MCR Safety 9278NF-XXS CutPro A3 Cut-Resistant Gloves — XX-Small

The MCR Safety CutPro 9278NF-XXS delivers ANSI/ISEA 105 A3 cut-resistant protection in an XX-Small size engineered for fine-handed workers, laboratory technicians, and professionals who need dexterity without sacrificing safety. Built on an ultra-fine 18-gauge HyperMax HPPE shell, these cut-resistant gloves combine a lightweight knit construction with a nitrile foam palm coating that delivers reliable grip across dry, lightly oily, and wet surfaces. For B2B safety buyers sourcing hand protection for packaging lines, warehouse operations, light assembly, or order fulfillment teams, the 9278NF-XXS fills a critical gap in the size spectrum — providing the same industrial-grade cut resistance as full-size variants in a glove that actually fits smaller hands properly. Proper fit is not a comfort luxury; it is a direct safety requirement, and MCR Safety's CutPro line addresses that reality head-on.

Key Features

• ANSI/ISEA 105 A3 Cut Resistance: Independently tested and rated at cut level A3, suitable for general industrial cut hazards including cardboard, packaging materials, light sheet metal edges, and assembly components.
• 18-Gauge HyperMax HPPE Shell: Ultra-fine 18-gauge knit construction using HyperMax high-performance polyethylene fiber provides a snug, form-fitting feel that maximizes tactile feedback and dexterity.
• Nitrile Foam Palm Coating: The nitrile foam coating conforms to surface irregularities, trapping air to enhance grip on both dry and lightly wet objects, reducing drop risk and improving productivity.
• XX-Small Sizing: Designed for hands with a circumference of approximately 6 inches or smaller — a specialty size that ensures proper fit, reduces hand fatigue, and prevents the safety hazards caused by ill-fitting gloves.
• Seamless Knit Construction: Eliminates seam bulk and pressure points that can cause hand fatigue during extended shifts.
• Touchscreen Compatible: Fingertip construction allows limited touchscreen interaction without glove removal.
• Breathable Shell: The open-knit HPPE base allows air circulation, keeping hands cooler during sustained use.
• Lightweight Design: Minimal bulk does not impede hand motion, making the 9278NF-XXS ideal for precision assembly and picking/packing tasks.

Specifications

Advanced Cut Protection with Nitrile Foam Coating

The MCR Safety CutPro 9278NF-XXS is purpose-built for workers who encounter moderate cut hazards in environments where dexterity is equally critical to protection. At the core of this glove is MCR Safety's proprietary HyperMax HPPE fiber — a high-performance polyethylene material that delivers a higher strength-to-weight ratio than conventional HPPE blends. The 18-gauge knit yields an exceptionally thin profile that closely follows the contours of the hand, giving the wearer a near-bare-hand feel while still meeting ANSI/ISEA 105 A3 cut level requirements. In practical terms, A3 protection means the glove can withstand a cut force of 500–999 grams using the standardized ASTM F2992 test methodology — more than sufficient for the most common cut hazards found in packaging, picking, and general warehouse operations.

The nitrile foam palm coating adds a functional grip layer that directly addresses the real-world conditions of industrial environments. Unlike flat nitrile or latex coatings, the foam cell structure within the nitrile compound conforms to surface textures and micro-irregularities on boxes, components, and tools. When the worker grips an object, the foam compresses slightly, increasing the contact patch and reducing the force required to hold the item securely. This property is particularly valuable during extended picking shifts where grip fatigue is a leading cause of drops and near-miss incidents. The coating's texture also performs well in lightly oily conditions — an advantage over PU-coated alternatives in environments where machined parts or lubricated components are handled.

The XX-Small designation makes this model a standout in the industrial glove market. Most safety glove programs default to size ranges of Small through X-Large, leaving fine-handed workers — often women, younger workers, or workers of smaller stature — to choose between undersized "Small" gloves that still fit poorly or larger gloves that bunch and create pinch-point hazards. The 9278NF-XXS solves this by offering a properly sized option at the same A3 protection level, ensuring that every worker on a line receives equivalent protection regardless of hand size. Safety managers sourcing gloves for mixed-workforce facilities should stock this size alongside standard variants to maintain a compliant, correctly fitted PPE program.

Compliance and Standards

• ANSI/ISEA 105 A3: Cut level A3 per the American National Standard for Hand Protection Selection Criteria, tested per ASTM F2992 (TDM-100 method).
• ASTM F2992: Standard test method for measuring cut resistance of materials used in protective clothing.
• OSHA Hand Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.138): Suitable for workplaces requiring documented cut-hazard controls for light-to-moderate cut risks.
• Compliant with general industry PPE selection requirements when hazard assessment identifies A3-level cut risk.

Real-World Benefits

Correct Fit Equals Correct Protection. A glove that is too large for the wearer's hand will bunch at the fingertips, reducing tactile sensitivity and creating fold-over zones that can catch on machinery or get drawn into pinch points. The XX-Small size of the 9278NF ensures that fine-handed workers receive a glove that actually conforms to their hand geometry, delivering the full protection and dexterity the glove was engineered to provide. Safety managers who stock only standard sizes are leaving a portion of their workforce underprotected.

All-Day Wearability for High-Repetition Tasks. Packaging lines, order fulfillment centers, and distribution warehouses demand that workers perform thousands of repetitive hand motions per shift. The 18-gauge HyperMax HPPE shell and nitrile foam coating combination keeps the glove thin enough to avoid hand fatigue while providing the grip performance needed to maintain throughput. Workers are more likely to keep properly fitting, comfortable gloves on throughout their shift — and consistent glove wear is the only way to realize the safety benefit of the PPE investment.

Inventory Simplicity for Safety Buyers. The CutPro 9278NF line provides a consistent construction across all sizes, meaning your workers receive the same cut-resistance rating, the same coating technology, and the same performance regardless of which size they draw from the supply cabinet. Sourcing a complete size run including the XXS through XXL variants allows safety managers to standardize on a single product line and simplify replenishment orders while maintaining documented ANSI-compliance across all hand sizes.

Applications and Use Cases

• Packaging and box-sealing operations involving cardboard, tape dispensers, and utility knives
• E-commerce and distribution center order picking and packing
• Light assembly of components with stamped or formed edges
• Warehouse receiving and stocking tasks
• Food packaging (non-FDA-restricted dry goods applications)
• Parts inspection and quality control in light manufacturing
• Retail stocking and shelf management involving corrugated materials
• Laboratory sample handling where moderate cut risk exists

Related Products

• Browse All Cut-Resistant Gloves — Full range of ANSI A1–A9 rated cut protection gloves
• Hand Protection Collection — Comprehensive hand PPE including impact, vibration, and chemical protection
• Safety Gloves — General purpose and specialty safety gloves for all industries
• Personal Protective Equipment — Full PPE catalog including head, eye, foot, and respiratory protection
• MCR Safety 9277NF-XS CutPro A7 Hi-Vis Gloves (X-Small) — Step up to A7 cut protection in a small-hand size
• MCR Safety 9273SPU CutPro A9 Sandy PU Gloves — Maximum A9 cut protection with FDA-accepted coating

Frequently Asked Questions

What do ANSI cut levels mean for glove selection?

ANSI/ISEA 105 defines nine cut resistance levels (A1 through A9) based on the force required to cut through the glove material using a standardized blade test (ASTM F2992 TDM-100 method). A1 represents the lowest cut resistance (100–199 grams), and A9 represents the highest (6,000+ grams). The 9278NF-XXS is rated A3, meaning it withstands 500–999 grams of cut force — appropriate for general industrial tasks such as handling cardboard, light sheet metal, and packaged goods. Buyers should match the glove's cut level to the documented hazard identified in their PPE hazard assessment; over-protecting with a higher cut level than necessary often reduces dexterity unnecessarily, while under-protecting creates real injury risk.

Why would a workplace need XX-Small cut-resistant gloves?

Many workforces include workers — particularly women, younger workers, and workers of smaller stature — whose hand circumference is approximately 6 inches or less. Standard small-sized industrial gloves typically fit hands of 7 inches or more. Issuing a Small glove to an XX-Small hand leaves excess material at the fingertips, impairs tactile feedback, and can create fold-over zones that catch on equipment. The 9278NF-XXS ensures these workers receive properly fitted, ANSI-compliant protection rather than an ill-fitting compromise.

What is the difference between A3 and A7 cut resistance?

A3 gloves withstand 500–999 grams of cut force and are suited for moderate hazards such as cardboard handling, general assembly, and light metal parts. A7 gloves withstand 2,000–2,999 grams of cut force and are engineered for high-hazard tasks like automotive stamping, glass handling, sheet metal fabrication, and recycling operations. If your hazard assessment identifies primarily cardboard, boxed goods, and light components, A3 is appropriate and typically offers better dexterity. If workers encounter metal stampings, glass edges, or aggressive cutting tools, A7 (such as the MCR Safety 9277NF series) provides substantially greater protection.

How does nitrile foam coating compare to flat nitrile coating?

Flat nitrile coatings provide a smooth, even grip surface suited to precision handling of small parts. Nitrile foam coatings add a cellular air-pocket structure that compresses on contact, increasing the grip surface area and improving performance on irregular, textured, or lightly oily objects. For packaging lines, picking operations, and general warehouse tasks where workers handle varied object shapes and textures, nitrile foam typically outperforms flat nitrile in grip reliability and reduces the grip force workers must exert — which in turn reduces hand fatigue over a full shift.

Can the 9278NF-XXS be laundered?

Yes, the 9278NF-XXS is designed to withstand repeated washing. Machine wash in warm water with a mild detergent and air dry. Avoid bleach and high-heat dryers, which can degrade the nitrile foam coating and reduce the coating's adhesion to the HPPE shell over time. Following proper care instructions extends the usable life of the glove and maintains its cut resistance and grip performance. Establish a glove inspection and rotation schedule so worn or damaged gloves are replaced before protection is compromised.

How do I determine the correct glove size for my workers?

Measure the circumference of the dominant hand just below the knuckles (excluding the thumb) using a flexible tape. A measurement of approximately 6 inches corresponds to XX-Small. 7 inches is typically Small, 8 inches Medium, 9 inches Large, and 10 inches X-Large. For bulk orders across a workforce, survey hand measurements or issue a size chart and sample gloves to allow workers to self-size before committing to full inventory. Proper fit is critical to both protection and compliance — a glove that does not fit will not be worn consistently.

Is the 9278NF-XXS appropriate for food handling environments?

The 9278NF-XXS nitrile foam coating is not specifically documented as FDA-accepted for direct food contact. For food processing, food manufacturing, or pharmaceutical applications where direct or incidental food contact is possible, MCR Safety's 9273SPU series with its FDA-accepted sandy polyurethane coating is the appropriate choice. Always verify coating compliance with your facility's food safety program requirements and consult your safety supplier for formal documentation before deploying gloves in regulated food environments.

What industries most commonly stock MCR Safety CutPro gloves?

MCR Safety CutPro gloves are widely used across distribution and logistics, e-commerce fulfillment, general manufacturing, automotive parts handling, food packaging (dry goods), construction material handling, and retail operations. The CutPro line's combination of HyperMax HPPE fiber and varied coating options (nitrile foam, hi-vis nitrile foam, sandy PU) allows safety buyers to select the right coating and cut level for each job function within a facility — often standardizing on the CutPro brand across multiple departments while varying the specific model to match the hazard profile of each role.