Gloves - Nitrile & Latex

Safety Gloves - Resources & Information

When it comes to performing on your boat and outboard engine, wearing safety gloves are crucial for a job well done - and to keep you safe. Due to the nature of boat chemicals and various surfaces, a regular pair of work gloves simply won’t do. Instead, Nitrile and Latex Gloves are designed to safely and accurately handle the myriad of chemicals that DIY boaters faced with. 

PartsVu offers a complete selection of Nitrile and Latex Gloves from trusted manufacturers. Whether you need an adjustable filter wrench, Mercury filter wrench, or just a reliable pair of workgloves, PartsVu has what you need to get the job done. 

Need help servicing your boat and outboard engine? PartsVu regularly publishes helpful how-to guides and other valuable maintenance information to help boaters properly service their boats and engines. Browse our outboard maintenance blog for a wide range of relevant topics and see the FAQ section below, covering everything you need to know about maintaining your boat in confidence.

Nitrile and Latex Gloves FAQ

What outboard engine tools should I have onboard?

Even if you don’t do your own maintenance, all boaters need some basic boat tools in their marine tool kits to help them out of a jam. Of course, if you plan to do your own maintenance or a portion of your own maintenance, you’ll need to be a bit better equipped.

So which boat tools should you have onboard? The following are our recommendations and the reasons behind them. Of course, the tools you should have onboard are significantly dictated by the type of boating you do. As a practical matter, a near-shore, freshwater boater needs fewer tools than an off-shore boater. While a problem close to the shore can be an annoyance, a problem off-shore might be a whole different matter.

• Fuel filter wrench—good idea to have on board if you get enough water or debris in your fuel system that a fuel filter change becomes necessary.
• Adjustable band filter wrench—you may need to change your fuel/water separating filter if you have water in your system or if you got some bad gas at the marina. US marinas nearly always sell high-quality filtered gasoline, but marinas in the Bahamas are notorious for selling contaminated gasoline.
• Prop nut wrench—carrying this wrench only makes sense if you carry a spare prop. Many boaters carry a spare inexpensive aluminum prop in case they spin a hub or bend a blade so severely that it wobbles.
• Deck fill key/deck plate key/spanner wrench—these universal tools are designed to open all types and sizes of deck fill lids and shackles. Many of these tools also include bonus tools like bottle openers. Perfect for a cold one after fishing.
• Toolkit—if you have room on your boat, all-purpose toolkits can come in handy. 
• Pliers—channel lock, standard, and needle nose
• Leatherman–a very helpful all-purpose tool.
• Rigging knife
• Serrated knife—for cutting rope, your all-purpose tool might include a serrated blade.
• Flashlight
• Emergency plug set—in case a leak manifests while you are out on the water.
• Battery booster pack
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Zip ties—because we all know that you can fix almost everything with zip ties and duct tape.
• Duct tape

What's the difference between nitrile and latex gloves?

Nitrile and latex gloves are both types of disposable gloves that are commonly used for protection against bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. There are several key differences between the two types of gloves, including their material composition, fit, and durability.

Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber material, while latex gloves are made of natural rubber. Nitrile gloves are often preferred over latex gloves because they do not contain proteins that can cause allergic reactions in some people. Nitrile gloves are also more resistant to punctures and tears than latex gloves, making them more durable. However, latex gloves are more flexible and provide a better fit, making them more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

Overall, the choice between nitrile and latex gloves will depend on the specific needs of the user and the intended application. Nitrile saftey gloves may be a better choice for individuals with latex allergies or for applications where increased durability and protection are required, while latex gloves may be a better choice for tasks that require a more flexible and comfortable fit.

Why should I wear gloves when working with most boat chemicals?

It is important to wear gloves when working with boat chemicals to protect your hands from contact with potentially harmful substances. Boat chemicals, such as marine cleaners, marine paints, and solvents, can be damaging to the skin and can cause irritation, dryness, and other adverse effects. In some cases, exposure to boat chemicals can even cause more serious health problems, such as skin irritation, rashes, and allergic reactions.

Wearing gloves when working with boat chemicals can provide a barrier between your skin and the chemicals, reducing your risk of exposure and protecting your hands from harm. Gloves also help to prevent the chemicals from coming into contact with your eyes, mouth, and other mucous membranes, which can be even more sensitive to the effects of chemicals.

There are many different types of safty gloves available for use when working with boat chemicals, including latex, nitrile, and rubber gloves. It is important to choose the right type of gloves for the specific chemicals you will be working with and to follow the manufacturer's instructions for use. Always wear gloves when working with boat chemicals to protect yourself and to help prevent accidents and injuries.

What are the best gloves for working with resin?

When working with resin, it is important to choose gloves that provide protection against the specific chemicals and materials you will be using. For example, if you are using epoxy resin, which is a type of adhesive, you will need gloves that provide protection against the epoxy chemicals and the adhesive properties of the resin.

One of the best gloves for working with resin is a pair of nitrile gloves. Nitrile gloves are made of a synthetic rubber material that is resistant to punctures and tears, making them more durable than latex gloves. Nitrile gloves also provide excellent protection against chemicals and are resistant to many common solvents and adhesives, including epoxy resin.

In addition to nitrile gloves, you can also use marine gloves made of other materials, such as latex or rubber, depending on the specific needs of your project and the materials you will be working with. It is important to choose gloves that fit well and are comfortable to wear, as you will likely be wearing them for extended periods of time while working with resin. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and disposal when working with gloves, and replace them if they become damaged or contaminated.

What are the best gloves for working with marine grease?

As mentioned above, a nitrile glove is better than a latex or leather glove when it comes to handling grease. Grease is often difficult to work with and remove if there’s a spill, but nitrile gloves provide a layer of protection and won’t adhere as easily to nitrile as it would other materials. 

For more info about greasing your outboard engine and other boat components, read PartsVu’s comprehensives articles:

• Mercury Outboard Grease Points – Here’s How
• Yamaha Outboard Grease Points – Here’s How
• Mercury 2-Stroke Grease Points – 100-Hour Service
• Yamaha Grease Points – 100-Hour Service
• Mercury Grease Points – 4-Stroke 100-Hour Service
• Guide to Yamaha Marine Grease

Can nitrile gloves be used for electrical work?

Yes and no. There are some nitrile gloves for electrical work, but there are better alternatives available. Nitrile gloves can be used for some types of electrical work, but they are generally not recommended for all electrical applications. Nitrile gloves provide excellent protection against chemicals and are resistant to punctures and tears, making them a good choice for many industrial and maintenance tasks. However, nitrile gloves do not provide the same level of protection against electrical shocks as gloves made specifically for electrical work.

If you are working on low-voltage electrical systems, such as those found in cars or boats, you may be able to use nitrile gloves as long as they are in good condition and fit properly. However, for high-voltage electrical work, it is important to use gloves that are specifically designed for electrical work. These gloves are made of materials that provide greater protection against electrical shocks and are tested to ensure their safety for use in electrical applications.

In general, it is always best to use the appropriate gloves for the specific task at hand. If you are unsure about the type of gloves that are suitable for your electrical work, consult the manufacturer's instructions or ask a qualified professional for guidance.