Whether you’re ready to host your own HGTV show or are simply doing your best to follow every step in a tutorial illustrating how to change a broken light bulb, having a great pair of rugged and durable gloves make even the most challenging projects so much easier. Blisters are no fun and neither are scrapes, scratches, burns, or the dreaded splinter. How can something so small hurt so much?
Your toolbox likely has all of the basics like a hammer, a set of screwdrivers, and about 200 loose nails and screws, but if it doesn’t also have a great pair of work gloves, check out the options below. Your hands will thank us.
1. Ironclad General Utility Work Gloves
The Ironclad gloves are available in sizes ranging from X-small to XX-large. The sizing chart is featured on the listing, making it easy to find the gloves that will fit you best. The knuckles are coated with a thermoplastic coating to provide protection to your hands. At the wrist is an adjustment strap to tighten or loosen the gloves. One of the best features is a terry cloth lining at the back of the thumb, which allows you to wipe your brow while working.
Pros: Available in multiple sizes, terry cloth material on back of thumb for wiping away sweat. Machine washable.
Cons: Sizing can occasionally be inconsistent.
2. G & F Products Men’s Working Gloves
These gloves are a good all-purpose option for working around the house or gardening. The nylon shell makes them abrasion-resistant, and the palms and fingers have a coated material for comfortably gripping items of any size. Best of all, six pairs are included. That means you can swap them out if your hands get sweaty. Or, why not enlist some helping hands?
Pros: Value pack includes six gloves. Coated palms for comfortable and secure gripping. Fitted feel makes them a good option for gardening. Available in larger and women’s sizes.
Cons: Not as thick and protective as some other gloves, which may be a problem for some heavy-duty jobs.
3. DEX FIT Lightweight Nitrile Work Gloves
The DEX FIT Lightweight Nitrile Work Gloves have a snug ergonomic fit that go on like a second skin, protecting your hands without feeling bulky or too loose. The best handyman gloves are perfect for working inside or outside the house, and these professional non-slip gloves can easily handle water and oil. The finger pads allow users to access their smartphone screens without removing the gloves, which is great when you have to rewind that tutorial video.
Pros: Snug “second skin” fit for maintaining dexterity. Nitrile palms and fingertips for gripping.
Cons: Their snug fit and breathability means they’re not as protective as other options. Ideal for gardening and less intense DIY efforts.
4. ThxToms LED Flashlights Gloves
The ThxToms LED Flashlights Gloves make DIY projects in dark spaces easy, with a built-in flashlight that is great for times when you’re trying to do a job on your own. Our team loves that the gloves are durable and adjustable, giving you a stronger grip whenever you need it for repair jobs and DIY projects around the house.
Pros: Cleverly designed option with LED lights to illuminate the working area.
Cons: Doesn’t fully cover the hands.
5. Tarvol Leather Work Gloves
The Tarvol Leather Work Gloves will protect your hands, without straining your wallet. The heavy-duty split cow leather industrial glove fits both men and women. It’s a good option for indoor and outdoor jobs, protecting your hands from most things your DIY job might throw at you. The best handyman gloves let you securely grip tools while protecting your hands and fingers, and this pair of leather gloves check all of the boxes.
Pros: Durable protective material and high visibility colors. Unisex design. Made from high-quality material for long-lasting functionality.
Cons: Thick material can reduce dexterity.
6. Custom Leathercraft Workright Flex Grip Work Gloves
The Custom Leathercraft Workright Flex Grip Work Gloves are tough enough for the pros, but convenient enough for amateurs. The synthetic leather gloves resist shrinking and hardening when wet, making them great for working outside the house or on plumbing jobs. The Lycra side panels provide comfort and stretch, while an elastic cuff keeps the gloves in place even during the toughest jobs.
Pros: Elastic cuff for a secure fit at the wrist. Breathable material on the back of the hands.
Cons: Could be more durable.
7. Mechanix Gloves
For a thick and protective option, consider these Mechanix work gloves. They have a thermal plastic rubber cuff at the wrist for a secure closure, and the mesh on the backs of the hands allows the hands to breathe while still being protected. The gloves are also available in a range of colors, including brown, grey and two different types of camo.
Pros: Thick, protective materials. Available in various colors and patterns. Adjustable wrist cuff.
Cons: Stitching could be better. Highly visible branding is hard to ignore.
8. SAFEAT Safety Grip Work Gloves
If maintaining dexterity is important, these handyman gloves offer a snug fit without too much padding, while still being protective for a variety of indoor or outdoor tasks. The backs of the hands are made out of a breathable fabric material, while the palms and fingers are an abrasion-resistant polyurethane.
Pros: Fitted shape means you won’t lose dexterity while working. Breathable backing for comfortable long-term wear. Coated, abrasion-resistant front. Machine washable.
Cons: Palms could be more grippy.
9. Vgo 3 Pairs Work Gloves
If you’re especially hard on your gloves, or you just need to stock up, consider these gloves from Vgo. Three pairs of gloves are included with each order. These handyman gloves have a synthetic nubuck palm material that is grippy while providing protection. The backs of the gloves are made out of a stretchy synthetic material that’s breathable. As an added bonus, the index and thumb fingertips are touchscreen compatible.
Pros: Three pairs are included. Touchscreen compatible. Good balance of protection and dexterity.
Cons: Not genuine leather; better suited for lighter duty tasks.