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What Are Mechanics Gloves?

Mechanics gloves are similar to racing gloves in appearance, but are designed to be strong and durable to prevent cuts and burns to the hands caused by working with sharp or hot materials and chemicals. Commonly used by mechanics and racing drivers, mechanics gloves are also useful in a variety of other applications.

  1. Materials

    • All mechanics gloves are made from flexible materials that allow freedom of movement as well as protection and safety. General purpose mechanics gloves are typically made from leather, nitrile-coated cotton and PVC. These gloves are ideal in less extreme work environments, such as assembly lines, manufacturing plants, maintenance, truck driving, road work, and food handling. In applications where impact, chemical, and heat resistance is needed, mechanics gloves made from materials such as Nomex or Kevlar are typically used. Kevlar and Nomex are ideal materials for automotive mechanic gloves because they provide the best protection against injury when using air tools that expose the wearer to shock and vibration, or when working with heat or flames.

    Designed for Protection

    • Mechanics gloves are designed to protect against chemicals such as gasoline, antifreeze and battery acid, and are often made from polyvinyl alcohol, or PVA, because of its high resistance to harsh solvents and chemicals. Mechanics gloves must also protect against burns. Kevlar is used because of its ability to withstand extreme heat. Hands must be able to freely grip tools as well, so mechanics gloves are made to provide dexterity and to enable the wearer to feel the tool being used.

    Shock and Vibration

    • When repairing or assembling automotive parts, a mechanic's hands can be exposed to heat, vibration and shock. Mechanics gloves are designed with padded palms to absorb shocks and prevent bruising due to vibration and grip pressure.

    Proper Fit

    • Mechanics gloves must fit so that the wearer has freedom of movement in the fingers and the hand. Webbing is often used between the thumb and forefinger for this purpose. In some glove designs, a knuckle strap and a wrist closure are also used to ensure the gloves stay firmly in place and don't slip or fall off. Mechanics gloves should fit the hand snugly and cover up to the wrist. The gloves should fit tight to the fingers with no material hanging at the finger tips. Extra material will cause issues with dexterity and the handling of tools and parts.

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