There’s no avoiding the fact that technicians deal with grease and a variety of fluids on a regular basis. And, I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do after a long day at work is spent another half hour in the bathroom attempting to clean my hands. Of course, it doesn’t have to be spotless (they never are), but it should be clean enough for my wife to let me sit at the kitchen table. Fortunately, there is a simple way to accomplish this. Don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you get a manicure every now and then (not that there’s anything wrong with it), but there is an inexpensive method to keep your hands safe and look new after a long day at the shop: mechanic gloves.
And while most people associate mechanics with a pair of black or blue nitrile gloves, every technician worth his salt knows that we also utilize other varieties. Indeed, you must have the appropriate set of mechanic gloves for each job, and our comprehensive guide will assist you in doing so. So you don’t get lost among the hundreds of cheap, low-quality rubbish being sold online, I pulled an all-nighter and compiled a list of seven of the best mechanic gloves on the market.
Table of Contents
Best Mechanic Gloves Review
1. GLOVEWORKS HD Black Nitrile Industrial Gloves
Among auto technicians, the Gloveworks Black Nitrile industrial gloves are the most often used disposable gloves. In fact, they’re so ubiquitous because that’s exactly what the vast majority of repair shop owners provide their mechanics for free. They’re neither fancy or particularly long-lasting, but they’ll suffice for jobs like changing the engine oil or opening up a differential.
The thick rubber component of these black nitrile gloves is resistant to oils, gasoline, hydraulic fluids, and just much everything else you might have to dip your hands into. Furthermore, the raised diamond texture gives a firm hold even on flat surfaces covered with engine oil, reducing the risk of dropping and ruining an expensive gearbox.
My old mechanic buddy Dave still bemoans the fact that he didn’t acquire high-quality nitrile gloves like these to save a few dollars. He once dumped his cordless ratchet (with large battery) on the windshield of a brand-new Mustang that was in for some modification work right after delivery. The ratchet slid off like a racecar with slippery tires on a rainy day, so Dave’s gloves must have been smeared with oil from a previous operation. Because of Dave’s misfortune, I’ve learned not to buy cheap gloves, and you should too.
Anyway, my favorite aspect about these Gloveworks models is the satisfaction I receive when I can finally remove the gloves and throw them away when a job is over. I have yet to discover a more enjoyable employment experience in my 15 years as a mechanic.
The Gloveworks Black nitrile disposable gloves are an absolute must-have for any repair shop, service center, tire shop, or pretty much any technician who works on multiple cars at once. Unless you want to walk to the sink every time you finish a task to avoid leaving greasy fingerprints all over the place (and making your clients very upset), these are by far the best option. Even if all you do is change tires, your hands will get dirty, and having a case of these gloves on hand will be invaluable.
However, disposable nitrile gloves are not particularly eco-friendly, so I would only use them for extremely filthy situations. You’ll be much better off with one of the following models for everything else.
Features
- Disposable black mechanic gloves
- 6 mil Nitrile rubber is used to make this product.
- XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL sizes are available.
- 100 and 1000 pair boxes are available.
Pros
- For optimum grip, a unique raised diamond texture is used.
- It’s simple to put on and take off.
- incredibly low-cost
- There are a variety of sizes available for all mechanics.
- Nitrile rubber made for industrial application can withstand a lot of abuse.
- There’s no need to powder your hands.
Cons
- Order one size larger than you think you’ll need if you’re on the smaller side.
- Biodegradation of nitrile takes decades.
2. Superior MXGCE Goatskin Leather Mechanics Gloves
If you think it’s a waste to toss your gloves away after every job, you’ll appreciate the Superior MXGCE mechanic gloves, which are manufactured with white goatskin leather for the palm and inner finger surfaces for remarkable wear resistance in everyday chores. Meanwhile, the backside’s laminated foam spandex allows for more flexibility while protecting your hands from sharp edges.
But that’s not all; you’ll also get strengthened leather patches between each finger to protect those delicate areas from injury. This function is very appealing to me because I frequently pull the skin between my index and middle fingers when working, and it hurts for days. Disposable nitrile gloves are convenient, but they won’t protect your delicate finger crotches as the MXGCE gloves will.
The Superior MXGCE gloves come in eight sizes ranging from 2XS to 3XL, so even big-boned (or simply big-handed?) people can find a pair that fits nicely. And once you’ve got these gloves on, the Velcro cuff will keep them in place all day.
Because the MXGCE gloves lack insulation and specific cushioning, I would only recommend them for light, everyday garage labor. We’ve got better ones below if you’re searching for something to grind, weld, or do other things with.
Features
- Mechanic gloves that can be reused
- With a Velcro cuff made of goatskin leather and spandex.
- 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL sizes are available.
- Palms are made of goatskin leather, while the backside is made of elastic spandex.
- The color palette is black, white, and orange.
Pros
- Greater hand movement is possible because to the foam laminated spandex.
- Thumb patches that are robust and abrasion-resistant are available.
- Protecting your fingers and crotch is a huge plus.
- Velcro cuffs work well.
- DIYers and garage owners on a budget will appreciate this low-cost solution.
Cons
- It’s possible that goatskin leather won’t stay white for long.
- It’s possible that the color palette won’t appeal to everyone.
3. John Tillman TrueFit Full Finger Mechanics Gloves
John Tillman may appear to be one of those luxury fashion labels that sells things at a significant markup simply because its name is on the label — but nothing could be further from the truth! The company has been established for almost 90 years and continues to lead the market in the development of high-quality, yet inexpensive, personal protective equipment for mechanics, welders, and other industrial employees. As a result, the TrueFit full finger gloves are only one example of the brand’s meticulous attention to detail and high quality.
John Tillman’s mechanic gloves are composed of goatskin leather and spandex, just as the previous model. Even the material placement is identical, with goatskin on the palms and fingers and spandex on the back for maximum maneuverability. The TrueFit gloves, on the other hand, have double-layered goatskin reinforcements in key regions where wear and tear is more common. You also get additional cushioning in the palms for added comfort during lengthy shifts. Furthermore, the innovative ventilated finger design promotes appropriate air circulation and even absorbs sweat, preventing your hands from becoming wrinkled and mushy inside.
Although the Superior MXGCE and John Tillman’s TrueFit mechanic gloves have comparable features, details like the double-reinforced palms and fingers and the use of breathable fabric make a big difference. These gloves are suited for light professional use, for hours on end in the shop, thanks to such qualities.
Features
- Mechanic gloves that can be reused
- Made of spandex and goatskin leather.
- 2XS, XS, S, M, L, XL, 2XL, and 3XL sizes are available.
- Palms are made of goatskin leather, while the backside is made of elastic spandex.
- The color palette is gold, white, and black.
Pros
- Palms and fingers are made of double-reinforced goatskin.
- Breathable fabric keeps you comfortable for extended periods of time.
- Ergonomic design promotes dexterity.
- Finger protection on all sides
- It’s appropriate for light professional use.
Cons
- It’s difficult to keep white goatskin leather clean.
4. Memphis Glove 9178NFO Hi-Viz Orange Seamless Knit Gloves
Memphis Gloves, also known as MCR Safety, has created a one-of-a-kind pair of mechanic gloves built from unusual materials typically used in multi-million-dollar Formula One vehicles, aircraft, and even bullet-proof vests.
I’m referring to Kevlar, a tightly woven material recognized for its high strength and light weight. The 9178 mechanic gloves are designated Level 4 in cut protection by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) thanks to this material. Simply put, you’d need a lot of power and a very sharp item to pierce the Kevlar skin.
Of course, you can’t have gloves made entirely of Kevlar, so Memphis has applied a thick layer of orange nitrile to both sides of the 9178. While working, the nitrile layer will assist you gain a stronger grip and a better sense of touch.
The Memphis Hi-Viz gloves are ideal if you do a lot of grinding, cutting, or handling of sharp metals, since the Kevlar material will protect your hands from cuts and bruises. These gloves can also be used by mobile mechanics when working on abandoned vehicles on the side of the road. The vivid orange color scheme will warn drivers of approaching vehicles and keep you safe — and safety is paramount when working on the roadside.
Features
- Mechanic gloves in high-visibility orange that can be reused
- Kevlar and nitrile from DuPont
- XS, S, M, L, XL, and 2XL sizes are available.
- Cut Level 4 according to ANSI
- The color palette is bright orange.
Pros
- Kevlar coating that resists cuts
- For high-risk tasks like as grinding or metal cutting, this is a must-have.
- Compatible with touch screens
- The use of a high-visibility orange color scheme helps to raise safety awareness.
- Stitching is seamless for a crisper appearance.
Cons
- After a while, cuff elastics loosen up.
5. Carhartt The Dex II High Dexterity Glove
The Carhartt Men’s Dex II are a sight to behold! These gloves, which are made of breathable spandex, synthetic leather, and polyester, are designed to keep your hands protected, sweat-free, and looking like a million bucks! Furthermore, the leather patches utilized to wrap the fingertips, knuckles, and palm regions serve two purposes: they provide much-needed protection to all important locations while also reinforcing the stitching for increased longevity.
As if that wasn’t enough, Carhartt has added extra cushioning to the palm to keep you comfortable even after extended periods of use. It’s easy to go carried away in the pursuit of operator comfort and wind up with gloves that are excessively bulky. The foam padding on the Dex II, on the other hand, is quite small but more than adequate to offer the appropriate cushioning effect without making the gloves feel bulky at all.
The Dex II gloves from Carhartt are designed for folks who are concerned with how a pair of gloves looks on their hands as well as how well they perform. After all, a beautiful pair of trendy gloves will leave a lasting impression on your clients, which is something you shouldn’t overlook.
Features
- Mechanic gloves with exceptional dexterity that can be reused
- Spandex, synthetic leather, and polyester are used to make this dress.
- S, M, L, XL, and 2XL sizes are available.
- Hook and loop closure on the cuff
- Available in two color schemes: all-black and black/barley.
Pros
- Elegant and supremely comfortable
- Sweat is wicked away by breathable spandex.
- Padding for the palm of the hand is made of the perfect thickness of foam.
- For crucial areas like your knuckles, fingertips, and palm, use synthetic leather.
- Velcro connection secures elastic cuff
Cons
- Carhartt is typically a little on the expensive side.
6. Mechanix Wear Tactical Specialty High-Dexterity Work Gloves
My “editor’s pick” is the Mechanix Wear Tactical Specialty mechanic gloves, mostly because they perform admirably in every category, including dexterity, longevity, and hand protection. Furthermore, thanks to the black and slate grey color combination, they also appear fairly good.
Have you ever seen those fabric bubbles in cheap gloves that look like they were made for some extraterrestrial species with a protruding sixth finger? Due to the use of three-dimensional computer trickery to ensure the glove fits a human hand absolutely well — thanks technology! — you won’t see that kind of vexing quality issue with the Mechanix Wear Tactical Specialty gloves.
But there’s more: these gloves are composed of 0.5mm high-quality suede, allowing your hands to move freely. As a result, the material works so well for mechanics that it provides a grip that is almost identical to that of bare hands.
Still, the computer-modeled shape and premium materials are nice, but the best part about these gloves, in my opinion, is that you can throw them in the washing machine after a long day in the shop, and they’ll come out looking brand new and ready for another day of wrenching — what’s not to like?
Features
- Mechanic gloves with exceptional dexterity that can be reused
- AX-suede is used to make this item.
- S, M, L, XL, and 2XL sizes are available.
- Cuff made of thermoplastic rubber
- The tactical color scheme is black and grey.
Pros
- For mechanics, the choice of material is ideal.
- Suede is comfortable to hold and provides the same grip as bare hands.
- Dishwasher safe
- Designed to fit the average human hand
- Gives you a lot of flexibility and mobility.
Cons
- It is slightly more expensive than other models.
7. Sparco Meca 3 Mechanics Glove
Sparco requires no introduction to those who are familiar with the world of racing and motorsports. Steering wheels, racing bucket seats, sport seats, harnesses, helmets, racing suits, and more are all made by the Italian company. Sparco has over four decades of experience in the area, resulting in time-tested data on materials suitable for automotive applications, so it’s safe to assume they know a thing or two about manufacturing durable and dependable mechanics gloves.
As a result, my personal favorite are the Meca 3 mechanics gloves. I’ve had mine for about three years, and owing to a little upkeep on my part, they’re still as good as new. The Meca 3 are my first option whether I’m working in the garage or spending the weekend at a local rallycross event. The leather is top-notch, and don’t even get me started on the impeccable fit. I forget I’m wearing them most of the time because they’re so light. But, hey, don’t take my word for it; do your own research!
For all of you racing fans out there, the Sparco Meca 3 mechanic gloves are a must-have. You deserve to have a good time on the weekend at your favorite racing event (still fixing cars in the pits, but that’s not really “work,” right? ), and the Meca 3 will only add to the fun.
After all, you can’t go wrong with Sparco, whether it’s steering wheels, racing harnesses, or mechanic gloves!
Features
- Mechanic gloves that can be reused
- Made of scuff-resistant fabric and fake leather.
- S, M, L, and XL sizes are available.
- Velcro-strapped cuff
- There are three colors to choose from: black, blue, and red.
Pros
- Gloves made of a thin but exceptionally protective material.
- Gives you a better sense of touch.
- Excellent grip is provided by synthetic leather.
- Can be used as driving gloves as well.
- Product of excellent quality
Cons
- On the pricey side
- If you’re not careful, the velcro can rip the fingertip cloth.
Mechanic Gloves Come in a Variety of Styles
Mechanic gloves that are disposable
These are, as previously stated, the most regularly used gloves in any repair shop. Almost every mechanic’s tool chest will contain a box of standard black nitrile gloves. Indeed, dealing with various sorts of oil, filth, grime, and other unpleasant things is an important part of any mechanic’s job, and disposable gloves are the only option because other types would get dirty too soon. When removing the cover, you don’t want to have your costly Sparco gloves coated with differential oil – okay, reusable gloves can be washed, but there’s no way to get rid of that terrible differential oil stink with a quick machine wash.
Instead, acquire a pair of disposable gloves for the truly dirty stuff and discard them in the trash after they’re damaged or too soiled. The tremendous waste generated by these single-use gloves is, of course, a significant disadvantage. After all, nitrile isn’t the most biodegradable or recyclable material.
As a result, disposable gloves can be useful when you don’t have any other options. However, whenever possible, it is far more environmentally friendly to utilize the following sort of gloves.
Mechanic gloves that can be reused
Reusable mechanic gloves are a far better solution if you want to decrease your environmental effect. Leather, spandex, and even suede are common materials for them. Depending on how you use them, these gloves can endure for years, if not decades. Sure, you’ll pay more for these than you would for disposable gloves, but the initial outlay will be well worth it in the long run. Plus, you won’t have to live with the guilt of using environmentally harmful items.
Genuine leather gloves, on the other hand, are not particularly eco-friendly, so if you really want to make a difference, go for synthetic leather instead.
With gloves on, a mechanic works on an engine.
What to Look for When Buying Mechanic Gloves
No matter what kind of work you do, picking the appropriate pair of mechanic gloves is critical, and your decision should be based on more than simply how they look on your hands. Before considering a purchase, consider the following factors:
Mobility is guaranteed.
To dislodge that one little bolt trapped between the exhaust manifold and the block, we have to jimmy our way into the narrowest of areas as mechanics. As a result, even the most costly mechanic gloves are useless if they don’t allow you to freely move your hand. Choose a pair with the least amount of restriction to movement so you can work efficiently on each project – you don’t want anything as bulky as construction gloves here.
Now, I understand that judging this aspect while buying gloves online can be difficult, so here’s an expert tip: avoid gloves with extra-thick padding. The manufacturer may try to sell you such items under the guise of comfort, but excessive padding leaves less area for your palm and fingers to move. Padded gloves are typically employed when operating a jackhammer or vibrating plate, and they have few applications in the automotive industry. Still, if you use air-powered hammers frequently, you might want to invest in a pair of padded gloves just in case – just remember that you’ll need a standard pair for everyday tasks.
Use in mind
I’ve tried to make the best mechanics gloves list as diverse as possible by include models that perform a variety of functions. For example, for very filthy work, the ordinary car mechanic will almost always use disposable black nitrile gloves. Gloves like the Memphis 9178NFO, on the other hand, are designed for professionals who operate with sharp metal objects. Mobile mechanics will choose something more durable, such as John Tillman’s TrueFit gloves or maybe Carhartt’s Dex II.
This is a more personal decision based on the type of work you undertake on a regular basis. I can’t really help you here because every mechanic is different. Still, make sure to assess the most typical tasks you perform on a regular basis and go from there. If you’re a professional mechanic, you’ll almost certainly require a pair of each.
Size
The first thing I advise every new mechanic is that wearing large gloves is a safety hazard. Every day, a mechanic’s hand operates a wide range of dangerous machinery, and if we aren’t careful, things will quickly go wrong. Do you have any doubts? Let me share an amusing (and entirely true) anecdote with you.
I was working at Toyota a few years ago when a coworker invited me to come over to his stalls to look at something. A client’s serpentine belt on his Corolla had been changed approximately a month ago, and half of the belt had ripped off. My friend looked over the pulleys and saw nothing wrong with them. I then suggested that he start the engine and check the alternator pulley with a screwdriver to see if it was shaky (seeing the space increase and decrease between the screwdriver and the pulley will show that right away).
Rather than using a screwdriver, the man chose to place his finger about an inch from the pulley. Unfortunately, he was wearing sloppy gloves, and I imagine the spinning pulley’s suction sucked the glove in. The glove became stuck between the belt and the pulley, drawing his hand in before he could respond.
Fortunately, the car had an automated belt tensioner, which gave him some leeway, but his finger still ran all the way around the pulley, beneath the drive belt, nearly slicing the tip of his finger. It goes without saying that he would be missing a finger right now if the car had a screw-type belt adjustment.
So, always make sure you choose the correct size from the start.
Build with care and precision.
Mechanic gloves may be less expensive than some of your other tools, but that doesn’t mean you should compromise on quality. The last thing you want is for your brand-new gloves’ stitching to fail after only a few days of wear. Look for mechanic gloves made of high-quality materials such as leather, spandex, and other similar materials.
(Of course, all of the gloves mentioned above are high-quality; otherwise, they wouldn’t have made the list.)
Attractiveness
After you’ve addressed all of the essentials, consider how the gloves will seem. I’m no fashion expert, but I always choose dark hues like black and grey for my gloves because they will definitely grow dirty over time — and I’d be lying if I said I cleaned my gloves on a regular basis.
In the construction industry, where the dirtiest thing they receive is sawdust, white, tan, and brown gloves may do, but in the automobile industry, black is always better — similar to steel-toe boots, in fact (if you ever bought yellow or orange screwdrivers and pliers, you know what I mean).
With gloves on, a mechanic changes the coil-on-plug.
Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is it true that after the first wash, mechanic gloves shrink?
The answer is totally dependent on the type of material used in your mechanic gloves. Even yet, because most gloves are composed of synthetic leather and spandex, they are unlikely to shrink significantly after washing. However, I’ve heard a few concerns about this, so the best thing you can do before buying is read the comments and reviews. If the gloves you want shrink, go up a size to compensate.
Is it possible for me to have skin problems if I wear gloves for an extended period of time?
Your dermatologist is probably the best person to answer this question, but skin problems are possible regardless of the clothing or gloves you buy, as far as I’m aware. For example, some people are allergic to leather, so switching to synthetic materials may seem like a good idea, but others are allergic to synthetic materials. It’s also difficult to tell because some people are allergic to certain inks and pigments.
Nonetheless, I’ve seen perfectly healthy coworkers get skin infections from wearing cheap Chinese gloves for long periods of time. To avoid this, invest in a pair of high-quality mechanic gloves made of breathable fabric that allows sweat to escape. These may be more expensive, but the price shouldn’t matter when the stakes are so high.
