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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 
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.
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.
As you might expect because of their name, diamond abrasives are among the elite options when it comes to cutting and grinding.
When it comes to cutting tools, safety isn’t just about following the manual, it’s about noticing the warning signs before they cost you time, money and even your health. Overlooking small issues can quickly snowball into big problems, from expensive medical bills to missed deadlines.
If you’re used to calling in orders, you’re not alone. It feels simple and familiar.
But what if you could get the same personal service while saving time, reducing errors and gaining more control over your purchases? That’s exactly what KimballMidwest.com’s tools are built to do. The best part: your sales rep is still part of the process and will continue to provide the exceptional customer service you value.
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.
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.
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.
You know you're getting quality fasteners when you're purchasing from Kimball Midwest. But what happens when you're dealing with unknown fasteners, maybe part of older equipment or an off-brand repair that snaps off, has rounded over or seizes in place? These damaged fasteners can bring repair work to a grinding halt, causing extended downtime and frustration.
Spills happen – even in the most cautious of workplaces. They are more than just a mess and an inconvenience. They are a safety hazard and can even be an environmental risk. No matter if it’s just a drip, a spill from a container or a leak, it’s important to act fast to contain and clean up the spill so everyone is kept safe and operations continue to run smoothly.
When deciding what fasteners and related products are needed in your shop, there are many things to consider.
