Chainmail Gloves

About Chainmail Gloves

Chainmail gloves deliver uncompromising cut-resistant protection for professionals working with sharp blades, knives, and cutting equipment. Constructed from interlocking stainless steel rings, these specialist safety gloves combine medieval-inspired engineering with modern workplace protection, offering superior defence against lacerations and punctures whilst maintaining the flexibility needed for precision tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks chainmail hand protection from trusted PPE manufacturer Portwest, featuring both standard gloves and extended gauntlet designs manufactured to meet European EN 1082-1 standards.

Unlike fabric cut-resistant gloves that degrade over time, stainless steel chainmail offers long-lasting durability and consistent performance throughout its working life. The open mesh design provides excellent ventilation and can be easily sanitised, making these gloves particularly valuable in meat processing, fish preparation, and commercial kitchen environments where hygiene standards are paramount. Available as single gloves for left or right hand use, chainmail protection is food-contact safe and suitable for professional food preparation settings.

Applications

Chainmail gloves are essential PPE across various industries where sharp cutting implements present daily hazards:

• Butchers and Meat Processors - Protection during boning, trimming, and cutting operations in abattoirs and processing facilities
• Commercial Kitchen Staff - Chefs and food preparation workers handling mandolins, slicing machines, and sharp knives
• Fishmongers - Safety when filleting, preparing, and deboning fresh fish with razor-sharp knives
• Food Manufacturing Operatives - Workers operating cutting and slicing equipment in production environments
• Deli Counter Staff - Protection when using manual or electric slicing machines in supermarkets and delicatessens
• Oyster Shuckers - Specialist protection against knife slips during shellfish preparation
• Packaging Operatives - Workers frequently using Stanley knives and box cutters for unpacking deliveries
• Recycling Centre Staff - Protection when sorting materials containing sharp objects or broken glass

Choosing The Right Chainmail Gloves

Glove vs Gauntlet: Standard chainmail gloves protect the hand and wrist, whilst gauntlet designs extend coverage up the forearm. Choose gauntlets for tasks requiring extended reach or where forearm exposure to cutting hazards is likely, such as working with larger cuts of meat or reaching into carcasses.

Hand Specification: Portwest chainmail products are designed as single gloves for either left or right hand. Consider which hand requires protection—typically the non-dominant hand that holds the product being cut, though high-risk environments may require protection on both hands.

Size and Fit: Proper sizing is crucial for both safety and dexterity. Chainmail that's too loose can catch on equipment, whilst overly tight mesh restricts movement and causes fatigue. Consult manufacturer sizing charts, as chainmail sizing differs from standard glove measurements.

Hygiene Requirements: For food preparation environments, ensure the chainmail is manufactured from food-safe stainless steel and can withstand regular sanitisation. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks Portwest chainmail that meets food industry hygiene standards and can be easily cleaned and sterilised between uses.

Safety Information

Inspect chainmail before each use for broken rings or damaged links—any compromise significantly reduces protective capability. Clean thoroughly after each use with hot soapy water and food-safe sanitisers in food environments. Note that chainmail protects against cuts and slashes but does not provide puncture protection from pointed implements thrust directly at the material, nor does it protect against impact injuries, burns, or chemical hazards. Employers must conduct risk assessments under Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations to determine appropriate hand protection, and workers require proper training in donning, removing, cleaning, and inspecting chainmail gloves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I clean and maintain chainmail gloves?

Wash stainless steel chainmail in hot soapy water after each use, then rinse thoroughly and dry completely. In food preparation environments, use food-safe sanitisers approved for metal surfaces. Hang chainmail to dry before storage to prevent moisture retention, and regularly inspect for damaged links.

Why would I choose a gauntlet over a standard glove?

Chainmail gauntlets provide extended protection up the forearm, ideal for tasks requiring deeper reach into carcasses, working with larger cuts of meat, or situations where the forearm is exposed to cutting hazards. Standard gloves suffice for most food preparation tasks.

How long do chainmail gloves last?

With proper care, quality stainless steel chainmail gloves can provide years of reliable service. Unlike fabric cut-resistant gloves that degrade over time, chainmail maintains protective properties throughout its life, though any damaged links require immediate replacement to ensure continued protection.