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Buyer's Guide
Work Gloves Buyer's Guide
General-purpose work gloves are the everyday workhorse of the site kit bag — not chainsaw-rated PPE, but the gloves you reach for handling tools, ropes and timber all day long. Here's how to pick the right grip, warmth and durability for the job.
Grip & Dexterity for Site Work
General-purpose work gloves balance grip against feel — you need enough dexterity to handle karabiners, throwlines and small tools without pulling them off every five minutes. Precision-focused gloves like the Pfanner StretchFlex Fine Grip or Stihl Sensotouch keep a close, thin fit for fiddly tasks, while grippier midweight options such as the Pfanner Allround or Stihl Durogrip suit general lifting, dragging and log handling where a slightly thicker palm pays off.
Cut & Abrasion Resistance
Not every glove on site needs to be chainsaw-rated, but handling brash, thorny cuttings or wire rope calls for cut-resistant reinforcement. The Pfanner Thorn Protection and Stretchflex Fine Grip HPT Cut D gloves add abrasion and puncture resistance to the palm and fingers without the bulk of a full PPE glove, making them a sensible everyday choice for groundwork and brash clearance.
Weather & Thermal Protection
Cold, wet hands lose grip fast and make tool handling dangerous. Winter-rated gloves such as the Stihl ThermoVent, Pfanner Stretch Flex Polar Grip and StretchFlex Ice Grip add insulation and water resistance for late-autumn through early-spring work, while lighter gloves like the Stihl DYNAMIC Vent suit warmer months where breathability matters more than warmth.
Choosing Between Brands
Stihl, Pfanner and Arbortec all build general work gloves to a similar standard, so the differences come down to fit and feel: Stihl's Function range runs true to size with a snug, low-profile cut; Pfanner's Stretchflex line favours stretch panels for a more forgiving fit; Arbortec's XT Utility and Latex Coated gloves lean toward durability for heavier forestry handling. If you're between sizes, size down on precision gloves and true-to-size on grip/thermal gloves.








