A good and resilient pair of work gloves can make all the difference in the work day. There are literally thousands of different types of gloves, each with their own specific purposes. When choosing a pair for tower climbing, they have to be a balance between durability and climbing functionality.
What you need to know when Choosing Tower Climbing Gloves
Any time that hands may be exposed to punctures, burns, lacerations, HAZMAT exposure, electricity, or extreme temperatures, OSHA requires that gloves be worn. Beyond that, the type of gloves are largely up to the industries they are used in.
Durability is important as the gloves tower climbers use are put through the ringer. The main types of gloves a tower climber wants to focus on are leather, fabric, and occasionally aluminized depending on the job.
Leather gloves
Leather gloves are by far the sturdiest but, they are also tougher and provide less flexibility during climbing. Once they are broken in, they can be quite comfortable. Leather doesn’t breathe as well as fabric gloves but they are great for protecting against burns, cuts, and electrical sparks.
Fabric gloves
Many climbers prefer fabric gloves, usually cotton or synthetic, to leather. They are comfortable from day one though they need replaced more often. The fingers will have a great deal of flexibility and maneuverability in fabric gloves. Style should be low on the priority list, but fabric gloves provide a greater plethora of colors and styles then leather gloves. After all, if you don’t like the way something looks, chances are you won’t wear it.
Aluminizes gloves
Aluminizes gloves are designed specifically to repel heat. Rarely used by tower climbers, they are mentioned here to provide familiarity. These gloves have a synthetic lining which disseminates heat away from the hands.
Some gloves come with extra features that prove beneficial on the long climb up a tower. Insulated gloves not only protect from the heat, they protect from the cold. A pair of these will keep the finger tips from freezing in very cold temperatures.
Since the majority of damage to the hands occurs on the palms, a double palm glove adds extra protection, usually with leather or a synthetic material. Especially when dealing with bent and broken pieces of metal, these are important to protect the hands.
If a project will require detail work and finger dexterity, fingerless gloves should be included in the climb. For the most part, the hands will remain protected, but the fingers will be able to handle small screws, nuts, and bolts.
Wrist support
Even with tower climbing, there is a risk of developing carpal tunnel. Before it gets to the point where work becomes painful, adding wrists supports drives pressure away from the wrist and thumb. These support come simple or complex so it is possible to find a support that is still comfortable.
Just as with helmets and harnesses, getting the right fit is important. Gloves which are improperly fitted will not be able to protect the hands. If you can’t try the gloves you are buying on before they are bought, measure around the wrist and from the wrist to the tip of the middle finger. Most sites will have sizing charts.
Protect your hands
Gloves should be replaced if they are torn, punctures, falling apart, or if there are areas where they appear thin. Taking measures to protect the hands should never be underrated, for they are the bread and butter of the tower climbers occupation.
Purchase your Gloves at the Tower Climbing Gear Shop.