygo will provide a complete refund without question.

That’s a good sign as it means that they have so much confidence in the quality of their product. These gloves also have the same sizing problem that similar products have, which is not that much of an issue in my opinion. The first pair I got were a bit too tight so I sent them back for a replacement and got the next bigger size and they fit perfectly.
What We Like
  • Ergonomically designed to form fit around the hands
  • Made of very durable materials
  • Features reinforcing patches that also add additional grip
  • Has ample puncture and cut-resistance
  • Competitively priced while still being high-quality
What We Don’t Like
  • The sizes run small, so you might need to order the next bigger size.
The issue regarding the sizing is more of an unfortunate inconvenience that does little to negatively impact these gloves. For the price, you will be getting a pair of high-quality gloves that can do everything that’s expected of them, and more.

OZERO Mechanic Gloves (Outdated)

These are probably among the lightest work gloves that I have ever used. The glove is mainly made of a microfiber and polyester blend. This results in a material that is lightweight, flexible, and durable. These are form-fitting that they do not compromise finger dexterity that much.

I can still do somewhat detailed tasks with these gloves on. This is quite an improvement from the last pair of leather work gloves that I used. The palms are made of tough synthetic leather, which is abrasion-resistant while providing ample puncture and cut-resistance.

However, you still should not hold knife blades or needles as they could still go through the material. On the other hand, dull nails, wooden splinters, screws, exposed wiring, and others will not be able to penetrate these gloves. Aside from the synthetic leather, the palms are dotted with bits of silicone rubber.

This provides even more grip and a bit of heat-resistance as well. The silicone improves the grip as it provides more texture while being oil-resistant. Another nice detail I love about this product is that it’s not just the forefinger that can be used to operate touchscreen devices. This same functionality is also present in the thumb.

This is pretty ingenious because you do not have to hold your phone with both your hands to operate it. There is one thing that I did not like and it’s the fact that the fingertips are a bit loose.

The rest of the gloves fit my hands perfectly but when it comes to the tips of my fingers, they seem a bit wider compared to the rest of the fingers. It is not much of a hassle but it does lessen the finger dexterity somewhat.

What We Like
  • Made of lightweight and flexible material but still durable
  • Can be reused many times and is machine-washable
  • Comes equipped with silicone dots at the palms for extra grip
  • Features forefingers and thumbs that are touchscreen compatible
  • Has modest puncture and cut-resistance and excellent abrasion-resistance
What We Don’t Like
  • The fingertips are a bit too wide, causing a slight decrease in dexterity.
The loose fingertips are just a minor hassle that people can get used to pretty quickly. The important thing here is that the OZERO Mechanic Gloves are solid pieces of protective equipment that are more than worth their price.

RevHeads MECHANIC GLOVES (Outdated)

The first thing that immediately caught my attention in this pair of gloves was the price. These are among the most affordable yet still high-quality gloves that one can buy today. At just below $13 a pair, you can potentially get around six months of light to moderate use out of these gloves.

This means if you will be using these for tinkering around with your car, you can get a lot of mileage for your money. The material used for making the glove is durable yet still lightweight and breathable. With the other gloves I’ve tried, I always seem to take a break every thirty minutes or so because my hands get hot and sweaty inside.

This does not happen anymore with the RevHeads gloves, I can work continuously without my hands feeling hot and clammy. What I liked about them is that they have cut and puncture-resistant palms.

Although they could not prevent punctures from thin needles, you don’t have to worry about things like that when working on your car. In my experience, the only times that my hands got punctured a bit was by frayed wires and screws. These gloves do a great job of protecting my hands from these sharp objects.

As mentioned earlier, these gloves are not meant for heavy tasks. This means if you are a mechanic in a busy garage, these might last you a couple of months or so before they start to deteriorate. On the other hand, if you are just a weekend warrior, expect these items to serve you well for the long haul.
What We Like
  • Affordable at less than $13 a pair
  • Can last for a long time if used for light to medium tasks
  • Provides ample cut and puncture protection for the palms
  • Features padded knuckles for added protection
  • Made of lightweight and breathable materials for maximum comfort
What We Don’t Like
  • Will not last long when used for heavy-duty tasks
Sadly, the gloves will only last for a week or so when used heavily but these are not meant for such tasks at all. If you will be using them for weekend projects or whenever you have time to work on your project car, then these mechanic gloves will do fine.

What is a Pair of Mechanic Gloves

auto-mechanic-gloves

Mechanic work gloves are any kind of work glove that can protect the wearer from the different kinds of hazards related to automotive repairs. You can also consider them as tools as they make working a lot easier and more comfortable.

For instance, mechanic gloves help the wearer to tightly grip tools to make them easier to manipulate. There is no set basis for what makes a “true” mechanic glove. Any work glove will do as long as they help with the tasks involved.

How Do Mechanic Gloves Work

A good pair of mechanic gloves should be able to perform certain tasks. First, they need to protect the hands of the wearer. Mechanic gloves have to be tough that they can resist getting punctured by sharp objects. Whenever a mechanic reaches into the engine bay, there are a lot of sharp and pointy things in there that can potentially cause injury.

Mechanic gloves should also be able to give ample grip. Good work gloves have palms made of tough cowhide leather or synthetic leather. Because the palm is the part that usually receives the most abuse, it needs to be tough. Moreover, the palms should also provide enough grip so that tools and spare parts do not slip out of the hands.

Because mechanics have to handle a lot of tiny parts, so they should not be too bulky or cumbersome, they should be thin enough that they also allow enough finger dexterity. Ideally, even when you are wearing gloves, you should still be able to pick up tools from off the floor without a problem.

Types of Mechanic Gloves

best-mechanics-gloves

Mechanic gloves come in different shapes and sizes. However, they can be categorized into two:

Nitrile/Rubber Gloves – Nitrile gloves, also called rubber gloves by many despite not containing any latex at all, have become quite a common site in mechanics’ garages in the past couple of years and for good reason. This helps protect the hands from caustic chemicals and substances that most mechanics have to handle every day.

These included substances like motor oil, brake fluid, gasoline, and others. In the past, mechanics saw no reason why they need to protect their hands from these substances. However, as time goes by and people started to notice just how damaging they are, nitrile gloves became standard issue safety equipment for most professional garages.

Leather Gloves – These are the gloves that most mechanics use for heavier tasks, like tightening or loosening bolts and lifting heavy engine parts. They can protect the hands from everything that can potentially cause serious injuries to the hands.

For instance, they need to protect the fingers from getting punctured by loose cables, metal shards, and anything pointy and sharp that you can find in the engine bay. Leather mechanic gloves also need to have plenty of padding across the palms and under the fingers.

This is to protect the hands from friction burns, blistering, and callouses when using the tools of the trade. The palms also need to have a bit of texture to provide a better grip on the tools so they will not slip out of the hands.

Different brands of work gloves are out there. Some are better than others in certain aspects but the important thing that you need to keep in mind when you are shopping for a new pair is how the gloves can help make your job easier.

Why Do You Need Gloves for Automotive Work

Sadly, some old school mechanics make fun of those who wear gloves on the job. However, they will not be singing the same tune if only they knew the reasons. If you find yourself in doubt whether or not you need gloves at work, here are some of the most important reasons:

Protects against physical injuries – The most painfully obvious (pun intended) reasons why you should wear work gloves when working on cars is because there are thousands of things in them that can potentially stab or cut your hands open.

Also, because you will put a lot of friction and pressure on your hands, the likelihood of developing painful blisters and friction burns on your palms and fingers is high. It is important to prevent open wounds when working on automobiles because of how dirty car engines are.

It is also because of the damage that might happen when caustic chemicals accidentally getting into open cuts. Any wounds that you get while working on your car will likely get infected, especially if you do not apply first aid immediately. If you have injured hands, you will not have the means to do your job properly.

Protection against chemicals – As mentioned earlier, there are many different chemicals in a regular automobile. Among them are engine oil, brake and clutch fluid, antifreeze, battery acid, and a whole lot of other nasty stuff. You do not want any of those things touching your skin.

One of the reasons is because they can aggravate any open wounds on your hands that you might have. If any of those chemicals get into an open wound, they might cause infection. They can get into your bloodstream, which means those chemicals can poison you as well.

Moreover, some chemicals can cause permanent stains on the skin. Just look at the hands of old mechanics. Aside from being discolored, the skin on their hands is also dry, thick, and cracked (this is a very painful condition). Also, did you know that you can absorb chemicals through the pores of your skin?

There have been many mechanics who have developed renal ailments because of the way they incorrectly handle chemicals. Some have had so many toxic chemicals absorbed through their skin that their kidneys and livers have almost shut down.

If you do not want to live the rest of your life needing weekly dialysis treatments then do yourself a favor and just wear the gloves.

Provides extra grip – I cannot count how many times my hands have slipped off the handles of my tools. Sometimes, the tools would just fall into the engine bay, often in places that are extremely difficult to reach. However, most of the time, my hand would wildly flail, causing my knuckles to hit the nearest hard object.

A good pair of work gloves will provide your hands with all the extra grip that you need so that you can exert all your strength into twisting the tool without any hesitation.

Buying Guide

best-gloves-for-automotive-work

If you are having a hard time choosing a pair of work gloves from the multitude of choices available, here are some of the things that you need to keep an eye out for while browsing the aisles:

Cut and puncture-resistance – Many hidden dangers are dwelling under the hood of a car and all of them can potentially stab or cut your hands open. You will need to find gloves that are thick and durable enough that they can withstand getting punctured or cut by somewhat sharp objects.

These include sheared cables, shards of glass, or ripped sheet metal. Although there is no such thing as a cut and puncture-proof pair of work gloves, they should at least have enough resistance to give you a chance to pull your hands back from danger.

Breathability and Comfort – Except nitrile gloves, a mechanic’s work glove should be made of somewhat soft and breathable materials. You will be working underneath the hood of a car for possibly hours at a time, so you should at least make it a point to use gloves that will not add to your suffering.

Gloves should be able to let your skin breathe so that your hands are kept cool. The material should also be able to absorb the sweat on your skin and wick it to the top so that it can quickly dry. Moreover, work gloves should neither be too tight nor loose. Wearing gloves that are too tight will result in poor blood circulation in your hands.

Finger movement will also be extremely lessened because the tight gloves are too restrictive. Alternatively, gloves should not be so loose that you have to constantly pull them on because they are always sliding off your hands.

Also, if they are too loose around the fingers, they will eliminate the tactile sense of the fingertips. You will not be able to hold your tools properly.

Impact Protection – There will be times when you need to hammer parts into place, like when you are working with sheet metal for body repairs. You will need a pair of gloves that have impact-resistant hard rubber protectors at the back of the hand.

In case you miscalculate the angle of your hammer swing, your hands will still come out of the ordeal without a mark.

Finger Dexterity – You will be using your fingers a lot when you are working on a car, which is why you need gloves that will not hamper their functionality, or at least not to do so too much.

Ideally, your work gloves should be thin enough that you can still feel things outside of the glove (also known as the tactile sense). You should be able to pick up small tools and parts from the floor without taking off the gloves.

Chemical Protection – A good pair of mechanics work gloves is one that can also protect the hands when you accidentally spill oil, battery acid, brake fluid, and other toxic materials onto your hands. The gloves should be made with materials that are highly resistant to the most common chemicals used in automobiles.

Care and Maintenance

Mechanics work gloves are very low-maintenance. The reusable ones usually just require the use of a damp clean rag to wipe away all of the dirt and grime stuck onto the surface. However, there are also reusable gloves that are machine-washable and can be washed along with your other pieces of laundry.

In the case of nitrile gloves, they should never be used more than once. After using a pair for whatever task you used the nitrile gloves for, you should immediately throw the used pair away and just use a fresh new pair for the next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular mechanic work glove brands?

Because many mechanic work gloves have saturated the market, finding out which ones are worth your time and money can be tricky. However, I have tried quite a lot of these gloves over the years. I highly recommend trusted brands like Mechanix Wear, GlovePlus, Maxiflex, Grease Monkey, RevHeads, Adenna, Vgo, KAYGO, and OZERO

What are the most durable work gloves?

Durability is a bit subjective. If you will be doing a lot of heavy lifting, then the most durable for these tasks will be the oxhide leather gloves with additional reinforcing lining to improve strength. Some gloves are meant for light to moderate use. If one sticks to the prescribed usage, they can easily last six months or so with proper care.

Do mechanics wear gloves?

Yes, mechanics have to wear work gloves right now. They need to wear these items because it is mandated by the OSHA. It is no longer considered macho to knowingly put your hands in danger of serious injury and brag about the scars later. However, their hands no longer move in the same way as they did before.

How to use mechanic gloves?

There is nothing special about how to use the mechanic’s gloves. You just slip them on before you go to work. However, some gloves come with straps at the ends of the cuffs that you can tighten to secure them firmly around your hands.

However, if your gloves are the ones with elastic wrist bands, you just slip them on and they will automatically tighten around your wrists with just the right amount of pressure to keep them in place.

Are mechanic gloves one size fits all?

No. While you might find websites that provide a “standard” size chart for gloves, the reality is that manufacturers from various countries do not conform to a single sizing convention.

Another factor to consider is that some materials are way stretchier than others. For instance, between mechanic nitrile gloves and leather mechanic gloves, we all know that the former is more pliable than the latter. However, it is not necessarily “better” than the other.

Just the same, each pair of hands is unique. Hence, each individual will likely have different preferences in terms of fitting.

Will mechanic gloves protect me from harmful chemicals and in high-heat applications?

Not all mechanic-style gloves are designed to shield our hands against harsh chemicals and extreme heat. Again, this will depend on the glove material.

For instance, disposable thin mechanic gloves made of nitrile can protect your hands from chemicals. However, they are not strong enough to withstand prolonged exposure.

Likewise, glove materials do provide the same level of heat or flame resistance. You will have to check the label or the product description to know whether the manufacturer recommends the gloves for high-heat applications.

What is the warranty?

Most mechanics work gloves come with a 3-month warranty against factory defects. This means that if your gloves fail (the seams pop out, the material gets torn, or gets holes) while used under normal, prescribed conditions, you qualify to get a full refund or a replacement pair of gloves.

Other brands provide 100% satisfaction guarantees. These are the ones you should consider getting. This means that if for whatever reason that you do not like the gloves that you just bought, you just return it to the manufacturer and they will provide you with a full refund, no questions asked.

These companies have pride in their work. They are willing to take all negative feedback so they can use them to improve.

Where to buy mechanic gloves?

Many benefits come with buying your mechanic work gloves from physical stores, not the least of which is that you can try and test the products before you make a decision. However, even big box stores like Walmart and Lowe’s, with their extensive hardware sections, might not carry as many brands as you might like.

There are probably three or four brands of mechanic gloves in those places, so you are strapped for choices. On the other hand, when you buy gloves online, you will be treated to hundreds, if not thousands of options.

However, you will not get to test them out first and you also have to wait for them to get delivered to your place. Then again, you can compare different brands and get prices that are much lower than retail when you shop online.

Conclusion

As a mechanic, your hands are your meal ticket, which is why you need to protect them by wearing the best mechanic gloves before you go to work. There are so many things that can harm your hands while working on a car and you definitely could not afford to be sidelined for days or weeks waiting for your hands to heal.

It is also possible for your hands to be so severely injured that full recovery will be impossible. Don’t gamble with your safety and just use the right work gloves to keep your precious hands safe and sound.

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