Honestly, I just stick with the cheap cotton gloves and double up if I know it’s gonna get messy. They’re not fancy, but I can toss ‘em in the wash a few times before they get too stiff or gross. For tar or glue, I’ll throw a pair of disposables over top—saves the reusables from getting trashed so fast. Not perfect, but it’s easier on my wallet than burning through boxes of nitrile every month.
For tar or glue, I’ll throw a pair of disposables over top—saves the reusables from getting trashed so fast.
That’s pretty much what I do when I’m crawling around attics or checking crawlspaces. I’ve tried those heavy-duty rubber gloves, but honestly, they’re just too bulky for handling small tools or writing up notes. Cotton gloves doubled up work for most dust and insulation, but if I know I’m dealing with something like old duct mastic or sticky sealants, I’ll layer a cheap nitrile pair over top. It’s not perfect, but it keeps the cotton ones from getting ruined every time.
I’ve noticed the disposables don’t hold up well if you’re moving around on rough surfaces—tears happen fast. But burning through a box of nitrile every week gets expensive, especially when you’re in and out of tight spots all day. The combo approach is a decent compromise, though I do wish there was something that fit better and lasted longer without costing a fortune. Maybe there’s a middle ground I haven’t found yet...
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with those thin, coated work gloves (the kind with a nitrile or latex palm and breathable back). They’re reusable, fit close to the hand, and I can still handle screws or write notes without a problem. If they get gunked up with tar or mastic, I just keep a “messy pair” for that stuff and wash them when I can. Not perfect, but I go through way fewer disposables this way and it feels less wasteful. Might be worth a shot if you haven’t tried that style yet...
I hear you on the coated gloves. I used to burn through boxes of disposables doing plumbing and yard work, but those nitrile-dipped ones last way longer for me. Only thing is, once they get really grimy, I can never quite get them clean again...but for messy jobs, who cares. Definitely less trash piling up in the garage.
I’ve had the same issue with nitrile-dipped gloves—once they’re caked with grime, it’s tough to get them back to “clean.” I’ve tried tossing them in the wash, but they never really look or feel the same. Still, I’d rather have a few pairs in rotation than go through piles of disposables. Less waste, and honestly, they hold up better for rough jobs like demo or hauling debris. For stuff like oil or paint, though, I’ll still grab a disposable pair...sometimes you just need that fresh barrier.