Nobody's clearing snow off a Queensland slab. But a 5 am start in July, with dew on everything and a westerly blowing across a bare frame, is cold enough. Cold, wet hands go stiff, lose their grip and drop things, and that's when people get hurt on ladders and with power tools.
Your normal leather rigger gloves are fine for most of the year. For cold, wet mornings, a pair built for the job is worth having.
When you'll want them
- Early winter starts, especially on frames, roofs and other exposed work where the wind gets at you.
- Wet weather work, when wet leather gloves go slippery and cold.
- Laying pavers or concrete prep on a cold, wet morning, where your hands are in and out of water and grit.
- Inland and elevated areas like the Darling Downs and Granite Belt, where winter mornings drop below zero.
- Cool rooms and refrigerated spaces, if you ever work in them.
What to look for
- Outer shell: leather or tough synthetic for abrasion resistance, with a water-resistant treatment.
- Insulation: a thin synthetic insulation such as Thinsulate gives warmth without too much bulk. Queensland rarely needs the heaviest grades.
- Waterproof membrane: keeps rain and wet materials out while letting some sweat escape.
- Liner: fleece or merino keeps warmth close to the skin. A separate thin liner glove lets you adjust for the conditions.
- Cuff: a snug elastic or adjustable cuff stops cold air and water getting in at the wrist.
- Grip and dexterity: a textured palm that grips when wet, and enough feel to start screws or handle small fixings.
- Touchscreen fingertips: handy if you're on your phone or tablet all day.
- High-visibility colours: useful on busy sites.
Check the ratings
In Australia, work gloves are covered by the AS/NZS 2161 series, which is based on the European EN test methods. The two you'll see most often:
- EN 388 (mechanical): four numbers for abrasion, blade cut, tear and puncture resistance, plus a letter (A to F) for cut resistance under the newer test. Higher is better.
- EN 511 (cold): shows how well the glove protects against cold and whether it's waterproof.
For general building work in winter, look for decent EN 388 abrasion and tear ratings first. Add cut resistance if you're handling sheet metal or glass.
Some proven options
These are well-known gloves that tick most of the boxes. Check the current specs and range with Australian stockists such as Bunnings, RSEA, Total Tools or your local safety supplier before you buy, as models change.
Wells Lamont HydraHyde leather gloves
Leather work gloves treated to resist water, so they stay softer and grippier in the wet than plain leather. A good step up from standard riggers.
Mechanix winter work gloves
Snug fitting, with good abrasion resistance and a fleece lining. Some models add Thinsulate insulation. Good dexterity for the warmth.
Carhartt Cold Snap insulated gloves
Heavier duty, with insulation, a wind and water-resistant shell and adjustable cuffs. Better for very cold or exposed work than for fiddly jobs.
Ironclad Cold Condition waterproof gloves
Waterproof and insulated, and designed to stay flexible in the cold. A good pick for wet, cold work.
Outdoor Research Flurry Sensor gloves
Light fleece gloves with touchscreen fingertips. Not tough enough for heavy work, but fine for supervising, measuring up and phone work on a cold morning.
The trade-offs
- Warmth versus feel. The warmer the glove, the bulkier it is. For fine work, a thinner glove or a liner may be better.
- Sweat. Hard work in an insulated glove makes your hands sweat, and wet liners get cold fast. Breathable gloves help.
- Fit. Too tight restricts blood flow and makes your hands colder. Too loose and the glove slips when you're using tools. Allow for a liner if you'll wear one.
- Cost. Good gloves aren't cheap, but neither is a trip to the emergency department.
Look after them
- Air dry them after use, away from direct heat, which can shrink liners and crack leather.
- Brush off mud and grit, which wears out the palms.
- Check the palms and seams regularly and replace them once they split.
Further reading
Anthony Painter
Anthony Painter
