What To Look For
When working with machines that vibrate, it is often hard to avoid issues with or injury to your blood circulation and nerves. When choosing an anti-vibration glove, choose one that is suitable for the job you are doing. If you are working with sharp tools, for example, consider a leather glove for extra protection. If you are mowing lawns or working in hot weather, use a glove with mesh that allows air to circulate to your hands. Look for an anti-vibration glove that has gel or foam in the palm, thumb and index finger to reduce the vibration to these critical areas. Some gloves feature air bubbles throughout the glove to help ease vibration. An adjustable, elastic cuff will support your hand and give you the ability to make the cuff tighter or looser as your hands swell throughout the day. On some gloves a wrist wrap is available for extra support. Fingerless anti-vibration gloves allow you to keep your dexterity and still receive anti-vibration benefits.
Common Pitfalls
The most common mistake made when purchasing anti-vibration gloves is not fitting them properly. A glove that does not fit well will not give you the full benefits of the anti-vibration technology employed. A glove that is too tight could cause you problems if it cuts off your circulation. Try on an anti-vibration glove before purchasing. The material used, whether a gel, foam or air bubbles, could feel more or less comfortable to you depending on your personal preference and the task you have to perform.
Where To Buy
Buy anti-vibration gloves at hardware, woodworking and home improvement stores. Or purchase them through the workplace and through catalogs and websites that provide gear to construction workers.
Cost
A leather, half-fingered wrist wrap anti-vibration glove made by Valeo has anti-vibration gel, a nylon mesh back, elastic wrist wrap with a nonconductive support pad and is machine washable, and sells for $30 (as of 2010) through PainReliever.com. Ergodyne Proflex 9015FX anti-vibration gloves are offered for $44.95 through Construction Gear.
