Cut-Resistant Work Gloves Explained: ANSI A1 to A9 Levels, Impact Ratings & How to Choose (2026)
Sep 11, 2026
Short answer: ANSI/ISEA 105 rates cut resistance from A1 (lightest, about 200 grams of force to cut) to A9 (heaviest, 6000+ grams). Most construction, landscaping, and general trades work is well served by A2 to A4. Sheet metal, glass, and blade handling call for A5 and up. Impact protection is a separate rating (ANSI 138, levels 1 to 3) and matters more than cut level for wrench, hammer, and pipe work.
Why the number on the glove matters
Hand injuries are the second most common workplace injury in the US and the number one reason for lost days on construction sites. Most of them are lacerations and crush injuries, and most of those happen to workers who were wearing the wrong glove or no glove. A glove is a $10 decision that prevents a $40,000 claim, but only if the rating matches the hazard.
The ANSI cut scale, translated
The current standard is ANSI/ISEA 105-2016. A tester drags a straight blade across the glove material under increasing weight until it cuts through. The weight, in grams, sets the level.
| Level | Grams to cut | Typical work |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200 to 499 | Light assembly, packaging, general handling |
| A2 | 500 to 999 | Construction, landscaping, warehouse, automotive |
| A3 | 1000 to 1499 | Framing, drywall, light metal, glazing prep |
| A4 | 1500 to 2199 | Roofing, HVAC ductwork, oilfield, demolition |
| A5 | 2200 to 2999 | Sheet metal, glass, recycling, meat processing |
| A6 | 3000 to 3999 | Heavy metal fabrication, blade changes |
| A7 | 4000 to 4999 | Extreme cut hazards |
| A8 | 5000 to 5999 | Extreme cut hazards |
| A9 | 6000+ | Highest available protection |
Two things surprise people. First, the jump from A2 to A4 is not double the protection; it is three to four times the force. Second, higher levels usually mean thicker, stiffer, hotter gloves, so buying A7 for a landscaping crew leads to gloves in back pockets instead of on hands. The right level is the lowest one that covers the hazard.
Impact protection is a different rating
Cut resistance says nothing about a dropped pipe or a slipped wrench. That is ANSI/ISEA 138, the impact standard, with three levels:
- Level 1: basic knuckle and finger protection for general trades
- Level 2: oil and gas, mining, heavy construction
- Level 3: highest impact energy absorption
Impact gloves have thermoplastic rubber (TPR) pads across the knuckles and fingers. If the crew uses hammers, wrenches, pry bars, or handles pipe and lumber, the impact rating is the one to check first. A lot of "cut resistant" gloves have no impact rating at all.
Puncture, abrasion, and tear
The same ANSI 105 standard rates puncture (levels 1 to 5) and abrasion (levels 0 to 6). For roofing, fencing, and anything with nails or wire, puncture level 3 or higher is worth the extra dollar. Abrasion matters for masonry, concrete, and rope work where the palm wears through before anything else fails.
What the glove is made of
- HPPE (high-performance polyethylene): the cut-resistant yarn in most A2 to A5 gloves. Light, cool, washable.
- Kevlar and aramid: cut and heat resistant. Common in welding-adjacent trades.
- Steel or glass fiber blends: what gets a glove to A6 and above.
- Nitrile, polyurethane, or foam palm coating: the grip layer. Nitrile for oil and wet, PU for dexterity, foam nitrile for the best of both.
- Synthetic leather palm: durability for masonry and material handling.
- TPR knuckle pads: impact protection.
How to choose, by trade
General construction and landscaping: A2 to A3 cut, impact level 1, foam nitrile or synthetic leather palm, touchscreen fingertips so the gloves stay on.
Oilfield, drilling, mining: A4 cut, impact level 2, oil-resistant palm, high-visibility color, hook-and-loop wrist closure so the glove cannot be pulled off in machinery.
Warehouse and assembly: A2 cut, no impact needed, thin PU palm for box handling and picking.
Sheet metal, glass, recycling: A5 or higher cut, puncture level 3 or higher, and a sleeve if forearms are exposed.
Farm and ranch: A3 cut, puncture level 3, leather or synthetic leather palm for fence wire and tool handles.
The POD X ProTech work glove sits in the construction, oilfield, and landscaping bracket: a reinforced synthetic palm, padded TPR knuckles, and a lightweight cut-resistant shell in sizes S to XL. It is the glove we send with fleet and crew orders through the POD for Fleet program.
Sizing: the reason gloves come off
Measure around the palm just below the knuckles, excluding the thumb.
| Palm circumference | Size |
|---|---|
| 7 to 8 in | S |
| 8 to 9 in | M |
| 9 to 10 in | L |
| 10 to 11 in | XL |
A glove that is a half size too big loses grip and dexterity; too small and the crew takes them off by lunch. When buying for a crew, order a size run and let people try them.
Care and replacement
Most HPPE gloves machine wash cold and air dry. Replace a cut-resistant glove when the palm coating wears through, when you can see the liner through the shell, or after any cut that went through the outer layer. A cut glove has already done its job once; it will not do it twice.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher ANSI cut level always better?
No. Higher levels are thicker and hotter. Choose the lowest level that covers the actual hazard so the gloves get worn.
Are cut-resistant gloves cut-proof?
No. They resist slicing, not stabbing or powered blades. Never rely on a glove around a running saw.
What does EN 388 mean on a glove?
It is the European rating system with a four-digit code plus letters. The letter after the four digits (A to F) is the cut rating roughly comparable to ANSI A1 to A9.
Can I buy ProTech gloves in bulk for a crew?
Yes. Apply through POD for Fleet for tiered pricing on crew-size orders.
Shop POD X ProTech work gloves and the worksite and safety collection.
