GLOVEWORKS Standard Black Nitrile Gloves Review (2025): The Everyday Black Industrial Glove at 100 Per Box
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★★★★☆ 4.3/5
Reviewed by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — 2025
| Thickness | 5 mil |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Count | 100 gloves/box |
| Material | Nitrile |
| Powder | Powder-free |
| Latex | Latex-free |
| Standard | ASTM D6319 |
GLOVEWORKS Standard Black Nitrile is AMMEX's entry industrial black—5 mil, powder-free, 100-per-box—the right glove for general shop work, light maintenance, and tattooing where black is the required color at a competitive per-pair price.
Why This Glove Stands Out
Black at standard 5 mil hits a practical sweet spot: general industrial tasks and tattooing demand black (for color contrast, not contamination concealment), but don't need the 8 mil gauge or per-pair cost of the HD line. This glove satisfies those requirements at 100-per-box economics.
Performance and Fit
At 5 mil, this is a general-purpose industrial glove, not a heavy-duty one. Textured fingertips provide adequate grip on dry parts, small tools, and general assembly components. For automotive work with grease and oils, the black color conceals contamination—though the 5 mil gauge means more frequent changes than 8 mil HD gloves during extended greasy tasks.
AMMEX manufacturing quality applies across the HD and standard lines. The Standard Black benefits from the same batch consistency that makes GLOVEWORKS HD a reliable industrial staple—thickness variation and AQL defect rates stay within specification. For high-volume operations where per-pair cost matters more than gauge, this glove delivers.
Durability and Chemical Protection
Chemical resistance at 5 mil covers incidental contact with oils, cleaning solutions, and mild solvents. Not rated for sustained chemical immersion. Powder-free construction prevents contamination on electrical components and painted surfaces—important for electronics assembly and body shop prep work.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Black color-code works for tattooing, automotive light tasks, and facilities that specify black for general use
- 100-per-box count keeps per-pair cost low for high-volume single-use environments
- AMMEX's consistent manufacturing quality reduces batch-to-batch variation
- Powder-free construction prevents contamination on electronics and painted surfaces
Cons
- 5 mil standard weight is not adequate for heavy automotive tasks requiring 8 mil puncture resistance
- Textured fingertips only—full-palm texture in the HD line provides better grip on oily surfaces
Who Should Buy This Glove
Order for general maintenance crews, tattoo artists, light assembly, and any operation that specifies black gloves but doesn't require heavy-duty 8 mil performance. The 100-per-box count is the economic fit for high-volume single-use environments.
Who Should Skip It
Skip for heavy automotive, sustained chemical contact, or tasks where puncture resistance at 8 mil is genuinely needed. For those use cases, the GLOVEWORKS HD Black is the correct choice.
How It Compares
The GLOVEWORKS HD Black (8 mil, 40/box) handles heavy industrial tasks this glove cannot. The GLOVEWORKS Blue (5 mil, 100/box) is identical spec in blue for facilities that use blue for general-purpose or food-safe signaling. The SwiftGrip Black is AMMEX's entry-level alternative in the same gauge range.
Related Nitrile Gloves
- GLOVEWORKS HD Black Nitrile (8 mil heavy duty)
- GLOVEWORKS Blue Nitrile (5 mil, general/food use)
- GLOVEWORKS HD Green Nitrile (8 mil)
- SwiftGrip Black Nitrile Gloves
- SWIFTLITE Ultra-Light Black Nitrile
- SAS Raven Black Nitrile (6 mil, 100/box)
- Venom Steel 6 Mil Industrial Black Nitrile
- Venom Steel Industrial Nitrile Gloves
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose Standard Black over HD Black?
Cost and count. Standard Black is 100/box at 5 mil—lower per-pair cost for general tasks. HD Black is 40/box at 8 mil for tasks requiring heavy-duty puncture resistance. If your work doesn't demand 8 mil, Standard Black saves money.
Are these food safe?
Yes—nitrile, powder-free, latex-free. Black is unusual in food service color-coding (blue and clear are standard), but the material is food-contact safe. Verify with your local food service authority.
Can I use black nitrile for tattooing?
Yes. Black is the standard glove color in tattooing for color contrast with ink and a professional appearance. Ensure powder-free—talc contamination during tattooing is a health risk.
How do these compare to GLOVEWORKS Blue?
Identical 5 mil specification and 100-per-box count. The only difference is color. Choose Black where black signaling is needed; choose Blue for food-safe or general-use color coding.
Are GLOVEWORKS Standard Black gloves latex-free?
Yes. 100% nitrile—no natural rubber latex.
What is the fingertip texture?
Raised texture pattern at the fingertips only—provides grip on dry and lightly wet surfaces during general tasks. For oily-surface grip, consider the HD line with diamond texture across the full palm.
What sizes are available?
XS, S, M, L, XL. Ambidextrous.
How many pairs per box?
50 pairs in a 100-count box.
What chemicals do 5 mil nitrile gloves resist?
5 mil nitrile resists incidental contact with oils, dilute cleaning chemicals, and light solvents. Not rated for sustained immersion in acetone, MEK, strong acids, or aggressive organic solvents.
What is the shelf life?
Three to five years in cool, dry storage away from UV and ozone.
Can I use these for electronics assembly?
Yes. Powder-free nitrile is appropriate for electronics assembly—no talc contamination on PCBs or sensitive components.
Are these appropriate for painting tasks?
For prep and masking work, yes. For spray application, verify against the paint system's SDS for specific solvent resistance requirements.
Do these gloves protect against bloodborne pathogens?
Intact nitrile gloves provide barrier protection against bloodborne pathogens per OSHA standards for universal precautions. Replace immediately upon any puncture or tear.
What is AQL for gloves?
Acceptable Quality Level—the statistical maximum defect rate permitted in a production batch. Lower AQL numbers mean higher quality control. Most examination-grade nitrile runs AQL 1.5 to 2.5.
Are there bulk case pricing options?
GLOVEWORKS products are available in case quantities of typically 10 boxes. Per-box pricing decreases with case orders—check current pricing on the product page.
The Bottom Line
GLOVEWORKS Standard Black delivers AMMEX reliability in a black, 5 mil, 100-count format that satisfies general industrial, tattooing, and light shop applications at a price point that makes high-volume use practical.
About the Author
Steven Eaton is the founder of WC Safety and a hands-on industrial PPE specialist with over a decade of experience sourcing and evaluating disposable gloves, respirators, and hearing protection for industrial, medical, and food-service environments.
Testing Methodology
Reviews are based on manufacturer specification sheets, ASTM/EN certification documentation, published comparative testing, and direct product handling. Ratings reflect build quality, specification value, and suitability for the intended application.
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Editorial Standards
All product claims are drawn directly from published technical data sheets, ASTM/EN certification records, or manufacturer documentation. WC Safety does not fabricate specifications, certifications, or comparative claims. Errors may be reported to safetynw2012@gmail.com.