DeWalt Cut Protection Level A5 PU Touchscreen Glove

First impressions

I put the DeWalt A5 glove through a few weeks of mixed work—cutting HVAC duct, handling oily automotive components, trimming sheet metal, and general shop tasks—to see if it balances protection, dexterity, and day-to-day practicality. It’s a 13-gauge knit with a PU-coated palm and conductive fingertips, built around a nylon/HPPE/fiberglass blend. On paper, that’s a very familiar recipe. In practice, this glove stands out for a secure, consistent fit and a surprisingly reliable touchscreen experience without sacrificing feel.

Build and materials

The shell is a 13-gauge knit using nylon with HPPE and fiberglass reinforcement. That combination is common for cut protection because HPPE brings strength and a cool touch, while fiberglass bolsters cut resistance at a relatively low profile. The palm dip is polyurethane (PU), which is lighter and thinner than nitrile and generally offers better tactile feedback. A seamless knit cuff finishes it off.

There’s no impact padding or extra back-of-hand reinforcement; this is a straightforward cut-resistant glove aimed at dexterity-driven tasks. The coating stops at the palm and fingers rather than being a full dip, which helps breathability and comfort during longer wear but means you don’t get liquid resistance on the back of the hand.

Cut and abrasion performance

This glove is rated ANSI/ISEA Cut Level A5 and EN 388 4X42E. In the shop, that translated to confident handling of moderately sharp edges—HVAC ductwork, punched sheet steel, stamped brackets, and deburred aluminum. I wasn’t worried while feeding stock across a sander or carrying metal offcuts, and it felt appropriate for material handling on the floor.

A5 sits in the mid-to-high part of the cut spectrum. It’s a solid choice for construction, HVAC, automotive assembly, and general metal fabrication where incidental contact with edges is common. If your tasks involve sustained knife work, new razor edges, or glass cutting with high cut loads, I’d reach for A6–A7+ instead. Abrasion performance lines up with EN’s top rating (4), and after repetitive handling of abrasive parts and tool grips, the PU coating wore in evenly without chunking or early bald spots.

Grip and control

PU coatings are about balance. They don’t lock onto oily parts like aggressive sandy nitrile does, but they provide a consistent, predictable grip in dry to lightly oily conditions. That’s exactly what I experienced. On dry metal and plastics, the glove felt planted without feeling gummy. On lightly oily automotive parts, I still had solid control, though if I were bathing in cutting fluids or heavy grease I’d want a different coating. Where this glove shines is tactile feedback: you can feel fasteners, edges, and alignment clearly enough to avoid over-torquing or fumbling small hardware.

Touchscreen performance

The touchscreen fingertips are not an afterthought. With a typical smartphone (with a glass screen protector) and a tablet on the shop floor, taps, swipes, and pinch-zoom registered cleanly. Texting isn’t pleasant in any glove, but basic app use, snapping photos, and acknowledging work orders were no problem. Importantly, the coating didn’t need to be bone dry; even with a bit of oil residue, my phone still responded, though like any glove, accuracy drops if the screen itself is wet.

Fit and comfort

Fit is the quiet success here. The 13-gauge knit hugs the hand without feeling constricting, and the seamless cuff stays put without cutting into the wrist. I wore my usual size and found it true to size: snug enough for dexterity, not so tight that it fatigued my hand. Fingertip shaping is consistent from finger to finger, which matters for small-part handling and also helps with touchscreen accuracy.

Breathability is good for a coated glove. The uncoated back of hand lets heat escape, and the HPPE blend has that cool, slick feel you expect. Fiberglass can be a source of itch in some gloves; I didn’t notice irritation during full days, even when I took them on and off frequently. As always, if you’re sensitive to fiberglass, try a pair before committing to a bulk order.

Durability and care

Over repeated shifts, the PU palm held up well to abrasion and everyday scraping. The first signs of wear appeared at the tips of the index finger and thumb—where you pinch and drag most often—but the loss was gradual. Stitching and cuff elasticity stayed intact. I machine-washed the gloves cold and air-dried them; the fit and coating recovered nicely each time. Avoid high-heat drying—PU coatings don’t love heat—and skip harsh solvents.

If you need a glove to survive aggressive chemical exposure or sustained immersion in oils, nitrile coatings will outlast PU. For general shop grime, the DeWalt A5 glove is easy to clean and seems built for multi-week service life before the palm coating wears thin.

Safety standards and what they mean

• ANSI/ISEA Cut Level A5: Appropriate for regular contact with sharp edges and moderate cut risks typical of metal fabrication, HVAC sheet handling, and manufacturing lines.
• EN 388 4X42E: Top-tier abrasion performance (4), high tear (4), reasonable puncture resistance (2), and high TDM cut level (E).

These are strong numbers for a glove focused on dexterity rather than bulk protection. Just remember these ratings don’t cover impact protection or heat/arc resistance; if you need those, you’ll want a different glove category.

Where it shines

• Day-to-day metal work: Carrying, trimming, and assembling sheet and formed parts felt safe and efficient.
• Mixed environments: Moving between dry, slightly oily, and dusty tasks without swapping gloves.
• Tech-friendly workflows: Using a phone, scanner, or tablet on the job without stripping gloves off.
• Long wear sessions: Good breathability and a cuff that stays put reduce fidgeting and mid-task adjustments.

Where it falls short

• Heavy oil and chemicals: PU is fine for light oil, but nitrile (especially sandy or foam nitrile) grips better and lasts longer in oily or chemical-heavy environments.
• Impact hazards: No knuckle or back-of-hand protection.
• Liquid exposure: The back isn’t coated, so splashes will soak through.
• Very high cut risk: For knife-intensive or glass handling with high cut forces, consider moving up to higher ANSI cut levels.

Sizing, options, and warranty

A wide size run (XS through XXL) helps dial in the right fit, and in my experience it runs true to size. The glove is offered in bulk-friendly packaging—by the dozen or a case of 120 pairs—suited to crews and facilities that standardize PPE. DeWalt backs it with a 90-day limited warranty, which is typical for work gloves and really just a backstop against early defects.

Practical tips

• If you’re between sizes, go with the snugger fit to preserve dexterity; the knit will relax slightly with use.
• Machine wash cold, air dry. Heat will accelerate coating wear.
• If your work skews oily, keep a sandy nitrile pair nearby for the messiest tasks and use the DeWalt A5 glove for everything else.
• Replace when the PU coating thins at the index and thumb—grip drops quickly after that point.

Verdict

I reached for the DeWalt A5 glove more often than I expected. It threads a useful needle: meaningful cut and abrasion resistance without giving up feel, plus touchscreen functionality that actually works. It’s not a specialty glove, and that’s the point—it excels as a daily driver for construction, HVAC, automotive, and general fabrication where tasks change by the hour.

Recommendation: I recommend this glove for anyone who needs mid-to-high cut protection with excellent dexterity and reliable touchscreen use. It’s particularly well suited to shops and field crews juggling metal handling, assembly, and documentation on devices. If your work involves heavy oils, chemicals, or impact hazards, pair it with a more specialized glove for those moments; otherwise, this is an easy, comfortable choice that holds up and stays out of your way.