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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 
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.
June is National Safety Month, and Kimball Midwest has the quality products you need to keep your team safe on the job.
You might have noticed something new on Kimball Midwest chemical labels in recent months: QR codes!
Kimball Midwest has been servicing customers like you for more than 100 years in the maintenance, repair and operations industry. With such a high traffic market that touches the lives of almost every American it’s important we not only supply you with the goods you need but back up those goods with safety education. This way you can continue to keep the country up and running for years to come.
Today, as National Safety Month wraps up, we’re featuring a vital component of workplace safety and one that can often be overlooked when making a list of safety practices: lockout/tagout.
In a busy shop, it’s easy to get caught up in all the work that needs done. But there’s nothing like an accident or injury to derail the day’s work.
Set yourself up for success this year by ensuring your shop and workers are safe. One of the easiest and most important ways to stay safe is using personal protective equipment (PPE).
Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration compiles a list of frequently cited standards to raise employer awareness about common safety hazards.
We know the shop can be a bustling environment. Between the busy nature of the shop and the use of different tools, accidents can happen.
In the midst of summer, staying cool to avoid heatstroke is a must. Climbing temperatures and having employees work in the heat is a safety concern.
