Assembly gloves are work gloves developed for work tasks where the employee needs a combination of finger feel, flexibility, grip and protection.
They are used, among other things, in assembly, industry, storage, craft, construction, installation and maintenance, where it is often necessary to be able to handle tools and smaller components precisely.
But assembly gloves are available in many different materials, coatings and thicknesses. The right glove therefore depends on the work task.
In this guide, we review what assembly gloves are, which types are available, and what you should look for when choosing assembly gloves for professional use.
What are assembly gloves?
Assembly gloves are a type of work glove that is typically developed for work tasks where dexterity and freedom of movement are high important.
In contrast to stronger work gloves, many assembly gloves are relatively thin and flexible.
This makes it easier to handle, among other things:
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Tools
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Screws and bolts
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Spare parts
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Machine components
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Packaging
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Construction materials
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Electrical components
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Other small items
Assembly gloves are also available with different types of coating, which can affect grip, wear resistance and area of application.
What are assembly gloves used for?
Assembly gloves are used in many different industries.
It can be, among other things:
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Industry and production
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Assembly and installation
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Warehouse and logistics
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Workshops
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Construction
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Crafts
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Maintenance
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Electrical and installation work
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Packaging and product handling
There is no single assembly glove that is optimal for all these tasks.
One an employee who assembles small components may, for example, have different needs than a warehouse worker who handles cartons and pallets throughout the working day.
What should you look for in an assembly glove?
When choosing assembly gloves, you should, among other things rate:
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Finger feel
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Grip
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Flexibility
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Fit
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Size
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Coating
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Abrasion strength
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Working environment
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Documented protective properties
The best choice depends on the specific work task.
A very strong glove can, for example, provide greater robustness, but at the same time make precision work more difficult.
For fine assembly, an easier and more flexible glove therefore be a better choice.
PU assembly gloves
PU gloves are assembly gloves with a coating of polyurethane.
This type of work glove is often used for tasks where dexterity and precision are important.
A thin PU coating can allow the employee to handle smaller components and tools without the same volume as a stronger work glove.
PU assembly gloves can therefore be relevant in areas such as assembly, production, electronics, storage and various craft tasks.
Nordic Safety, for example, has PU assembly gloves with polyester knit and polyurethane coating for professional work tasks.
Nitrile-coated assembly gloves
Another widespread type is work gloves with nitrile coating.
The nitrile coating can be used to create grip and wear resistance at the same time that the glove itself can be constructed relatively flexibly.
Nitrile-coated work gloves are available in many different constructions, and the properties can therefore vary considerably between models.
They should be chosen according to the work task and the specific glove's documentation.
Latex-coated assembly gloves
Assembly gloves are also available with a latex coating.
This type can be relevant for various tasks where a good grip and a more robust surface are desired.
The design of the coating can vary from model to model. Some gloves are only coated on the palm, while others have a more extensive coating.
The choice should therefore depend on the working conditions and the specific task.
Which coating should you choose?
There is no one coating that is best for everything.
PU coating can be interesting for precision work and easier assembly.
Nitrile coating is used in many professional work gloves, where a combination of grip, flexibility and wear resistance is desired.
Latex coating is also found on various assembly and work gloves and can be relevant for more robust work tasks.
The decisive factor is not only the name of the coating, but the entire glove construction and documented properties.
How important is the grip?
The grip is one of the most important factors when choosing assembly gloves.
If the employee handles tools, components or materials many times during the working day, a stable grip can be of great importance for both working comfort and control.
Different surfaces and coatings can be developed for different working conditions.
The company should therefore consider whether the work mainly takes place with dry materials, or whether the working conditions make other demands on the glove's grip.
Finger feel and precision work
One of the great advantages of many assembly gloves is the combination of hand protection and finger feel.
During fine assembly, the employee must often be able to feel and check small objects through the glove.
A glove that is too thick or poorly fitting can make this more difficult.
Therefore, a thin, flexible assembly glove with the correct fit can be relevant for tasks where precision is important.
Assembly gloves for storage and logistics
In stock cartons, packaging, pallets and various goods are often handled throughout the working day.
Here, assembly gloves can give the employee a better grip and at the same time protect the hands from normal mechanical impact from the work task.
If the gloves are used for many hours, comfort and fit become particularly important.
A cheap glove is therefore not necessarily the most economical solution if it wears out quickly or the employees feel bad comfort.
Assembly gloves for workshops
At workshops, assembly gloves can be used for tasks where a better grip is needed and at the same time the ability to handle tools and components.
For other workshop tasks, a different type of work glove or disposable glove may be more relevant.
Professional workshops can therefore benefit from having several different types of gloves available rather than trying to use one model for all work tasks.
What does EN 388 mean for assembly gloves?
Many assembly gloves are classified according to EN 388which is a European standard for protective gloves against mechanical risks.
The label can provide information about the specific glove's tested properties.
It is important to check the classification of the individual model rather than assuming that all assembly gloves provide the same protection.
If the work task involves specific risks, the company's choice should be based on a concrete risk assessment and the product's documentation.
How do you choose the right size?
Correct size is important for assembly gloves.
If the glove is too big, the finger feel and control may deteriorate.
If it is too small, the glove can fit too tight and restrict hand movements.
A good assembly glove should therefore fit tightly and comfortably without unnecessarily restricting freedom of movement.
Companies with several employees should have several relevant sizes available.
Assembly gloves or ordinary work gloves?
Assembly gloves are a subgroup of work gloves.
They are typically particularly relevant for tasks where grip, dexterity and flexibility are prioritized.
For heavier or riskier work tasks, a stronger work glove with other documented protective properties may be needed.
That is why you should not choose gloves based solely on the product name.
The work task and the risk assessment come first.
Assembly gloves for business
For companies with a large ongoing consumption, choosing the right assembly glove can also have financial significance.
Compare, among other things:
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Price per par
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Life expectancy
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Grip
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Comfort
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Fit
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Finger feel
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Documented properties
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Employees' tasks
The cheapest glove per pair is not necessarily the cheapest solution over time.
If a better glove lasts longer or works better for the work task, the total cost can be lower.
Buy assembly gloves at Nordic Safety
Nordic Safety offers a wide selection of work gloves and assembly gloves for professional companies.
The range includes models with PU, nitrile and latex coating for various work tasks in assembly, industry, warehouse, workshop and craft.
See work gloves and assembly gloves for business. Also compare PU assembly gloves and read how to understand the EN 388 markingbefore choosing the necessary protection.
Frequently asked questions about assembly gloves
What are assembly gloves?
Assembly gloves are work gloves that typically combine dexterity, flexibility and grip for assembly, storage, industry and other professional work tasks.
Which assembly gloves should I choose?
It depends on the work task. Consider, among other things, grip, coating, finger feel, size, wear resistance and the documented protective properties.
What are PU assembly gloves?
PU assembly gloves are gloves with a polyurethane coating. They are often used for lighter assembly and precision work where good dexterity is important.
What does EN 388 mean?
EN 388 is a European standard used to classify protective gloves against mechanical risks. Always check the specific glove's classification.
Which size assembly gloves should I choose?
The glove should fit tightly and comfortably without restricting movement. A glove that is too large can reduce finger feel, while a glove that is too small can feel unnecessarily tight.
