Maintenance Gloves

Message

RocketGirl · Sun May 24, 2009 2:54 pm

Hi All,

Do you use gloves when you perform your own maintenance? I have a box of laytex gloves leftover from a wood-staining project and have used these for changing engine oil, chain cleaning and most recently in applying air filter foam oil.

I think I did hear that laytex isn't probably the best when re-packing wheel bearings (like on a trailer).

Any Do's or Dont's regarding maintenance gloves to be aware of? Thanks

mgdavis · #2 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Sun May 24, 2009 4:55 pm

I wear the blue nitrile gloves most of the time, and an old pair of mechanic's gloves when I don't want to beat up my knuckles.

I don't know why you wouldn't want latex for packing bearings?

slimcolo · #3 Unread post by **slimcolo** » Sun May 24, 2009 5:22 pm

I don't know why you wouldn't want latex for packing bearings?

Because if you wash bearings with brake cleaner or with a parts washer like Safety-Kleen or Snap-On the solvent will eat right through latex in a mater of seconds. (same thing with carb cleaner and some gas with ethanol) It will eat nitrile (actually make it swell) but takes about 15 min. Besides most nitrile gloves are textured for better grip when wet or greasy.

mgdavis · #4 Unread post by **mgdavis** » Mon May 25, 2009 8:53 am

Good to know.

#5 Unread post by **jaskc78** » Mon May 25, 2009 9:56 am

i've been working on cars most of my life and have never worn gloves. don't like the reduced tactile sense of having my fingers covered. just means more Lava soap or Gojo after the job. besides, most of the time i end up with grease to my elbows so gloves wouldn't really stop much of it anyway.

if you are into gloves, though, i would think picking up a decent pair of Mechanix would do the trick for most maintenance and maybe look at something specifically meant for harsher chemicals when using cleaners/degreasers and other such solvents. i'm sure any of the folks working at a local parts store would be able to point you in the right direction. plus most of them are pretty friendly and are more than willing to give you a discount on parts if you're a regular. i've been getting the dealer discount at the Checker's down the street for a couple years now...i tend to buy cars that need some repairs to save a few hundred bucks. keeps me busy, at least.

BuzZz · #6 Unread post by **BuzZz** » Mon May 25, 2009 10:49 am

jaskc78 wrote:i've been working on cars most of my life and have never worn gloves. don't like the reduced tactile sense of having my fingers covered. just means more Lava soap or Gojo after the job. besides, most of the time i end up with grease to my elbows so gloves wouldn't really stop much of it anyway.
......

I was wondering if anyone else would come out with this. I've been wrenching for 25 years and only wear gloves if I'm playing in really harsh chemicals, like toluene or MEK or such. And latex/nitrile gloves don't last more than 30 seconds in that stuff, you need good chemical resistant gloves for that.

Otherwise I would much rather get my hands dirty and feel what's going on directly than fumble around with gloves. Or rip them open on some chunk of steel, melt them to my fingers on a hot engine or leave little blue flakes of glove in and on whatever I am working on. Picking that dodo out of oil pick-ups is a pet peeve of mine.

I notice most young guys (apprentii, etc.) wear them constantly, but they tend to dislike getting their hands dirty in general.... changing coveralls at lunch because they got a smudge on 'em or, heaven forbid, having to wash their hands at the end of the day......

But for someone wanting to do general maintenance on their bike, just pick up a box at the local auto parts or hardware store. Latex is hard to find around here, it's all nitrile...