Kimball Midwest

Kimball Midwest
We have been in business since 1923, serving our customers through both superior products and superior services. We are a major force in the industrial maintenance aftermarket with unlimited growth potential. We service our Sales Representatives and end-use customers from our corporate office and distribution center in Columbus, Ohio and from our distribution centers strategically located in Dallas, Texas; Reno, Nevada; and Savannah, Georgia.
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Recent Posts

The Benefits of Choosing the Right Gloves for Every Job

When it comes to safety and comfort at work, or even at home, the right pair of gloves makes all the difference. From protecting your hands against cuts and chemicals to keeping them warm in freezing temperatures, gloves are an essential part of any toolkit. As we head into the colder months, now’s the perfect time to review the different types of gloves available and how each one helps keep your hands safe, clean and productive.

1.
Disposable Nitrile Gloves: Clean, Strong and Chemical-Resistant

For general protection during dirty work like cleaning, painting, maintenance or working with oils, disposable nitrile gloves are the go-to choice.

Unlike latex, nitrile is resistant to punctures and a wide range of chemicals, making it ideal for environments where durability and barrier protection matter. They’re also comfortable to wear for extended periods and provide excellent tactile sensitivity for precision tasks.

Best for: general maintenance, janitorial work, automotive detailing and any job where you want to keep your hands clean and protected without losing dexterity.

2. Cut-Resistant Gloves: Guarding Against Sharp Edges

When handling sheet metal, glass, knives or other sharp materials, cut-resistant gloves are a must. Available in various cut-protection levels (measured by ANSI or EN standards), these gloves blend materials like HPPE, Kevlar® or steel fibers to provide a strong yet flexible layer of protection.

The right glove grade ensures workers stay safe while maintaining grip and control, essential for anyone in manufacturing, construction or warehouse environments.

Best for: fabrication, construction, recycling and material handling.

3. Mechanic’s Gloves: Tough Protection with Comfort and Grip

For mechanics, technicians and anyone working with tools, mechanic’s gloves offer the perfect balance of toughness, dexterity and breathability.

Made with synthetic leather palms, reinforced knuckles and stretchable backs, they protect against abrasions while keeping hands cool and flexible. Many American-made mechanic’s and leather gloves are built to withstand the rigors of daily use while maintaining comfort, making them a trusted staple in workshops and garages across the USA.

Best for: automotive repair, equipment maintenance, construction and DIY work.

4. Electrical Insulating Gloves: Safety for Electrical Work

When working around live circuits, EV/hybrid vehicles or high-voltage systems, electrical insulating gloves are non-negotiable.

Made from specially tested rubber materials, these gloves protect workers from electrical shock and meet strict safety standards (such as ASTM D120). They must be worn with leather protective gloves. The leather gloves can be replaced as they wear, and if the rubber inner gloves get any tear or puncture, they must be replaced. As electric and hybrid vehicle repair becomes more common, proper insulating gloves are vital for technician safety.

Best for: electrical utility work, EV/hybrid maintenance and industrial electrical applications.

5. Cold Weather Gloves: Stay Warm and Productive This Winter

With winter approaching, cold weather gloves are essential for outdoor workers, delivery drivers and anyone exposed to the elements.

Modern thermal gloves use advanced insulation and waterproof materials to keep hands warm and dry without sacrificing grip or dexterity. Whether you’re handling tools in subzero conditions or loading trucks in freezing rain, cold weather gloves ensure comfort, safety and performance.

Best for: outdoor work, construction, logistics and cold storage environments.

No matter your trade or task, the right glove enhances safety, efficiency and comfort. From disposable nitrile gloves for dirty jobs to cut-resistant and insulated gloves for specialized tasks, investing in the right protection means fewer injuries, cleaner hands and more confident work.

As you gear up for winter, take a moment to evaluate your glove inventory. If it’s running low or you need the right protection for a specific job, reach out to a Kimball Midwest sales representative. If you do not have one, we can help you Find a Rep!

Tags: Safety, Gloves, Best Tools for the Job

7 Features on KimballMidwest.com That Make Life Easier

In the fast-paced world of maintenance, repair and operations (MRO), efficiency is key. MRO buyers often face the challenge of managing a vast array of products and suppliers, which can be time-consuming and cumbersome.

Tags: Kimballmidwest.com, Online Shopping

How to Prevent Cutting Tool Failures

Cutting tools — whether drill bits, reamers or hole cutters — play a central role in ensuring accuracy and consistency in fabrication and maintenance operations. Yet, there can still be failures. Not from poor tool quality, but from improper use or lack of maintenance or oversight during operation. Following a structured approach before, during and after use can dramatically extend tool life and prevent accidents.

Tags: MRO, Cutting Tools, Drill Bits, Best Tools for the Job, Efficiency, Safety Seminar

A Comprehensive Guide to Abrasive Types and Their Uses

Choosing the right abrasive can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient job and wasted time, money and effort. With so many abrasive types available, each tailored to specific materials and applications, it’s important to understand their unique properties, intended uses and how they best perform. We’ve created this guide to break down the seven main abrasive categories at Kimball Midwest, compare their grains, highlight their best uses and provide examples of where they shine.

Tags: Abrasives, Cutting Tools, Solution, Quality Products, Best Tools for the Job, cut-off wheels, Grinding wheels, Flap Disc, Grinding Discs, Surface Conditioning, Surface Preparation, Specialty Abrasives, Debur, American Made, Abrasive Wheels, Abrasive Discs

The Right Abrasive for Each Stage of Surface Work

When it comes to surface work, choosing the right abrasive for the job at hand isn’t always easy. From heavy stock removal to polishing, there are multiple steps you must take to get to a finished project.

Tags: Abrasives, Specialty Abrasives, Abrasive Wheels, Abrasive Discs

Why the Smartest Shops Use Their Sales Rep and Online Shopping

In the fast-paced world of Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO), efficiency is key. MRO buyers often find themselves juggling multiple tasks, from managing inventory to troubleshooting equipment issues. Amidst this chaos, finding the right balance between leveraging the expertise of sales representatives and the convenience of online shopping can be a game-changer.

Tags: Kimballmidwest.com, Online Shopping, Superior Service