Safety first: always wear gloves when handling pliers?

Hey guys, quick safety tip I learned the hard way. I was using a pair of slip-joint pliers to grip a stubborn bolt and my hand slipped, ending up with a nasty cut from the serrated jaws. Since then, I always wear cut-resistant gloves when using pliers for anything heavy. You might think it's overkill, but it's saved my knuckles more than once. What do you all think? Do you wear gloves with pliers?

Larry, you're spot on. I've been a carpenter for 30+ years and I've seen guys lose fingertips because they skipped gloves. I always keep a pair of mechanics gloves in my apron. They don't hinder feel as much as you'd think. Plus, they keep your hands clean from grease and oil. I'd say it's a no-brainer, especially when you're twisting wire or pulling nails with lineman's pliers.

I hear ya, but I'll play devil's advocate. Sometimes gloves can reduce grip sensitivity, and that can lead to dropping pliers or crushing a finger. But then again, I've got a pair of those high-dexterity ones from Mechanix Wear, and they're great. For heavy-duty stuff, I use them. For delicate work, I might go bare. It's a balance, but better safe than sorry.

Tim, Dan, good points. Dan, you're right about sensitivity. That's why I only wear them when I'm really cranking on something. For precision work, I'll take them off. But for the big jobs, gloves are a must. I also find that they prevent blisters from long sessions. So, what do you guys recommend for a good pair? I need some that last.

I've been using the standard leather palm gloves, but they can get sweaty. I heard there are some with breathable backs. A buddy of mine swears by the ones with coated palms for grip. Honestly, just get a few pairs and see what feels right. And make sure they fit well, not too loose. You don't want them slipping off while you're working.