General Purpose Gloves

About General Purpose Gloves

General purpose gloves are essential hand protection for tradespeople, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone undertaking manual work across a wide range of tasks. Unlike specialist safety gloves designed for specific hazards, general purpose work gloves provide versatile, everyday protection against cuts, abrasions, splinters, and general wear and tear. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range from trusted brands including Portwest, Stanley, Kunys, and Sealey, offering everything from lightweight knitted grip gloves to heavily insulated winter options with Insulatex lining.

Modern general purpose gloves combine practical protection with comfort and dexterity, ensuring you can work efficiently whilst keeping your hands safe. Available styles include leather drivers gloves, fleece-lined winter gloves, waterproof PVC options, and touchscreen-compatible designs that allow you to operate mobile devices without removing your gloves. Whether you need cut-resistant protection, fingerless gloves for tactile sensitivity, or insulated gloves for cold store work, you'll find suitable hand protection for virtually every working environment.

Applications

General purpose gloves are used across a broad spectrum of trades and activities, including:

• General Builders and Labourers: Material handling, mixing, and general site work
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers: Using tools, handling plants, and outdoor work
• Warehouse and Logistics Workers: Picking, packing, and handling goods throughout the day
• Maintenance Engineers: Equipment handling, facility upkeep, and general maintenance tasks
• Delivery Drivers: Loading, unloading, and handling parcels
• Electricians and Plumbers: General tasks not requiring specialist insulated gloves
• Carpenters and Joiners: Handling timber, sheet materials, and workshop tasks
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, gardening, and general maintenance
• Agricultural Workers: Farm maintenance and outdoor work in varying conditions
• Painters and Decorators: Surface preparation and material handling

Choosing The Right General Purpose Gloves

Working Environment: Consider the conditions you'll face. For cold environments, choose insulated options with Insulatex lining or fleece interiors. If working in wet conditions, opt for waterproof gloves with PVC coating. For warm weather work, lightweight breathable knitted gloves prevent excessive perspiration.

Grip Requirements: When handling tools or working with materials in wet or oily conditions, choose gloves with textured grip coatings on palms and fingers. Latex, nitrile, and PVC coatings each offer different grip characteristics.

Dexterity Needs: Tasks requiring fine motor skills benefit from thinner, flexible gloves or fingerless designs. Heavy-duty material handling can accommodate thicker, more robust options like split cowhide drivers gloves.

Additional Features: MyToolShed.co.uk offers gloves with touchscreen compatibility, extended cuffs for wrist protection, and various cut-resistance levels. Consider high-visibility designs if working on sites where visibility is important.

Safety Information

General purpose gloves provide excellent protection for everyday tasks but are not suitable for specialist hazards. Never use these gloves for electrical work requiring properly rated insulated gloves, chemical handling, or extreme heat applications. Always inspect gloves before use, checking for tears, holes, or excessive wear that could compromise protection. Replace damaged gloves immediately.

Ensure gloves fit properly – loose gloves can catch on machinery whilst tight gloves restrict blood flow and reduce dexterity. The HSE recommends conducting proper risk assessments to determine appropriate hand protection, ensuring gloves meet relevant EN388 or other applicable British and European safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my general purpose work gloves?

For daily professional use in demanding environments, consider replacing gloves monthly or when you notice significant wear such as holes, thinning material, or reduced grip. For occasional DIY use, gloves may last considerably longer. Always replace gloves immediately if they become damaged or contaminated.

Can I wash my work gloves to extend their life?

Many fabric and knitted work gloves can be hand washed in lukewarm water with mild detergent, then air dried away from direct heat. However, leather gloves generally shouldn't be fully immersed in water as this can cause stiffening and shrinkage. Always check the manufacturer's care instructions.

What's the difference between general purpose and specialist safety gloves?

General purpose gloves provide basic protection against common hazards like cuts, abrasions, and splinters during everyday tasks. Specialist safety gloves are designed and tested to protect against specific hazards such as electrical current, hazardous chemicals, extreme temperatures, or high-level cut risks. Always use specialist gloves when working with identified hazards requiring specific protection.