How to Use Cut Resistant Gloves Safely and Correctly
Use cut resistant gloves by matching the ANSI cut level to the job, wearing a snug fit on a clean, dry hand, and replacing them once the shell is cut, frayed or worn thin. To tell whether a glove is cut resistant, look for a stated ANSI level such as A1, A4 or A5 on the listing or the glove itself. If there is no level, treat it as an ordinary work glove. No glove is cutproof, so keep your safe knife habits.
HANDLANDY 5972Best overall
JUMPHIGH Reinforced pigskin fingertips
Mechanix Wear MG-05-010Vented all-purpose comfortStart by checking that the glove is actually cut rated
Many popular work gloves are sold for grip, padding or touchscreen use and say nothing about cuts. A glove with a thick palm or a tough look is not necessarily cut resistant. The only reliable sign is a stated cut level on the packaging, the product listing or a label sewn into the glove.
In the US, cut resistance is usually shown on the ANSI scale, written as A1, A2 and so on. A higher number means more cut protection. If a listing gives no cut level, assume the glove is meant for abrasion and general work, not blades or glass.
Be careful with other ratings, too. Abrasion resistance and cut resistance are different things. For example, the Mechanix Wear Original Coyote Tactical lists ANSI Level 3 abrasion resistance, which says how well it resists rubbing and wear, not how well it stops a blade. Our best cut resistant gloves page shows which listed products state a cut level and which do not.
A4 vs A6: choosing the right level
The right level depends on what can cut you and how hard. A lower level suits light hazards such as paper, thin plastic or box edges. A higher level suits sharper or more forceful hazards such as glass, sheet metal or handling exposed blades.
Going higher is not always better. Higher-rated shells can be thicker or stiffer, which can reduce feel in your fingertips. Pick the level that covers your real task, then choose the thinnest glove that meets it.
In our product data, the A4 option is a shell made of UHMWPE and glass fiber with a polyurethane coating. The Schwer CR3088 is listed as A5 and is aimed at glass cutting, warehouse handling and gardening. None of the products on our page is listed at A6, so for A6 you would need to check other listings carefully.
| Level on the ANSI scale | Typical fit | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Light hazards and general handling | Our A1 pick has a nitrile grip and touchscreen fingertips, but offers the least cut protection of the rated options |
| A4 | Moderate hazards in workshops and warehouses | Our A4 pick uses a UHMWPE and glass fiber shell with a polyurethane coating |
| A5 | Sharper edges such as glass | The Schwer CR3088 is listed as A5, sold as 12 pairs |
| A6 | Higher-risk cutting jobs | Higher on the scale than A4, but not among the products on our page |
Get the fit right before you start
A glove that is too loose can bunch up, catch on tools and slip off. One that is too tight tires your hand and can wear through at the fingertips faster. Aim for a snug fit that lets you make a full fist without pulling at the seams.
Check the wrist, too. A knit wrist or elastic cuff keeps debris out, and a hook and loop cuff lets you adjust the fit. Both help keep the glove in place when you reach or twist.
- Wash and dry your hands before putting gloves on, since damp hands make gloves harder to pull on and can cause chafing.
- Pull the glove on fully so the fingertips sit snug and there is no extra material at the tips.
- Close the cuff or smooth the knit wrist so it sits flat.
- Flex your hand a few times to check for tight spots or loose folds.
- Look the glove over for cuts, snags or thin patches before every use.
Use them safely on the job
A cut rating lowers the chance of injury. It does not remove it. Gloves can be penetrated by a sharp point, a fast slice or heavy pressure, so keep using safe habits. Cut away from your body, keep your free hand out of the blade's path and use a sharp, well-controlled tool rather than forcing a dull one.
Check the coating for the conditions you work in. Polyurethane and nitrile coatings add grip, but a thin coating that grips dry parts can slip on oily ones. The DULFINE DF148, for instance, is listed for dry and slightly wet or oily work and is not recommended for heavy oily or wet conditions. The MaxiFlex 34-874 is listed for wet and dry work.
Match the glove to the task around it. Loose cuffs and dangling threads can catch in rotating tools, so never wear gloves near spinning machinery such as drills, lathes or grinders unless the tool maker says it is safe. Wear eye protection when cutting glass, metal or anything that can chip or snap, since gloves do nothing for your eyes. Use hearing protection with loud power tools.
If you handle a blade or glass with a gloved hand, remember the fingertips and palm take the most wear. Reinforced fingertips, like the pigskin leather fingertips on the JUMPHIGH gloves, resist wear but they are not a cut rating. Check the cut level separately.
Clean and store them properly
Dirt, oil and grit can wear down the fibers and coatings. Many knit gloves are machine washable, and our data lists the Schwer CR3088, MaxiFlex 34-874 and JUMPHIGH gloves as washable. Check the maker's care label first, since cleaning rules vary.
In general, use a mild detergent and cool water, and avoid bleach and fabric softener, which can weaken fibers. Air dry the gloves rather than using high heat. The JUMPHIGH listing specifically recommends cool washing and air drying to keep the size consistent.
Store gloves flat or hanging in a dry place, out of direct sun and away from solvents. Keep a clean pair for food or glass work so you do not carry oil or grit onto surfaces.
When to replace your gloves
Cut resistant gloves wear out. Replace them as soon as you see a cut, a hole, a split seam, thin spots in the shell or a coating that is peeling away from the palm. A glove that has been sliced once may no longer protect to its original level, even if the damage looks small.
Also replace gloves that have been soaked in chemicals or that no longer fit snugly after washing. When in doubt, swap them out, since a spare pair costs far less than an injury.
If you are shopping for a new pair, compare cut levels, coatings, closures and weights on our best cut resistant gloves comparison. Lighter gloves reduce fatigue over a long shift, and the weights on that page reach 0.31 lb per pair among the models that list one.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear a disposable glove over a cut resistant glove?
Yes, many people do this for food handling or messy work. Wear a clean disposable glove over the cut resistant one and replace it when it tears. The cut resistant glove underneath still needs regular cleaning.
Are cut resistant gloves also puncture resistant?
Not necessarily. Cut resistance is about slicing, while a needle or pointed tool can still pierce a knit shell. Check the glove maker's notes if puncture hazards are part of your job.
Can I use cut resistant gloves for gardening?
Yes, light-duty cut resistant gloves work well for pruning and handling edges. The Schwer CR3088 lists gardening among its uses. Choose a coating that suits damp soil if you work in wet conditions.
Do cut resistant gloves protect against heat?
No. A cut rating says nothing about heat or fire. Use gloves rated for heat if you handle hot items, and do not assume a cut glove will insulate you.