Grip and feel: nitrile-coated work gloves with grip dots

Anyone who works with their hands all day knows how important a good glove is. Too thick and you feel nothing. Too thin and your hands are worn out after a day of carrying. In our our buying guide for work gloves you read which types of work gloves exist. In this blog we go one step further: what exactly do a nitrile coating and grip dots do, and how do you choose the glove that really suits your work? We do this with the STALCO Perfect Nitrile Flex Dots, which you see in action in the film below.

How is such a glove built?

A glove like the Nitrile Flex Dots consists of two layers:

• A knitted liner of nylon and spandex. It is light, stretchy and closes around your hand. The back stays open and breathable, so your hands sweat less.
• A nitrile coating on the palm and fingers. Nitrile is a synthetic rubber that is hard-wearing and grips well, even on slightly damp surfaces.

The Dots add extra grip dots on top. They increase the contact area where you hold things most.

What do the dots do?

Grip dots are small raised points on the coating. They help especially with:

• Small parts: you pick up screws, plugs and fixings more precisely.
• Smooth materials: pipes, profiles and tiles slip away less easily.
• Holding for a long time: you need to squeeze less hard, which reduces fatigue in your forearms.

If you mainly work with dry, light materials, a Nitrile Flex gloves without dots without dots is often enough. If you handle many small or smooth parts, the dots give that little bit of extra hold.

Choosing the right size

A glove that is too big creates folds and less feel. A glove that is too small pinches and tears sooner. Measure the circumference of your hand just below the knuckles, without the thumb, and choose the matching size:

• Nitrile Flex Dots size 7 for narrow hands.
• Nitrile Flex Dots size 8 or Nitrile Flex Dots size 9 for most hands.
• Nitrile Flex Dots size 10 for large hands.

💡 In doubt between two sizes? For fine work choose the smaller size for more feel, and for heavy work the larger size for more comfort.

When do you choose a different glove?

The Nitrile Flex Dots are an all-rounder, but not the best choice for everything:

• Sharp edges: for sheet metal, glass or tile cutting choose cut-resistant Nitrile Flex Dots Cut. It has the same grip but a cut-resistant liner.
• Rough, heavy work: for demolition, timber and carrying bricks, Comfort Grip leather work gloves are sturdier.
• Wet work and gardening: latex-coated gloves keep their grip better in wet mud.
• Cold weather: read our blog on rainwear, warm workwear and work gloves about warm work gloves.

Gloves are one part of your PPE

A good glove protects your hands, but the rest of your body matters too. For DIY jobs and on site, think of:

• safety goggles against splinters, dust and splashes. Read more in our blog on safety glasses for professionals.
• knee pads for work on the floor.
• A safety helmet on the construction site.
• earmuffs when drilling, grinding and sawing.
• An FFP2 dust mask for dusty work.

In our blog on safe working on the construction site you read more about safe working on site.

Care and replacement

Nitrile-coated gloves can often be hand-washed in lukewarm water. Let them air-dry, not on a radiator. Replace them as soon as the coating cracks, the fingertips are worn through or the glove no longer fits snugly. A worn glove no longer protects the way it should.

Craftsmanship is not in the glove

A good glove helps, but it does not make anyone a professional. An experienced tradesperson knows which tools, which protection and which method belong to a job.

👷 Calling in a professional is never unnecessary. In doubt about a job, especially work at height, electrics, gas or water? Let a professional do the work or advise you.

Read also: Safety footwear S1, S1P, S2, S3 explained, How to choose safety shoes: S1P, S3 or S5? and Hearing protection: grinding, sawing, breaking.

Frequently asked questions

What are Nitrile Flex Dots suitable for?

For work where you need grip and dexterity, such as assembly, carrying light materials and picking up small parts.

Are nitrile gloves cut-resistant?

A standard nitrile glove is not. For work with sharp edges choose a version with a cut-resistant liner, such as the Nitrile Flex Dots Cut.

Can I use my phone with these gloves?

That depends on the type. Do not assume so, and if in doubt take the glove off briefly in a safe place.

Where can you find everything for this job?

At Saniso, the online store for DIYers and professionals, you will find tools, materials and personal protective equipment for your job.

• Browse our construction tools and our workwear and safety.
• Create a customer account and order easily.
• Working on a bigger project or want to hand over the job? Request a project quote.
• Book a showroom visit, at least 24 hours in advance.
• Not sure which material suits your job? Get in touch with us.

In doubt about the approach? Feel free to call in a professional.

Saniso – Build your home with Saniso.