Auto Shop Glove Guide: Stocking Smart for Every Task

In a busy shop, hands meet sharp panels, hot parts, solvents, flying debris—and increasingly, high voltage. Choosing “a glove” isn’t the job; choosing the right glove for each job is. This guide breaks down the types of gloves worth stocking in your bays, so your team stays protected, productive, and ready for anything.

Grip, Safety & Speed in Everyday Service

For fluid work and general service, disposable nitrile gloves are a must. They’re quick to change, great for cleanliness, and ideal for avoiding chemical cross-contamination. For longer tasks or when sharp edges are involved, coated knit gloves offer better grip and baseline protection. Keep a mix of nitrile and coated knits in common sizes at each bay.

Shop Tip: Post a bilingual “choose your glove” chart so techs can grab the right pair without guessing.

Handling Panels, Solvents & Finishing Work

When working with raw metal or solvents, cut-resistant coated gloves are a smart choice. Mid-range cut protection works well for panel handling and prep. For solvent splash, switch to chemical-resistant gloves, then back to coated gloves for finishing.

Welding & Fabrication

Welding gloves need heat protection and durability. MIG work calls for heavier leather gloves; TIG requires more dexterity. If cutting or grinding is part of the job, consider a hybrid setup—heat gloves for welding, cut-rated gloves for handling.

Pairs well with: Auto-darkening helmets and welding sleeves help round out protection.

Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Safety

High-voltage work requires insulated electrical gloves rated for the task. In Canada, look for CSA-referenced options and pair them with leather protectors. Keep inspection logs and storage tubes in the EV bay to ensure readiness.

Important: Treat voltage-rated gloves as a system—not a substitute for everyday work gloves.

Undercar & Suspension Work

Under the vehicle, hands face crush points, pinch hazards, and jagged fasteners. Impact-rated gloves with back-of-hand protection and textured palms are ideal. Look for styles that also offer cut resistance and a snug cuff that won’t snag.

Fit, Comfort & Cold Weather

Fit matters. Too loose and gloves catch; too tight and they wear out fast. Stock a full size run and train techs to replace gloves when they’re worn. In colder provinces, insulated gloves help maintain productivity outdoors without sacrificing dexterity.

Hand Care & First Aid

Protection doesn’t stop when gloves come off. Stock hand cleaners, barrier creams, and first-aid kits with finger wraps and antiseptics in every bay. A visible station turns minor cuts into quick fixes—not lost time.

Smart Stocking by Bay

Create bay-specific assortments to match the work:

·   Fluids/General: Disposable nitrile, coated knits.

·   Body & Paint: Mid-cut coated gloves, chemical-resistant gloves.

·   Welding/Fabrication: Heat gloves, cut-rated handling gloves.

·   EV & HEV: Insulated electrical gloves, leather protectors, inspection log.

·   Suspension/Undercar: Impact-rated gloves with grip.

Kent can help you size the mix. Stocking by zone reduces guesswork, speeds up work, and lowers injury risk.

Ready to Stock Smarter?

Choosing the right glove starts with understanding the job. From grip and dexterity to impact and voltage protection, Kent Automotive Canada has the glove options—and the expertise—to help you build a safer, more efficient shop.

Talk to a Kent Canada specialist today to walk your floor and build a glove mix that works for your team.