Automotive Mechanics Nitrile Gloves – Hands are Best Tools
November 18, 2008 2:17 pm Apprentice Tech, General Interest, Microflex GlovesCutting nails short keeps dirt from getting underneath – still stains
The picture above is of a neglected thumb (Not a nasty middle finger). Our hands are the most valuable tools we possess, it makes sense to protect them. I remember when I first started turning wrenches, you were a sissy and a wimp if you were afraid to get your hands dirty. I used to be constantly exposed to grease, oil, mineral spirits, carb cleaner and brake clean. I recall working I in a 10 bay shop, with the bays lined up in a row. Many times I was 6 to 9 bays away from the nearest sink, where we washed our hands. I would many times use brake clean to spray off my hands, to save time. In addition I  was frequently washing my hands with cleaners and hand soaps that would dry my hands out allowing the grime to easily work it’s way deep into my skin. Needless to say, my hands were constantly stained. The only time my hands would really come clean was when I went on vacation, especially to the beach. After a week away from dirt and grime, my hands in the salt water frequently for that week, my hands would finally get back to normal. My wife would always comment “your hands are so clean”. Then back into the grease I would go until another year passed and it was vacation time again.
Stains will not wash off – they wear off.
Later in my auto mechanics career, I realized that wearing latex or nitrile gloves were the only way to go. Instead of having to wash my hands before pulling a car out of the shop, all I had to do is take the disposable gloves off and I was on my way. This saved time and made me available for my next job sooner. When using adhesives like super glue or two part epoxy, gloves protect your hands and being able to peel them off quickly, helps prevent getting the adhesive on tools or the customer’s car.
Latex gloves sometimes causes allergic reactions for some people. Nitrile gloves are recommended for those that have sensitivity to latex products. Many new colors are available, including the most recent, I’ve seen…BLACK (Microflex Midknight Black nitrile gloves).
Nitrile gloves usually cost a little more, but in most cases they last longer resisting easy tears.
At home I’ve found even more uses for nitrile gloves. Doing sprinkler repairs is a perfect example, when it comes time to use PVC solvent and glue, the gloves go on. Nothing seems to be worse about drying your hands out than purple solvent and PVC glue. My wife even likes to have latex gloves on standby in the kitchen. After she makes hamburger patties or cuts up a chicken, she says it’s nice to be able to take the gloves off and throw them away, then you know your hands are safe to go into the utensil drawer.
We’ve got one customer that hangs drywall, that’s sold on nitrile gloves. Drywall joint compound can really dry out your hands. He likes the nitrile gloves also because he can still feel what he is doing. He says that since Wise Auto Tools has free shipping at $199 and no sales tax outside the state of Florida, he’ll keep coming back.
seneca williams :
Date: February 15, 2009 @ 8:24 am
Hi my name is SSG Williams I am have 26 mechanics who work up under me. We work long hours over here in Iraq on construction equipment making repairs to keep the missions going. I am writing to see if your company will sponsor us and donate some mechanic gloves for my platoon. I do appreciate your time to read my concerns of my soldiers and hope to here from you. If you decide to sponsor us our ADDRESS as follows:
SSG Williams
523rd Eng Co/84th Eng BN
FOB Marez
APO, AE 09334
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: February 15, 2009 @ 9:31 am
We appreciate your service to our country.
DenLors has sent LED work gloves to Iraq before (a $1600 order) and ironically, I found out later after my nephew had returned that he was one of the recipients! We are prepared to provide an order of gloves at our cost. Email us with quantities and item numbers so we can provide a total price including Priority Mail shipping. Our wish is for your safety and quick return to your families.
dennisb - Auto Tool Sales :
Date: July 30, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Latex or nitrile gloves are the best protection from harsh chemicals like brake clean and other sprays that can cause dry or cracked skin… or worse.