The Best Anti-vibration Gloves

Materials and Features

• Anti-vibration gloves need to be durable to endure the stress of heavy-duty jobs such as jack hammering, riveting, grinding, sanding, demolition, heavy construction, assembly and fabrication. Pig and goatskin leather are employed on the palm for maximum durability. For increased vibration reduction, cloth, foam, air-bladder or gel pads are used in maximum stress areas. Stretchy and breathable materials such as spandex are used on the back of the hand to improve comfort and fit, especially for use in hot climates or conditions. Some styles include elastic or Velcro wrist straps to keep debris out during messy jobs. While the best gloves try to include as many of these features as possible, ultimately the job conditions should dictate which features your glove should have. If you'll be working in cold conditions, breathable spandex inserts won't be as important as extra lining and a full leather cover for warmth. For dirty jobs, look for a quality wrist strap to keep sawdust or burning embers from penetrating the glove.

Certifications

• The best anti-vibration gloves will be certified by the American National Standards (ANSI) Institute, European Norm (EN) and/or the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). All of these independent regulatory bodies rate work gloves for ergonomics, safety and strength.

Brands and Cost

• Generally-speaking, cost follows quality for construction tools and materials. The best anti-vibration gloves provide impeccable durability, flexibility and comfort. An acceptable pair of anti-vibration gloves costs around $20 to $30. For the best quality, expect to pay a minimum of $40 to $80. Brands such as Decade, Ergodyne, Impacto and Valeo offer a number of popular styles to fit your working conditions and budget.

Warnings

• According to Science Daily, as many as 1.5 million American workers are exposed to regular hand-transmitted vibration. Of these, about half suffer from a condition called vibration white finger, which causes numbness and tingling due to restricted blood flow and vascular damage. Researchers studying the effects of vibration recommend that those exposed to even minor vibrations wear anti-vibration equipment, such as gloves, to reduce the risk of these health problems.