TB-Davies Work Gloves Review

The TB-Davies Original Rigger is the brand's flagship model and a staple on UK construction sites. Made from soft goatskin leather on the palm and fingers, it offers a good grip and reasonable feel for handling tools and materials. The cotton back allows air circulation, reducing sweat buildup during long shifts.

Owner reviews consistently highlight the value for money, with many pairs lasting several months of heavy use before needing replacement. The elasticated cuff keeps debris out, and the reinforced palm stitching adds to longevity. It is not designed for cut or chemical protection, but for general handling and light construction work, it is a reliable choice.

The Cut Pro 5 gloves are engineered for tasks involving sharp materials like glass, metal, or sheet steel. They use a high-performance polyethylene (HPPE) and steel fibre blend to achieve a cut level 5 rating under the EN 388 standard. The foam latex palm coating provides a secure grip, even when handling oily components.

User feedback praises the dexterity, noting that the gloves are thin enough for precision work while still offering significant protection. They are not as abrasion-resistant as the Original Rigger, so they are best suited for tasks where cut risk is the primary concern. Many tradespeople use them for demolition, handling insulation, or working with sharp metal edges.

The Thermal Rigger is essentially the Original Rigger with a thick acrylic fleece lining added for insulation. It is designed for outdoor work in cold conditions, such as winter construction, landscaping, or warehouse loading bays. The goatskin leather palm retains the durability and grip of the standard model, while the lining traps body heat.

Owner reviews note that the gloves are effective at keeping hands warm in temperatures near freezing, but the lining does reduce finger feel and flexibility. They are best for tasks that do not require fine motor skills, like carrying materials or operating large machinery. Some users report that the lining can mat down over time with heavy use.

The Ultimate Grip gloves are designed for tasks where maintaining hold on wet or slippery surfaces is critical. The nitrile foam coating on the palm and fingers provides a tacky grip that works well in damp conditions, making them popular for bricklaying, concreting, and general wet site work. The nylon back is lightweight and breathable.

User reviews highlight the grip performance, with many noting that the gloves outperform standard riggers in wet environments. They offer a cut level 2 rating, which is adequate for light handling but not for sharp materials. The gloves are machine washable, which helps extend their life, but they are not intended for heavy-duty abrasion tasks.

The Pro Nitrile gloves are fully coated with nitrile rubber, providing a barrier against oils, greases, and some mild chemicals. They are commonly used in automotive work, painting, and general handling of oily parts. The roughened surface improves grip on smooth, wet, or greasy objects.

Owner reviews indicate that the gloves are durable and offer good protection against common workshop contaminants. However, they are not designed for prolonged exposure to strong chemicals like acetone or concentrated acids. The lack of a breathable back means they can become sweaty during extended use. For light chemical protection and oil resistance, they are a solid budget-friendly option.