Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2026-01-28 Origin: Site
Chainmail gloves represent a specialized category of personal protective equipment (PPE) designed for high-cut-risk applications. Unlike general-purpose cut-resistant knit gloves, chainmail provides a distinct form of mechanical protection through interlinked metal or composite rings. When sourcing these gloves for industrial, butchery, or specialized cutting tasks, a systematic evaluation of technical specifications is essential. This guide outlines objective criteria for procurement, supported by data and standards, to assist buyers in making informed decisions. Hebei Linchuan Safety Protective Equipment Co., LTD manufactures a range of chainmail gloves, and the following parameters align with our design and production benchmarks.
The base material determines the glove's fundamental properties, including durability, weight, and suitability for specific environments.
Stainless Steel (Primary Choice):
Grades: AISI 304 (1.4301) is standard, offering good corrosion resistance. AISI 316 (1.4401) contains molybdenum, providing superior resistance to chlorides, acids, and salts common in meat processing and chemical environments.
Wire Specifications: Look for data on wire diameter (typically 0.8mm to 1.2mm) and ring inner diameter (commonly 4mm to 8mm). A smaller ring ID with a thicker gauge wire generally offers higher protection but increases weight.
Alternative Materials:
High-Tensile Plastics/Composites (e.g., POM): Used in lightweight chainmail for lower-risk applications or where metal detection or electrical non-conductivity is required. They offer chemical resistance but have different mechanical properties.
Titanium Alloys: Used in specialized applications for an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, but at a higher cost.
Base Glove Material: The chainmail is attached to a support glove. This should be made of leather (goat, cowhide) or a high-performance synthetic cut-resistant fabric like UHMWPE. It must withstand frequent washing and resist degradation from fats, blood, or industrial fluids.
Performance must be verified through independent, standardized testing, not unsubstantiated claims.
Cut Resistance (The Primary Metric):
Standard: EN ISO 13997 (Coupe Test) is the relevant test method. It measures the force in newtons (N) required for a straight blade to cut through the material.
Data to Request: Ask for the actual newton score and the corresponding Protection Level. Quality stainless steel chainmail should achieve Level 5 (the highest under EN 388 for cut resistance), corresponding to ≥ 20.0 N. Some premium gloves may exceed 30 N.
Caution: The older EN 388:2003 "Circular Blade" (Coup Test) score is not applicable to chainmail, as it damages the test blade and yields an inaccurate result. Ensure testing was performed under the correct standard.
Puncture Resistance:
Standard: EN 388 Puncture Test.
Data: This measures resistance to a standardized stylus. Performance depends on ring density. Expect ratings of Level 4 or 5 for stainless steel models.
Impact Protection (if applicable): Some modern designs integrate padding on the back of the hand. If required, look for certification under standards like EN 13594 or EN 1082-3.
Protection is ineffective if the glove impedes the task. Design features directly influence usability.
Coverage and Pattern: Assess the coverage area. Full five-finger designs offer maximum protection, while three-finger or safety cuff designs may offer better dexterity for specific tasks. The pattern (e.g., European 4-in-1) should be consistent and lie flat.
Fit and Sizing: Compliance with EN 420 sizing requirements is mandatory. Gloves should be available in a full range of sizes (e.g., 7 to 11) to ensure a secure, comfortable fit without restricting blood flow. A proper fit prevents bunching and reduces entanglement risk.
Weight and Dexterity: Stainless steel gloves weigh between 300 to 600 grams per pair. Heavier gloves increase fatigue. Evaluate the glove's Dexterity Rating (EN 420, Level 1-5) if available, and consider designs with articulated knuckles or pre-curved fingers for improved ergonomics.
Cuff Design: Options include elasticated wrist, safety cuff (with a protective gauntlet), or knife-entry cuff. The choice depends on the risk of blades sliding up the forearm.
The working environment dictates specific material and design needs.
Food Processing & Butchery: Material must be corrosion-resistant and cleanable. AISI 316 stainless steel is often specified. The entire assembly must withstand repeated sanitization in commercial dishwashers (temperatures up to 85-90°C) and exposure to cleaning agents. Materials should comply with relevant food contact regulations (e.g., EU Regulation 10/2011 for plastics, FDA CFR Title 21 for the US).
General Industry/Metalworking: Protection against sharp edges from sheet metal, glass, or plastics is key. Abrasion resistance (EN 388) becomes more relevant. A leather base glove is common for durability.
Chemical Exposure: Verify chemical resistance data (EN 16523, formerly EN 374) for the base glove material if incidental contact with oils, acids, or solvents is expected.
Initial purchase price is one component of long-term value.
Construction Quality: Inspect sample welds or rivets on rings. They should be smooth, secure, and free of burrs that could harbor contaminants or damage other surfaces. Seams on the base glove should be strong.
Ease of Maintenance: Gloves must be easy to clean and inspect. Request the manufacturer's cleaning and inspection protocols. High-quality chainmail should not rust or corrode under proper care.
Repairability: Some manufacturers offer repair services for damaged sections of mail, which can extend service life and reduce long-term costs.
Supplier Documentation: Reliable suppliers like Hebei Linchuan Safety Protective Equipment Co., LTD provide comprehensive documentation, including Declarations of Conformity, Technical Data Sheets (TDS) with test scores, and detailed sizing charts.
Procuring chainmail gloves requires a technical assessment focused on material science, certified performance data, ergonomic design, and environmental suitability. The core decision should be guided by the EN ISO 13997 cut resistance score (in newtons), the specific material grade (e.g., AISI 316), and the glove's design compatibility with the intended tasks and hygiene protocols. By prioritizing verified data over generic claims and considering the total cost of ownership, buyers can select gloves that provide consistent, reliable hand protection aligned with occupational safety objectives.
European Committee for Standardization (CEN). (2018). EN 388:2016+A1:2018 - Protective gloves against mechanical risks. (Specifically referencing the ISO 13997 Coupe Test in clause 6.2).
International Organization for Standardization (ISO). (1999). ISO 13997:1999 - Protective clothing - Mechanical properties - Determination of resistance to cutting by sharp objects.
European Committee for Standardization (CEN). (2003). EN 420:2003+A1:2009 - Protective gloves - General requirements and test methods.
ASTM International. (2021). F2992/F2992M-21 - Standard Specification for Finishes on Chainmail for Fencing and for Protective Clothing.
European Commission. (2011). Commission Regulation (EU) No 10/2011 on plastic materials and articles intended to come into contact with food.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21, Chapter I, Subchapter B. (Relevant parts for materials in food contact applications).