I'm primarily involved in flatwork and form setting, and with winter here, it's getting tough to work. My last gloves froze up and lost all warmth once they got damp. I'm on the hunt for thermal gloves that are also flexible enough to tie rebar and maintain a good grip on wet tools. Do you stick with one pair throughout the day, or do you swap them out when they get wet? Has anyone found a pair that doesn't turn into bricks when it's really cold? How do you juggle warmth and mobility while handling concrete? I'd love to hear your suggestions that have worked in real-world conditions!
3 Answers
I haven't worked with concrete, but for ice climbing, I've used Atlas gloves, and they were super warm and waterproof. They might be fine for using finishing tools, but I found them a bit lacking in dexterity for tying rebar. Worth checking out, though!
I mainly do woodworking, but when it’s freezing, I grab my rubber-coated work gloves from Kinco. They keep my hands warm while allowing for enough flexibility to handle screws and tools. They're durable and affordable, last a few seasons for chores outside like shoveling snow or fixing fences. I'm not sure how they hold up on construction sites, but they work for me!
If you can, have multiple pairs handy so you can switch them out when they get wet. I don't have a solid method for keeping leather gloves from freezing, but I’ve heard that soaking them in mineral oil can help. It repels water and doesn’t freeze up!
Thanks for the tip! I’ll look into those Atlas gloves, but I’ll have to see if there's a balance between warmth and grip with those! So many options—just want the right fit!