9 Top-Rated Metal Work Gloves: Real Tests with Sheet Metal

Wearing the right metal work gloves for metal work can keep you safe and out of the emergency room. Sharp edges, burns, and punctures threaten your hands when working with sheet metal so sturdy protection is a must.

Handling sheet metal needs gloves built to deal with specific dangers. Leather gloves ones from cowhide or goatskin, give solid protection against cuts and scrapes while still allowing a good grip and feel. But gloves are not all the same. The most effective gloves in metalwork pass tough tests like the TDM-100 test, which checks how much force it takes for a blade to slice through the glove’s fabric. To stay safe metalworking experts should pick gloves with high cut-resistant ratings under the EN 388 standard marked as levels 4-5 in the Couptest or E-F based on the ISO 13997 scale.Also, having heat-resistant features is key to protecting your hands from burns.

We tested nine -rated metal work fabrication gloves by using them with sheet metal to help you pick the right mix of safety and flexibility. The Pawā PG550 offers EN ISO Cut Level F protection making it great for tough steel work. We also looked at gloves designed for handling rusted metals. Our detailed guide includes all the key details to consider when buying.

Disclaimer

Pyramex GL803 Cut-Resistant Gloves

The Pyramex GL803 sets itself apart as a metal work glove by offering both cut resistance and protection from impacts. I tested these gloves while working with sheet metal, and their unique corded cotton palm provided an impressive grip even when handling oily materials.

Notable Features of the Pyramex GL803

The GL803 glove uses PolyCotton and Polyester Mesh material along with a polyester liner that resists cuts and meets ANSI/ISEA 105 Cut Level A2 standards. Thermoplastic rubber guards offer impact protection rated at Level 1 per ANSI/ISEA 138-2019. The neoprene cuff, secured with a hook-and-loop strap, keeps dirt and debris out while you work. The reinforced thumb area gives extra durability where wear happens the most.

Pyramex GL803 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Strong grip performance in oily surfaces
• Bright-colored back enhances visibility for safety
• Polyester liner provides cut resistance without sacrificing comfort
• Customizable cuff ensures a snug fit

Cons:

• Offers limited resistance to abrasion (ANSI Level 1)
• Provides moderate puncture protection (ANSI Level 3)
• Not made to handle extreme heat tasks

Pyramex GL803 Pricing

You can buy these metal fabrication work gloves for prices ranging from $12.33 to $13.99 per pair depending on where you purchase. They come in five different sizes, from small to 2XL, with the price staying the same no matter which size you pick.

Pyramex GL803 Best Use Case

These gloves work great for precision sheet metal jobs. Their flexible build and light feel make them ideal for working comfortably over long periods. They’re used in oil rigging mechanical work, mining, framing automotive tasks, and electrical projects. With a mix of solid cut resistance and dexterity, these gloves suit jobs that need both safety and detailed hand movements.

Majestic 3437 Ring Spun Dyneema Gloves

The Majestic 3437 gloves rely on ring-spun Dyneema to stand out as a must-have tool in my collection for sheet metal tasks. While testing, I noticed their outstanding ability to resist cuts helps when working with sharp materials.

Features of the Majestic 3437 Gloves

The key highlight of these gloves lies in their ring-spun Dyneema material, which offers 15% higher cut resistance than the continuous version of Dyneema. The 13-gage seamless knit construction features a gray shell paired with a black polyurethane coating on the palm to improve grip. The precurved finger shape helps reduce hand strain during long periods of wear. They meet safety standards like EN Cut Level 5 and ANSI Cut Level A3 making them ideal for tasks involving higher risks.

Pros and Cons of the Majestic 3437

Advantages:

• Dyneema fiber provides top-notch cut protection and is 15 times stronger than steel.
• The gloves offer solid comfort and flexibility to handle detailed tasks.
• A long knit cuff ensures they fit .
• These gloves work well in many different industries.

Downsides:

• They resist heat less than leather gloves.
• They offer lower impact protection than gloves with TPR backing.
• They are more focused on cutting hazards than puncture ones.

Majestic 3437 Costs

You can find these gloves priced around $15 per pair. Discounts apply when buying in bulk by the dozen. Some stores also offer free shipping when your total exceeds $80.

Ideal Use for Majestic 3437 Gloves

These gloves work best in tasks that need both safety and a good sense of touch. They suit jobs like car repairs, machine maintenance, handling glass, and running heavy equipment. Their light design makes them useful to handle precision sheet metal work where hand flexibility matters.

Majestic 3437 Cut-Less with Dyneema Seamless Knit Glove with Poly…

• CUT RESISTANT & 15X STRONGER THAN STEEL: Made with the world’s strongest fiber Dyneema Diamond Technology, these cut-pro…
• SAFETY WORK GLOVES: ANSI Cut Level A3 polyurethane-coated gloves provide puncture, abrasion, and cut resistance with exc…
• COMFORT & DEXTERITY: Features a long knit cuff for a secure fit. These lightweight, breathable cut resistant work gloves…

$15.00

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PIP MaxiFlex Endurance 34-846 Gloves

The micro-dotted design on the PIP MaxiFlex Endurance 34-846 Gloves helps in working with sheet metal. I liked their great airflow and solid grip while trying them out.

Key Features of the PIP MaxiFlex 34-846 Gloves

The MaxiFlex Endurance gloves include a seamless 15-gauge nylon liner paired with a MicroFoam nitrile coating that covers the entire hand. Small raised micro-dots on the surface boost durability and add padding, which helps with repetitive tasks. A patented micro-foam finish ensures full 360° breathability, and the gloves are made 25% thinner compared to most foam nitrile gloves. These are also touchscreen-friendly and shaped to match the natural resting position of a hand, which helps cut down on fatigue.

PIP MaxiFlex 34-846 Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits:

• Offers excellent grip when handling oiled surfaces
• Meets ANSI level 4 standards for abrasion resistance
• Breathable material keeps hands dry and comfortable
• No need to remove gloves when using touchscreen devices

Drawbacks:

• Offers limited cut protection with EN388: Cut Level 1 rating
• Not built to handle extreme heat tasks
• Designed for precision work rather than heavy-duty safety

PIP MaxiFlex 34-846 Pricing

costs between $12 and $15 a pair. Discounts apply when buying by the dozen.

PIP MaxiFlex 34-846 Best Use Case

Best suited to tasks like precision sheet metal work where dexterity matters. These gloves perform well during assembly work inspecting parts, or working with small metal components. Their build makes them a solid choice for jobs needing good grip and fine tactile control.

PIP 34-846 GTEK Maxiflex Ultimate Gloves w/Dots – Large (DOZEN)

• Sold by Dozen
• 360° Breathability – Patented micro-foam nitrile coating offers 360° breathability, making it the most breathable glove …
• Form, Fit and Feel – Mimics the “hand at rest”, reducing hand fatigue and increasing comfort

$62.09

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Majestic 37-3435 Dyneema Gloves

Built with tough Dyneema Diamond technology, the Majestic 37-3435 gloves performed well while I tested them on sheet metal. Their strong cut resistance became obvious when I worked with sharp metal edges.

Majestic 37-3435 Main Features

These gloves use Dyneema fiber, which is fifteen times stronger than steel by weight. The seamless 13-gauge knit build comes with a white polyurethane coating on the palm to improve grip. The long knit cuff provides a snug and secure fit. They hold high safety ratings, including EN Cut Level 4 and ANSI Cut Level A3. A precurved finger design helps reduce hand strain when worn for long periods.

Majestic 37-3435 – Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Offers top-level cut protection with the strongest fiber on the market
• Built to be waterproof making it great in wet conditions
• Precurved fingers help hands feel less tired
• Treated with an antimicrobial solution to maintain cleanliness

Cons:

• Doesn’t provide much insulation in cold weather
• Gives less protection from impacts compared to TPR-backed gloves
• Focused more on resisting cuts than stopping punctures

Pricing of Majestic 37-3435

The price for these gloves typically falls between $17.00 to $19.76 per pair. Discounts are available when buying by the dozen, and free shipping often applies to orders exceeding $80.

Best Use of Majestic 37-3435 Gloves

These gloves perform in industrial, manufacturing, and maintenance tasks. They work great for jobs that need handling sharp tools or cutting materials. James, who works in metal fabrication, shared his experience: “If not for these gloves, a sharp edge would have sliced my hand sending me to the hospital. Instead, my hand came away without a scratch.”

Majestic 37-3435 White Cut-Less Diamond Seamless Knit Glove with …

$17.00

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Pawā PG550 Cut Level F Gloves

With the highest cut resistance rating, Pawā PG550 gloves provide top-level safety for demanding sheet metal tasks. During my trials with sharp metal edges, I found their mix of protection and comfort impressive.

Pawā PG550 Essential Features

The PG550 stands out with a unique build using multi-fiber layers of HPPE, steel fiber, and spandex. This design reaches ISO Cut Level F, offering the highest cut resistance available. Its build combines top-level safety with great comfort. A sandy nitrile coating on the palm gives a firm grip even in oily settings. The thumb crotch has extra reinforcement to make the gloves last longer. The 360-degree breathable structure helps manage sweat during long wear.

Pawā PG550 Upsides and Downsides

Upsides:

• Certified for the highest level of cut resistance (EN388:2016 4-5-4-4-F)
• Superior grip suited to tough conditions
• Breathable materials reduce hand strain
• Tough build designed to save costs over time

Downsides:

• Costs more than some other options
• Steel fibers make it heavier
• Prioritizes cut protection over heat resistance

Pawā PG550 Pricing

Prices fall between £4.34 and £4.77 before VAT for sizes M-XL. Retail prices range from £5.72 to £7.86 with VAT. Many sellers give discounts when buying in larger quantities.

Pawā PG550 Best Use Case

These gloves deliver top-notch protection in high-risk metalwork settings. They work well for handling sheet metal working with glass automotive projects, and construction jobs. Their well-rounded design fits tasks like stamping, assembling, fabricating, and maintenance work.

Note: This product is currently not available on the official site and on other online stores for sell.

Pawā PG520 Kevlar Heat-Resistant Gloves

The Pawā PG520 Kevlar gloves offered a mix of heat and cut protection. I relied on these gloves while working with hot sheet metal. The blue latex crinkle coating kept its grip steady even under high heat during my tests.

Key Features of the Pawā PG520

The PG520 gloves include a tough 10-gage liner made of Kevlar, steel, and glass, which provides high Cut Level E protection. These gloves stand out with Level 2 heat resistance that handles temperatures up to 250°C. The blue latex crinkle coating on the palm improves grip, whether conditions are wet or dry. They also come with an extra-long cuff to protect wrists from sharp materials or debris.

Pawā PG520 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Offers strong cut resistance certified as EN 388:2016 4X44E
• Comes with heat protection suitable for handling hot metals
• Designed to reduce hand strain with an ergonomic fit
• Made without silicone, safe for car industry use

Cons:

• Offers lower dexterity than thinner gloves
• Traps more heat compared to non-heat-resistant gloves
• Focuses more on protection from cuts and heat than on puncture resistance

Pawā PG520 Pricing

These gloves usually cost around £5.27 to £8.33 without VAT. Including VAT, prices range from about £6.32 to £10.00 depending on the supplier[272].

Pawā PG520 Ideal Use

These gloves work best in tasks like metal fabrication, glass handling, and automotive jobs. They are perfect to handle heat and sharp edges making them suitable for things like preparing for welding, metal stamping, and small-scale fabrication.

Note: Also this product is currently not available on its official site for sell and on other online stores.

Pyramex GL604 Heavy-Duty Leather Gloves

The Pyramex GL604 Heavy-Duty Leather Gloves use high-quality cowhide making them a trusted choice to handle tough sheet metal work. During testing, I saw their excellent resistance to abrasion shielded my hands from sharp metal edges right away.

Pyramex GL604 Features to Highlight

The GL604 is made from top-quality cowhide leather giving it great strength to handle tough metalwork jobs. Its reinforced palm and fingertips provide extra protection where wear happens the most making the gloves last longer. They differ from some other Pyramex models, but they still stick to the brand’s reliable standards with strong stitching and solid construction.

Pyramex GL604 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent toughness against wear when working with sheet metal
• Longer-lasting than gloves made with synthetic materials
• Added protection in key areas that face the most use
• Leather resists heat

Cons:

• Offers less finger flexibility than thinner cut-resistant gloves
• Needs time to break in to feel comfortable
• Not ideal for handling very sharp edges

Pyramex GL604 Pricing

You can find these gloves priced between $15 and $20 per pair, depending on the store and how many you buy. Buying in bulk often lowers the cost making them a budget-friendly option to use in workshops.

Pyramex GL604 Best Use Case

These gloves work great in metalwork tasks where you need abrasion resistance more than cut protection. They are perfect for managing large sheets of metal, putting together frameworks, or working with moderate heat. Their tough build makes them a solid choice for long jobs in rugged conditions.

Note: I could not find the original product on amazon, so I added its alternative link.

Pyramex GL604C5S Sandy Nitrile Glove – size Small Small

• 100% Nitrile
• Imported
• Meet the highest industry safety standards

$9.75

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Pawā PG202 Oil-Resistant Gloves

The Pawā PG202 gloves use dual-layer nitrile technology that helps keep the hands of sheet metal workers dry when working in oily conditions. While handling slippery materials during tests, I found their grip stayed dependable even as oil built up.

Key Features of Pawā PG202

These gloves rely on a special dual-layer nitrile coating. The first layer blocks oils and water , while the sandy nitrile second layer ensures excellent grip in tough environments. An ultra-thin nylon and spandex liner give these gloves great flexibility. Their ergonomic shape reduces hand strain while working. Most , they provide Level 4 abrasion resistance and can handle contact heat up to 100°C.

Advantages and Drawbacks of Pawā PG202

Advantages:

• Offers full protection against oils, grease, and fossil fuels
• Provides excellent grip on slippery and oily surfaces
• Seamless liner allows better precision for detailed tasks
• Ergonomic shape reduces strain when worn for long periods

Cons:

• basic protection against cuts (Level 1)
• Tear resistance is average (Level 2)
• Designed mainly to resist oil so less protection in other areas

Pawā PG202 Pricing

Prices range between £2.39 and £3.02 without VAT. Buying in bulk (over 100 pairs) unlocks discounts.

Pawā PG202 Ideal Usage

These gloves work well in jobs like automotive, engineering, and maintenance when dealing with oily parts often. They’re perfect to use in metalwork projects with small slippery pieces and tasks needing precision where a strong grip is a must.

Note: This is also not available, but you can ask from their official site to ask for a sample.

Pawā PG330 High Dexterity Gloves

I tested the Pawā PG330 gloves on delicate sheet metal work, and their lightweight feel and flexibility stood out. Their 18-gauge material let me handle detailed fabrication tasks with steady control and accuracy.

Pawā PG330 Key Features

First off, these gloves come with a tough anti-cut yarn liner that provides Cut Level B safety, as per EN 388:2016 4341B standards. The sandy nitrile coating on the palm gives strong grip and resists wear and tear well. One of their biggest features is the PawaVENT tech, which allows full 360° airflow to keep hands comfy for longer periods. The lightweight design helps reduce strain on hands even during long hours of work with metal.

Pawā PG330 Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Great flexibility makes metal work more accurate
• Thin knitted liner adds to the overall comfort
• Strong wear resistance (Level 4 on the scale)
• Breathable layer stops hands from getting too sweaty

Cons:

• Offers moderate protection against cuts (Level B) but falls short of higher-rated alternatives.
• Provides low puncture resistance (Level 1), which might not suit tougher tasks.
• Cannot handle extreme heat and is not made for such conditions.

Price Range of Pawā PG330

These gloves cost between £3.46 and £3.88 before VAT, depending on the size. Sometimes, discounts bring the price to around £3.54 before VAT.

Where Pawā PG330 Works Best

These gloves stand out because of how well they allow detailed movement making them great for handling sharp objects light metal work, and checking parts. They are ideal for car repair, building projects, and engineering tasks where you need both protection and a sensitive touch.

Note: Mostly this companies gloves are currently not available on amazon for sell, but you can visit their official website to ask for a sample from them.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

Choosing the right gloves for sheet metal depends on what you need and where you work. During my tests all nine gloves showed unique strengths in different situations. The Pawā PG550 has strong cut resistance so it’s good for high risk tasks. The Pyramex GL803 stands out for detailed work that needs impact protection.

Some gloves like the Pawā PG520 Kevlar give extra safety by protecting against both cuts and heat. This is handy when dealing with hot metal. The Pawā PG202 performs well on oily surfaces by giving a solid grip even when it’s slippery.

You should think about cut resistance ratings when choosing gloves. Gloves with higher ratings under EN 388 or ANSI/ISEA standards are better against cuts but can sometimes limit how you can move your hands. So finding the right balance between safety and movement is key when working with metal.

Cost is also a big factor in deciding which gloves to buy. Spending extra on good quality gloves often ends up being worth it because they last longer and prevent injuries. The options here range from $12 for the cheaper ones to almost $20 for the higher end ones. The more expensive gloves have better protection and more features.

No glove is good for every job. Many experts keep multiple pairs handy. They might use the PIP MaxiFlex gloves when they need precision and switch to the Pyramex GL604 leather gloves when working with rough materials.

Your hands are your most important tool in metalwork. To protect them well choose gloves that match your risks, comfort and how much hand movement you need. This will keep you safe and able to work on all your sheet metal tasks.

Key Takeaways

Using the right gloves is key to avoiding bad injuries when handling sheet metal, while still being able to move your hands . Here are some insights after looking at nine -rated gloves for working with metal:

• Match glove protection to the level of risk: For high-risk sheet metal jobs, go for gloves with EN388 Cut Level 4-5 or ANSI A3+ ratings. If the task is lighter, you can pick gloves with Level 1-2 protection. These give you better finger movement.
• Look at features that fit your work setting: Choose heat-resistant gloves like the Pawā PG520 when dealing with temperatures up to 250°C. If you work with slippery or oily surfaces, gloves like PG202 help you keep a solid grip.
• Choose between cut resistance and touch sensitivity: High-protection gloves at Cut Level F work well in risky jobs, but thinner gloves like PIP MaxiFlex let you handle delicate tasks more .
• Spend on quality gloves to save in the long run: More expensive gloves in the $15-20 range made with better materials and proper certifications last longer and protect better than budget ones.
• Keep several pairs to handle various jobs: Metalworkers get the most out of having tough leather gloves for rough tasks and lighter cut-resistant ones to focus on precise work.

The key is choosing gloves that handle the specific risks of metalworking. These risks might include sharp edges, heat slippery surfaces, or the need to handle tasks requiring precise movements. Hand protection does more than keeping you safe. It helps you stay productive and comfortable during work.

FAQs

• Q1. What gloves are best for sheet metal? It depends on the job. Some great options are the Pawā PG550 for cut protection, Pyramex GL803 for impact protection and detail work, and Pawā PG520 for hot environments. Look for gloves with high cut-resistance ratings like EN 388 Level D-F or ANSI A3+ and features that fit your needs.
• Q2. How do I choose the right cut level for gloves in sheet metal? For sheet metal use gloves rated EN 388 Cut Level 4-5 or ANSI A3+ if the task is high risk. For simpler jobs with less hazards use Level 1-2 gloves for more flexibility. Always choose protection that fits the dangers of your job.
• Q3. Are leather gloves good for sheet metal? Leather gloves like the Pyramex GL604 work well in sheet metal tasks that need abrasion resistance. They last long and can protect against some heat but may limit movement compared to synthetic types. These gloves are good for general fabricating or assembling frames.
• Q4. How important is dexterity in gloves for sheet metal? Dexterity matters a lot in most sheet metal jobs. Gloves like the PIP MaxiFlex 34-846 or Pawā PG330 are great as they let you do precise tasks . The trick is finding gloves that protect you while still giving you the finger sensitivity for the work.
• Q5. Can I wear one glove for all sheet metal jobs? Some gloves can do a lot of tasks but it’s better to have different ones for different jobs. Tough gloves are good for heavy duty tasks. For sharp metal edges use cut-resistant gloves. If you need accuracy use gloves with high dexterity. Choosing the right gloves will keep you safer and work better.