Portwest Black PU Palm Glove Size L

Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves: A Practical Overview

The Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves are a widely used category of lightweight safety gloves designed for everyday handling tasks across a broad range of industries. Manufactured by Portwest, a well-established name in personal protective equipment, these gloves are built to offer a reliable combination of grip, dexterity, and basic hand protection without the bulk associated with heavier industrial gloves. They are particularly valued in environments where workers need to handle small or medium-sized objects frequently throughout the day.

Available under barcode 5036108210848, this specific variant features a polyurethane (PU) coated palm, which is central to the glove's performance. The PU coating is applied over a lightweight knitted liner, typically made from nylon or a nylon blend, giving the glove a close, comfortable fit that allows for good tactile sensitivity and precise handling.

Key Features and Benefits

PU Palm Coating

The polyurethane coating on the palm and fingers is the defining feature of the Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves. PU is a dry-environment coating that provides excellent grip on smooth, dry, or lightly oily surfaces. It is thinner and more flexible than rubber or latex alternatives, which makes it well suited to tasks requiring finger sensitivity and controlled movement. The coating also resists abrasion reasonably well for light to moderate use, helping the gloves last through regular daily wear.

Lightweight and Breathable Construction

The knitted liner used in these general handling gloves allows air to circulate around the hand, reducing heat build-up during extended wear. This breathability makes them more comfortable than coated gloves with sealed backs, particularly in warmer working conditions or during physically active tasks. The lightweight nature of the construction also reduces hand fatigue, which matters when gloves are worn for long shifts.

Dexterity and Fit

One of the primary reasons workers choose PU palm gloves over thicker alternatives is the level of dexterity they allow. The Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves conform closely to the shape of the hand, enabling users to pick up small parts, operate machinery controls, sort items, and perform detailed manual tasks without removing their gloves. This is an important safety consideration in itself, as workers are less likely to take off protective gloves when those gloves do not interfere significantly with the task at hand.

Cost-Effective and Widely Available

These gloves sit in an accessible price bracket, making them practical for bulk purchasing by employers who need to equip entire teams. Portwest products are distributed widely across Europe and beyond, so sourcing replacements is straightforward through most PPE suppliers and online retailers.

Who Are These Gloves Suitable For

The Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves are suitable for a wide range of users and applications. They are commonly found in the following settings:

• Warehousing and logistics, where workers handle boxes, packages, and picking tasks throughout shifts
• Light manufacturing and assembly, where component handling and parts inspection require tactile sensitivity
• Electronics and automotive manufacturing, where dry grip and dexterity are needed without the risk of contaminating surfaces
• Retail and distribution centres, where stock movement and handling are routine
• Maintenance and facilities management, where general hand protection is needed for varied tasks
• Garden centres and nurseries, for handling lightweight materials in dry conditions

These gloves are less appropriate for tasks involving significant cuts, punctures, chemical exposure, or wet conditions. In those situations, a different category of glove with specific certifications for those hazards would be required.

Usage Tips

To get the most from the Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves, it helps to use them within their intended scope. PU coatings perform best in dry or very lightly oily conditions. Exposure to water, oils, or solvents will reduce grip performance and may degrade the coating over time. Keeping a spare pair available helps maintain hygiene and ensures continuous protection when one pair needs washing or replacement.

When washing these gloves, hand washing in cool water with a mild detergent is generally preferable to machine washing at high temperatures, which can damage the PU coating and cause the knitted liner to lose its shape. Always allow them to dry naturally rather than using direct heat sources.

Sizing matters considerably with fitted gloves of this type. Portwest typically offers these gloves in a range of sizes from small to extra-extra-large. Taking the time to measure hand circumference and cross-reference with the manufacturer's size guide will result in better fit, improved comfort, and safer use.

Buying Advice

When purchasing the Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves, consider the following practical points. First, identify the correct size for each user, as an ill-fitting glove reduces both comfort and protection. Second, assess the working environment to confirm that a PU palm coating is appropriate for the tasks involved. If the environment involves any significant moisture, a nitrile-coated alternative may be more suitable.

Buying in multipacks or bulk quantities is usually more economical for businesses. Many PPE suppliers offer volume discounts, and since these are consumable items that wear out with regular use, having stock on hand avoids operational disruption. When comparing products from different suppliers, verifying the barcode and Portwest product code ensures you are purchasing the correct variant for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves suitable for wet conditions?

No. PU palm coatings are designed for dry or lightly oily surfaces. In wet conditions, the grip performance of a PU coating decreases noticeably. For wet environments, gloves with a foam nitrile or sandy nitrile coating are a more reliable choice.

What level of cut resistance do these gloves offer?

General handling gloves with a PU palm coating offer minimal cut resistance. They are not rated as cut-resistant gloves and should not be used in environments where blades, sharp edges, or similar hazards are present. For cut protection, look for gloves with an appropriate EN 388 cut resistance rating and a cut-resistant liner material such as HPPE or Kevlar.

Can these gloves be washed and reused?

Yes, the Portwest PU Palm General Handling Grip Gloves can be washed and reused, though their lifespan will depend on the intensity of use and how well they are maintained. Hand washing in cool water is recommended. Repeated washing at high temperatures will shorten the life of the gloves. Inspect them regularly for signs of wear, especially in the palm coating, and replace them when the coating begins to peel or crack.

Are these gloves latex-free?

Yes. PU coated gloves are latex-free, which makes them suitable for users with latex sensitivities or allergies. The coating is synthetic, and the liner is typically nylon-based, so there is no natural rubber latex in the construction.

What is the difference between PU palm coated gloves and fully coated gloves?

A palm-coated glove has the protective coating applied only to the palm and fingers, leaving the back of the hand covered by the breathable knitted liner. This improves ventilation and reduces heat retention. A fully coated glove has the coating applied all over, offering greater protection against liquids seeping in from the back of the hand, but at the cost of breathability. For general dry handling tasks, palm coating is generally preferred for comfort.