DeWalt CUT5 Cut Protection Work Glove

Why I reached for the CUT5

I put the CUT5 glove through a month of mixed work—warehouse box handling, a few days of HVAC sheet‑metal installs, and some oily automotive teardown—to answer a simple question: can one pair cover high cut risk, daily abrasion, and slippery conditions without turning your hands into a sweaty mess or killing dexterity? DeWalt aims for that sweet spot with a high‑cut HPPE shell, a synthetic rubber palm dip for grip, and an antimicrobial treatment to keep odors in check. I wasn’t looking for miracles; I wanted a dependable, long‑lasting pair that I’d actually choose from the hook every morning. Here’s how they fared.

Build and materials

The CUT5 is built around a TekShell HPPE fiber shell. HPPE has become the backbone of modern cut‑resistant gloves because it delivers strong cut performance at relatively low weight and good flexibility. DeWalt pairs the shell with a GripTough synthetic rubber palm dip that’s rated for abrasion, tensile stress, and some heat exposure. The shell construction is DMF‑free, which is a nice nod to skin safety, and there’s an Anti‑Bac treatment targeting ATCC 6538 and ATCC 4352—lab strains commonly used in antimicrobial testing—to help curb odor-causing bacteria.

In the hand, the glove feels trim rather than bulky. The palm coating is evenly applied with clean demarcation lines; no flashing or stiff puddling at the fingertips. The overall finish is on par with other pro‑grade coated gloves and avoids the “boardy” feel you get on cheaper dips.

Fit and dexterity

Fit is always subjective, but in my usual size the CUT5 hugged the hand without pinching at the webbing or rolling at the fingertips. The knit back stretches well, and the palm coating remains supple enough for fine tasks. I was able to pick up 6‑32 screws, start hose clamps, and handle HVAC s‑clips without fighting the glove. The fingertips give decent feel for edges and fasteners. It’s not a thin assembly glove, but dexterity is better than you’d expect from a high cut rating.

One note: the fingers run true to length; if you prefer a bit of extra fingertip space, consider trying one size up. The knit cuff seals out grit and doesn’t sag, even after repeated pulls.

Grip in dry, wet, and oily conditions

Grip is the CUT5’s strongest everyday trait. In dry conditions the palm is tacky without grabbing, so cardboard, plastic totes, and painted sheet goods are easy to control. In the rain, the coating sheds water well enough that you don’t get that instant slip on smooth surfaces.

In oily work, the difference versus a foam nitrile is noticeable. The synthetic rubber compound bites into film‑oily parts better than basic nitrile dips while resisting swelling from gasoline and common shop oils. I degreased a brake caliper, pulled a greasy driveshaft, and still had enough purchase to avoid re‑grips. If you routinely swim in solvents, this isn’t a chemical glove, but for incidental exposure to oils, gas, and automotive fluids, the performance is confidently above average.

Cut and abrasion protection

The glove carries a CUT5 cut rating, which in practical terms puts it in the “high cut resistance” class. On the job, it shrugged off light slices from HVAC sheet metal, bound edges of stainless trim, and rough glass edges. I pushed hard along a sharp duct seam; the coating scuffed but I felt no bite through to the skin. It’s worth repeating the usual caveat: cut‑resistant isn’t puncture‑proof. Don’t expect it to stop sharp fasteners or needles.

Abrasion resistance is very good. After weeks of lifting taped cartons and sliding pallets, the palm coating showed flattening at the typical contact points but no breakthrough. The fingertips, especially index and thumb, held up to repeated use of utility knives and box staples without fraying the knit.

Durability over time

I wore one pair as my daily driver for roughly a month of workdays. The palm dip polished where it met rough surfaces and developed cosmetic scuffs, but seams stayed tight and there were no holes. The knit didn’t bag out, and the wrist remained elastic. That lifespan puts the CUT5 among the longer‑lasting coated gloves in my rotation, especially given the amount of abrasion they saw.

A couple of care notes helped: I knocked grime off at day’s end, gave them a rinse in cool water when they got oily, and air‑dried them away from heat. The palm compound rebounded well after cleaning.

Comfort and breathability

For a high‑protection glove, the CUT5 is comfortable. The knit back breathes reasonably, but the solid palm dip means your palms will run warm on hot days or in constant heavy lifting. That’s a tradeoff inherent to this style. The interior is smooth with no itchy seams, and the DMF‑free claim aligns with the fact that I had no skin irritation even after long shifts.

If you need maximum airflow, a foam‑coated or partially dipped glove will be cooler, but you’ll give up some of the oil resistance and abrasion toughness the CUT5 provides.

Hygiene and odor control

The Anti‑Bac treatment did what I expect from antimicrobial finishes: it slowed the funk. After multiple sweaty shifts, odor was present but muted compared to untreated gloves. It’s not a substitute for washing; a quick rinse and air dry kept them fresh enough that I didn’t dread putting them back on. I appreciate that DeWalt names the test organisms (ATCC 6538 and 4352), which suggests the treatment targets common odor‑causing bacteria rather than being just a marketing claim.

Limitations and quirks

• Touchscreen use was hit‑and‑miss. Taps occasionally registered, but I usually had to pull a fingertip off to use a phone reliably.
• The glove runs a touch warm in sustained, high‑effort work.
• While the palm coating handles incidental heat, it’s not a high‑heat glove. Don’t treat it as PPE for hot work or welding.
• It’s not a chemical‑resistant glove. Oils and some fuels are fine; strong solvents and caustics are not what this is built for.
• Not eligible for a limited warranty. That’s increasingly common with consumable PPE, but it’s worth noting.

Safety notes and standards

“CUT5” is the stated cut level, placing it in a high‑cut category for general industrial use. In the field, that translated to confident handling of sharp sheet goods and aggressive cardboard edges. As always, pair gloves to your actual hazards: puncture and impact risks require different or additional protection. If you work under a formal safety program, confirm the glove’s rating aligns with your site’s accepted standards.

Practical tips for getting the most out of the CUT5

• Choose a snug fit to preserve dexterity; loose fingers reduce cut protection and grip.
• Rinse off oils with cool water and air dry—avoid high heat, which can degrade coatings.
• Rotate between two pairs if you work long, sweaty shifts; it extends lifespan and comfort.
• Retire the pair once you see coating breakthrough or significant knit abrasion at fingertips.

Who it’s for

• Metal and glass handling where high cut resistance and durable grip matter.
• HVAC installers and sheet‑metal fabricators who need dexterity on sharp edges.
• Automotive and petrochemical techs dealing with oily parts and light chemical exposure.
• Warehouse and material‑handling crews looking for a long‑lasting, abrasion‑resistant daily glove.

If you need extreme dexterity for micro‑assembly, go thinner. If you need chemical splash protection or high‑heat resistance, choose task‑specific PPE. For everything in between, the CUT5 lands squarely in the productive middle.

Recommendation

I recommend the CUT5 glove as a dependable, high‑cut, high‑durability option that holds its grip in dry, wet, and oily conditions without sacrificing everyday dexterity. It’s comfortable for long shifts, the antimicrobial finish helps keep odors manageable, and the palm coating stands up to abrasion better than most. The tradeoffs—warmer palms, unreliable touchscreen use, and no formal warranty—are reasonable for the protection and lifespan you get. If your work straddles metal, glass, automotive fluids, or general material handling, this glove earns a spot in the kit.