Nitrile Gloves

About Nitrile Gloves

Nitrile gloves are essential protective handwear for tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and professionals across numerous industries. Made from synthetic rubber, nitrile offers superior puncture resistance, chemical protection, and durability compared to traditional latex alternatives. These gloves come in two main formats: disposable gloves for single-use applications requiring hygiene and contamination control, and reusable work gloves featuring nitrile coating or foam-dipped palms for enhanced grip and abrasion resistance.

The nitrile glove selection at Tooled-Up.com includes options from trusted manufacturers such as Portwest, DeWalt, Polyco, and Scan, catering to diverse workplace requirements. Disposable nitrile gloves provide powder-free protection for mechanical work, painting, and general maintenance tasks, whilst coated work gloves combine breathable fabric shells with nitrile palms for precision handling in construction, warehousing, and engineering applications. Many modern designs incorporate touchscreen compatibility, allowing users to operate mobile devices without removing their gloves—a valuable feature on busy job sites.

Nitrile-coated safety gloves typically feature a nylon, polyester, or HPPE (high-performance polyethylene) shell with partial or full nitrile dipping. This construction delivers excellent dexterity whilst protecting against oils, greases, and mild chemicals. Advanced variants include cut-resistant options with EN388 ratings, impact protection for knuckles and fingers, and foam nitrile coatings that provide exceptional grip in wet or oily conditions. Whether you need lightweight disposables for painting work or heavy-duty coated gloves for mechanical handling, choosing the appropriate nitrile glove specification ensures both safety compliance and comfortable all-day wear.

Jargon Buster

Nitrile

A synthetic rubber compound (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber) offering superior puncture resistance, chemical resistance, and durability compared to latex. Nitrile is also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for users with latex sensitivities.

EN388 Rating

The European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks. This rating assesses abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance using numerical ratings. Higher numbers indicate greater protection in each category.

Foam Nitrile Coating

A textured foam finish applied to glove palms and fingers that provides exceptional grip on wet, dry, and oily surfaces. The micro-foam structure channels liquids away whilst maintaining flexibility and breathability.

HPPE

High-Performance Polyethylene—an ultra-strong synthetic fibre used in cut-resistant glove liners. HPPE provides excellent protection against sharp objects whilst remaining lightweight and comfortable.

Sandy Finish

A textured, gritty nitrile coating that enhances grip performance, particularly in wet conditions or when handling rough materials. The sandy texture increases friction without compromising flexibility.

Gauge

Refers to the fineness of the knitted glove liner—higher gauge numbers indicate thinner, more flexible knitting that provides better dexterity, whilst lower gauge gloves offer more robust protection and warmth.

Who Uses Nitrile Gloves?

• Mechanics and automotive technicians requiring chemical resistance and grip when handling oily components
• Electricians (sparkies) needing dexterous gloves for precision wiring work and component handling
• Plumbers protecting hands from water, adhesives, and cleaning chemicals
• Painters and decorators using disposable nitrile gloves to protect against solvents and paints
• Joiners and carpenters (chippies) requiring abrasion resistance and good grip for material handling
• Construction workers needing robust hand protection for general site work and manual handling
• Warehouse operatives handling goods and packages where grip and durability are essential
• Engineers and fabricators working with metals, oils, and sharp-edged materials
• Gardeners and landscapers seeking waterproof protection with excellent dexterity
• DIY enthusiasts tackling home improvement projects requiring hand protection
• Healthcare and care workers using disposable nitrile gloves for hygiene and contamination control

How to Choose the Right Nitrile Gloves

Disposable vs. Reusable: Determine whether you need single-use disposable gloves for hygiene-critical tasks or reusable coated work gloves for ongoing mechanical work. Disposable nitrile gloves suit painting, cleaning, and light maintenance, whilst coated gloves provide better value for regular use and demanding applications.

Thickness and Durability: Disposable nitrile gloves are typically measured in mils (thousandths of an inch)—thicker gloves (5-8 mils) offer greater puncture resistance but reduced sensitivity, whilst thinner options (3-4 mils) provide better tactile feel. For reusable gloves, check the EN388 ratings for mechanical protection levels appropriate to your work environment.

Coating Type: Foam nitrile coatings excel in wet and oily conditions, providing superior grip compared to standard smooth nitrile. Sandy or textured finishes enhance grip on rough materials. Full-dipped gloves offer maximum protection, whilst palm-coated options provide better breathability and flexibility for precision work.

Cut Resistance: If working with sharp materials, consider gloves with HPPE liners and appropriate cut resistance ratings. The range available from Tooled-Up includes options rated from Cut Level 1 (minimal risk) through to Cut Level 5 (high-risk applications involving glass, metal fabrication, and blade handling).

Sizing and Comfort: Proper sizing is critical for both safety and productivity. Gloves that are too large compromise dexterity and increase snag risks, whilst undersized gloves fatigue hands quickly and may tear. Most manufacturers offer sizes from Small through to XXL—consult sizing charts and consider brands known for consistent fit such as Portwest and Polyco.

Touchscreen Compatibility: For roles requiring frequent mobile device or tablet use, touchscreen-compatible nitrile gloves eliminate the need for constant glove removal, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of losing gloves on site.

Chemical Resistance: Whilst nitrile provides good general chemical resistance, check manufacturer specifications if you'll be handling specific solvents, acids, or aggressive cleaning agents. Different nitrile formulations and coating thicknesses offer varying protection levels against particular chemicals.

Popular Accessories

• Glove dispensers and wall brackets for organised storage of disposable gloves in workshops and vehicles
• Hand cleansers and barrier creams to maintain skin health when wearing gloves regularly
• Safety glasses and goggles to complete personal protective equipment requirements
• Hi-visibility vests and workwear for comprehensive site safety compliance
• First aid kits for treating minor hand injuries in workshop and site environments
• Tool belts and storage pouches for keeping spare gloves accessible during work
• Wrist supports and ergonomic aids to reduce strain during prolonged manual handling tasks

Safety Information

Always inspect nitrile gloves before use for tears, punctures, or degradation—damaged gloves compromise protection and should be discarded immediately. Disposable nitrile gloves are designed for single use only and should not be washed or reused, as this reduces their protective properties and increases contamination risk.

Select gloves with appropriate EN388 ratings for your specific application—HSE guidance emphasises that gloves must provide adequate protection against identified workplace hazards. For tasks involving chemicals, consult manufacturer chemical resistance charts to ensure compatibility, as no glove provides universal protection against all substances.

Reusable nitrile-coated gloves should be inspected regularly and replaced when coating shows signs of wear, cracking, or loss of grip. Store gloves away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and chemicals to prevent premature degradation of the nitrile material.

Ensure proper sizing to maintain manual dexterity and reduce accident risk—poorly fitting gloves increase the likelihood of items slipping from grasp or gloves catching on machinery. When working with rotating equipment, be aware that loose-fitting gloves pose entanglement hazards and may require alternative protection methods.

For tasks requiring sustained wear, allow hands to breathe periodically to prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to skin irritation and reduced grip. Whilst nitrile is hypoallergenic compared to latex, some individuals may still experience sensitivity reactions—discontinue use if irritation develops and consult occupational health guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are nitrile gloves better than latex for trade work?

Nitrile gloves offer several advantages for tradespeople: they provide superior puncture and abrasion resistance, excellent chemical protection against oils and solvents, and are hypoallergenic, eliminating latex allergy concerns. Nitrile also maintains flexibility in cooler temperatures, making it more suitable for outdoor site work. For mechanical trades, automotive work, and general construction applications, nitrile typically outperforms latex in durability and protection.

How long do reusable nitrile-coated gloves last?

The lifespan of reusable nitrile work gloves depends on usage intensity and working conditions. With proper care and rotation between pairs, quality brands like Portwest and Polyco typically provide several weeks to months of regular use. Inspect gloves regularly for coating wear, loss of grip texture, or holes—replace immediately when protective properties diminish. Heavy mechanical work and exposure to sharp materials will naturally reduce glove life compared to light assembly or warehousing tasks.

Can I use disposable nitrile gloves for painting and decorating?

Yes, disposable nitrile gloves are excellent for painting, staining, and decorating work. They provide effective protection against water-based and solvent-based paints, varnishes, and thinners whilst maintaining sufficient dexterity for brush control and masking work. Choose medium to heavy-duty disposable nitrile gloves (5+ mils thickness) for extended decorating sessions, as they resist tearing when hands become damp with perspiration.

What do the EN388 numbers on work gloves mean?

EN388 is the European standard rating mechanical protection in work gloves. The rating shows four or six numbers representing: abrasion resistance (0-4), cut resistance (0-5), tear resistance (0-4), and puncture resistance (0-4). Newer standards add additional cut and impact ratings. Higher numbers indicate greater protection—for example, a 4543 rating provides excellent all-round mechanical protection suitable for demanding construction and engineering applications.

Are touchscreen-compatible nitrile gloves as protective as regular ones?

Yes, touchscreen-compatible nitrile gloves maintain the same protective properties as standard versions. The touchscreen capability comes from conductive fibres woven into fingertip areas or specialised coating formulations, which don't compromise the mechanical or chemical protection. Brands like DeWalt offer touchscreen nitrile gloves with full EN388 ratings and cut resistance, allowing safe device operation without removing protective handwear on site.