Buyer Problem
Cut-resistant gloves are easy to overbuy or under-protect.
A higher ANSI cut level is not always the best glove for every job. Workers still need comfort, grip, dexterity, and the right coating for the material being handled. The goal is to match the glove to the hazard instead of choosing by price, thickness, or cut level alone.
Recommended PPE categories
Use ANSI cut level as the starting point, then choose the glove construction, palm coating, cuff, and sizing that fit the work.
Light cut protection
Good for light assembly, packaging, warehouse handling, small parts, and jobs where dexterity matters most.
General industrial cut protection
A common range for construction, maintenance, HVAC, shipping, light metal work, and everyday cut hazards.
High cut protection
Better suited for sheet metal, fabrication, recycling, sharp parts, glass-adjacent work, and heavier industrial tasks.
Severe cut protection
Used for severe cut hazards such as heavy glass, scrap, sharp metal, blades, and high-risk material handling.
Nitrile, PU, latex, and leather palms
Palm coatings can improve grip, oil resistance, abrasion life, wet handling, or precision feel depending on the job.
Cut-resistant sleeves and cuffs
Add wrist or forearm protection when gloves alone do not cover the area exposed to sharp materials.
ANSI cut level quick chart
ANSI/ISEA cut levels are based on the grams of cutting load needed to cut through glove material during standardized testing.
| ANSI cut level | Cut load | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | 200-499 grams | Minimal cut exposure and light handling |
| A2 | 500-999 grams | Light assembly, packaging, and warehouse work |
| A3 | 1,000-1,499 grams | General material handling and moderate cut hazards |
| A4 | 1,500-2,199 grams | Construction, HVAC, maintenance, and sharp-edge handling |
| A5 | 2,200-2,999 grams | Fabrication, recycling, metal handling, and heavy repair |
| A6 | 3,000-3,999 grams | High cut exposure, sharp parts, and glass-adjacent work |
| A7 | 4,000-4,999 grams | Heavy glass, scrap, and severe material handling |
| A8 | 5,000-5,999 grams | Very high cut exposure and heavy industrial hazards |
| A9 | 6,000+ grams | Highest cut protection for severe sharp-material work |
Safety ratings to check
Look for the glove's ANSI/ISEA 105 cut level before buying. If a glove also shows EN 388 markings, do not assume the ratings are directly interchangeable with ANSI A-levels.
No glove is cut proof. Choose a glove that fits well, gives workers enough grip and dexterity, and matches the sharpness, force, frequency, and conditions of the task.
Ordering gloves for your team?
Buying ANSI-rated gloves for a crew, department, or facility works best when products are grouped by task, cut level, coating, and size. ASA Supplies can help compare glove options so your team gets the right protection without overbuying the wrong glove.
Request a quote for mixed sizes, case quantities, high-use departments, cut-resistant sleeves, jobsite delivery, or approved alternates for ongoing PPE needs.
Industries served
ANSI cut-resistant gloves are used wherever workers handle sharp materials, tools, edges, blades, or packaging.
Manufacturing
Assembly, machine operation, metal handling, fabrication, maintenance, and packaging.
Construction
Sheet metal, roofing, HVAC, drywall, glazing, utility knives, and jobsite materials.
Metal fabrication
Stamping, deburring, grinding, scrap handling, sharp blanks, and oily metal parts.
Glass handling
Flat glass, bottles, glazing, recycling, wet grip, and forearm coverage needs.
Food processing
Knife work, trimming, deboning, slicing, washable liners, and metal mesh gloves.
Warehouse and logistics
Carton cutting, pallet breakdown, strapping, returns processing, and fulfillment work.
Shop Cut Protection
Related ANSI-rated glove products
Explore glove and sleeve categories that help protect hands and arms during cutting, handling, assembly, food processing, and industrial work.
Shopping for your team?
Get wholesale PPE pricing for ANSI-rated cut gloves.
Tell ASA your industry, task, cut exposure, glove sizes, and estimated monthly usage. We can help match cut-resistant gloves and sleeves to your worksite needs.
FAQ
Quick answers to common questions about ANSI cut levels, glove coatings, sizing, sleeves, and bulk orders.
What ANSI cut level do I need?
Start with the material and task. Light cardboard and small parts may fit ANSI A1-A3, while sheet metal, glass, blades, and heavy fabrication often require ANSI A4-A9.
Are higher ANSI cut levels always better?
Not always. Higher cut levels can reduce dexterity or comfort in some gloves. The best choice balances protection, grip, fit, durability, and worker acceptance.
Are cut-resistant gloves cut proof?
No. Cut-resistant gloves reduce the likelihood and severity of cuts, but they are not cut proof. Workers still need training and safe handling practices.
What is the difference between ANSI and EN 388?
ANSI and EN 388 use different rating systems. Some gloves show both, but buyers should not assume the ratings are directly equivalent.
When should cut-resistant sleeves be added?
Add sleeves when the wrist or forearm is exposed to glass, metal edges, scrap, blades, or handling tasks where a glove alone does not cover the hazard area.
Can ASA help with bulk ANSI-rated glove orders?
Yes. ASA Supplies can quote mixed sizes, cut levels, glove coatings, sleeves, case quantities, and recurring supply needs for teams and facilities.