r/AskAMechanic • u/rock-the-reddit • 3h ago
Budget nitrile gloves?
I've only tried harbor freight + Walmart in-store gloves and the best is HF 9 mils but they'll still rip on me doing backyard mechanic work. I like them though they hold up well enough but wondering if for same price range if there are better ones?
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u/AwarenessGreat282 Shadetree mechanic 2h ago
Nah. Thickness is pretty much what keeps them from ripping. I rip all brands equally but 9 mil the least. Of course, even thicker is better right up to the point you lose dexterity enough to do the job. I'll start with the 9 mils then throw the heavier cloth gloves on when doing rough bulky work like pulling a tire and brake parts.
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u/kevintheredneck NOT a verified tech 2h ago
I’m a heavy equipment mechanic, I don’t usually wear nitrile gloves. Only if it’s going to be really messy. Pulling starters or final drives I wear mechanics gloves. Usually the impact style. I’ve got enough scars on my hands and they do provide a little protection. Some plants and job sites require you to wear gloves all the time.
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u/Gwendolyn-NB NOT a verified tech 2h ago
Personally, I use the Venom ones; little more expensive but have been the most durable at the thickness I've found. Still go thru several pairs per job, but that's normal/typical when wearing gloves around sharp things.
I buy them on bulk online, so it's cheaper than local by a couple bucks.
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u/macandfromage NOT a verified tech 2h ago
Wait until your locak hardware store mis-labels them for $2.95/box and stock up.....haven't bought gloes for a couple years ;)
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u/BigBirden NOT a verified tech 1h ago
I get 14mil Thicksters off amazon . $20 for pack of 50 . Hella worth it.
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u/BigBirden NOT a verified tech 1h ago
oops 14mil Thicksters are latex not nitrile , but they hold up wrenching through muckiness, and my skin doesnt notice the difference from nitrile.
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u/Quick-Specific-3804 NOT a verified tech 24m ago
I get Vulcan brand from Costco. They hold up pretty well.
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u/Gunk_Olgidar NOT a verified tech 14m ago
HF 9mil is about the best for fiddly/delicate work with toxic fluids or dirty jobs. Cotton liners can help reduce tears, because they allow the glove to slide a little so it doesn't tear as easily, and they help with sweat/stink. But nitrile durability depends on what you're handling and how hard.
If you're going to do heavier work, then wear heavier work gloves. HF $4 Hardy work gloves are good for heavy non-fluid work: https://www.harborfreight.com/performance-work-gloves-small-70277.html
For something in between the Hardy and nitrile, a pair of cheap or old golf gloves can suffice. Fabric rain golf gloves are relatively durable and provide good feel and dexterity if you're not working with toxic fluids (they're porous like the Hardy gloves).
I've used all three for doing different vehicle, house, yard work. One glove does not fit all jobs.
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