Cotton Prices Continue to Soar!

Over the past several months the cost of cotton has increased over 30% and is predicted to continue to rise. Terrible weather conditions, increased crude oil prices and high demand are the culprits behind the shortages and resulting price increases.

Cotton is currently selling at a record-breaking price of approximately $2 per pound. Several of our products such as gloves, mops, personal protective apparel and some first aid products will be effected by these unfavorable market conditions. If you purchase any of these products – please be aware that prices will be rising.

We are working with our vendors to minimize the effects of the price increases on our cotton products, but due to the shortage of product and high demand, the prices will inevitably rise over the upcoming months. We assure you that we are watching the market carefully and are doing our best to keep you informed. Thank you for your support and understanding. And as always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or concerns!

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Latex Allergies & Glove Selection

A Latex Allergy is an allergic reaction to natural rubber latex most commonly found in latex gloves and balloons. Symptoms can include hives or welts, swelling of the affected area, runny nose, sneezing, headache, reddened itchy or teary eyes, sore throat or hoarse voice, abdominal cramps, chest tightness, wheezing or shortness of breath, and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening reaction. Latex-allergic individuals can also develop asthma or occupational asthma, as well as cross-reactive allergies to foods such as bananas, avocados, kiwi fruits and chestnuts.

The Glove Connection
Most allergic latex reactions occur from finished rubber products that are made via a dipping method, as with gloves. Manufactured latex products, such as gloves, may contain additive chemicals that have a propensity to cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions manifested as contact dermatitis. Workers who use latex gloves (and other gloves) may get irritant dermatitis on their hands from numerous causes (e.g., sweating, powder, frequent handwashing). The allergenic proteins in latex may be carried on cornstarch powders that are used as a lubricant on some gloves, resulting in respiratory exposure.

Workers in labs, cleanrooms, and other controlled environments who wear gloves on a regular basis should be aware that they have options for protective gloves:

• Vinyl – known for being very clean, inexpensive and static dissipative. However, vinyl gloves retain heat and have poor moisture vapor transmission.
• Natural Rubber Latex – has the best cost/performance ratio of any material available. It is durable and easy to manufacture. However, it has no inherent static dissipative features.
• Nitrile – offers very good puncture resistance and exhibits broader chemical resistance than that of natural latex, especially with solvents. Nitrile also has very good static dissipative features not found in natural rubber latex.

In addition to issues around allergies and sensitivities, a glove’s material can have a dramatic influence on its comfort. For example, latex gloves are typically viewed as being more comfortable, while vinyl gloves tend to be more uncomfortable due to the rigid nature of vinyl. Nitrile gloves are now becoming more comfortable, however. In fact, some suppliers are using new nitrile-based production technologies to combine the sensitivity of latex with the protection of nitrile for gloves that provide the best of both worlds – sometimes at a value price.

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Industrial Supplies Michigan – Amerisource Industrial Supply
Natural Rubber & Nitrile Raw Material Trends

Both materials are key components in the manufactur of unsupported, dipped and coated liquid and chemical resistent gloves.  These trends will affect the pricing of those categories of gloves. 

Natural Rubber: Since January, raw material costs have increased by 60%, due to high demand for rubber in the global vehicle industry, particularly in China, as well as reduced production levels. Raw material costs are 22.5% higher as compared to November 2008.A December 1 (2009) report indicated rubber output in Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia had dropped more than 6% in 2009 after unusually heavy rains caused flooding. Some reports peg the decrease at more than 10%, causing speculation on a possible shortage in the early months of 2010, which could drive costs up by as much as another 20-30%. Supplies are likely to shrink further early next year during the dry wintering season in Thailand, the world’s largest producer, as trees shed leaves and latex output falls.

Source: Malaysian Rubber Board’s Price Index report (http://www2.lgm.gov.my/mre/YearlyAvg.aspx) average Dry Kg Bulk Latex, converted to USD

NITRILE Butadiene NBR: The cost of nitrile latex is mainly driven by the increase in butadiene, an important industrial chemical used as a monomer in the production of synthetic rubber. It makes up approximately 70% of the total materials cost of nitrile latex. The cost of butadiene has increased by 221% from January to October (2009), and with the weakened dollar, the increase has been dramatically exacerbated. According to ICIS, the butadiene market shows no indications of making a recovery in the near future.

Below please find a chart to visually depict this increase. Source: ICIS

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Dipped Glove Selection Guide

Flat Nitrile Coated

• Strength – Non-porous high chemical resistance; high abrasion resistance; great for dry applications
• Weakness – Poor wet grip; no coating breathability; slightly stiff; low cust and heat resistance
• Applications – Automotive assembly, food packaging, furniture mfg, electronics, pesticides, oil refining

Foam Nitrile Coated

• Strengths – Flexible; porous; tacky coating for better grip; water permeable; excellent grip in all applications; excellent breathability
• Weakness – Will abrade faster than flat nitrile; low cut and heat resistance
• Applications – Automotive, construction, material handling, engineering, assembly, inspection

Lunar Foam Coated

• Strengths – Good grip; water permeable
• Weakness – Will abrade faster than flat nitrile
• Applications – Automotive, construction, material handling, engineering, assembly, inspection

Latex Coated

• Strengths – Flexible; comfortable; good tensile strength
• Weakness – May cause allergic reaction; low heat protection; does not provide adequate protection from oils or fules
• Applications – Agriculture, material handling, packing, construction, furniture mfg, glass handling, bottling operations

Urethane Coated

• Strengths – Strong; durable; lightweight; thin; flexible; can be silicone and DMF free; high resistance to abrasion; breathable; excellent grip in all applications: wet, oily, and dry
• Weakness – Porous coating makes it highly permeable; very low cut resistance
• Applications – Detailed assembly, inspection, light fabrication and small parts handling, dirt barrier

Bi-Polymer Coated

• Strengths – Good flexibility; breathable; good grip
• Weakness – Low abrasion resistance; high permeability
• Applications – Automotive, engineering, electronices, inspection, packaging

Air Infused PVC

• Strengths – Excellent wet and dry grip; good abrasion resistance
• Weakness – Permeable; low cut resisitance; no heat resistance
• Applications – Bottling, canning, recycling, manufacturing, assembly

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Frequently Asked Questions for Dipped Gloves

1. What are the benefits of a nylon shell glove?

a. Nylon gloves are preferred for many reasons. They provide excellent strength, flexibility, toughness, elasticity, abrasion resistance, washability, and ease of drying.

2. What are the benefits of a poly/cotton shell glove?

a. Poly/cotton shell gloves offer flexibility along with comfort allowing for high dexterity without hand fatigue. The poly/cotton yarn reduces shrinkage allowing the glove to fit correctly longer.

3. What type of coating is the best to use for dry and oil grip applications?

a. Polyurethane and Nitrile offer the best options when you need both dry and oil grip applications. Both polyurethane and nitrile allow flexibility which means an easier grip and dexterity during use. Nitrile has good water permeability that absorbs liquids in just seconds to provide better grip in wet applications.

4. What’s the difference between foam nitrile and sponge nitrile?

a. Foam nitrile is a very thin coating while sponge nitrile is slightly thicker. Both offer a tacky coating and good durability. Less abrasion resistance than flat nitrile coating. Foam and sponge nitrile coating offer excellent grip with dry, wet and oily applications. Both are flexible and porous. Foam nitrile will channel oil and water away from surface quickly (within 10 seconds) and sponge nitrile will also channel oil and water away but will take much longer.

5. Why use flat nitrile vs. polyurethane coating?

a. If you need a glove that has high resistance to abrasion and high resistance to chemicals and solvents, then flat nitrile is the type of glove to use. A flat nitrile coated glove is non-porous, less flexible and not breathable. If you need a glove that has an excellent dry, wet & oil grip with a flexible, breathable coating, then a polyurethane coated glove is the best choice. It is also porous and has high resistance to abrasion.

6. What is a bi-polymer coating?

a. A bi-polymer coating is a nitrile and polyurethane blend. The benefits of a bi-polymer coating is that it is flexible, thin, smooth, light-weight and porous. It has good oil & water grip and offers the best flexibility of all coating types. However, it has a low resistance to abrasion.

7. What are the benefits of a latex coating?

a. Latex coating is the most inexpensive coating type. Some of its strengths are that it offers good flexibility and tensile strength. Tensile strength is the resistance to stretch or deformation of glove over time. Latex is non-porous but offers good elasticity and comfort. On the downside, latex can be sensitive to heat and is not good for oily applications. Can cause allergic reactions to some. Less abrasion resistance than PU and nitrile.

8. What are the benefits of a Kevlar® shell glove?

a. Kevlar® is a good selection of a shell if you are looking for a glove that provides good cut resistance. Kevlar gloves easily reach EN388 cut level 3 but heavyweight products can achieve a cut level 4. Kevlar also offers the addition of heat resistance.

9. What are the benefits of a Dyneema® shell glove?

a. Dyneema® is one of the strongest fibers available in gloves. It offers exceptional protection against cuts and abrasion, as well as being light weight and comfortable. Dyneema yarns can provide cut resistance levels up to 3 or 4 (EN388). Other benefits of a Dyneema shell are that it is chemical resistant to both acid and alkaline chemicals therefore can be laundered many times without adversely affecting its performance and it also has the ability to disperse body heat quickly keeping hands cool and dry. And finally, Dyneema offers high dexterity due to the smoothness of the yarns surface.

10. Why is cut level important?

a. Cut level indicates the cut-resistance which determines how well a glove protects hands from direct contact with sharp edges such as glass, metal or other materials. Cut resistance can increase by increasing the material weight or buy using high-performance materials such as Spectra®, Kevlar® or Dyneema® among others.

11. What fibers or materials are cut resistant?

a. West Chester has cut resistant gloves available in Kevlar®, Dyneema® and Taeki 5™. Each of these cut resistant fibers is available with palm coatings including nitrile, latex and polyurethane.

12. I’ve seen gloves that say they are antibacterial or contain Actifresh®. What is Actifresh®?

a. Actifresh treatment guards against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, fungi and mildew. It prevents the development of bacteria and guards against the development of odors.

13. How long does Actifresh® last on a glove?

a. The Actifresh® treatment withstands repeated washings and is permanent in rubber and plastics.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dipped Gloves cont.

14. What does it mean to be “silicone free”?

a. Silicon compounds are classified as Organic and Inorganic. Organic silicones include compounds called Siloxanes which are oils that can cause problems in metal processing – leaving a “fingerprint”. This causes paint to improperly adhere to metal. Inorganic silicon compounds do not possess this undesirable property so do not have the effects as described above. Our new dipped gloves do not contain the problem-causing Siloxane oils therefore, they are “Silicone Free”.

15. What does DMF-free mean?

a. Dimethylformamide is a common solvent for chemical reactions. DMF has been linked to cancer in humans, and it is thought to cause birth defects. Our new dipped gloves do not contain DMF and therefore are DMF Free.

16. Why does a white foam-like substance come from my nitrile glove when I first get it wet?

a. During the process of manufacturing these gloves, washing them will increase their permeability. If they are not washed and only leached then a salt residue will be present on the surface which will hinder water permeability. With repeated washings, this residue should dissipate and the gloves should become even more permeable.

17. What are the applications where polyurethane coated gloves can be used?

a. Detailed assembly, inspection, light fabrication and small parts handling. Safe for food contact but porous properties will allow bacteria to develop.

18. What are the applications where bi-polymer coated gloves can be used?

a. Automotive, engineering, electronics, maintenance, inspection, packaging. Safe for food contact but porous properties will allow bacteria to develop.

19. What are the applications where flat/non-foam nitrile coated gloves can be used?

a. Automotive, assembly, food packing, furniture manufacturing, electronics, pesticides, oil refining. Safe for food contact.

20. What are the applications where foam/sponge nitrile coated gloves can be used?

a. Automotive, construction, material handling, engineering, assembly, inspection/examination. Safe for food contact but porous properties will allow bacteria to develop.

21. What are the applications where latex coated gloves can be used?

a. Agriculture, material handling, packing, construction, furniture manufacturing, glass handling, bottling operations. Safe for food contact.

22. What is the best covering for chemical resistance?

a. Flat/non-foam nitrile offers the highest resistance to chemicals and solvents compared to other coatings.

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Hand Injury Facts

–        Nearly one-fourth of work injuries involve the hands or fingers
–        70% of workers sustaining hand injuries were not wearing gloves
–        30% of workers sustaining hand injuries were wearing improper
            or damaged gloves
–        Wearing proper gloves in good condition prevents hand injuries

Hand Hazards

–        Skin absorption of harmful substances
–        Severe cuts or lacerations
–        Severe abrasions
–        Pinches and crushes
–        Punctures
–        Chemical burns
–        Thermal burns
–        Extreme cold

Skin Absorption of Harmful Substances

–        Solvents
–        Harmful dusts
–        Pesticides, insecticides, fertilizers

Severe Cuts or Lacerations

–        Presses or shears
–        Saws
–        Hand tools
–        Straps, wires
–        Sheet Metals 

Severe Abrasions

–        Sanders or grinders
–        Conveyor belts
–        Rotating shafts
–        Scrap metal or broken glass 

Pinches and Crushes

–        Most common type of severe hand/finger injury
–        Machine guard disabled or bypassed
–        Material handling
–        Doors 

Punctures

–        Drill press
–        Nail gun
–        Hand tools
–        Metal or wood slivers 

Chemical Burns

–        Acids
–        Caustics
–        Cleaning chemicals 
–        Solvents

Thermal Burns

–        Welding and cutting
–        Steam operations
–        Molten metal
–        Ovens 

Cold and Frostbite

–        Outdoor construction work in cold weather
–        Refrigerated rooms or containers
–        Working with cold chemicals
–        Unheated warehouses in cold climates 

Other hand hazards

–        Carpal tunnel syndrome
–        Vibration
–        Fractures or compression 

Evaluate and Select Hand Protection

–        Tasks to be performed
–        Conditions present
–        Duration of use
–        Hazards and potential hazards identified 

Selecting Chemical-Resistant Gloves

–        Type of chemical – See chart for compatibility
–        Length of time for chemical contact
–        Amount of abrasion & cut resistance required
–        Length and cuff requirements
–        Dexterity and grip
–        Thermal protection 

Chemical-Resistant Glove Materials

–        PVC  (Polyvinyl chloride)
–        Rubber
–        Neoprene
–        Nitrile

Chemical-Resistant Glove Materials Specialty

–        Butyl
–        PVA (Polyvinyl alcohol)
–        Viton
–        Silver shield

Selecting Cut & Abrasion Resistant Gloves

–        Understand the complete hazard
–        Length and cuff requirements
–        Review dexterity and grip requirements
–        Heat Exposure
–        Metal mesh, steel core, Kevlar®, Dyneema®

Selecting Disposable Gloves

–        Protection against bloodborne pathogens
–        Latex allergy or sensitivity
–        Nitrile gloves comparable to latex
–        Protection against some chemicals
–        Easily rip, tear, puncture
–        Correct size 

Selecting Electrically Insulated Gloves

–        Handling live wires or energized electrical equipment
–        Electrically tested every 6 months
–        Cannot be used if not tested in past 12 months
–        Inspect for signs of wear or holes 

General Glove Use and Care

–        Gloves must fit properly
–        Hands should be clean
–        Clean fabric and leather gloves regularly
–        Inspect gloves for damage and replace if necessary
–        Gloves should be the right length
–        Do not use fabric or leather gloves with liquid chemicals 

Contaminated Glove Removal

–        Bare hands should not touch the outside of your gloves
–        Grasp outside of one glove with other gloved hand and pull off
–        Insert fingers of ungloved hand under cuff of glove on other hand
–        Pull glove off hand by pulling on inside surface of the glove 

Key Points to Remember

–        Know the hand hazards in your workplace
–        Understand the types of gloves needed to protect against the hazard
–        Wear cut-resistant gloves when using knives or around sharp
           objects and metals
–        Keep hands out of a machine’s danger zone
–        Exercise EXTREME CAUTION wearing gloves around machinery
           with moving parts

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To detemine which glove is best suited to protect against any given chemical the following test are conducted.

Glove Permeation Testing

Permeation testing is goverened by ASTM Method F739 standards. A specimen membrane is cut from the glove and clamped accross a  test cell as a barrier. One side of the barrier is exposed to a hazardous chemical.  In intervals, the unexposed side of the test cell is checked for evidence of the permeated hazardous chemical.  The extent to which it may have permeated the glove material is also measured.

This standard allows a variety of options in analytical technique and collection media.  Dry nitrogen is the most common medium and gas chromatography with FID detection is the most common analytical technique. The most common collecting media liquids are distilled water and hexane, and techniques such as conductivity, colorimetry, and liquid chromatography for analysis of the collecting liquid.

Glove Degradation Testing

The glove material is stretch accross a vessel.  The glove material barrier is weighed and measured.  It is then completely immersed in the test chemical for 30 minutes.  Key measurements are the percentage of change in size, and the percentage of weight change. The material is dried to determine weight change. Observed physical changes are also reported and a ratings is given based on the combined data.

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These are terms that you will encounter when discussing gloves. Call us when you encounter a term that you don’t find in this list or that requires clarification.
ANSI o American National Standards Institute – an agency that established standards for processes used by industry

• Ball & Tape Fastener – A strap used to snug the fit of a full leather glove at the wrist.

• Band Top – Refers to a band of material used as a cuff on gloves.

• Belly Leather – Leather from the belly portion of an animal hide. Widely used in full leather gloves.

• Binding – Narrow material used to bind the cuff on gloves such as drivers’ styles and red lined jerseys.

• Bleed – Transfer of dye to the wearer’s hands – not color fast.

• Boardy – Stiff, not pliable. Used to describe leather stiff leather usually.

• CE – Critical Environments – the more accepted term used to describe clean manufacturing environments.

• Clute style – A glove sewn with seams on the back of the glove at every finger and straight thumb.

• Continuous Pull – An extension of the material used for the palm of a glove that is sewn to the cuff. The continuous pull reinforces the seam used to sew on the cuff.

• Cut and Sewn – Fabrics like canvas, jersey, or leather are cut using a pattern into components and sewn together to make a glove.

• Denim – An economical single layer fabric used in some leather palm gloves.

• Dipped Gloves - Coated gloves use a fabric “glove” stretched over a mold and then dipped into  a polymer.

• Drivers’ Glove – A slip-on style, full leather glove.

• Duck - Launderable single ply cotton material used in gloves.

• ESD – Electrostatic Discharge or static build-up which can contaminate electronic components.

• Extractables - The tendency that gloves have to leach out chemicals used to make them. Extractables are a particular concern to critical environments

• Fabric Weight – Usually expressed as “8-ounce”, “24-ounce” or some other number. This is the weight of a full square yard of fabric that the glove is sewn from. So a square yard off fabric used to make an 8-ounce brown jersey glove weighs 8 ounces.

• Finger Tips – An added leather protection and wear feature built into some leather palm glove patterns.

• Fleece Lining – Soft, cotton material used for additional warmth and to reduce abrasive chafing in leather gloves.

• Flesh Split – The layer of hide next to an animal’s muscles and flesh.

• Foam Lining – Polyurethane layer, generally covered by fleece or flocked lined with nylon. Provides a good glove lining for warmth.

• Fourchette – The sidewall area between the top and bottom of glove fingers made by using additional material.

• Forming – Part of the turning process in glove manufacture. Enhances the appearance and straightens seams that otherwise might cause discomfort.

• Full Fashion Style – A dress glove style with fourchettes and a set-in thumb for a tailored fit.

• Full First Finger – Wrap around index finger construction that eliminates a seam on the outer finger edge. Designed to add wear.

• Full Lining – A “glove within a glove”, the lining covers the entire interior surface of the glove.

• Gauntlet Cuff – A 4 to 4 ½ inch wide band of bonded material sewn to a glove as a cuff. Gauntlet cuff gloves are designed to be removed quickly if required.

• Gunn Pattern – A design that features fully-wrapped leather index fingers and thumbs, leather fingertips, leather knuckle straps, wing thumb design, shirred elastic back and continuous pull. Their open cuff design allows the wearer easy on/off. These are usually very generously sized.

• Heel or Continuous Pull – The extended leather portion of a short cuff or gauntlet leather palm glove. Reduces wear at seam of cuff caused while pulling glove on.

• Keystone Thumb – Type of inset thumb on full leather glove patterns. Provides additional wear and greater comfort.

• Knit-wrist – A band of elasticized material sewn as a cuff on gloves. Holds the glove in place securely.

• Knuckle Strap – A band of leather across the back of a glove covering the knuckle area to provide additional bump and protection.

• Lining – Inner materials to provide added warmth or comfort.

• Middle Split – A fatty layer between the top grain and flesh split of a cowhide. Similar to flesh split but has no tensile strength or abrasion resistance. Not usually used in gloves.

• Nap – In fabric gloves, the loose ends of woven fibers that appear fluffy. Nap-out on chore gloves, nap-in on cotton flannel styles. In leather palm gloves, a “nappy” appearance is the loose ends of leather fibers, which usually indicates poor quality.

• OSHA – Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the government agency responsible for industrial safety and health of workers, a part of the Department of Labor

• Out-Seam-Sewn – Stitching and seams on the outside surface. Seldom used on work gloves because of vulnerability of seams to abrasion.

• Pile Lining – Bulky, acrylic material used for extra warmth in gloves.

• Plasticized Cuff – Wayerproof adhesive laminated between two layers of fabric.

• Polymer – A material that can be liquefied to be used as a coating on gloves, such as PVC, vinyl, neoprene, nitrile, or rubber.

• PPE - Personal Protective Equipment, for example, gloves

• Reversible - Reversible gloves are almost always made from a jersey material. A single seam is used around the entire periphery of the glove and a separate cuff is sewn on as the last step. Reversible styling enables the wearer to wear the glove on either hand.

• Roper’s Glove – A modified drivers’ style, usually a clute pattern of thin deer, goat or elk top grain leather. Keystone thumbs or English inset thumbs are common.

• Rubberized – A term used to describe the bonding of material layers in a glove cuff by the use of rubber cement.

• Safety Cuff – A 2 to 2 ½ inch wide band of bonded material sewn to a glove as a cuff. Safety cuff gloves are designed to be removed quickly if required.

• Shoulder Split – Suede leather taken from the side of the cow, noted for its strength and durability.

• Shirred Wrist – An elastic band sewn into the wrist area on the back of a glove to snug the fit.

• Side Split – Suede leather taken from the side of the cow. Usually more durable and thick than shoulder split.

• Slip-on Style – A glove with no cuff. Drivers gloves are examples of slip-on styling.

• Starched Cuff – Two layers of fabric laminated and stiffened with starch used as a band or safety cuff.

• Straight Thumb – A glove thumb that normally lies straight with the index finger. Common to most fabric gloves and drivers’ gloves.

• String Knits – Fabric gloves or sleeves fabricated using a machine to knit the product in one piece rather than sewing pieces of material together.

• Supported Gloves – Chemical resistant gloves manufactured using a shell or lining.

• Tanning – The process of coloring, softening and adding preservative oils to prepare leather for use in the manufacture of consumer products.

• Thermal – Refers to lining. A material woven to trap air and insulate against cold.

• Thumb Shield – An extra piece of leather sewn in the thumb-to-palm seam to improve wear in this high abrasion area. Found in some drivers’ and leather palm styles.

• 3/4 Back – Used to describe a leather palm style glove when the back is leather 3/4 of the way from the finger tips to the wrist.

• Top Grain – The outside layer of animal hide with the hair having been chemically removed.

• Unsupported Gloves – Gloves manufactured without a fabric lining. A ceramic mold is dipped directly into the polymer glove material

• Welder’s Glove – Gloves specially made to repel and resist welding sparks. Lined to protect against heat. Usually full leather with gauntlet type cuff, which may also be leather.

• Welt - Narrow leather strips added to seam areas in stress, heat or abrasion sensitive area. Prolongs wear and adds protection.

• Whip Stitch – Thread is looped over the outside of the seam in this sewing method. Sometimes used in dress gloves. Almost never seen in work gloves because of the exposure of the thread to abrasion.

• Wing Thumb – Glove construction that angles the thumb diagonally across the palm. Frequently found in leather palm gloves. Improves comfort similar to inset thumb designs.

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String Knit Gloves

A. Features & Benefits

1. Machine knit, seamless construction provides better comfort.

2. Ambidextrous, eliminating sorting problems and cuts down on glove replacement costs (you can replace single gloves as opposed to full pairs).

3. Very economical, usually 10-50% less than similar cut-and-sewn cotton gloves.

4. Knit pattern conforms to hand for better fit; allows the hand to breathe.

5. Color-coded hems denote different sizes.

B. Common Applications

1. General purpose, popular in warehousing, parts handling, assembly, etc.

2. Most are FDA accepted for food processing.

3. Extremely popular as a glove liner under liquid proof gloves.

C. Availabilities

1. Most styles available in Men’s and Ladies sizing.

2. Many different “density” or “gauge” (string thickness) differences, provide user with differing degrees of dexterity. The higher the gauge, the more dexterity it provides.

3. Common weights are light, medium, and heavy.

4. Cotton/polyester blend is by far the most popular and launders the most favorably, though many choose 100% Polyester or 100% Nylon if “lint” is an issue. Others choose 100% cotton where heat is an 

issue.

D. Common Objections and suggested responses

1. Knit pattern allows particulates to penetrate the glove and irritate the hand.

a. Suggest that customer upgrade to a higher density knit that would reduce the amount of particulates that can penetrate the glove.

2. Gloves aren’t the same color as style they are currently using.

a. Color of glove does not in any way signify quality of glove.

b. The most popular styles are off white. Bleached white is available if customer application demands it. Gray is available and is the best choice to hide dirt.

c. Multi-colored knits are made with “off-run” yarns. This yarn is inferior to regular beige or bleached white and grey knits. For a more consistent quality, customers should choose natural, grey, or bleached 

strings.

Coated String Knit Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Knit shell provides all the same benefits as uncoated versions.

2. PVC dot and brick patterns provide excellent gripping ability and prolonged glove life due to increased abrasion resistance.

3. PVC Palm coated pattern provides good puncture resistance, and reduces particulate infiltration.

4. Economical alternative to lighter weight leather gloves and in most cases a more economical choice than dotted canvas or jersey styles.

5. Reversible coated patterns allow user to get “double wear” out of glove by simply flipping glove over.

B. Common applications

1. General purpose abrasion protection.

2. Very popular in automotive industry, warehousing, parts handling, assembly, etc.

C. Availabilities

1. Most are available in Men’s and Ladies sizes.

2. Most popular coated patterns are dots, bricks, full PVC palm coating, PVC “criss-cross” pattern.

a. We can produce special logo patterns with your name or your customer’s name instead of the standard coating pattern.

3. Most coatings are available on one or two sides. One side is less expensive and sometimes more practical. Reversible coating is more popular.

4. Glove shells are available in a variety of densities. Density refers to the tightness of the weave.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Dots don’t provide enough grip.

a. Suggest they use a brick pattern with more coverage, or perhaps a criss-cross pattern grip.

2. Glove is linting too much in their application.

b. Suggest the customer try a Polyester or Nylon glove with coating as they are relatively lint free 

products.

Cut Resistant Gloves & Sleeves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Knit pattern provides all the same benefits of string knits (ie, breathability, dexterity, etc).

2. Dupont Kevlar is pound for pound three times stronger than steel (very cut-resistant).

3. Kevlar gloves and sleeves provide good heat protection.

4. Ambidextrous- able to replace single hands as opposed to full pairs.

5. Launderable- can be laundered to extend glove life.

6. Kevlar gloves with dot pattern grips extend glove life and provide user with improved grip capabilities.

B. Common Applications

1. Food processing, glass handling, auto processing, metal stamping.

2. Any application where there is a high risk of cuts and lacerations.

3. Lighter weight styles used as a glove liner to provide extra protection.

C. Availabilities

1. Kevlar gloves are available in men’s and ladies sizes, as well as in light, and heavy weight versions.

2. Kevlar sleeves are available in various lengths from 10-24 inches.

3. Kevlar sleeves and other special requests available by special order. Thumb slots are available.

4. Some Kevlar gloves available fingerless.

5. Kevlar gloves available with PVC dots on one or two sides.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Cut-resistant gloves are too expensive.

a. Customer will save considerably more in employee “down-time,” medical expenses, lawsuits, and workman’s comp claims if cut problems are reduced/eliminated.

b. Kevlar launders considerably better than most glove styles, providing extended wear.

Cotton Work Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Canvas Single Palm- One of the most popular work glove styles. It is comprised of one layer of material, which varies by weight. Very cost effective, versatile, and widely accepted.

2. Canvas with pvc dots provide user with gripping ability and prolongs the use of the gloves.

3. All cotton styles provide some degree of heat resistance and abrasion protection.

4. Double palm patterns provide superior abrasion resistance and good heat protection while sacrificing minimal dexterity.

5. Hot mill styles provide optimum heat protection. Burlap liners create air pockets between the cotton layers to provide more insulation.

6..Brown Jersey- One of the most popular general purpose styles. Extremely comfortable and dark color hides dirt well.

7. Two piece jerseys are reversible (fit either hand) and can be replaced one hand at a time, eliminating sorting problems. Considerably less expensive than a standard brown jersey.

8. Glove “Oz. weight” is determined by fabric weight. A 10 oz. canvas weighs 10 ounces per square yard, a 12 oz. canvas weighs 12 ounces per square yard, etc.

B. Common applications

1. Canvas and Jersey styles are used in any general application such as maintenance, warehousing, material handling, and gardening.

2. Nap-In Double Palm styles provide greater abrasion resistance.

3. Hot mill Nap-Out Double Palm styles are used where heat protection is important, such as in foundry 

work.

C. Availabilities

1. Most Canvas and Jersey styles are available in both Men’s and Ladies sizes.

2. Canvas styles are available with band top cuffs, gauntlet cuffs, and knit wrist cuffs.

3. Canvas is available in 8, 10 and 12 oz. weight. Double palm styles are 18 oz. or 20 oz. Hot mills are available in 24, 28, and 30 oz. weight.

4. Brown Jersey is available in 8, 9, 10, and 14 oz. weight.

D. Common objectives and suggested responses

1. The glove is wearing out too quickly, or is too light.

a. Suggest a heavier weight glove.

b. Determine if it is truly wearing out or just getting a little dirty. If it’s just dirt, suggest a darker glove like a brown jersey that hides dirt better.

Coated Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Most coated gloves provide a good degree of liquid resistance.

2. Coated gloves provide varying degrees of grip including smooth, rough, and crinkle finish.

3. Latex crinkle finish dip provides outstanding grip as well as a light degree of cut resistance and puncture resistance.

4. Vinyl laminated provides good grip, abrasion resistance, and excellent dexterity for use in electronics or parts assembly.

5. Vinyl impregnated provides water resistance and great dexterity. Very cost effective.

6. PVC special coated outwears cotton and provides better dexterity than leather. Provide some degree of chemical and cut protection as well as good abrasion resistance.

B. Common Applications

1. Latex Crinkle is very popular in glass handling and sheet metal applications, as it provides outstanding cut and puncture resistance, as well as good abrasion resistance.

2. Vinyl laminates provide excellent dexterity for applications such as electronics assembly. Also a very low linting glove.

3. Vinyl Impregnates are popular in oily, slippery applications.

4. PVC special coated gloves used for many general purposes, especially assembly. Very popular in the furniture business and in light duty chemical applications.

C. Availabilities

1. Vinyl Laminates are band top styles available in men’s and ladies sizes.

2. Latex crinkle finish gloves are available in men’s size. They come in safety cuff and knit wrist versions.

3. PVC special coated gloves are all open cuff styles available in four sizes. Different linings (jersey, interlock, knit) are available depending on customer preference.

4. Vinyl Impregnates available in 6 sizes.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Vinyl Impregnated glove is too light and wearing out quickly.

a. Suggest they upgrade to the double palm version of same glove.

2. Glove is too slippery.

a. Suggest similar styles with rough or crinkle finish grips.

Ambidextrous Disposable Examination Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Disposable gloves are very cost effective.

2. Most disposables available in medical grade and lower end industrial grade.

3. Disposables provide good protection against dirt, bodily fluids, and chemicals.

4. Recommended for short-term use.

5. Can be used on either hand (ambidextrous).

6. Can be dispensed economically throughout a plant.

7. Nitrile (synthetic latex) is most expensive, but is also the strongest disposable glove and most chemically resistant.

B. Common Applications

1. Vinyl, Latex, and Nitrile (synthetic latex) are used in large amounts in the Medical and Dental fields.

2. All disposables are popular for food service, food processing, and food production applications.

3. Used in sanitation, childcare, police work, etc.

4. Polyethylene used primarily in food service.

5. Latex and Nitrile used in EMS (Emergency Medical Service) applications.

6. Powder Free gloves used when powder is causing user Dermatitis, or in “cleaner” production facilities where powder can’t be left on product.

C. Availabilities

1. All disposables available in sizes S-XL.

2. Latex, Vinyl, and Nitrile are packed 100 gloves per box, 10 boxes per case. Polyethylene is packed 100 gloves per dispenser, 100 dispensers per case.

3. Latex available in Medical grade and Vinyl is available in industrial grade.

4. Latex, Vinyl, and Nitrile are available lightly powdered and powder free.

5. Vinyl is available in standard clear or blue for food processing.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Latex gloves make my hand break out.

a. Recommend Powder Free Latex, as the natural proteins in Latex stick to the powder and can cause hand irritation. Switching to powder free often helps.

b. Recommend a switch to Nitrile or Vinyl.

2. Clear vinyl glove can fall off hand into product and its difficult to find.

a. Recommend a switch to Blue Vinyl.

3. I’m allergic to Latex, but need tight fitting glove and the dexterity that Latex provides.

a. Recommend Nitrile. It is more expensive, but is very close to Latex in dexterity and how it conforms to hand. It is also more chemical and puncture resistant.

Unsupported Liquid Proof Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Full line of unsupported Nitrile, Latex, and Neoprene.

2. Most styles flock lined for easy “on and off” as well as for perspiration absorption.

3. Nitrile, Latex, and Neoprene offer exceptional chemical resistance.

4. All styles have a popular diamond pattern grip for improved grip in slippery applications.

B. Common Applications

1. All styles are very popular for food processing, janitorial, sanitation and maintenance industry.

2. Popular for any application that requires resistance to caustic chemicals such as fertilizer, battery acid, etc. Please refer to our chemical resistance chart for suggestions.

C. Availabilities

1. All unsupported liquid proof gloves are available in sizes S-XL.

2. Latex is available in a yellow 18 mil. and a 22 mil. thickness. It is available in a “Canners” unlined style and in a blue or amber for food processing applications. A 28 mil. orange Latex is also available in a flock lined version.

3. Nitrile is available in 11 and 15 mil Thickness, lined and unlined. We also carry an 18 mil. lined.

4. Unsupported Neoprene is black, 19 mils thick, and available in flock lined version only.

D. Common objections and suggested responses.

1. Glove is too thick or too thin.

a. Suggest a similar style with a different mil. thickness.

2. Glove is breaking down too quickly with chemicals.

a. Refer to your chemical resistance chart. Chances are, the wrong glove is being used. If the correct glove is being used, suggest a thicker glove for longer wear.

3. Glove is much more expensive than disposable gloves of the same material.

a. Unsupported is a better choice when gloves are being used in a “submerged” application as opposed to a “splash” application. Disposables will be too thin to be effective protection in that situation.

b. Unsupported lasts considerably longer. Depending on the style, it is quite probably a “better value” if the people take care of their gloves.

Nitrile Coated Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Full line of coated nitrile products including cut-and-sewn, and dipped jersey.

2. Nitrile is very puncture and abrasion resistant.

3. Nitrile has excellent chemical resistant properties.

4. Cut and sewn styles available with perforated backs to increase user comfort level.

B. Applications

1. Nitrile is used in any application where abrasion and puncture resistance is important. It is used in many applications involving oils and chemicals including furniture assembly, packaging, parts handling, and battery manufacturing.

2. Different weights and configurations provide varying degrees of flexibility, dexterity, and protection.

C. Availabilities

1. Cut and sewn styles are available in 6 sizes, as well as full nitrile back, and perforated back.

2. Dipped supported nitrile is available for the most part in sizes S-XL.

3. Palm coated versions are available to provide user with better dexterity and comfort. Fully dipped versions provide user with better overall protection.

4. Different styles provide varying degrees of protection and grip. Our light weight versions provide better dexterity while still providing great protection. Our rough finish is for superior grip.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Most Nitrile dipped are too bulky to provide any kind of dexterity.

a. Suggest the light weight series. This has a considerably lighter coating and provides better dexterity.

2. Gloves are too expensive.

a. Nitriles unique combination of abrasion resistance, puncture resistance, comfort, and chemical resistance make it in many cases a superior choice than a leather palm or cotton work glove. Whereas it may cost more initially, chances are it will outlast the other styles and provide better protection to the user, thereby making it a better value.

PVC Dipped Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Interlock and Jersey Lined PVC dipped gloves provide user with superior comfort.

2. Rough and sand finished provide excellent grip.

3. PVC provides excellent chemical resistance.

4. Knit wrist styles keep particulates from entering the glove. Gauntlet styles provide user with protection up farther on the forearm.

5. Orange foam insulated styles provide user with warmth, and hi-vis orange color is an obvious safety feature.

6. Jersey lined versions are more comfortable and provide greater warmth than interlock lined versions. Interlock lined styles are more economical and shed less cotton lint.

B. Common Applications

1. Used in Petroleum, sanitation, fishing, and metal industry.

2. Our orange foam insulated styles are very popular in the fishing industry and when working with cold water. It remains flexible even in extreme cold temperatures.

3. Our sand paper finish gloves are preferred when working with oil and petroleum. It doesn’t stiffen when submerged in oil. These are great gloves for machining applications.

C. Availabilities

1. All standard black PVC dipped gloves are available in smooth and rough styles. Green PVC is available in knit wrist 10, 12, & 14 inch sandy finish versions.

2. Knit wrist 10,12, 14, and 18 inch gauntlets are available in our black sand paper finish.

3. Foam insulated, hi-vis orange color is available for additional safety.

D. Common Objections and Suggested Responses

1. PVC is too slick and doesn’t provide enough grip.

a. Suggest a rough or sand finish grip.

2. PVC is breaking down too quickly. We are using too many gloves.

a. Review your chemical resistance chart to be sure PVC is the preferred protection against the chemicals in question. If so, suggest a “double dipped” style which will last longer and probably prove to be a better 

value.

Leather Palms

A. Features and Benefits

1. Gunn cut construction provides long life.

2. 2″ safety cuff provides user with protection over the wrist, as well as ability to quickly discard glove in problem situations.

3. Kevlar stitched styles prolong life of glove by providing additional heat and abrasion protection, as well as additional wear.

4. Starched and PE cuff styles provide user with ability to launder glove for additional wear and cost savings. Rubberized cuff tends to dissolve in cleaning solutions and is not recommended.

5. Knit wrist style keeps particulates out of glove, and is a better choice than cottons where abrasion is an issue.

B. Common Applications

1. Our -AAA series is popular in heavy duty applications such as farming, foundry, lumberjacking, mining, and heavy machine operation.

2. Our -AA series are used for construction, metal work, farming, maintenance and other general purposes. Different grades provide varying degrees of protection.

3. Our -A and -EA series are the most popular versions providing the best mix of quality and price. Used in Constructions, Metal Work, general maintenance, warehousing and other medium and light duty applications.

4. Our economical series is used in dirty applications where the glove is almost “disposable” and price is the most important consideration such as for temporary day workers.

5. Top grain styles provide superior abrasion resistance and last much longer than split styles.

6. Pigskin provides soft supple feel and returns to its original pliability even after getting wet.

7. Goatskin is most expensive, but is strongest and thinnest leather. Provides user with best dexterity.

C. Availabilities

1. Our -AAA series is available in S-XL, as well as 2” and 4” gauntlet versions and double palm versions. All -AAA series are Kevlar stitched.

2. Our -AA series is available in White and Blue fabric backs. White fabric backs are available in S-XL size as well as safety cuff and gauntlet versions. Blue canvas back is available in S-XL as well as safety cuff and gauntlet versions.

3. Our -A series is available in safety cuff and gauntlet versions. Double palm versions and double palm gauntlets are also available.

4. Our -EA series is available in safety cuff and gauntlet versions. Double palm versions and double palm gauntlets are also available.

5. Our economical series are available in Rubberized, PE, and starched cuff versions. Double palm and gauntlet versions are also available. Reinforced patched palms on low-end styles are very popular.

6. Top grain leather palm styles are available in safety cuff and gauntlet cuff versions in Cowhide leather and available in sizes S-XL. 

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Glove is wearing out too quickly.

a. Suggest they upgrade to a higher series leather palm.

b. If glove is only wearing out in palm, suggest a double palm version.

c. Top grain styles last longer than split styles.

2. Leather Palm gloves are costing too much money.

a. Evaluate why they are replacing gloves. If the gloves are not wearing out but only being replaced at the end of the shift or because they are dirty, suggest they downgrade one or two levels to save money.

3. Gloves are splitting at seams, especially when brought near heat.

a. Suggest a Kevlar-stitched style, which holds up considerably better to open flame and heat.

b. Evaluate that customer is using correct size, may require one size larger.

4. Standard leather palm is not washing well.

a. Suggest a safety cuff with a PE or starched cuff, which launders considerably better than standard rubberized cuff versions.

Leather Drivers

A. Features and Benefits

1. Drivers gloves provide outstanding abrasion resistance and good fit and comfort.

2. Top grain cowhide provides the best abrasion resistance and puncture resistance.

3. Split cowhide provides good abrasion resistance at a lower price than top grain.

4. Top grain Pigskin is a very pliable leather that will retain its softness even after being soaked in water and dried out.

5. Goatskin is one of the most durable leathers available. Very thin but very strong leather. Has Lanolin in it naturally which helps avoid hand chafing. Excellent dexterity.

6. Color-coded hems denote sizing.

7. Lined styles provide user with warmth in cold applications.

a. Pile lined is warmest, but impedes dexterity.

b. Thermal lining is least expensive, and provides good warmth.

c. Thinsulate lining provides excellent warmth, at mid-range price.

B. Common applications

1. Used in construction, machine operation, utility work, farming, roping and many other general applications.

2. Pigskin is preferred in wet applications, as it will return to its original pliability after being soaked.

3. Goatskin is used where tactile sensitivity and abrasion resistance are of key importance.

4. Lined styles used in outdoor cold weather applications, refrigeration applications and anywhere else cold is an issue.

C. Availabilities.

1. All drivers gloves are available in sizes S-XL. Some styles also have sizes XS & XXL available.

2. Most styles available in straight and Keystone thumb versions.

3. Cowhide is available in A B, or C D grade leather.

4. Pigskin is available in A and B/C grades.

5. Goatskin is available in A grade, as well as in clute cut versions.

6. Most have shirred wrist for snug fit. Style 990T has ball and tab pull strap for tightest fit. Style 990ls has leather strap & metal buckle.

7. Lined pigskin is available in Thinsulate and flannel linings. Lined cowhide is available in a Thermal 

lining.

D. Common Objections and suggested responses

1. Drivers gloves are too expensive.

a. Suggest a lower grade. Often, a lower grade is just as effective and long lasting but not as atheistically pleasing.

2. Drivers gloves are wearing out too quickly.

a. Evaluate why glove is wearing out. If because of abrasion, recommend a goatskin. If it is because they are working in wet applications, suggest a pigskin glove.

3. Glove is wearing out in the thumb crotch.

a. Suggest a keystone thumb. Inset thumb provides better dexterity and longer wear.

Insulated Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Insulated gloves provide user with warmth in extreme cold temperatures.

2. 3M Thinsulate lined styles provide superior warmth without sacrificing dexterity.

3. Pile lined styles provide best warmth, but are very bulky.

4. Thermal lined styles provide good warmth and good dexterity. Usually less expensive than Thinsulate or pile lined styles.

5. Thinsulate lined Pigskin safety cuff and knitwrist are popular in snow and other wet applications, as they will remain soft and pliable when dried even after being soaked.

6. Foam lined PVC provide user with protection against chemicals in the cold, and hi-vis orange color is an additional safety advantage.

B. Applications

1. Used in applications where cold temperatures are a factor such as refrigeration.

2. Popular for use in cold warehouses by pickers, forklift operators, and others.

3. Popular for use in winter by anyone working outside in harsh elements.

4. Pile lined safety cuffs are preferred when working outdoors and abrasion is an issue.

5. Hi-Vis foam insulated PVC is used in outdoor applications where additional safety feature of orange color can benefit user, such as in traffic or public works maintenance situations.

C. Availabilities

1. Thinsulate lined Pigskin is available in sizes L-XL in both Safety cuff and heavy knit wrist versions.

2. Foam lined orange PVC is available in heavy knit wrist version, safety cuff version, and 12″ gauntlet version.

3. Leather safety cuffs are available in a pile lined version in sizes L & XL.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Snow is getting in the glove and my hand gets wet and cold.

a. Suggest a knit wrist style to keep snow out, or perhaps a longer length glove.

2. Glove becomes too stiff when dried out after working in snow or getting really wet.

a. Suggest a pigskin glove which retains its pliability even after being soaked. 

Welding Gloves

A. Features and Benefits

1. Different grades of leather provide varying degrees of protection.

2. Kevlar stitched styles prevent seams from splitting due to heat or contact with open flame.

3. Cotton lining provides user with additional comfort.

4. Foam lining provides user with comfort and creates an air pocket for additional heat protection.

5. All welding gloves are fully welted for extended wear.

6. Different colors denote different grades of leather.

7. Unlined Mig Tig styles provide user with maximum dexterity.

B. Common Applications

1. Used in Welding and heat applications.

2. Mig Tigs used in Mig and Tig welding applications and other general applications requiring light heat protection and superior dexterity.

3. Foundry gloves used in foundries near open flame where high heat protection is necessary.

C. Availabilities

1. Economy series are available in gray, black, and brown, and russet color, all with one-piece backs.

2. Shoulder grade series available in gray and brown with Kevlar stitched seams.

3. Select shoulder grade available in blue and russet and have cotton linings and reinforced

thumbs.

4. Side split series come with cotton foam lining and reinforced thumbs.

5. Mig tig styles are available in cowhide, pigskin, and goatskin versions. All Mig Tigs are available in sizes S-XL.

D. Common objections and suggested responses

1. Welding gloves are splitting at the seams.

a. Evaluate whether style they are using is Kevlar stitched. Just because it has yellow thread doesn’t mean it’s Kevlar. If it isn’t- suggest a Kevlar stitched version.

2. Gloves are holding up, but it often becomes uncomfortably hot.

a. Suggest a foam lined version. Cotton foam lining creates an air pocket providing better heat protection.

3. I’m spending too much money on welding gloves.

a. Evaluate why. If glove is holding up but is getting thrown away because of shift end or because it’s dirty, suggest a lower cost alternative or a different color that will hide the dirt better.

b. If gloves are wearing out, suggest they upgrade to a model that will cost a bit more initially, but will hold up longer and end up being a better value.

4. Gloves are too stiff- not flexible enough.

a. Suggest they upgrade to a thinner style, perhaps a pigskin or goatskin Mig-Tig. Also, higher quality leathers usually provide better dexterity.

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