SHOWA 874 Butyl Chemical-Resistant Gloves — Rough Grip, Unlined

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 874?

The industrial-standard butyl chemical-resistant glove - unlined, with a rough grip finish. Butyl rubber is the polymer for ketones, esters, and aggressive polar solvents that destroy nitrile, so the 874 is chosen where those chemistries are present.

Why butyl instead of nitrile?

Butyl resists ketones, esters, and aggressive polar solvents that break through nitrile quickly. It is the most expensive polymer in the chemical-glove family because it handles chemistries nothing else will - so you choose it specifically for those chemicals, not as a general-purpose glove.

What chemicals is it for?

Ketones, esters, and aggressive polar solvents are the classic butyl use cases, and butyl also resists many gases and offers strong permeation resistance. Always confirm your specific chemical on SHOWA's permeation chart rather than assuming.

How do I know it protects against my chemical?

Check your specific chemical against SHOWA's permeation and breakthrough-time data for the 874. Chemical resistance is chemical-specific; verify before relying on the glove, because breakthrough time varies widely by substance.

Why is it unlined?

The unlined construction keeps the glove thin for dexterity and makes decontamination simpler. The rough grip finish adds hold on wet or oily items where a smooth glove would slip.

Is it also cut- or heat-resistant?

No - the 874 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.

Why is butyl more expensive?

Butyl is a specialized polymer that resists chemistries other materials cannot, and it costs more to produce than nitrile or PVC. You pay for capability - reserve it for the aggressive polar solvents that justify it, and use cheaper polymers elsewhere.

Is it reusable?

Yes - the 874 is a reusable glove. Inspect it before each use and retire it at the first sign of swelling, softening, cracking, or discoloration, which indicate chemical degradation.

What length and sizes does it come in?

Size and length options for this listing are shown on the linked Amazon product page. Fit matters for dexterity and for keeping chemicals from entering at the cuff, so size carefully.

When should I use nitrile or PVC instead?

For oils, greases, and many solvents, nitrile like the Solvex line is more economical; for oils, acids, and caustics in rough service, a PVC glove like the Atlas 660 fits. Reserve butyl for the polar solvents that defeat those polymers.

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.