The short answer: Heavy duty nitrile gloves are thicker disposable gloves made from synthetic rubber. They hold up better than thin gloves against oil, grease, sharp edges and many chemicals, and they contain no natural latex. Rhino Grip Ultra Tough gloves are 8.8g with a diamond grip, sold in packs of 50.
Anyone who has torn a cheap glove halfway through a job knows the feeling. You’re elbow-deep in an engine bay or a blocked sink, the glove splits, and now you’re stopping to clean your hands and find another pair.
That’s what a heavy duty glove is for. Here is what to look for, who it suits, and how to pick the right pair.
What “heavy duty” actually means
Most disposable nitrile gloves are thin, around 4 to 6g. They’re fine for a quick wipe-down or a light task, but they tear easily under real work.
A heavy duty glove is thicker, so it resists punctures and rips for longer. Nitrile itself is synthetic rubber, which is why these gloves suit people with latex allergies and cope well with oils and fuels.
What’s in a Rhino Grip glove
Our Ultra Tough gloves are built for rougher jobs:
- 8.8g thickness for strength when you’re handling sharp or abrasive parts
- Diamond-textured grip so tools don’t slip, even when your hands are oily or wet
- Chemical protection tested to EN ISO 374-1:2016 Type B and EN ISO 374-4:2016
- Latex-free and powder-free
- Orange, Green or Black, in Medium, Large and Extra Large
They also meet PPE Regulation 2016/425 Category III, EN 455 Parts 1 to 4 and MDR 2017/745 Class I, and they come in packs of 50.
Who they’re for
These gloves turn up in a lot of places across the UK:
- Garages and mechanics: oil changes, brakes, fuel systems and general workshop mess
- Plumbers, electricians and builders: dirty, abrasive jobs where thin gloves don’t last
- Cleaners and facilities teams: strong cleaning products and long shifts
- Car detailers: chemical cleaners, polishes and a lot of water
- Tattoo artists and barbers: protection without losing too much feel
- Home DIYers and gardeners: painting, repairs and anything muddy
How to pick the right pair
- Match the thickness to the job. Use 8g or more for heavy work, and something thinner when you need fine control.
- Look at the grip. A textured finish makes a real difference with oily or wet tools.
- Check the chemical rating. EN ISO 374 Type B means the glove has been tested against at least three listed chemicals. No glove stops everything, so check the chemical list against what you use.
- Get the fit right. Snug but not tight. A glove that’s too small tires your hand, and one that’s too big slips.
- Think about colour. Orange is easy to spot on dark tools and surfaces. Black hides stains.
- Follow your workplace rules. If you’re an employer, glove choice should be part of your COSHH risk assessment.
Questions we get asked a lot
Are nitrile gloves better than latex?
For most workshop and trade work, yes. Nitrile handles oils and many chemicals better and avoids latex allergies.
Are they really latex-free?
Yes. Nitrile is synthetic rubber with no natural latex.
Can I wear them more than once?
Ours are semi-disposable, so reusing them is your call. Bin them if they’re torn, contaminated or worn through.
Will they protect me from chemicals?
They’re tested to EN ISO 374-1:2016 Type B and EN ISO 374-4:2016. Always check the chemical list for your job, because no glove covers everything.
What size should I order?
Pick the one that feels snug without restricting your hand. We make Medium, Large and Extra Large.
Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Delivery is free on UK orders over £25, and there’s a 30-day returns guarantee.
Ready to try a pair?
Rhino Grip Ultra Tough Nitrile Gloves are £12.99 for a pack of 50. If you’re after something for a specific trade, these pages are a good place to start: