SHOWA gloves cover coated work, cut-resistant, chemical-resistant and cold-weather use. The coating and the liner are what separate them, and both are stated on every listing along with the ANSI cut level where the glove carries one.
Choosing the right one
Which coating should I choose?
Nitrile resists oils, fuels and abrasion, which makes it the general choice for oily parts handling and maintenance. Natural rubber has the highest grip and stretch but is degraded by oils and petroleum. Neoprene covers a broad range of chemicals including acids, caustics and alcohols. PVC is the heaviest chemical coating, for sustained contact. Polyurethane is thin and tactile, for fine assembly and inspection.
What does the ANSI cut level mean?
ANSI/ISEA 105 rates cut resistance from A1 to A9 by the weight in grams needed to cut through the material. The higher the number the more cut resistance. A2 suits light handling of sheet and parts; A4 and above is for glass, metal fabrication and blade work. The rating describes the fabric, not the coating.
What does the gauge number mean?
Gauge is the fineness of the knitted shell. The lower the number the heavier the yarn: 10 gauge is thicker and more durable, 13 gauge balances dexterity against wear, and 15 or 18 gauge is the thinnest and most dexterous. A higher gauge feels closer to a bare hand and wears out sooner.
Palm-coated or fully coated?
A palm coating leaves the back of the hand uncoated, so the glove breathes and stays cooler — right for dry handling and general work. A fully coated glove seals the whole hand, which is what liquid and chemical contact requires.
What is a foam or wrinkle finish for?
Both are grip features for wet work. A foamed surface holds a film of liquid away from the contact points, and a wrinkle finish channels liquid away from the grip. A smooth finish gives the longest abrasion life but the least wet grip.
