SHOWA 727 Chemical-Resistant Gloves — 15-Mil Unlined Nitrile, 13-Inch

Reading a cut level, and why the letter matters

Industrial hand protection is rated to ANSI/ISEA 105, which scores cut resistance A1 to A9 by the gram load required to cut through at a fixed distance — and the scale is not linear. A9 withstands roughly nine times the load of A1, and the jump from A4 to A5 is far larger than A1 to A2. The European equivalent, EN 388, uses letters A–F on a different test, so an EN rating does not map cleanly onto an ANSI level.

ANSI/ISEA 105 also scores abrasion, puncture and, where relevant, impact — which is a separate rating from cut and is the one that matters for back-of-hand protection. OSHA 1910.138 requires hand protection selected for the specific hazard, which is why a cut level alone is not a specification.

⚠ Cut resistance is not cut proof, and no glove rating covers a moving blade drawn under load. Ratings also degrade with wear, contamination and laundering.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SHOWA 727?

The unlined version of SHOWA's 15-mil unsupported nitrile chemical-glove family, with a 13-inch cuff. Unlined means no flock lint in the process and faster decontamination between uses, so it suits wet cycles and wash-down duty where the glove itself gets rinsed.

Why choose unlined over the flocked 730?

Unlined avoids flock lint contaminating your process and decontaminates faster because there is no cotton lining to trap chemical and moisture. Choose the 727 for wet, rinse-heavy work; choose the flocked 730 for dry-hand comfort over long wear.

What does 15-mil unsupported mean?

15-mil is the glove thickness - a robust wall for a reusable chemical glove - and unsupported means it is all nitrile with no fabric backing. That combination gives chemical resistance and flexibility without the bulk of a supported glove.

How long is the cuff?

The 727 has a 13-inch cuff, which covers the wrist and lower forearm. For deeper dip-tank and sink work where you reach further in, an elbow-length glove like the Atlas 772 keeps your sleeve dry.

What chemicals does nitrile handle?

Nitrile resists many oils, greases, solvents, and some acids and bases. It is not the polymer for aggressive polar solvents like ketones and esters, which call for butyl. Confirm your chemical on the permeation chart before relying on it.

How do I know it protects against my chemical?

Check your specific chemical against SHOWA's permeation and breakthrough-time data for the 727. Chemical resistance is chemical-specific; a glove excellent for one substance can break through quickly with another.

Is it cut- or heat-resistant?

No - the 727 is a chemical-resistant glove. It is not rated for cut or heat protection unless the listing states it; for those hazards use a cut-resistant or heat/welding glove.

Is it reusable?

Yes - the 727 is a reusable glove. Its unlined design makes it easy to rinse and decontaminate; retire it when the nitrile swells, cracks, hardens, or discolors from chemical contact.

What jobs is it for?

Wet-process work, wash-down and sanitation, parts cleaning, and chemical handling where the glove gets rinsed between tasks - anywhere the unlined, rinse-friendly design pays off.

When should I use a flocked or elbow-length glove?

Use a flocked glove like the 730 or Solvex 37-175 for long dry-hand comfort, and an elbow-length glove like the Atlas 772 when you reach into deep tanks. The 727 is the unlined 13-inch middle ground.

How do I care for it?

Rinse off chemical residue per the safety data sheet, dry inside and out, and store away from heat and sunlight. Retire the glove at the first sign of degradation - a compromised chemical glove no longer protects.

How do I order for a crew?

Quantity purchasing runs through a free Amazon Business account - volume pricing, PO numbers at checkout, and tax-exempt eligibility for qualifying organizations. The bulk-ordering walkthrough is linked in our site footer.