Knee Pads

About Knee Pads

Knee pads are essential personal protective equipment designed to safeguard your knees from strain, injury and discomfort during work requiring prolonged kneeling or crawling. Whether you're laying flooring, tiling, working on roofs or maintaining gardens, quality knee pads reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as prepatellar bursitis whilst improving comfort and productivity throughout the working day. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks an extensive range from trusted brands including Kunys, Portwest, Snickers, DeWalt and Irwin, offering solutions for every trade and budget.

Modern knee pads come in various designs to suit different applications and working conditions. From simple foam or rubber slip-on pads ideal for light DIY tasks, through to professional-grade gel-filled models with hard shell protection and swivel caps for intensive site work, the choice depends on your specific requirements. Premium options feature innovative technologies such as airflow ventilation systems, ergonomic layered cushioning and non-marring surfaces for delicate flooring work.

Applications

Knee pads are indispensable across numerous trades and activities:

• Flooring Specialists: Carpet fitters, laminate installers, vinyl layers and tilers who spend entire days kneeling
• Construction Workers: Bricklayers, plasterers and general builders working at ground level
• Roofers: Particularly when installing flat roofs, felt and membrane systems
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Installing pipework, radiators and bathroom suites in confined spaces
• Electricians: Running cables at skirting level or working beneath floors
• Decorators: Preparing surfaces and painting at low levels
• Gardeners and Landscapers: Planting, weeding, laying turf and block paving installation
• Mechanics: Working beneath vehicles in awkward positions
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects and general maintenance

Choosing The Right Knee Pads

Type of Work: Light DIY and gardening tasks may only require basic foam or rubber slip-on knee pads, whilst professional tradespeople need heavy-duty models with hard caps. Flooring specialists should consider buckle-style designs for all-day wear.

Cushioning Material: Foam pads offer economical protection for occasional use. Gel-filled knee pads provide superior comfort and shock absorption for intensive professional applications. Layered gel systems combine multiple density layers for optimal pressure distribution, whilst cellular rubber offers excellent durability and moisture resistance.

Hard Shell Protection: Essential when working on rough surfaces or around debris. Swivel or rocker caps provide added mobility, allowing natural knee movement without compromising protection—particularly valuable for carpet fitters and plumbers who constantly reposition themselves.

Fastening System: Elastic straps suit occasional use, but professional tradespeople should invest in buckle systems or accordion-style knee pads from brands like Kunys that stay securely in place. Ensure straps are adjustable and won't restrict circulation during extended wear.

Surface Consideration: Working in occupied properties requires non-marring knee pads that won't damage hardwood, laminate or polished tiles. MyToolShed.co.uk offers specialist options with soft outer materials for delicate surface protection.

Safety Information

The HSE recognises prolonged kneeling as a significant workplace health risk. Workers who spend extended periods on their knees face increased risk of developing knee bursitis, osteoarthritis and other chronic conditions. Always ensure knee pads fit securely without restricting blood circulation—straps that are too tight can cause numbness and discomfort.

Inspect your knee pads regularly for wear, particularly checking that cushioning hasn't compressed excessively and hard caps remain intact without cracks. Replace worn knee pads promptly as degraded protection offers false security. Even with quality knee pads, vary your working position when possible and take regular breaks to reduce cumulative strain on knee joints.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between foam and gel knee pads?

Foam knee pads are economical, lightweight and suitable for light to moderate use. Gel knee pads contain viscous gel that moulds to your knee shape, providing superior shock absorption and comfort for professional all-day wear. Gel typically lasts longer without compressing and is preferred by tradespeople who kneel extensively.

Do I need hard shell knee pads or are soft ones sufficient?

This depends on your working environment. Soft foam or gel knee pads are adequate for clean, flat surfaces like domestic flooring installation. However, if you're working on rough concrete, gravel, debris-strewn sites or around sharp objects, hard shell knee pads are essential to prevent penetration injuries and distribute impact forces.

How do I prevent knee pads from slipping down during work?

For professional use, invest in buckle-style knee pads or accordion designs that grip more securely. Ensure straps are properly tightened—they should be firm but not restrict circulation. Alternatively, consider work trousers with integrated knee pad pockets that hold pads in position throughout the working day.