GREASE MONKEY Gorilla Grip Work Gloves, Never Slip Maximum Grip All-Purpose, Gloves for Men, Superior in Wet, Dry, Oily Conditions, Polymer Palm, Large Size, 1 Pair, Black/Blue| 25053-26

A grippy, breathable staple for messy jobs

My tool bag has a rotating cast of gloves, but one pair keeps floating to the top: the Gorilla Grip gloves in size Large. They’re thin, polymer‑coated work gloves built for traction in wet, dry, and oily situations, and they’ve proven to be a smart choice for everything from weekend plumbing fixes to weekday shop work.

Build and design

These are knit gloves with a polymer palm and finger coating. The back of the hand is uncoated, which is key to the breathability that sets them apart from rubberized or fully dipped options. The knit wrist hugs snugly and keeps grit and insulation fibers out—handy when you’re crawling through attic spaces or cleaning gutters.

The coating isn’t just smooth nitrile; it’s patterned to channel liquids aside. You can actually feel faint micro‑ridges under your fingertips. That texture matters when you’re dealing with oil, coolant, condensation, or wet lumber. The overall package is deliberately thin. They’re not trying to be impact gloves or winter gloves; they’re built for dexterity and grip first.

Fit-wise, the Large runs snug out of the package (as knit gloves should) and relaxes slightly after a couple hours. They stretch to match the hand without bunching in the palm. I’m able to get a secure hold on small bits and fasteners without that “glove fighting your fingers” feeling.

Grip performance in real work

I used these across three representative jobs:

• Automotive: oil change and brake work
  
• Plumbing: swapping out a shutoff and re‑seating a trap
  
• Outdoor chores: yard cleanup and ladder work after a rain

In all three, grip stood out. Oily filters and sockets are usually a test; with these on, I could still spin an oil filter by hand without slipping, and I didn’t need to over‑squeeze tools to compensate. On brake calipers, where you’re handling dirty, dusty components, the gloves kept their tackiness even as the coating picked up grime.

During the plumbing task, the polymer texture helped on slick PVC and wet copper. I wasn’t re‑gripping constantly to maintain purchase, which makes awkward under‑sink angles less frustrating. On a wet aluminum ladder, the gloves felt surefooted—no slick, plasticky sliding on the rungs.

On clean, dry materials like cardboard and smooth plastics, the coating behaves like a second skin: grippy without being sticky. If your work is box handling or material staging, you’ll feel that efficiency immediately. And importantly, the gloves don’t balloon sweat; the knit back keeps airflow moving, so your grip doesn’t degrade because your hands got clammy.

Dexterity and comfort

These excel at fine control. I can pick up washers off concrete, thread machine screws, and run a screw gun without fighting the glove. The fingertip profile is slim enough that I can start fasteners by feel. The thin knit and partial coating also keep hand temperature moderate. They’re not insulated; they simply don’t trap heat, which is what I want nine months out of the year.

On the comfort front, the knit wrist is a quiet win—it keeps drywall dust, metal chips, and dirt from migrating into the glove. I rarely needed to pull them off to shake debris out. They’ll sometimes register on a phone or tablet touchscreen in a pinch, but I wouldn’t count on it. For me, that’s a non‑issue; I’m working, not texting.

Durability and service life

The honest tradeoff for a thin, high‑grip coating is wear. On abrasion-heavy tasks (dragging across rough concrete, repeated friction against textured ceilings or shingles), the fingertips will be the first to go. In my experience, when used for general mechanical and shop work a few days a week, a pair lasts several weeks before the coating noticeably smooths over and grip declines. In sustained, rough daily handling—warehouse stacking or dusty finish materials—I plan on a shorter life, on the order of one to two weeks per pair.

The fabric body holds up well; it’s the coated tips that eventually thin. The printed branding on the palm will peel well before performance changes—cosmetic and not a concern. If you need a glove for months-long service life under harsh abrasion, step up to a heavier coating or a thicker gauge knit and accept the loss in dexterity.

A quick care note: wash with mild soap and cold water, then air dry. High heat can harden or crack the coating and accelerate the loss of tackiness. Also, keep these out of harsh solvents and fuels; they’ll degrade any polymer coating, not just this one.

Protection and limitations

This style is about grip and control, not armor. There’s no cut‑resistant liner and no impact reinforcement. For sharp metal, knife work, or demolition, move to an ANSI‑rated cut glove (HPPE/steel blend) and, if needed, an impact back. They’re also not electrical gloves, not chemical‑resistant PPE, and not warm in freezing conditions. In cold weather, your hands will chill quickly; layer with a liner or choose an insulated option.

The coating sheds water on contact but isn’t waterproof. Prolonged immersion or heavy rain will soak the knit back. If you need to stay dry, consider a fully dipped glove; just expect much less breathability.

Sizing and feel

The Large fits my average‑to‑slightly‑wide hand well. If you’re between sizes or prefer a looser glove, consider sizing up; however, part of the performance comes from that snug, second‑skin fit. The stretch is forgiving, and they break in quickly.

Tip for longevity: keep fingernails trimmed. Long nails can push through the fingertips from the inside and start wear earlier than necessary.

Value

As single pairs, these can feel pricey relative to how long they last under heavy abrasion. In multipacks, the per‑pair cost drops to a sweet spot that makes rotation a no‑brainer. I keep a few fresh pairs in the truck—one for oily work, one for clean handling, one sacrificial pair for rough, gritty tasks. Swapping instead of grinding one pair to death extends overall usefulness and keeps grip where you need it most.

Compared with fully coated waterproof gloves, these are dramatically more comfortable for long stretches. Compared with thicker nitrile‑coated options, they deliver better tactile feel but won’t last as long in abrasive settings. That’s an acceptable trade in my shop most days.

Who they’re for

• Mechanics and DIYers who need confident traction on oily parts without losing feel
• Tradespeople handling wet surfaces, PVC, and smooth metals
• Material handlers who prioritize breathability and dexterity over maximum abrasion life
• Homeowners who want a go‑to glove for yard work, ladders, and general maintenance

Who should look elsewhere:

• Anyone needing cut, puncture, or impact protection
• Cold‑weather workers who need insulation
• Users who demand months of life from a single pair under heavy abrasion

Practical tips

• Rotate pairs by task to maintain grip on your “good” set
• Hand wash and air dry; skip the dryer
• Replace when the coating turns smooth and glossy—grip drops quickly after that
• Store out of direct sun and away from solvents to preserve the polymer

Verdict

I recommend the Gorilla Grip gloves for everyday tasks where grip and dexterity matter more than maximum protection or lifespan. They’re breathable, genuinely grippy in wet and oily conditions, and comfortable enough to wear for hours without fatigue. Accept that the fingertips will eventually wear if you’re rough on them, buy them in a multipack to keep costs reasonable, and you’ll have a dependable, always‑reach‑for‑them glove that earns its spot in the bag.