How to Choose the Right Work Gloves
The wrong glove is often worse than no glove. One that is too thick reduces grip and leads to dropped tools; one with insufficient cut protection leaves a worker exposed to a foreseeable hazard. This guide helps trade buyers match the right hand protection to the right task.
Start With the Hazard
EN 388 is the European standard that rates mechanical protection in work gloves across four values: abrasion resistance, cut resistance, tear resistance, and puncture resistance. The rating appears as four numbers on the glove packaging, for example "3142X". Before buying, identify the primary hazard your workers face.
- General handling and warehousing — PU coated or grip gloves (sizes 9–10, 240 pairs per box)
- Scaffolding and construction — Spandex flexi grip or fine line grip for tactile feedback
- Sheet metal, glass, roofing — Cut Level 5 or Cut Level D (EN 388 rated)
- Cold store and outdoor winter work — Lined thermal or fully-dipped waterproof thermal
- Wet environments — Fully waterproof or waterproof cut-resistant styles
- Automotive and mechanical work — Nitrile disposable gloves (1,000 per box)
Understanding Glove Size
Most KENTTEX work gloves are available in size 9 (standard adult hand) and size 10 (larger hand). The right fit is important: a glove that is too large bunches at the fingertips, creating snag points around rotating machinery. A glove that is too tight restricts blood flow and increases hand fatigue during extended use. When ordering for a crew, order a roughly equal split of size 9 and 10 until you know the team's preferences.
How Trade Boxes Work
All KENTTEX gloves are sold by the box — 120, 144, or 240 pairs depending on the style. There is no minimum order beyond one box. For a team of 20 workers going through one pair per shift, a box of 240 provides a 12-shift supply. At volume, pallet pricing reduces cost by up to 35% off RRP. Trade account holders also receive a standing 10% discount on all orders.
Grip Coatings Explained
The coating type determines both grip performance and durability:
- PU (Polyurethane) — smooth, thin coating; excellent tactile sensitivity; suits clean, dry environments
- Latex foam — textured and slightly absorbent; good in damp or oily conditions; more abrasion-resistant than PU
- Sandy grip (nitrile) — gritty texture for maximum grip in dry to light-wet conditions; common in sandy palm cut-resistant gloves
- Full dip latex — the entire glove is coated, offering waterproofing as well as grip; heavier and less dexterous but robust
Free Delivery and Trade Pricing
Kent Industrial Supplies offers free delivery on all orders over £200 to addresses across England. For regular glove buying, a trade account gives at least 10% off list price with no minimum order per transaction. Call 07867 476304 to discuss account terms.
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