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The Best Puncture-Resistant Gloves for 2023

Fact checked by Andrew Carnegie

Work gloves are supposed to be tough so they can protect your hands from anything that can cause them harm. This is why you need to find the best puncture-resistant gloves accessible in the market today.

If you mostly rely on your hands for your livelihood, like if you are a professional woodworker, carpenter, or plumber then you should do everything you can to protect them by using the high-quality work gloves for the task at hand. More specifically, you will need a pair that can resist getting accidentally punctured while you are working.

best puncture resistant gloves

Not only will you risk injury when your gloves are punctured. If you are working with dangerous substances, this means that there is now a way for these hazardous materials to get inside your glove and cause all kinds of injuries on your hands.

If your hands are your meal ticket, you need to use gloves that can provide them with the kind of protection that they need and deserve.

stab-resistant-gloves

Top 1

DEX FIT Gloves

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Top 2

RAPICCA Gloves

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Top 3

NoCry Gloves

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10 Best Puncture-Proof Gloves Reviews of 2023

1. DEX FIT Level 5 Cut-Resistant Gloves

The most impressive quality of these gloves is that they manage to get the highest cut-proof rating possible. This means that such a product can virtually protect hands from anything that can puncture and cut through regular fabrics without any problem at all.

What I truly liked about these gloves is that they fit snug and are very comfortable. These are made of very light 13-gauge HPPE and Spandex, which is why they hug and conform to the shape of my hands. Because of how thin these gloves are, my finger dexterity is not affected that much at all.

I am so satisfied with the textured palms and fingers of this glove. These are also coated with a non-slip material. This non-slip treatment can even provide excellent grip on surfaces coated in oil and even when the object is submerged underwater.

What surprised me about these puncture-resistant gloves home depot is that you can still use your smartphone with them on. This is convenient since you do not have to remove the gloves if you need to answer your phone or send someone a quick text. Just do what you need to do and then continue with your task.

These are exceptional gloves but they do have some quirks. One of the most noticeable flaws is that they have a strong chemical smell right out of the packaging. It would not have been much of an issue but the smell tends to linger on the hands after using the gloves.
What We Like
  • Works as true puncture-resistant gloves level 5 and can resist needles and sharp objects
  • Has exceptional grip, can even hold onto objects even underwater
  • Thin and lightweight, making it comfortable to wear
  • Thin material, preventing it from negatively affecting your finger dexterity
  • Allows the use of touchscreen phone even with the gloves on
What We Don’t Like
  • Has a strong chemical smell when brand new
The problem with the smell is just temporary as it will disappear after one or two uses, so do not let this minor inconvenience dissuade you from getting these gloves for your own.

2. RAPICCA Animal Handling Gloves

Just one look at this pair of gloves and you already know that it is made for heavy-duty work. These are made using genuine split leather cowhide, which is already tough on its own but further reinforced by Kevlar infused cotton for good measure. It can resist animal bites, so punctures from needles and broken glass will not be a big deal for them.

The palms and fingers of these gloves are further reinforced by Kevlar double leather patches. These patches are even more resistant to animal bites. Even the fangs of poisonous snakes could not penetrate them.

These gloves are not just for handling animals. I bought a pair because I needed rugged work gloves for the garden and so far, rose thorns have yet to make a mark on them. These gloves are also excellent for grilling as they are thick enough to resist the radiant heat from the coals.

The most appealing quality of these gloves for me is that you can tell that these will last a long time. Cowhide gloves like these can potentially last for many years when maintained properly. This will possibly be the last pair of work gloves that you will ever need and buy.

The only gripe I have about these gloves is that they completely remove any tactile sense from the fingers. Also, because the fingers are a bit loose, it makes handling smaller animals, like kittens, bunnies and the like a bit difficult.
What We Like
  • Made of thick, puncture-resistant and slash-proof materials
  • Comfortable to wear and allows the skin to breathe
  • Has enough cuff length to protect both the wrist and forearms
  • Provides adequate grip even when wet
  • Ideal for use on grilling as it can resist radiant heat
What We Don’t Like
  • Somewhat eliminates finger dexterity
Although you cannot do delicate work with these gloves on, especially since they are not designed for such tasks, these are still worth buying since these are heavy-duty and capable of lasting for many years.

3. NoCry Long Leather Gardening Gloves

The manufacturer claims that these gloves offer twice the amount of protection that regular garden gloves provide. In my opinion, they are correct. After some time of using these in my garden, I can say that they do protect against all kinds of thorny and prickly plants.

This now means that tending to my garden is once again relaxing and no longer feels like a chore. The palms and fingers are reinforced with double layers of supple goatskin. This means that they are not just protective but are also flexible and allow the full range of motion for the fingers and thumbs.

The extended cuffs are made of durable cowhide so your forearms are also safe against punctures and scratches. I also discovered that these gloves are also ideal for other purposes other than gardening. I liked that these are thick enough that I can use them when I am grilling for a large group of people.

These are much better than regular oven mitts as I can hold on to my cooking utensils much better. I do not have to remove the gloves when I need to use my knife. Although these gloves are made for heavy-duty purposes, it does not feel like you are wearing one at all.

It is more like wearing a pair of comfortable driving gloves because they are made of lightweight and soft materials. The only complaint I have is that they cannot withstand the spines of cacti, especially fine and long ones. However, these can still handle other spikes and thorns. I find them great when I am working on my rose bushes.
What We Like
  • Made of light and supple yet durable materials
  • Can withstand puncturing and tearing to a certain point
  • Comfortable to wear and provides enough air circulation to keep hands dry
  • Can withstand heat to an extent, making it serve as grilling mitts as they can withstand radiant heat
  • Features a long cuff made of split cowhide, providing more than enough protection to the wrist and forearm
What We Don’t Like
  • Cannot withstand puncturing by cactus spines
It is quite a stretch to think that these gloves, or any others that are this lightweight, can stand getting stabbed by cactus spines, with that said, these gloves are still one of the top-rated work gloves out there because of all the things that it can do.

4. Hatch Street Guard Glove

These gloves are for serious business as these are primarily made with security and law enforcement personnel in mind. You can wear it snug around the hands to maximize dexterity while still providing enough protection against stabbing and slashing. This is made possible by using an inner lining made of puncture-resistant material, Kevlar.

Even though these gloves fit snugly around the hands, these are still not uncomfortable to use even during warm weather. The back is made using a combination of nylon and neoprene. These materials wick up the sweat and moisture to the surface and away from the skin while allowing proper air ventilation for dryness and comfort.

The palms of these gloves are covered with synthetic leather that provides adequate grip even on wet surfaces. The entire surface of the palm is textured so I have no problem holding onto smooth surfaces.

Also, because synthetic already provides quite a lot of grip on its own, this glove makes it easier to hold onto things compared to using my bare hands. Apart from the synthetic leather, there are also Extreme Grip patches on the parts of the palm that cradle a handgun or any other firearm.

These patches offer a firm grip on the firearm, offering complete control over it. Regular leather gloves do not provide nearly enough grip, which can cause serious injuries if the firearm flies out of your hands.

These gloves would have been perfect if the new batches had the same quality as the ones that came before them. A couple of years back, these were made to last but now in these newer batches, the seams were already popping after a month or two of regular use. This is quite a shame because these are nice tactical work gloves.
What We Like
  • Completely slash and puncture-proof
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Made of nylon and neoprene to let the skin breathe
  • Comes with textured palms for effective grip
  • Has Extreme Grip patches for better firearm control
What We Don’t Like
  • The gloves fall apart after a month of regular use.
Although it is a shame that these gloves are no longer as durable as they were a couple of years ago, they still do perform quite nicely as tactical puncture-resistant work gloves. Just buy two pairs so you can rotate using them, preventing them from getting damaged as fast.

5. Mechanix Wear Pursuit D5 Black Gloves

Mechanix gloves have been the favorite of many tradesmen (not just mechanics) for many years. These gloves are very form-fitting, allowing almost the full range of motion of the fingers. You can also use them for tasks that need a delicate touch, like setting and tightening small nuts and bolts, using pruning shears to cut off small twigs, and others.

It is not enough for these gloves to be just thin and lightweight as these go the extra mile. They are even form-fitting and conform to the natural contours of the hand. I like how almost every square inch of my hands is hugged by these gloves. It is almost like having a second layer of skin.

These gloves are internally lined with Armortex, which is a bulletproof and puncture-proof material, similar to Kevlar. This feature makes these gloves suitable for work that requires the handling of sharp and pointy objects, like gardening, woodworking, mechanic work, and many others.

The little details in these gloves are also very satisfying. For instance, there is a little nylon loop at the base of the gloves that make it easier to pull them on. You can also find the thermoplastic rubber closure that provides a good seal at the wrist and prevents the gloves from accidentally sliding off.

I have one minor complaint about these gloves, though, and that is that the inside can get warm after a while. However, if I have to choose between breathability and effective protection against puncturing and slashing then I would choose the latter in a heartbeat.
What We Like
  • Lightweight and very comfortable to wear
  • Almost perfectly conforms to the shape of your hands
  • Allows the use of touchscreen phones even when wearing the gloves
  • Lined with Armortex, making it impervious to stabbing and slashing
  • Comes with a handy nylon loop at the base, making the process of wearing it easier
What We Don’t Like
  • Can get warm after a while
Although the gloves can get a bit uncomfortable after an hour or so of use, the heat is usually not enough to make me want to take them off. These are almost the perfect work gloves so you should give them a try soon.

6. Hatch Armortip Glove

These gloves are meant for use by law enforcement officers when searching the person of apprehended suspects. This is why they are skin tight but not as thin as puncture-resistant medical gloves. This skintight design allows maximum finger dexterity while ensuring that it does not hinder the tactile sense of the fingers.

These gloves are lined with Kevlar that does not only offer protection against stabs and slashing but also keep the interiors nice and comfy. During hot days, the lining helps by wicking the sweat off the surface of the skin. During the colder days, it also helps keep the hands warm.

Although these gloves are very thin, that does not mean that these do not provide any kind of protection whatsoever. The fact that it has Kevlar as lining means that it can withstand punctures and slashes. It was also tested under strict parameters.

The tips of the fingers and the sides of the index and pinkie fingers have more Kevlar reinforcement as these are the parts that are more at risk of injuries. Although these are meant for law enforcement units, I discovered that I can also use these for other tasks. I have used these gloves for woodworking, gardening, and even general home repairs.

These gloves are pretty durable. They can take a beating and ask for more. However, I have one issue with it and that is its sizing is a bit on the small side. That means that if you usually use medium-sized gloves, you should get a large size so that it will fit just right.

However, if you are a law-enforcement officer, you would want your search gloves to be real snug since you do need to feel through them.
What We Like
  • Thin and lightweight, perfect for use as search gloves by the police
  • Puncture-resistant and cut-resistant, although thin because of its Kevlar lining
  • Double reinforcements for the fingertips and sides of fingers, allowing officers to search suspects with confidence as they will not get accidentally stabbed or cut
  • Can be used for different applications
  • Reusable for multiple times with proper care and maintenance
What We Don’t Like
  • Sized on the small side, causing them to be too tight-fitting for most people
Even though these gloves are meant to be worn tightly, it would be nice if the sizing is traditional and just get the next size down if you want them to be tighter. However, this is just a small inconvenience compared to all the benefits that you stand to get when you buy a pair or two of these gloves.

7. G & F 1607L Cut-Resistant Work Gloves

These gloves might not win any awards based on design but these are not meant to look cool but for work. These gloves are great for handling sharp objects like panes of glass, as well as for general carpentry and woodworking.

These are made of 100 percent Kevlar fabric, making them puncture and cut-resistant. These have been laboratory tested and turned out to be level 4 puncture-resistant gloves. This means they can withstand getting stabbed at by objects that are as pointy as a ballpoint pen.

However, they could not withstand getting punctured by anything as fine as a hypodermic needle. What I liked the most about these gloves is that they do let my skin breathe. With that said, I had no problem wearing these for hours. They do not get too warm inside and my hands are always relatively dry.

The palms up to the underside of the fingers are coated with synthetic rubber latex to provide an enhanced grip on your tools or object that you are working on. These are also not so thick and loose that you will lose all the dexterity of your fingers. You will not even feel like they are much of a hindrance at all.

However, even though these gloves are quite useful, they do have some flaws. One of these flaws is that the rubber lining tends to deteriorate after a couple of heavy uses.
What We Like
  • Can be safely used for woodworking, carpentry, plumbing and any task requiring the use of one’s hands
  • Tested to be level 4 puncture-resistant
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Highly breathable, ensuring that your skin can breathe
  • Features a latex outer lining that provides the excellent gripping power
What We Don’t Like
  • The rubber latex lining deteriorates after a couple of intense work sessions.
It is a shame that the rubber lining gets destroyed after just a couple of uses. However, other than that, there are plenty of more rewarding things that these gloves have to offer. Also, because of its price, you might be able to afford to buy two or three pairs so that you can alternate using them to prevent extreme damage to each one.

8. Youngstown Glove 05-3080-70-L

This pair of gloves from Youngstown provides the ultimate answer in terms of puncture and slash protection. The entire surface of these gloves is lined with Kevlar. Unlike the other gloves where only the palms and underneath the fingers are lined, even the sides of the fingers and the top of the hands are protected by Kevlar in this glove.

The palms and under the fingers are further reinforced using non-slip synthetic leather patches for improved grip and control. These pads helped with gripping tools, I also discovered that they still have pretty much the same grip even if the object I need to pick up is wet.

The manufacturer used 3D ergonomic design to ensure that the gloves fit perfectly on the hands. There are no loose bits of material between the fingers and on top of the palm. Every bit of the glove material is where they should be and this adds to manual dexterity quite a bit because these just feel like a second layer of skin on your hands.

I like the small details that improve the user’s Quality of Life. In these gloves, the manufacturer added a strip of terry cloth just above both thumbs so you can wipe the sweat off your face while working. These tiny little additions show how the manufacturers take into consideration the people who are using their products.

The thing that I did not like about these gloves is that they are not as durable as they once were. Just a year or two ago, these gloves were very strong and puncture-proof. However, these newer batches did not have the same quality. Some people reported getting minor injuries because the gloves are no longer as puncture-resistant as they were before.
What We Like
  • Lined all over with Kevlar for total protection
  • Comes with additional padding in the palms and underneath the fingers for additional grip
  • Lined inside with soft cloth material for comfort and to wick away the sweat from the hands
  • Has a bit of terry cloth above the thumbs to wipe away the sweat from the face
  • Has a 3D ergonomic design that allows the glove to conform around the shape of the hands
What We Don’t Like
  • Not as durable as they once were
The problem with the durability can be solved by simply getting at least two pairs of these gloves so that you can rotate them between uses. This way, you can enjoy all of the benefits that these gloves have without having to worry about when they will give out.

9. MAGID Cut-Resistant Polyurethane-Coated Gloves

These are serious work gloves. If you cannot tell just by looking at them, you can check the labeling to see that they feature an abrasion and puncture resistance level of A4. This rating means that you can potentially use these kinds of gloves for handling glass, automotive repair and customization, and carpentry.

Aside from being highly protective, these gloves provide excellent grip, thanks to their polyurethane coating, which is as grippy as latex but can last longer with proper maintenance. If you need to work using tools, you do not have to worry about them slipping out of your hands.

The gloves are made using 13-gauge Durablend material. This does not just protect against punctures and cuts but is also breathable and comfortable to wear. I liked this lightweight material and though it does not feel quite as soft as cotton, it still feels nice on the skin nonetheless.

There have been times when I forgot that I was wearing gloves because of how comfortable they were. Now, what I genuinely liked about these needle stick-resistant disposable gloves is their price. When you buy a 12-pack, you end up paying just a little over $2.50 per pair, which is a steal.

You will be getting quality working gloves at just a fraction of the price of other brands. I only hope that they adjust the fit of these gloves since right now, they seem to be too loose.

If you use the traditional sizing for gloves when ordering then you might find that the fingers are a bit too long and the fingertips are a bit wider than normal. This does not affect the overall performance of the gloves but it feels a bit awkward at first.
What We Like
  • Has a level 4 cut and puncture resistance
  • Can be used for several different industries
  • Very light and soft to the touch
  • Made with Durablend material, which is both strong and yet breathable
  • More affordable compared to other work gloves
What We Don’t Like
  • The loose fit might feel awkward for some people.
One can get used to using these gloves that are a bit on the loose side. Also, for their price and all of the benefits that come with them, it is no wonder that these are among the most popular puncture-resistant gloves amazon in the market today.

10. Turtleskin TUS009-M Bravo Puncture-Resistant Gloves

These gloves are so puncture-resistant that many police departments use them as standard-issue equipment. This option for a puncture-proof glove is made of high-quality High-Performance Polyethylene (HPPE for short). It is slash-resistant from the palms up to the fingertips, areas that usually get punctured and/or ripped.

Aside from being resistant to serious damage, these stab-resistant gloves are still quite thin. This means I can still do delicate tasks even with the gloves on. I even very much prefer that I wear them.

Another reason why these gloves are popular with law enforcement officers is that they still allow them to operate their firearms and use their gadgets without any difficulty whatsoever. This glove is also made of durable mesh knit material. This is why it is very lightweight while still protecting you from dangers both seen and unseen.

Because of the porosity of the mesh knit, you can wear these gloves even during the warmer days of the year. Law enforcement officers are not the only ones who can benefit from using these gloves. Other professions that can use the help provided by this kind of gloves include sanitary industry workers, gardeners and landscapers, and electricians.

Any profession where the hands are often subjected to sharp or pointy objects can benefit from it. These puncture-resistant nitrile gloves are honestly so good that finding any faults in it is a struggle. However, if I have to point out one thing, it is that it should provide a bit more dexterity.

As of now, wearing the gloves somewhat impedes the tactile sense of my fingers, not to mention it is still a bit difficult to pick up small things off of the floor with them on.
What We Like
  • Made of lightweight yet durable mesh knit material
  • Fully protects the palms and fingers from puncturing and cuts
  • Reinforced upper part to protect the knuckles and provide cushioning
  • Made of porous materials so the skin can breathe during warm days
  • Ideal for different applications in various industries
What We Don’t Like
  • The fit needs to be snug for improved dexterity.
This product is not perfect but it comes close to it, so if you are looking for a reliable pair of puncture and cut-resistant gloves that you can confidently use on potentially harmful jobs then these are the ones you need.

What is a Pair of Puncture-Resistant Gloves

puncture-proof-glove

Puncture-resistant gloves are work gloves used by people who handle potentially harmful materials, like glass and plastic. These are also used by people who work in professions that expose them to threats of violence and/or injury, like law enforcement officers, EMTs, and firefighters, among many others.

Any kind of work where there is a distinct possibility of getting stabbed or cut is where puncture-resistant work gloves come in. The level of puncture-resistance is measured by how much pressure it will usually take to pierce through the gloves using something with a point that is as big as a ballpoint pen.

As of now, the highest rating is level 5. You can usually see those that fall under this level being used by law enforcement officers as well as first responders. These gloves are helpful as these can virtually stand getting stabbed by needles.

How Do Puncture-Resistant Gloves Work

Puncture-resistant gloves work by protecting the wearer from harm. It is mainly because these gloves are usually lined with a stab-resistant material, like Kevlar. However, some of these items use old-fashioned cowhide leather as the primary material. The problem with using cowhide is that it is quite heavy and reduces finger dexterity by a lot.

Pound for pound, Kevlar has a lot more tensile strength in comparison to steel. When woven into a fabric, Kevlar can resist bullets by absorbing their energy. It also spreads it out until it is completely dissipated.

This is also what it does when someone tries to stab the fabric using a knife. With that, expect those gloves made with Kevlar to be able to resist puncturing to a certain degree.

Types of Puncture-Resistant Gloves

puncture-resistant-gloves-level-5

You can find several safety work gloves in the market today. Among them are a couple of puncture-resistant ones. When browsing through a store’s selection with the specific aim of finding the perfect pair of puncture-resistant gloves for you, be aware of the following options:

Leather gloves – Leather, as a material for making gloves, provides ample protection against welding sparks, moderate heat levels, abrasion, and puncture. Leather gloves also offer a good amount of grip. They can also help keep the hands warm during cold days.

Rawhide gloves are generally used for different kinds of manual labor while the form-fitting leather gloves are commonly used by law enforcers as search gloves. It is because they still retain much of the tactile sense of the hands.

Kevlar gloves – These are gloves made of woven Kevlar fibers and are specifically made to prevent puncture and cut wounds on the hands of the wearer. Some of these gloves also have a thin latex, nitrile, or silicone coating on the palms and fingers to provide enough grip.

Why Do You Need Puncture-Resistant Gloves

It is not all the time that you need to wear puncture-resistant gloves. However, if your job puts your hands at risk of getting injured then you will be wearing them almost the whole day.

For instance, if you work as a gardener or a landscaper, then take note that you will not only be dealing with sharp tools but you will also need protection against the sharp thorns and spikes that some garden plants and weeds tend to have.

It is also advisable to wear puncture-resistant gloves when you are doing carpentry or woodworking for a living. You can expect this to help in protecting your hands from sharp wood splinters and other hazards that come with the job.

There is a real threat of infection whenever one gets injured at work and the hands are the most likely part of the body that gets injured, especially when doing manual labor jobs. You need to take good care of your hands. You can do that by wearing the right puncture-resistant gloves.

Buying Guide

puncher-proof-gloves

Many brands of puncture-resistant gloves are available and accessible in the market today. However, unfortunately, not all of them deliver on the promises that they say. If you are shopping for a pair of work gloves that will provide you with the kind of protection that you need, then these are among the qualities you need to keep an eye for.

Fit – A good pair of puncture-resistant gloves should be able to fit your hands perfectly. The fingers should not be too long and there should not be too much material hanging over the palms. If the gloves are too loose, it would take a lot away from your finger dexterity.

This is especially more important when you are working in law enforcement or if you are an EMT. You will need gloves that are form-fitting so that they can still feel things through them while still protecting you from stabbing and cuts.

Comfort – Since you will be working with safety gloves on for hours on end, you need to make sure that you get a pair that is comfortable to wear. Many work gloves in the market are lined with a cotton-like fabric that does not only assure you of extreme comfort once worn but also absorb and wick away the sweat away from the skin.

With that, you can expect it to keep your hands dry and cool. The material used should also be lightweight and flexible to allow a full range of motion. The material, or at least the construction of the glove, should allow a bit of air ventilation. This will prevent the inside of the gloves from getting too hot and cause your hands to get sweaty.

Grip – Work gloves should not hinder you from doing actual work. With that said, the gloves that you buy should let you hold onto your tools tightly so that you can work properly and avoid any mishaps that can cause serious injuries.

Most puncture-resistant gloves come equipped with grip pads on the palms and underneath the fingers of the gloves. In some cases, the entire palm and fingers are covered with a high-grip material. This will be very important when you work in wet environments, like if you are a plumber or if you build aquariums for a living.

It is because a good pair of gloves will still be able to provide a good grip even on wet surfaces.

Durability – You need to make sure that the gloves that you buy are made to last. A durable pair of work gloves is indispensable for people who do manual labor. You would not want to spend money on those that will only last a day or two – that would just be a waste.

Gloves that are that flimsy will most likely not provide as much puncture protection as what the others can provide. A good pair of puncture-proof gloves will have no trouble lasting three to six months of regular use and it can probably last much longer if given the proper care and maintenance.

Even gloves that are advertised to not last that long will usually have a working lifespan of about a week or so with average use. You can usually tell if a glove will last just by looking at how thick the material is, the strength of the seams and joints (double-stitched at least), and the quality of the materials used in making them.

Puncture-Resistance – This is the most important factor that you need to take into consideration since you are looking for puncture-resistant gloves after all. The first thing that you need to look for is the ANSI rating of the gloves.

Preferably, choose one that has the highest ANSI rating, which is ANSI 5. This roughly means that a sharp knife has to be pushed using 3.5 kg of weight before that razor can pierce through the material. This rating also means that it will take a lot of force to cut through the material using a razor blade.

Care and Maintenance

The nice thing about puncture-resistant work gloves is that they are not high-maintenance. It is even safe to say that it hardly needs cleaning aside from the ones made from weaved Kevlar, which will need regular washing just like any fabric gloves.

For instance, if you are using leather work gloves, you do not have to wash them at all. It is even advisable not to use detergent on it as this will damage the material. You only need to wipe away the dirt and grime using a damp, clean rag and just let the gloves air dry.

If the gloves are dirty, hand wash them with some mild liquid detergent and a soft brush. Avoid scrubbing the gloves too hard. Now, in the case of some woven Kevlar gloves, they are not meant to last beyond a month of regular use so just dispose of them once they are worn out and replace them with a new pair.

These kinds of gloves usually just cost a little over $2 a pair so it will be more cost-efficient to just buy a lot of them and replace them as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are cut-resistant gloves puncture-resistant?

Most puncture-resistant gloves are almost always cut-resistant as well. Most of them usually have the same puncture and cut-resistant ratings. This means that they need a specific amount of weight put on the blade to either cut or pierce through the gloves.

However, do take note that puncture-resistant does not mean puncture-proof. Even the top-rated gloves can be punctured by something thin and sharp enough can pierce through the surface.

The tests used to find out how puncture-resistant certain materials are use something that has a point that is as blunt as a ballpoint pen. Anything sharper than that will take less force to puncture through the glove.

Are nitrile gloves puncture-resistant?

Not all nitrile gloves are puncture-resistant. Some do not even offer any resistance at all. However, most nitrile gloves that are surgical-grade are usually highly puncture-resistant since surgeons always work with sharp and pointy tools and they cannot risk getting cut up themselves while they are operating on a patient. Doing so is not just unhealthy but also unethical.

What is ANSI puncture level?

The ANSI 105 utilizes a puncture test to determine how puncture-resistant a glove fabric is. This is done by penetrating a blunt probe at a 90-degree angle through a fabric held by two plates.

The results, which range from 10 to 150 Newtons of resistance, will be converted into the ANSI 105 levels 1 to 5. Please refer to the chart below to see the specifics:

Level 1: 10-19 N

Level 2: 20-59 N

Level 3: 60-99 N

Level 4: 100-149 N

Level 5: 105 N and more

What is the most puncture-resistant fabric?

Aramid, or what is popularly known as Kevlar, is considered to be one of the most puncture-resistant fabrics.

They are often used to make body armor for police or military, as well as industrial protective equipment like stab-proof gloves and safety shoes. Note that Kevlar is made by DuPont.

Other brands also offer their lines of puncture-resistant fabrics, like Armotex’s nail-proof polyester woven textile and Hexarmor’s SuperFabric® puncture protection. The quality of these fabrics is just as strong as Kevlar. Whatever you decide to buy, just make sure that it has the puncture resistance rating appropriate for the job.

Leather is another example of a material that is commonly used for workwear due to its waterproof treatment and puncture-resistant qualities.

What type of glove does not help protect against cuts and burns?

You will notice that there are many gloves made of either cotton, nylon, polyester, leather, or acrylic. Some are sold as work gloves, while others are shelved in the fashion department.

However, your employer may not let you buy ordinary fashion gloves and use them as protection. Here’s why:

Workwear manufacturers combine cotton with Kevlar to make splinter-proof gloves because cotton makes them comfier by absorbing the wearer’s sweat. Cotton, alone, can’t protect you against cutting accidents. As for polyester or nylon, the fibers need to be reinforced and different manufacturing techniques are employed to make them more resilient.

In terms of protection against heat and fire-related accidents, the manufacturer may apply fire-retardant chemicals to prevent the start or slow down the spread of fire. Again, the method differs from one fabric to another.

Without fire-proofing, acrylic is flammable, while nylon and polyester can melt when exposed to fire. Likewise, cotton and linen can catch fire and allow the flames to spread quickly.

Do needle puncture-resistant gloves undergo the same ANSI test as puncture-proof gloves?

Based on my research, the ANSI 105 standard was updated in February 2016 to include ASTM’s F2878-10 needlestick puncture test. Before this, ANSI’s initial testing only included a blunt probe, which could not confirm if the material could resist pointy needles.

To be on the safe side, I recommend looking for “Needlestick Resistant Level” and the ASTM rating on the glove or packaging along with the ANSI 105 standard rating.

Even if the product is labeled as “Level 5 puncture-resistant gloves,” keep in mind that it may not have undergone the needle stick resistance test. That’s because manufacturers are not required to label the glove as such.

After all, no material is completely needle-proof. Anti-puncture gloves are designed for different types of protection against cuttings, lacerations, and punctures.

Are Kevlar gloves puncture-resistant?

Yes, all gloves reinforced by Kevlar are puncture-resistant but at differing degrees. However, Kevlar gloves are usually more stab-resistant rather than puncture resistant because they can usually handle a stabbing. It is because it is capable of spreading out the force evenly across the surface of the glove.

However, even the toughest Kevlar lined glove might not be able to prevent a hypodermic needle from piercing the surface as the force is concentrated on such a small point.

How to use puncture-resistant gloves?

There are not that many differences between a regular working glove and a puncture-proof one other than the latter having extra reinforcement. The use of puncture-resistant gloves is simple. Just pull them over your hands nicely and tightly. If there is a securing buckle at the wrist then pull on it until it is snug but not too tight.

Once the gloves are on, proceed with your work as normal. With the gloves on, you do not have to worry too much about getting stabbed through the material. The real issue with puncture-resistant gloves and work gloves, in general, is getting the right fit.

Usually, when you are shopping for gloves, there is a sizing table at the back of the gloves’ packaging that tells you how to measure your hands to get the right fit. Usually, you need to get the circumference of your palm with the aid of a tape measure.

However, not all sizing charts are accurate. This means that if you do not want a snug-fitting pair of gloves then get the next larger size.

What is the warranty?

Not all puncture-resistant gloves come with warranties but for those that do, the manufacturers usually give a six-month warranty for factory defects.

This means that if within six months your gloves are no longer “fit for work” and it is not due to human error (working with chemicals that are not approved for the gloves, etc.) then expect the manufacturer will provide you with a full refund or brand new replacement gloves, whichever you want.

On the other hand, for the rugged, heavy-duty work gloves, some manufacturers provide a one-year satisfaction guarantee. This is the best because the gloves do not need to deteriorate or get damaged for you to get a refund.

If you are simply not satisfied with how the gloves work, you just need to send them back to the manufacturer (sometimes you even get to keep them) and the manufacturer will give you a full refund.

Where to buy the best puncture-resistant gloves?

You can find lots of different brands of puncture-resistant work gloves in big box stores such as Walmart and Lowe’s, so there is a good chance that you can find the perfect pair of gloves for your needs. The great thing about shopping in brick and mortar stores like these is that you get to hold the items in your hands and inspect them closely.

When you shop online, the only thing that you can base your choice on are photographs of the item. Most of the time, these photographs are professionally shot so they will look almost perfect. However, when you shop online at retail sites like Amazon or that of Home Depot, you can find even more choices on puncture-resistant gloves.

It is even possible for you to obtain hundreds of different options. The good news is that they are usually a lot more affordable than the ones they are selling at Walmart or Lowe’s.

Conclusion

If your work constantly exposes your hands to potential injuries, like gardening, landscaping, carpentry, woodworking, and glass working, among many others, then your hands deserve the kind of protection that only the best puncture-resistant gloves can provide.

With these gloves on, you do not have to worry too much about getting puncture wounds from hidden, rusty nails, shards of glass, and thorny bushes. At the end of the day, your hands will not even have a scratch on them. Hopefully, you now know what to look for when you are shopping for puncture-resistant work gloves.

Many brands and models of puncture-resistant gloves are now available, so take your time examining as many of them as you can before you make a final decision. However, do not think that puncture-resistant gloves can protect your hands from everything.

If a certain object is extremely thin and sharp, like cactus spines or a small-gauge hypodermic needle, they can still puncture through these items if you are not careful. This means that even though you are wearing the best safety gloves you can find, this does not necessarily mean you have the luxury to be careless.

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