A Detailer's guide to Anti-Vibration Gloves

[ClearlyCoated]

We have seen a few threads over the last few weeks dealing with hand fatigue and possible long term effects on hands, wrists, and elbows resulting from prolonged use of Dual Action Polishers and Rotary Buffers. To that end, I have researched available anti-vibration gloves (or jackhammer gloves) designed to alleviate or even counter potential long term damage to the detailer's hands and arms.

I'm kind of leaning towards the Decade and DeWalt gloves, and there are more gloves available than shown here, but these were the ones that came up with the most hits in my Google searches. There are also motorcycle gloves designed to reduce throttle vibration, but I think these gloves are better suited for the detailer's use.





DeWalt DPG25L Vibration Reducing Gloves - Vibration Reducing Multi-Padded Palm Goatskin

Features:

• Reinforced ToughGrip™ multi-padded gel goatskin palm reduces impact and vibrations.
• Premium grain goatskin leather provides great dexterity.
• Reinforced ToughGrip™ covered fingertips for added protection.
• Reinforced ToughGrip™ thumb saddle for greater protection and toughness.
• Breathable neoprene between fingers offers improved flexibility.
• Premium grain goatskin leather knuckle strap provides added protection.

Irwin 4403226 Large Jackhammer Work Gloves

Specifically designed for use with power tools Gel-padded, anti-vibration palm provides maximum comfort and protection Unique synthetic materials provide dexterity and durability Available in fingertip or non-fingertip versions






Mechanix Impact Pro Glove

Anti-vibration palm with tacky grip. Impact Pro Gloves have redefined "work glove" and are the #1 choice of professional tradesmen. Imported.






Decade 49405 Leather Anti-Vibration Full-Finger Left Hand Premium Glove with Safety Cuff and Gfom

• Independently tested and proven to reduce conduction of harmful vibration frequencies
• Long Safety Cuff gives extra protection
• Safety Cuff allows quick removal of glove
• 100% Cowhide Leather
• Measure around palm at widest point. XX-Large fits 11-1/2-inch to 12-inch

Glove meets ANSI S3.40: 2002 / ISO 10819: 1996 anti-vibration glove standard, also marked CE DK-0200-C.686. 100% leather glove features our exclusive Gfom vibration-reducing pad covering palm, fingers and thumb.

Safety cuff allows fast and easy glove removal in an emergency situation. Keystone thumb and Gunn-cut fingers for a fit that minimizes hand fatigue. Padded knuckle strap for extra protection in confined spaces. Kevlar stitching for seam strength.

Power tools, whether electric, gas, or pneumatic, generate vibration energy which is transmitted through the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders and sometimes even amplified by the body structures it passes through.

Generally, the vibration does not seem like a problem * just a part of the job. But problems arise with long-term exposure to vibration. HAVS (Hand/Arm Vibration Syndrome) is the general classification for several vibration-related disorders and now affects millions of people worldwide.

The development of HAVS may be gradual, or sensations of tingling or numbness in the fingers may show up within a few weeks. Most HAVS disorders have no medical cure. This makes it critical to protect against vibration exposure whenever possible. This glove offers tested and proven protection from various vibration frequencies encountered when using power hand tools.

Please note: These gloves are sold for Right or Left Hand, not as a pair. Please make certain you are choosing the correct glove. Vibration reducing Decade brand gloves with Gfom have been tested and certified in Europe to meet strict standards set there for worker protection. Testing was conducted at Delta Acoustics & Vibration in Denmark.

[Deaner5]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

I worked a couple summers in construction and my main job was to be on a jack-hammer for about 12-16 hour days sometimes.

I have tried a few gloves similar to the ones above, but never found anything wonderful. Another items to consider is that with most gloves you will lose a little bit of the feel for it and that is natural when you put something on your hands. That kept me going back to basic leather gloves just for normal protection.

I don't really see this as a problem for weekend warriors doing a few cars here and there, but the pro-detailer possibly.

I also think the bail handle on the G110 would help this a little as you are not directly holding the head of the machine and there is a little distance there. Interesting thread.

[hacker-pschorr]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

Anyone else have any feedback on using gloves to reduce fatigue?

I already have joint / wrist issues, any little bit will help.

[Murr1525]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

Maybe a basic wrist wrap / brace would help more than a glove for a joint issue.

[Echelon]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

I've been thinking about this a lot recently also, and I've been wondering if anybody has similar symptoms. After a detail I noticed that my hands were moderatly swollen, enought that I coundn't remove my wedding ring. Soon after I had an extreemly painful pin-and-needles sensation as if someone hit a funnybone in my hand, times 10000. Since then I've started using regular old mechanix gloves and it helpes a little bit, but I'm definitely going to invest in some of these anti-vibration gloves for good measure.

[Mark58]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

Also try wrapping a high density sponger on the handle of DA.

[rcktpwrd]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anti-Vibration Gloves

Also look into mountain biking padded gloves, I have a pair that is padded on the palms and is fingerless. I haven't used them while detailing but they work well when riding.

[rcktpwrd]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anti-Vibration Gloves

Here's a link to an example:

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product/810704/pearl-izumi-select-gel-bike-gloves-mens

[Mark58]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

Also try wrapping a high density SPONGE on the handle of DA.

Sorry,
High density SPONGE on the Handle.

[cnfowler]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anit-Vibration Gloves

Man, my hands are sweating just looking at the gloves. I can't imagine using those AV gloves while detailing. Detailing is all about being able to feel your work and what you're working with.


Colin

[TOGWT]

Re: A Detailer's guide to Anti-Vibration Gloves

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes symptoms in fingers, hands and arms caused by vibrating tools. It used to be called vibration white finger (Raynaud's phenomenon). The name was changed to HAVS as other symptoms may occur in addition to white fingers.

What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome?

It‘s caused by repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools. For example, power drills, chainsaws, pneumatic drills, etc. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates. It is not clear how vibration causes the condition. It is probably due to slight but repeated injury to the small nerves and blood vessels in the fingers. Over time these may gradually lose some of their function and cause symptoms. Possibly, up to 1 in 10 people who work regularly with vibrating tools may develop HAVS.

The following steps are thought to help prevent HAVS in workers who use vibrating tools:
• Hold tools as loosely as possible, and in varying positions.
• Do not use an excessively tight grip or to use a tool for longer than necessary.
• Ensure that tools are well maintained
• Use the correct counter-balance in oscillating polishers
• Use tools correctly, and use the right tool for the job.
• Use ant vibration gloves.
• Take regular breaks of at least 10 minutes, short bursts of work are better than long periods without a break.
• Keep your hands warm.

A medicine called Nifedipine may be prescribed if symptoms of Raynaud's phenomenon are severe. It works by opening up (dilating) the small blood vessels. Some people take Nifedipine regularly, each day, to prevent symptoms. Some people take Nifedipine just during the winter, or just during cold weather spells. (seek an MD's advise before taking medication)

Mechanics (Mechanix) Glove - heavy duty mechanical gloves use a special fabric, unlike leather it breathes offering comfort and non slip in wet, double padding in palm for extra protection and a layer of silicon fingers tips giving extra protection.

Anti Vibration (AV) Gloves - the range of gloves available are designed to exceed the rigorous requirements of the ISO Standard 10819 (ANSI S3.4-2002) for the absorption of vibration due to direct hand contact with vibrating equipment, machinery or hand held tools.

AV Glove Liner - can be worn alone or under standard work gloves to protect against shock and impact, Akton® padding cushions the hand and spreads vibration energy away from original point of contact, allows complete fingertip dexterity for improved control. Breathable cotton spandex body