Leather work gloves

Work gloves · Welding gloves

Material differences you can actually compare

• Grain leather comes from the outer layer of the hide and retains its grain surface. Split leather comes from deeper layers split from the hide and typically has a more fibrous surface. These are material differences, not protection classes.
• Softness and flexibility also depend on thickness, tanning, lining and cut. A leather designation alone therefore does not tell you which finished glove will be easier to close your hand in.
• A seam at the fingertip may interfere with fine handling differently from a seam along the side of the finger. Compare both using a safe replica of the intended workpiece.

Selection example

Two suitably rated leather gloves are being considered for repeatedly moving small, dry parts. With one, you have to work hard against the material; with the other, you can close your hand without an obstructive seam. Among gloves that provide the required protection, choose the better-fitting version. Thicker leather is not automatically the better choice for this task.

Absorbent leather is not a suitable skin protection barrier against metalworking fluids. Leather also does not in itself establish chemical resistance or suitability for welding. For welding tasks involving heat, consult the separate glove comparison.

Technical references: Coval: Grain leather and split leather · IFA: Gloves for handling metalworking fluids · DGUV: Choosing protective gloves by task and fit.