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Creating a safer, more productive workplace starts with the right supplies. From absorbent pads and rolls for spill control to comprehensive first aid kits, every safety product plays a vital role in protecting your team.
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 
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.
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.
In an era where supply chain delays and global uncertainty challenge even the most resilient industries, Kimball Midwest has delivered a powerful response: the KM-USA Metric 10.9 Fastening System. It’s a new chapter in American-made manufacturing.
What is Torque‑Lok™ Threadlocker?
Torque‑Lok™ Threadlocker is a premium thread-locking adhesive formulated to secure fasteners and prevent loosening due to vibration, shock or thermal cycling. Available in diverse strengths (low, medium and high), it's engineered to meet a wide range of assembly needs, from delicate electronics to demanding industrial hardware.
In any hydraulic or pneumatic system, the integrity of your hoses is essential to performance, safety and system longevity. Preventive maintenance practices not only reduce downtime and costly repairs but also enhance overall fluid flow efficiency.
When it comes to drilling, not all bits are created equal. Whether you’re facing tough materials, tight tolerances or high-demand environments, the right bit makes all the difference. That’s why we’ve developed a lineup of high-performance drill bits; each engineered to meet specific challenges and outperform the competition.
Make online ordering easier with these simple time-saving tools
When it comes to electrical systems, the last thing you want is an unexpected failure, especially when it can lead to costly downtime, safety risks or the need for unplanned maintenance. In fact, estimates suggest that over 60% of unplanned maintenance is electrical-related, with nearly 80% of electrical failures happening at the point of termination. That's why it's crucial to understand the role of proper materials, tools and techniques to ensure a reliable and long-lasting electrical connection.
Keeping your shop clean is an important part of a safe, efficient and productive operation. Keeping everything as clean as possible takes effort, but it’s worth it.
With so many tasks, tools and areas in your shop, you might overlook certain products you need to ensure your business is running efficiently. As your partner, Kimball Midwest makes sure every aspect of your shop is stocked with necessary products. From the break room soap dispenser to fasteners and everything in between, we have you covered.
