Best work gloves NZ

Choosing work gloves is a critical decision because it impacts your productivity and safety. From hazardous chemicals and hand fatigue to food safety, there are many things to keep in mind. 

In this article, we explore the most effective work gloves for various industries in New Zealand. To keep your operations running smoothly and prevent injuries, find the guidelines and recommendations below. 

How to choose work gloves

When investing in work gloves, there are four key things to consider. These include: 

• Features: Strong grip, comfort, and chemical resistance are common examples.
• Risks: To minimise injury, consider designs with padding, compression, or support.
• Material: Common work materials include leather, nitrile, latex, and cotton.
• Fit: A secure fit with the flexibility to complete each task is essential.

Find the right work gloves for your industry

To help you select the right solution, we’ve summed up the most suitable options for each work environment. Find your industry and the recommended options below. 

Hazardous substance handling

When handling toxic substances, choose gloves that are specifically designed to protect against those substances. Two of the most popular options are nitrile and PVC. Both materials are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, including oil, gasoline, and other hydrocarbons; they're also puncture-resistant.

Double Dipped PVC Gloves

To protect your hands from chemicals, try these Double Dipped PVC Gloves. With a sandy finish, these gloves are ideal for heavy duty applications as they provide protection against a broad range of chemicals. Available in different lengths, they also feature a jersey liner for comfort and heat resistance.

Features: 

• Cotton jersey lining
• Comes in different lengths
• Full hand protection
• Excellent dexterity
• Sandy finish

Blue Nitrile Chemical Gauntlet 

For maximum protection, great dexterity, and a comfortable fit, try the Blue Nitrile Chemical Gauntlet. The 60cm long arms and elasticated cuff keep them on securely while you use them and the fit reduces hand fatigue. 

Features: 

• Comfortable fit
• Extra grip granular finish
• Cotton interlock liner
• FDA approved
• Abrasion resistance

However, it is worth noting that no material is resistant to all hazardous substances. You must assess the specific chemicals you are facing and choose accordingly. If in doubt, speak with an industry expert or your supplier.

Warehouse and packing 

From cuts to impact injuries – there’s plenty to be wary of in a warehouse environment. Fortunately, the right gloves can protect you. Padded fabric designs are the most effective solution because they are resistant to tears and can soften any impacts and pinches.

Vigilant Cut 3 Resistant Gloves

For a practical solution that improves productivity, choose the Vigilant Cut 3 Resistant Gloves. The special wicking fibre is designed to minimise sweat and assist with cooling, while still allowing extra dexterity and reducing hand fatigue. The high-precision fingertips are compatible with touchscreens, meaning you can use phones, tablets, and smart packaging without delays.

Features: 

• High visibility colour
• Precision fingertips, compatible with touch screens
• Third-party certified
• Tested to standards AS/NZS 2161.3:2005/EN388

Flexituff Latex Coated Glove

For excellent wet and dry grip, use the Flexituff Latex Coated Glove. Made of nylon, this glove provides optimum comfort and the innovative sandy latex coating acts as a suction cup when gripping surfaces and products. Perfect for lifting and manoeuvring pallets and operating machinery. 

• Machine washable
• Water-repellent palm
• 12 per pack

Food handling

If you are handling food or other items that may be contaminated, disposable gloves help to prevent the spread of germs and cross-contamination. The most common options are made of nitrile, vinyl, latex, and polyethylene (PE). 

Blue nitrile gloves 

For a superior layer of protection, consider these Blue Nitrile Gloves. Not only are they resistant to punctures but they also provide superior barrier protection and a beaded cuff which provides additional strength, and prevents liquid roll off. They come in a short and long cuff to suit your needs best. 

Features: 

• Latex free 
• Powder-free
• Excellent puncture resistance
• Soft and thin for improved feel and sensitivity
• 100 per pack

Powder-free Latex

For a strong, flexible, and comfortable glove, opt for these Powder Free Latex Gloves. They are ideal for food preparation, being puncture resistant and suitable for extended use. Please note that latex can cause allergic reactions, in which case a nitrile alternative would be more suitable. 

Features:

• Excellent puncture resistance
• Powder-free
• Ambidextrous fit
• 100 per pack

Freezer works

In a cold work environment, you should choose gloves that keep your hands warm without limiting your ability to work. Insulated designs are the most common option, with foam insulation used as an inner layer. It's also wise to find some with a strong grip as the cold and wet conditions in a freezer can make surfaces slippery.

Flexituff Thermal Gloves

With versatile cold protection and excellent dexterity, the Flexituff Thermal Gloves are well-suited to cold work environments. The acrylic liner is double-knitted, keeping your hands warm for longer. 

Features:

• Superior grip in wet and dry
• Tear and abrasion resistance
• High-visibility orange

Maxitherm Thermal Gloves

Designed for general handling in cold temperatures, these Maxitherm Gloves are ideal for freezer work. The non-slip grip is effective in wet and dry conditions, and they can perform in as low as -28°C. Additionally, the anatomically designed hand shape reduces hand fatigue. 

Features:

• Contact heat rated to 250°C for 15 seconds
• Flexible latex coating
• Soft brushed liner
• Non-slip grip
• Improved breathability 

Welding

Welding gloves are typically made from leather, which provides protection against heat, sparks, and spatter. Choose a design that fits properly and allows for finger movement and dexterity – you can also choose between wrist-length and shoulder-length designs. 

Red Leather Welders Gloves

With an absorbent cotton flannel lining and a wing thumb for extra comfort, these Red Leather Welders Gloves are an excellent choice. They are 300mm long from the knuckle to the opening just above the wrist. 

Industrial and construction

When facing the intensity of a building site or other industrial environments, you need reliable work gloves. For this reason, Primepac stocks a range of hard-wearing options designed to protect your hands while still allowing you to work effectively.

Komodo Gripster Cut 5

Made to provide maximum durability and strength in harsh environments, the Komodo Gripster Cut 5 is hard to beat. Its textured sandy grip and anti-hand-slip design make it ideal for working with glass, industrial materials, and major construction. 

Features:

• Textured sandy grip
• Cut 5 safety and fly knife cut protection
• Comfortable fit
• Washable and reusable
• Moderate heat protection and chemical resistance

Blade Nitrile Cut 5 Liquid Proof Glove

Want a comfortable glove with cut protection and liquid resistance? With reinforced support, a grip nitrile coating, and excellent dexterity, the Blade Nitrile Cut 5 is designed to reduce hand fatigue in industrial tasks.

Features:

• Lightweight 18-gauge liner technology
• TMD level C cut protection
• Full coat nitrile for liquid protection
• Thumb and finger support
• Wrist protection
• Sandy surface for a strong grip

Timber handling and forestry

When dealing with a rugged material like timber, it is crucial to protect your hands. You need gloves that can handle steel strapping, heavy duty work,  timber handling and heavy lifting. 

Timber Handlers Gloves 

The Timber Handler’s glove is a white poly-cotton knitted glove with a strong non-slip rubber on the palm and fingers. These features make these gloves ideal for timber handling and other jobs with sharp objects. 

• Resistant to wear, cutting and puncturing
• Non-slip
  
• Comfortable fit
  

Leather Riggers Glove

These gloves are unlined and wrist length. They're used in transport, construction, earth moving, mining, materials handling, engineering and many other general industrial applications. 

• Wrist length
• Economical
• Multipurpose glove
• Durable  

Your reliable work gloves supplier

At Primepac, we strive to keep your business running smoothly. Our friendly team is always happy to provide expert advice, and our same-day dispatch means your team can keep up the good work without delay. 

To find the right gloves for your workplace, our buyer’s guide has all the information you need.