Work gloves are one of those things you don't think much about until you've got the wrong pair on. Gloves that are too bulky make it harder to grab wire nuts, screws, and other small parts. Gloves that are too light don't last long when you're handling rough lumber, pipe, or sharp material. And when it's cold out, the wrong gloves usually end up in your pocket because your hands are either freezing or you can't work in them.
Milwaukee builds gloves for the kinds of jobs contractors actually do. There are lightweight gloves for everyday work, high-dexterity gloves for precision tasks, cut-resistant gloves for working around sharp materials, leather gloves for heavy construction, and insulated options for cold weather. Knowing what each one is built for makes it a lot easier to pick the right pair before you head to the jobsite.
Shop All Milwaukee GlovesUnderstanding ANSI Cut Ratings
Most Milwaukee gloves list an ANSI cut rating. It's worth knowing what those ratings actually mean before you decide which glove you need.
ANSI/ISEA 105 is the standard that governs how cut-resistant work gloves are tested and rated in the United States. The rating system runs from A1 (lightest cut protection) through A9 (highest). Each level represents a specific gram-force threshold measured during standardized testing. An A1 glove can withstand 200 to 499 grams of cutting force before the test blade cuts through. An A3 glove handles 1,000 to 1,499 grams.
For most trades, A1 is the starting point for general material handling. It covers everyday construction tasks, electrical rough-in, basic plumbing work, and anything where you're mostly handling tools and materials rather than sharp edges. If you're regularly handling sheet metal, rebar, glass, or doing repetitive cuts near your hands, you need A3 or higher. The cut level is separate from puncture, abrasion, and tear ratings, which are also listed on Milwaukee's product specs and tell you how the glove holds up to different types of wear.
Cut 1 Dipped Gloves: Everyday General Purpose
The 48-22-8901 and the rest of the dipped gloves series (8900 through 8903) are Milwaukee's high-volume everyday glove. They're designed for material handling, electrical rough-in, general construction, and any task where you need a thin, lightweight glove with a solid grip.
The construction is a nylon and lycra blend shell with a textured nitrile palm. The nitrile coating gives you grip on wet, oily, and dry surfaces. The ANSI cut rating is A1, which covers general purpose use. Abrasion rating is 3, tear rating is 2, puncture rating is 1. SMARTSWIPE on the index fingers means you can use your phone without pulling the gloves off, which matters more than it sounds when you're doing it 20 times a day. The breathable design and moisture-wicking construction keep them comfortable over a full shift.
They're available in S, M, L, and XL as individual pairs. The 48-22-8901B is the same glove in a 12-pair bulk pack in size M. For crews who go through gloves as a job site consumable, the bulk pack cuts the per-pair cost down significantly. All sizes are machine washable.
Free-Flex Work Gloves: Built for Dexterity
The 48-22-8713 Free-Flex Work Gloves are built for tasks where dexterity is the priority. The Free-Flex construction uses a flexible synthetic material that moves with your grip instead of fighting it. A reinforced thumb seam adds durability at the highest-stress point. The elastic Free-Flex cuff stays comfortable over a long day. There's also a built-in terry cloth sweat wipe on the thumb, which is a small feature that you'll use constantly.
SMARTSWIPE extends across the fingertips, knuckles, and palms on this model, not just the index finger. That's a meaningful difference if you're regularly touching a touchscreen panel, tablet, or phone throughout the day. The breathable lining keeps the glove comfortable for extended wear, and the high-dexterity fingertips let you handle small components without fumbling.
The Free-Flex is a good choice for electricians handling wire connectors, linemen who need to feel what they're working with, HVAC technicians working with fittings and controls, and anyone whose job has a lot of fine motor work baked into it.
Cut Level 3 Insulated Gloves: Cold Weather Cut Protection
The 48-22-8920 and 48-22-8923 Cut Level 3 Insulated Gloves solve a specific problem that comes up constantly in cold-weather construction: you need your hands warm, but you also need cut protection beyond what a basic nitrile dipped glove provides.
The A3 cut rating is a significant step up from the A1 dipped gloves. It handles wire stripping, pipe threading, demolition work where you're pulling materials, and anything that involves sharper edges or repeated contact with metal components. The construction uses a 7-gauge inner liner for warmth and a 15-gauge nylon outer liner for dexterity. The 3/4 double-dipped latex palm has a microfinish that provides water resistance on top of grip. They carry EN511 ratings for cold resistance and EN388 ratings for mechanical protection.
If you're an electrician working outside in winter, a plumber doing pipe work in cold crawl spaces, or a framer doing structural work in November through March, these give you both thermal protection and a meaningful cut rating in the same glove.
Goatskin Leather Gloves: Heavy-Duty Construction
The 48-73-0012 in Large and 48-73-0013 in X-Large are Milwaukee's premium leather option for heavy construction work. Goatskin is a well-established choice for trade gloves because it's naturally soft and form-fitting while still being durable. Unlike cowhide, it breaks in quickly without losing structural integrity.
The reinforced palm handles the abrasion that comes with framing, concrete work, structural steel handling, and any other task involving rough materials. The keystone thumb design gives you a more natural fit and reduces hand fatigue during repetitive grip-intensive work. A pull tab makes it easier to get them on and off when you're working in a situation where you're frequently removing your gloves. SMARTSWIPE on the knuckle means you can still use a tablet or phone without removing them.
For framers, ironworkers, concrete workers, and general construction laborers, the goatskin gloves hold up significantly longer than synthetic options in demanding conditions. The leather also conforms to your hand over time, improving fit the more you use them.
Winter Demolition Gloves: Cold Weather with Knuckle Protection
The 48-73-0043 Winter Demolition Gloves are built for physically demanding work in cold weather. This isn't a glove for standing around. It's a glove for demo work, pulling materials, swinging tools, and any other high-output task that happens in low temperatures.
Best Cold Weather
If you're doing demo or heavy construction work in cold weather, this is the glove. It's waterproof and windproof, packed with 40g of insulation, and has reinforced palms and fingertips that hold up to the kind of abuse that destroys cheaper cold-weather gloves in a week.
See ProductThe waterproof and windproof membrane keeps your hands dry in wet and snowy conditions. 40 grams of insulation provides meaningful warmth without adding so much bulk that the gloves become unusable. Reinforced palms and fingertips extend the life of the glove in conditions that would destroy lighter options fast. The integrated knuckle guard protects against the impacts and pinch points that demolition work puts your hands through. A hook and loop closure seals the cuff. SMARTSWIPE on the knuckle keeps your touchscreen accessible.
If you're doing winter demo, rough-in work in unheated buildings, or any kind of heavy construction in cold conditions, this is the glove to have on hand.
Which Glove for Which Trade
Electricians
The dipped gloves cover most electrical rough-in and finish work. They're thin enough to feel wire connectors and handle small fasteners, and the nitrile palm grips smooth surfaces well. For precision panel work or conduit layout, the Free-Flex 48-22-8713 gives you more dexterity. In winter, the Cut Level 3 insulated gloves add warmth without sacrificing protection.
Plumbers
The dipped gloves handle most plumbing tasks. For pipe cutting, swaging, or threading work where your hands are near metal edges, the Cut Level 3 insulated gloves are the better call. They add cut protection and, in cold crawl spaces or winter conditions, the insulation keeps your hands warm enough to work efficiently.
Framers and Carpenters
Framing puts your hands in contact with rough lumber, structural hardware, and tools all day. The goatskin gloves are the natural fit. The reinforced leather palm handles lumber abrasion, and the keystone thumb reduces fatigue during repetitive nailing and fastening. In winter conditions, the winter demolition gloves cover the same work while keeping hands warm.
Demo and General Labor
Demolition is rougher on gloves than most trades. The 48-73-0043 winter demo gloves are built for it in cold conditions, with knuckle protection, reinforced palms, and waterproofing. In warmer months, the goatskin leather gloves hold up to the abuse without adding unnecessary bulk.
Full Milwaukee Gloves Comparison Table
Here's how every Milwaukee glove stacks up side by side.
| Model | Type | ANSI Cut Rating | Palm Material | Key Feature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48-22-8900 | General | A1 | Nitrile (textured) | SMARTSWIPE index; breathable nylon/lycra shell | General purpose; electrical; material handling (Size S) |
| 48-22-8901 | General | A1 | Nitrile (textured) | SMARTSWIPE index; breathable nylon/lycra shell | General purpose; electrical; material handling (Size M) |
| 48-22-8902 | General | A1 | Nitrile (textured) | SMARTSWIPE index; breathable nylon/lycra shell | General purpose; electrical; material handling (Size L) |
| 48-22-8903 | General | A1 | Nitrile (textured) | SMARTSWIPE index; breathable nylon/lycra shell | General purpose; electrical; material handling (Size XL) |
| 48-22-8901B | General | A1 | Nitrile (textured) | 12-pair bulk pack; same glove as 48-22-8901 | Crews; high-volume job sites; reduce per-pair cost |
| 48-22-8713 | Dexterity | Not rated | Synthetic Free-Flex | Full-hand SMARTSWIPE; elastic cuff; sweat wipe; reinforced thumb seam | High-dexterity tasks; electricians; HVAC; precision work |
| 48-22-8920 | Cut + Cold | A3 | 3/4 double-dip latex | 7GA warm inner liner; 15GA dexterity outer; water resistant; EN511 | Cold weather cut protection; demo; wire stripping; pipe threading (S) |
| 48-22-8923 | Cut + Cold | A3 | 3/4 double-dip latex | 7GA warm inner liner; 15GA dexterity outer; water resistant; EN511 | Cold weather cut protection; demo; wire stripping; pipe threading (XL) |
| 48-73-0012 | Leather | Not rated | Top grain goatskin | Reinforced palm; keystone thumb; SMARTSWIPE knuckle; pull tab | Framing; concrete; structural steel; heavy construction (L) |
| 48-73-0013 | Leather | Not rated | Top grain goatskin | Reinforced palm; keystone thumb; SMARTSWIPE knuckle; pull tab | Framing; concrete; structural steel; heavy construction (XL) |
| 48-73-0043 | Winter Demo | Not rated | Reinforced synthetic | Waterproof/windproof; 40g insulation; knuckle guard; SMARTSWIPE; hook-and-loop cuff | Winter demolition; cold weather heavy work; unheated building rough-in |
Key Takeaways
- The dipped gloves (48-22-8900 through 48-22-8903) are the everyday workhorse for most trades. They're thin, lightweight, A1 cut rated, and work for the majority of general construction and electrical tasks.
- The Free-Flex 48-22-8713 is the right call when dexterity is more important than cut protection. It's the best fit for high-precision work involving small components.
- The Cut Level 3 insulated gloves (48-22-8920 and 48-22-8923) combine A3 cut protection with cold weather insulation. They're the go-to for winter construction involving sharper materials.
- The goatskin leather gloves (48-73-0012 and 48-73-0013) are built for heavy construction. The reinforced palm and natural leather durability hold up where synthetic gloves fall apart.
- The winter demolition gloves (48-73-0043) are for cold weather work that's physically demanding. Waterproof, insulated, with knuckle protection for impact situations.
- The 48-22-8901B 12-pack is the crew-friendly buy. Same A1 dipped glove in bulk at a better per-pair price than buying individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ANSI cut rating do Milwaukee dipped gloves have?
The Milwaukee dipped gloves (48-22-8900 through 48-22-8903 and the 48-22-8901B bulk pack) carry an ANSI cut rating of A1 per ANSI/ISEA 105-2016. That covers general purpose material handling and everyday construction work. They're not rated for heavy cut protection against sharp metal edges or repeated contact with cutting hazards. For that, you'd need the Cut Level 3 insulated gloves (48-22-8920 or 48-22-8923).
Do Milwaukee gloves work with touchscreen devices?
Most Milwaukee gloves include SMARTSWIPE technology. The dipped gloves have SMARTSWIPE on the index fingertips. The Free-Flex 48-22-8713 has full-hand SMARTSWIPE on the fingertips, knuckles, and palms. The goatskin leather and winter demolition gloves have SMARTSWIPE on the knuckle. This lets you operate a phone, tablet, or touchscreen panel without removing the gloves.
What's the difference between the dipped gloves and the Free-Flex gloves?
The dipped gloves use a nitrile palm coating over a nylon/lycra blend shell. They provide an A1 cut rating and good all-around grip in wet, dry, and oily conditions. The Free-Flex 48-22-8713 uses a flexible synthetic construction designed to maximize dexterity. It doesn't have a cut rating, but it conforms more naturally to your hand and is better suited for tasks involving fine motor work, small fasteners, or precision handling. The dipped gloves are the general-purpose option. The Free-Flex is the high-dexterity specialist.
Are the Milwaukee dipped gloves machine washable?
Yes. The dipped gloves (48-22-8900 through 48-22-8903 and 48-22-8901B) are machine washable. The synthetic shell and nitrile palm hold up to washing, which extends their usable life compared to gloves that have to be hand washed or air cleaned only.
What's the benefit of the 48-22-8901B bulk pack over buying individual pairs?
The 48-22-8901B is a 12-pair pack of the same Cut Level A1 dipped gloves as the 48-22-8901 single pair in size M. For crews or contractors who go through gloves regularly, buying in bulk reduces the per-pair cost and ensures you always have a fresh pair available on the job without making repeated individual purchases.
Which Milwaukee gloves are best for winter work?
Two options, depending on what you're doing. The 48-22-8920 and 48-22-8923 Cut Level 3 Insulated Gloves provide A3 cut protection combined with a warm dual-liner construction and water resistance. They're the better choice if you're handling sharp materials in the cold. The 48-73-0043 Winter Demolition Gloves are built for physically demanding cold-weather work: waterproof, windproof, 40g insulation, reinforced palms, and a knuckle guard for impact protection.
Why choose goatskin leather over synthetic gloves?
Goatskin leather is naturally softer and more form-fitting than most synthetic materials, but it's also more durable under heavy use conditions. It breaks in quickly and conforms to your hand shape over time. The Milwaukee goatskin gloves (48-73-0012 and 48-73-0013) have a reinforced palm that outlasts synthetic options when you're working with rough lumber, structural hardware, concrete, or steel. For heavy construction where you're gripping rough materials all day, leather holds up where synthetic coatings wear through.
What does the ANSI A3 cut rating mean for the insulated gloves?
The ANSI A3 cut rating means the glove material can withstand between 1,000 and 1,499 grams of cutting force before the standardized test blade cuts through. Compared to A1 (200 to 499 grams), that's more than double the protection. For the 48-22-8920 and 48-22-8923, this makes them appropriate for wire stripping, pipe threading, demolition work, and handling materials with sharp edges where A1 protection wouldn't be adequate.