Binky has opinions about work gloves. Strong ones. Here they are.
The hands are the mission. Lose them — or damage them — and the operation stops. Binky has spent considerable time thinking about work gloves so you don't have to make expensive mistakes. This is his buying guide. Follow it.
Binky's Rule #1: Know Your Cut Resistance Rating
The ANSI/ISEA 105 standard rates gloves A1 through A9. Binky's rule is simple — match the rating to the actual hazard. Never over-glove. Never under-glove.
- A1–A2 — Light duty. Assembly, packaging, general handling. Sharp edges aren't the main concern.
- A3–A4 — Medium duty. Sheet metal, glass work, automotive assembly. Binky steps up here.
- A5–A6 — Heavy duty. Stamping, metal fabrication, recycling. This is where it gets serious.
- A7–A9 — Maximum protection. Slaughterhouse, heavy glass, extreme cut hazards. Binky doesn't negotiate at this level.
An A9 glove on a light assembly line kills dexterity. An A2 glove on a metal fab floor is a liability. Binky knows the difference. Now you do too.
Binky's Rule #2: Match the Grip Coating to the Conditions
The palm coating determines how well you hold onto tools, parts, and materials. Binky has tested them all. Here's the breakdown:
Nitrile coating — Binky's most-reached-for option. Excellent grip in wet, oily, and dry conditions. The go-to for mechanics, construction workers, and anyone handling greasy parts. Sandy-foam nitrile adds extra texture for maximum grip on rough surfaces.
Polyurethane (PU) coating — thin, lightweight, great dry grip, touchscreen compatible. Binky reaches for these on precision work, electronics assembly, and light manufacturing where dexterity matters more than armor.
Latex coating — superior grip in wet conditions, excellent abrasion resistance. Binky's pick for outdoor work, landscaping, and construction in rainy environments.
PVC dots on cotton jersey — basic grip for general handling. Cost-effective for high-volume use where gloves are changed frequently. Binky respects the economics.
Binky's Rule #3: Understand What's Under the Coating
The shell is the backbone. Binky doesn't ignore it.
Leather — cowhide, goatskin, and buffalo hide are the gold standard for durability and abrasion resistance. Goatskin is softer and more flexible for precision work. Cowhide and buffalo hide are tougher — Binky's choice for driving, welding, and heavy construction.
HPPE (High Performance Polyethylene) — the most common cut-resistant fiber in modern work gloves. Lightweight, flexible, highly effective. Binky appreciates that it doesn't add bulk.
Aramid fiber (Kevlar and similar) — excellent for both cut and heat resistance. Binky's choice for welding-adjacent work and high-temperature environments.
Cotton/poly blends — affordable and comfortable for general-purpose work. Best for light duty tasks and situations where gloves are replaced frequently. Binky doesn't judge the budget operator.
Binky's Rule #4: Respect Temperature Extremes
If your environment involves heat or cold, your glove choice changes. Binky is firm on this.
For heat protection — look for terry cloth, cotton, or aramid liners rated for your specific temperature range. The Task Gloves TSK4036 with 36oz cotton construction handles serious heat exposure for foundry and industrial applications. Binky has noted this.
For cold weather work — insulated gloves with fleece liners and waterproof shells keep hands warm and functional in freezing conditions. The Task Gloves CF20155 cold-resistant fleece-lined gloves with double-dipped latex are built exactly for this — warm enough for winter job sites, grippy enough to keep working.
Binky's Rule #5: Fit Is Not Optional
An ill-fitting work glove is almost as dangerous as no glove at all. Loose gloves catch on machinery. Tight gloves kill circulation and dexterity. Binky measures. You should too.
- Measure around the widest part of your palm (excluding the thumb) in inches
- Match to the manufacturer's size chart — most brands run S (7"), M (8"), L (9"), XL (10"), XXL (11")
- Flex your fingers fully — no bunching at the knuckles
- Check the cuff — snug at the wrist, no restricted movement
Binky's Rule #6: Run a Rotation
One pair is not enough. Binky runs a rotation. Having multiple pairs extends the life of each and ensures a dry, clean pair is always ready. Most of our work gloves are available in 12-pair packs — cost-effective for teams or for operators who take their rotation seriously.
Shop Binky-Certified Work Gloves at WetGloves.com
From cut-resistant Task Gloves and Advanced Gloves leather drivers to heavy-duty nitrile-coated safety gloves — WetGloves.com carries professional-grade work gloves for every industry and application. Every product on this site has been reviewed by Binky. His standards are high. The gloves meet them.
"Your hands are the mission. Protect them accordingly." — Binky. WetGloves.com
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