- Glove funk is just part of the gig, I hear you there. Even with the best care, after a week or two they’re never quite the same.
- Nitrile-coated gloves have definitely improved over the last few years. I’ve noticed the rinse-out is quicker and they don’t hold onto the tar stink quite as much. Still, once that inner lining gets saturated, it’s a losing battle.
- Disposables get a bad rap, but doubling up does work in a pinch for sharp stuff—especially if you need to keep your grip and feel. I’ve used that trick when I’m handling flashing or cutting back old membrane. Not perfect, but better than nothing.
- For me, nothing lasts more than a month either. Between solvents, UV, and just grinding on shingles or torch-down, even the pricier gloves give up. I think you’re right—it’s just a cost of doing the job.
- Only thing I’d add: sometimes it’s worth rotating a couple pairs and letting one dry out fully between days. Doesn’t make them last forever, but slows down the funk and breakdown a bit.
- Eye protection’s a whole other story... I’ve lost count of how many pairs of safety glasses have gone missing or gotten scratched beyond use. At least they’re cheap.
- Bottom line, I think you’re on the right track. There’s no magic glove, just trade-offs—comfort, dexterity, and how much you want to spend on replacements. If you find something that works for you even a little better, stick with it.
- If anyone ever invents a glove that doesn’t turn into a biohazard after a few weeks, I’ll be first in line. Until then... just gotta roll with it.
Eye protection’s a whole other story... I’ve lost count of how many pairs of safety glasses have gone missing or gotten scratched beyond use. At least they’re cheap.
That hits home. I once found three pairs of scratched-up safety glasses in my truck, all jammed under the seat, and not a single one was usable. As for gloves, I’ve tried every trick—rotating, washing, even tossing them in the freezer overnight to kill the stink. Nothing really works long-term. Disposable nitriles are my go-to for crawlspaces, but they shred fast if you’re crawling over old nails or insulation. Just part of the job, I guess.
Man, I get it. Those nitrile gloves are a lifesaver for some stuff, but they’re basically single-use if you’re crawling around on rough surfaces. I’ve tried the freezer trick too—never noticed much difference. Honestly, keeping gear in decent shape just feels like a losing battle sometimes... but at least we’re trying, right?
Honestly, keeping gear in decent shape just feels like a losing battle sometimes... but at least we’re trying, right?
Man, I feel that. I’ve gone through so many pairs of gloves just crawling around on shingles—doesn’t matter if they’re “heavy duty” or not, the grit just eats them up. Tried those coated fabric ones too, but they get soaked and then your hands freeze. I guess it’s just part of the job. At least we’re not out there bare-handed like some of the old timers I’ve seen... that’s next level.
doesn’t matter if they’re “heavy duty” or not, the grit just eats them up.
I get where you’re coming from, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with leather palm hybrids over the coated fabric ones. They’re not perfect, but if you treat them with a little waterproofing spray every few weeks, they hold up longer and keep your hands drier. It’s not bulletproof, but it beats burning through disposables every couple days. Maybe worth a shot? The upfront cost is higher, but I think it evens out in the long run.