Hand protection is necessary for carpentry and woodworking. With all the equipment and force involved in these crafts, it’s easy to get injured. It’s a must to wear the best work gloves for carpenters so you can do your work without losing a fingernail or ending up with a bloody injury.
Unlike other gloves, those made for carpentry allow excellent finger movement. It’s the reason why some of these work gloves are made with an open-finger design. With this, you can hold nails, screws, and tiny objects while protecting the rest of your hands.
Comparison table
Last update on 2023-03-25 at 23:26 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The protection carpentry work gloves provide is coupled with durability and flexibility so you can do your job better. Remember that getting injured will stop you from working. This will stymie the project and cost you money. Hand injuries will not just affect your work but also your day to day activities at home. Worse, your hand injury will cost a lot to get treated.
Keep in mind that any work glove will soon wear out. What you need to look for is a pair of work gloves that will last longer and give the best value. Below, we reviewed five of the best options that you can find in the market.
1. Mechanix Wear M-Pact Wear Gloves
The Mechanix Wear M-Pact is made with safety and dexterity in mind. It has a fingerless thumb, index, and middle fingers so you will have optimal control at work. This allows you to hold small objects without compromising your safety.
The highlight of this pair of work gloves is its thermoplastic rubber material that serves as knuckle guards. This guard also extends to the fingertips of the pinky and ring fingers.
Moreover, it’s also equipped with a DuraHide leather on the palm area for added protection. It can withstand extreme abrasion and is paired with a D30 palm padding that will diffuse impact. We also like that the entire thing is machine washable for your convenience. Just avoid using bleach and solvents and air-dry it before use.
The cuffs of this work glove have a hook and loop enclosure to keep it snug while you work. Overall, this is a solid glove that can take the beating of carpentry and woodwork. The only thing we noticed is that it runs a little tight for those with tubby fingers.
Pros
- Comes with thermoplastic rubber guard
- DuraHide leather palm
- Machine washable
Cons
- A little tight for fat fingers
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2. Ironclad Framer Work Gloves
Another pair that we recommend is the Ironclad Framer Work Gloves. It has open thumb, index, and middle fingers for excellent dexterity. Meanwhile, it has a reinforced palm made of Duraclad saddle. This material is also added on the thumb and covered fingers to increase the gloves’ durability.
Moreover, it has a sweat management feature made of a terry cloth sweat wipe at the back of the thumb. You can easily wipe your brow and stay focused on your job. Don’t worry because this is completely machine washable so you can use, wash, and work right away!
This has a secure fit that uses a hook and loop closure for the best fit. At the back of the hand, there’s a thermoplastic rubber guard to shield your hands from falling objects and impact.
Aside from carpentry, this is also useful for electrical work, rigging, framing, and tire mounting. You can also use heavy equipment with this glove on. The open fingers allow you to press buttons on equipment as well as your phone.
We also like how long-lasting this pair of gloves is. For such a low price, this is already a steal.
Pros
- Terry cloth sweat wipe
- Duraclad saddle
- Thermoplastic rubber guard
Cons
- A little thick for some users
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3. Youngstown Carpenter Plus Gloves
Another pair of gloves that we recommend is the Youngstown Carpenter Plus Gloves. It’s made of 40% nylon, 20% polyurethane, 20% PVC, 10% polyester, and 10% blend of neoprene, Velcro, and cotton. This makes the glove very stretchy and durable for carpentry.
This glove features open index, middle, and thumb fingers for dexterity. It also comes with a saddle to improve the grip of the glove. You can handle small nails, nuts, wires, and other small items.
We also like the soft terry cloth at the top of the thumb that works as a sweat wipe. It wicks away sweat on your eyes and brows.
Regardless if you’re into carpentry, assembly, electrical work, and other tasks, this is a great glove that provides ample protection.
Moreover, the palm area of this glove has synthetic leather to protect your hands from abrasions and cuts. We also like this as the best work gloves for summer due to its breathable material. However, it may not be the best option if you’re looking for impact protection.
Pros
- Synthetic leather palm
- Absorbent sweat wipe
- Made of various fabrics
Cons
- There’s a mild smell coming from the gloves
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4. Superior Framer Gloves
The Superior Framer Gloves have open middle, thumb, and index fingers for added dexterity. The back of its hand is made of stretchy nylon for a snug fit. This is paired with neoprene cuffs that are also stretchable. To keep it in place, you can adjust the Velcro enclosures accordingly.
This glove is available in large and extra-large sizes only, which is only suitable for those with large hands. Nevertheless, this pair of gloves has a thumb patch on the crotch as well as reinforced patches on the palm area.
This glove holds up pretty well for most carpentry work and other tasks. But just like any pair, these gloves will experience wear and tear over time. Just make sure that you wash it well on each use.
One thing that we like the most about the Superior gloves is it allows you to push buttons and to use your phone without the need to remove it off your hands. Overall, we like the value for money of this durable pair of gloves.
Pros
- Open-finger design
- Adjustable Velcro enclosure
- Moisture-wicking material
Cons
- Doesn’t have rubber guards for impact
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5. Ringers R-279 Insulated Work Gloves
If you’re doing carpentry in winter, we recommend the Ringers R-279 Insulated Work Gloves. This is made of sub-zero temperatures so rest assured that your hands are protected against the harsh weather and dangers of carpentry.
It has TPR impact protection that runs through the fingers as well as 150 grams of Thinsulate. Also, it has six layers of palm material that provides unbeatable grip and protection against cuts, abrasions, and scratches. Among the layers of material on this glove is a Kevlar padding stitched on the palm for heat protection. Also, it comes with authentic leather that endures the wear and tear of daily use.
Despite the full finger design, the Ringers gloves are touchscreen-equipped, thanks to its unique index and thumb design. It even comes with reflective fingers for added safety in the workplace.
Moreover, this has a waterproof barrier to keep your hands dry all day long. We also like that it has extended cuffs with pull tabs so you can put it in quickly and keep the wind out.
Pros
- PVC patches
- Waterproof barrier
- Reflective design
Cons
- Suitable for winter only
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Buying Guide
To find the right pair of carpentry gloves to use at work, you must consider the following points:
Choose the right material
Carpentry gloves come in different materials. Usually, it’s a blend of two or more materials made to be durable and tough. The following are the most common types of gloves based on its material:
-Leather
-Fabric
-Insulated
-Aluminized
-Impact-resistant
-PVC Rubber
Of these materials, the blend of leather, rubber, fabric, and impact-resistant materials are ideal for carpentry. Nevertheless, it still depends on the kind of work you’re going to do. If you’re dealing with heavy equipment and cumbersome materials, you may need a thicker glove.
Prioritize dexterity
Aside from the protection that the gloves give, it’s also important that you can move your fingers properly. This is why we recommend gloves with open thumb, middle, and index fingers. This design lets you hold screws, nails, and small materials with ease.
Also, the glove should be flexible enough so you can grip properly. Still, you should look for the right balance of thickness and dexterity.
Look for the right size
Sizing is important when buying any protective gear. No matter how tough it is against harsh elements, it would be useful if you can’t wear it properly. Very tight work gloves will strain your hand and even cause injuries. Worse, you may not grip properly, which will compromise the quality of your work.
Always check the individual sizing chart of the brand. You should also measure your hands and compare it to the sizing chart of the specific gloves you’re planning to buy.
Opt for additional padding
Additional padding at the back of the hand and the palms will give an additional shield to your hands. It’s also an ideal choice if you’re working during the cold season. Also, it will protect your hands from falling objects and direct impact.
Durability is king
Durability is a very important aspect when purchasing work gloves. It should withstand the constant wear and tear of woodwork and carpentry.
As much as you can purchase the cheapest glove in the market, it’s worth investing a few more bucks if it means that the gloves will last longer.
Consider the maintenance needs
Lastly, consider the maintenance needs of the gloves. We always like machine washable options so you can toss it to the wash after each use. However, you should remember that most leather blend gloves have to be air-dried to prevent premature damages to its material.
Take note that how you maintain your gloves will affect its lifespan. With this, you should avoid using bleach and solvents when washing this protective gear.
FAQS
Q: Can I wear cotton gloves for carpentry?
A: While cotton gloves offer some level of protection, it will not shield you against abrasions, cuts, and impact. It’s only suitable for basic carpentry work. As much as possible, look for the best work gloves for handling wood and other carpentry materials.
Q: Do I really need to wear carpenter gloves?
A: If you want to protect your hands from injuries, a pair of carpenter gloves is a must. Unlike other gloves, those made for woodwork and carpentry are thicker and equipped with reinforcements. It’s made to give you the highest possible protection in the workplace.
Q: How should I wash my carpentry gloves?
A: The washing instructions of each pair of carpentry gloves depend on each brand. Some can be machine washed while others are better off hand washed. Always check the instructions indicated in the packaging of the gloves to be sure. Usually, carpentry gloves have to be air-dried to prevent damages on its rubber and PVC materials.
Q: What are the toughest gloves for carpentry?
A: Some of the best gloves for carpentry and woodwork are Mechanix Max, Ironclad, Youngstown, Superior, and Ringers. All of these are made with reinforced fabric as well as rubber, leather, and plastic. Make sure that you get the right fit for the best results.
Q: How long does a pair of carpentry gloves last?
A: The lifespan of your carpentry gloves depends on the frequency of use, the type of work you’re doing, and how you maintain it. Nevertheless, all gloves will soon get damaged and will have to be replaced. If you’re using the gloves at work every day, expect that it will get damaged faster.
Final words
Work gloves are made for a reason. It’s used to protect the hands from direct harm brought by the nature of carpentry and woodworking. You should always choose a pair that suits your needs and your hands.
What do you think of the five carpentry gloves we reviewed here? Let us know below!