Safety glasses are the most important equipment to have in a woodworking workshop. Every woodworker knows how vital it is to keep the eyes safe from all the wood chips that fly around when using machines and from chemical spills. The only way to ensure that the eyes are safe from any accident is by wearing high-quality safety glasses.
The tons of safety goggles in the market can leave you confused about the one to buy. Plus, there is a lot of false claim from manufactures of these safety glasses about their product having a particular feature whereas it doesn’t.
Not to worry, we have narrowed down the options in the market and compiled this review of the 10 best woodworking safety glasses. After we are done with the reviews, we would educate you on some key features to look out for when choosing a pair of safety glasses.
Name | Image | rating | price |
|---|---|---|---|
Edge TSKAP218 Kazbek Polarized Safety Glasses |
| Best Pick | |
NoCry Safety Glasses |
| Runner Up | |
3M Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear |
| Good | |
Dewalt DPG59-120C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal 2.0 Clear Lens Safety Glasses |   | Good | |
Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2 Safety Glasses |
| Bulk Pack |
Our 10 Best Safety Glasses For Woodworking:
Here are our top 10 list that you can utilize to pick a perfect fit that ensures safety & fashion-
1. Edge TSKAP218 Kazbek Polarized Safety Glasses
The Edge safety eyewear industry is one of the pioneers of comfortable safety glasses. Not only do their safety glasses protect the eyes completely. But they also merge cutting-edge fashion and comfort like no other in the industry. One of their renowned glasses is this model TSKAP218 Kazbek polarized safety glasses.
These polarized safety goggles ensure your eyes stay protected all day. Thanks to their lightweight design (0.43 ounces) and straight temple arms, they apply low or no pressure on the head and temples. Edge made them from premium-grade materials to be durable, flexible, and comfortable for all-day wear. They used a tapered lens technology on these protective eyewear that block 99.9% of UVA/UVB/UVC rays and reduce visual distortion & eye weariness.
Furthermore, these safety glasses feature an aqua precision mirror lens that prevents the passage of infrared light, boosting visual clarity. Each of the Edge TSKAP218 Kazbek polarized lenses undergo intense testing before they are sent out. Plus, they are scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about scratches.
These safety glasses are compliant with ANSI/ISEA Z87.1+2015 for eye & head protection, Z87+ for high impact level standards, and MCEPS GL-PD 10-12. However, sizing is a hassle with these glasses as they tend to run tight at the temple. So ensure you do your research to get the one best fitted for your face.
Pros
- Lightweight
- They come with two lenses that block 99.9% of UVA/UVB/UVC rays and prevents the passage of infrared light
- Comfortable, stylish, and durable
- Scratch-resistant lenses
- Straight temple arms reduce pressure on the head and temples
Cons
- Sizing is a hassle
2. NoCry Safety Glasses
Next on the list is the NoCry safety glasses. For what is worth, these safety glasses are very affordable and offer excellent value for money. It is built from sturdy and long-lasting latex-free polycarbonate wraparound construction for the sole aim of protecting the eyes from dirt, dust, chemical spills, and 99.97% of destructive UV radiation (380 nanometers). Plus, it is impact-resistant and has an EN166 safety certification.
NoCry claims the 7.5” lens of these safety goggles have anti-scratch & anti-fog treatment. Yet, the lens does fog and scratch easily, which is the complete opposite of what NoCry advertises. Having said that, the slip-resistant, fully adjustable rubber side and nose pieces of these safety glasses allow them to fit any face shape and head size without slipping. With a weight of 0.05lbs, you won’t feel any load/pressure on your face when you have these traditional safety glasses on.
Moreover, the NoCry glasses are designed to resemble Italian fashion glasses so you can wear them all day. NoCry offers a free-replacement or money-back guarantee if, upon purchase, there are any manufacturing defects. Be informed that these particular NoCry protective glasses aren’t ANSI Z87.1 certified and don’t last for a long time.
Pros
- Fully adjustable to fit any face shape and head size
- Lightweight
- Cheap and offer excellent value for money
- Slip-resistant
- Comfortable and stylish
- Latex-free
- Free-replacement or money-back guarantee if purchased with defect
Cons
- Doesn’t have ANSI certification
- Not durable
- It fogs and scratches easily
3. 3M 10078371662704 Virtua CCS Protective Eyewear
The 3M Virtua CCS protective eyewear ensures your eyes are safe during any woodworking projects without hurting your pocket. They qualify as both reading glasses and safety glasses. They feature a see-through, anti-fog & anti-scratch lens for complete visibility. Their lenses are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate and have a diopter (+2.5) to assist woodworkers who experience difficulty reading small print. Plus, they absorb 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays.
These traditional safety glasses are comfortable and have enough cushioning for prolonged use. Their unique temple wraparound design keeps the cords of earplugs firmly attached to the ears and untangled while in use. Thanks to this design, they provide extensive eye protection and a clear view without falling off. The manufacturer, 3M, also makes a foam gasket attachment for additional protection from dirt and increased cushioning. However, you’ll have to buy the attachment separately, and the lens tends to fog with the gasket on.
The 3M Virtua CCS safety glasses meets the standards of CSA Z94.3-2007 and ANSI Z87.1-2010. It offers a snug fit. Be informed that it fogs if worn with an n95 mask.
Pros
- They have a diopter to help with reading small print
- Meets the standards of CSA Z94.3-2007 and ANSI Z87.1-2010
- Comfortable and have a snug fit
- Affordable
- Features see-through, anti-fog coating & scratch resistant lenses
- The lens absorbs 99.9% of UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- Fogs when worn with a mask
4. Dewalt DPG59-120C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal 2.0 Clear Lens Safety Glasses
The Dewalt DPG59-120C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal 2.0 clear lens safety glasses are another safety goggles that combine safety and readability in one. They are cheaper than the 3M protective eyewear, offering similar performance. The magnification diopter that aids in the reading of small print is molded directly into the safety lens to provide excellent reading capacity.
They feature impact-resistance polycarbonate 2.0 clear lenses that offer maximum protection from dirt and 99.9% UVA/UVB protection. These protective glasses cushioned temples have a handgrip pattern that ergonomically positions them on your ear with a firm grip. Thanks to their tender, non-slip nose piece made from rubber, they are comfortable for all-day wear.
The Dewalt DPG59-120C Reinforcer Rx-Bifocal 2.0 clear lens safety glasses meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards. Note that the lens doesn’t distort and does fog sometimes. However, these safety glasses will do a fine job of keeping your eyes safe and helping you to read small characters without stress. Weight is 1.13 ounces.
Pros
- Cheap
- Meet ANSI Z87.1+ standards
- Cushioned temple
- Lightweight
- They come with a clear 2.0 lens that doesn’t distort
- Safety and reading glasses in one
Cons
- No anti-fog coating
5. JORESTECH Eye-wear Safety Glasses
The JORESTECH Eyewear protective glasses will keep metal/wood chips, chemical splash, and flying little objects in the workshop from entering your eyes, which may cause long-term damages to them. They are made from heavy-duty polycarbonate, making them perfect safety glasses for woodworkers who take on demanding projects and need their eyes to be protected at all times with less user fatigue. When you buy these protective eyewear, they come in a pack of 12, which is cheap for as low as $1.3/one pair of glasses.
The lenses of these lightweight safety glasses are constructed out of a Hi-visibility polycarbonate material that has been treated to possess anti-scratch and impact-resistance properties, ensuring they don't shatter upon impact. Furthermore, they are lightweight, don't fog easily, and provide UV 400 protection. Harmful UV 400 protection keeps your eyes safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Also, the lens is ANSI Z87+ certified.
The JORESTECH Eyewear protective glasses are available in different kinds of lens tints and color combinations. However, this version for woodworking is the “smoke type” that’s all-black. These safety goggles feature a cushioned wraparound temple that comfortably wraps around the wearer’s head, providing protection from the sides and a comfortable fit. However, they have a loose fit and can’t be adjusted. You can purchase them if you have a wide face. Another thing is that the glasses fog up when used with a mask.
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- It comes in a pack of 12
- Cheap and offers excellent value for money
- ANSI Z87+ certified
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Cushioned wraparound temple
Cons
- Loosely-fitted and can’t be adjusted
- Fogs when used with a mask
6. Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2 Safety Glasses
The Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2 OTG safety glasses are modern designed OTG safety glasses that offer proper eye protection without sacrificing vision. They have a compact size, making them lighter than most OTG safety glasses. These safety goggles' one-piece polycarbonate lens will fit over standard prescription lenses. Their soft, flexible temple length can be adjusted to fit any size of head and shape of a face. Plus, the temple tips reduce head pinching.
Thanks to the soft nosepiece of these safety glasses, they stay securely in place, making them ideal for prolonged use. You don’t have to worry about damages from impact because they have an in-built side shield to ensure full impact coverage. Further, Underwriters laboratories have tested and certified the Gateway Safety 6980 Cover2®OTG safety glasses to meet ANSI Z87.1+ & CSA Z94.3 standards and MIL PRF-31013.
Kindly note that these lightweight safety glasses aren’t air-tight, and as such, may not meet all the demands of OTG safety glasses. Also, they are likely to scratch and fog easily. If you are a woman, don’t buy this pair of safety glasses because they don't have a snug fit on women.
Pros
- Soft, adjustable temples
- It can be worn over prescription glasses
- Lightweight and compact
- Meet ANSI Z87.1+ & CSA Z94.3 standards and MIL PRF-31013
Cons
- It isn’t airtight
- Gets scratched and fogs easily
- Not suitable for women
7. DEWALT - DPG82-21CConcealer Safety Glasses
The Dewalt brand makes another appearance on this list with the DPG82-21C concealer safety glasses. These safety glasses are dual mold safety glasses that provide 100% eye protection from wood dust and flying debris. Their polycarbonate lenses are manufactured with Dewalt patented ToughCoat™ hard coating that ensures they don’t scratch. Additionally, each lens has Dewalt XtraClear anti-fog lens coating for tough protection against fogging. The lens meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provides 99.9% UVA/UVB protection
With their soft, flexible rubber frame that conforms to the wearer’s face and their adjustable elastic cloth head strap, these safety goggles will fit most head sizes without any issue of falling off. There are ventilation channels that improve breathability and reduce the tendency of fogging to happen. If the lens gets bad, there is a clip attachment for easy removal and installation of a new lens.
The Dewalt DPG82-21C concealer safety glasses do a great job keeping dirt and flying debris out of the eyes. However, they don’t seal the nose area, which could let in some dirt. If you want to purchase these safety glasses, you should also find a solution to sealing up your nose area.
Pros
- Flexible frame makes it comfortable
- They don’t fog and scratch
- Meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards and provides 99.9% UVA/UVB protection
- The lens can be easily removed and replaced if it gets defective
Cons
- They don’t seal up the nose area well
8. BISON LIFE Safety Glasses
The BISON LIFE safety glasses are made up of a high-impact, concave, clear, shatterproof lens, making them very durable. The lens exceeds ANSI Z87.1 standards and protects against harmful UV rays. They are incredibly lightweight (1 ounce). And feature all-around ballistic impact protection to keep your eyes safe from dirt, flying debris, small slivers of wood, metal, and any chemical spills. Plus, they have been engineered with a scratch-resistant coating to prevent scratching.
Thanks to the comfortable, tight, and universal fit temples of these safety glasses, there is no or little issue with slippage. Additionally, the temples provide full brow and side protection, ensuring your eye region is completely protected. However, you should carry out a thorough safety evaluation of the project you intend to use the glasses on and ensure the glasses shield your eyes from the directions where likely threats to your eyes can come from.
The BISON LIFE lightweight safety goggles come in a pack containing 12 pieces. Although, individually wrapped. They are comfortable, and sizing isn’t a hassle as they are one-size-fits-all safety glasses. However, it’s important you know that there have been complaints of these glasses distorting vision when worn for a prolonged period.
Pros
- Durable and lightweight
- Exceeds ANSI Z87.1 standards
- 12 pieces regular safety glasses
- It has a scratch-resistant coating
- Universal fit
Cons
- Individually wrapped
- Distorts vision when worn for long
9. G & F 13017 EyePRO Safety Glasses
Another 12-in-1 pack safety glasses is the G & F 13017 EyePRO 12 pack safety glasses. These safety glasses will protect your eyes from 99% UVA/UVB/UVC rays, 100% glares, wood dust & flying debris. Their smoke lenses are made from impact-resistant polycarbonate and anti-scratch coating for keeping scratches at bay to an extent. Due to their design, they are ideal for outdoor woodworking projects. Moreover, if you wear these glasses, no one would notice you are wearing safety goggles because they look more like sunglasses.
With the comfortable and lightweight (0.7lbs ) frame of these safety glasses, you won’t feel them on your face. Of all the 12 pack safety glasses on this list, the G & F 13017 EyePRO 12 pack safety glasses are the cheapest that offer excellent eye protection. So, they are a great option for people on a tight budget. Plus, they meet ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 standards.
Pros
- Cheap but offers excellent protection
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 and EN166 standards
- It has a comfortable and lightweight frame
- 12 pieces
- Reduces glare and prevents eye irritation
Cons
- None
10. Sellstrom Odyssey II Tactical Safety Goggle
The Sellstrom Odyssey II Tactical safety goggle features a tender, flexible plastic frame that fits the face perfectly for a snug seal and all-day comfort. It features a flame-resistant neoprene headband that keeps the safety goggle securely attached to your face without slipping. Its smoke dual-panel polycarbonate lens provides 99% UV protection. The external part of the lens has undergone anti-scratch treatment to ensure it lasts for a long time. While the internal part has undergone anti-fog treatment to prevent fogging.
Furthermore, there are indirect vents at the top and bottom of this safety goggle for additional fog control. The only downside to these vent holes is that super fine dust like wood or sheetrock sanding won’t be completely blocked out when used for a long time. However, the vents are easy to seal off if desired. Pricing is also nice as it cost below $20.
The Sellstrom Odyssey II UV protection safety goggle is Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant and meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards. Be informed that it doesn’t work well over prescription glasses, especially the ones with large lenses or wide frames.
Pros
- 99% UV protection
- It is OSHA compliant and meets ANSI Z87.1+ standards
- Anti-fog lenses with scratch proof treatment
- Comfortable
Cons
- It doesn’t fit well over prescription lenses
- Indirect vents don’t block fine particles of dust and sand
How to Choose the Best Woodworking Safety Glasses?
Before inputting your credit card details to make that order, there are certain features you need to look out for in safety glasses. To help with that, here are some key features to consider before choosing the best safety glasses for your woodworking projects.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Certification
For those who aren’t familiar with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), ANSI is a private organization that sets the standard system of tools and machinery in the United States.
So, any tool/equipment that doesn’t meet or exceeds ANSI standards is deemed not safe to use. Having said that, the safety goggles you should buy must have the ANSI certification. Otherwise, it would be regarded not to be able to provide reliable protection to your eyes. 90% of the safety glasses on our list meets and exceeds ANSI standards and some are ANSI approved.
Brand
There are a lot of brands that produce safety glasses. Most times, it would be best to buy from known brands that have proven their expertise over the years.
However, these popular brands’ safety glasses can be costly. Due to this reason, it won’t hurt to try out other upcoming brands that offer similar quality safety glasses to that of known brands.
UV Protection
A pair of safety glasses shouldn’t have the term safety attached to its name if its lens can’t protect against Ultraviolet radiation. Most woodworking projects are carried out in the open, under the sun. So for this reason, purchasing safety glasses with lenses that provide 90% - 99% protection from UVA/UVB/UVC is of utmost importance.
Durability
There’s nothing more exhausting than buying a product that won’t last long, especially in the case of best safety goggles. The material used in making safety glasses frames must undergo treatment to make the glasses impact-resistant and shatterproof.
Safety glasses lenses are mostly made from high-quality polycarbonate, which is durable and lasts long. Hence, it is important you lookout for a pair of safety glasses made with shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate.
Scratch-resistant
Due to the numerous activities that go on when carrying out woodworking projects, safety-glasses get scratched easily. To fix this problem, brands now manufacture safety glasses with anti-scratch properties. However, not all safety glasses that claim to have anti-scratch properties have anti-scratch properties.
So, ensure you check properly before making any purchase. Only glasses with lenses treated in polycrystalline diamond or diamond-like carbon (DLC) have anti-scratch properties. Also, be informed that safety glasses with anti-scratch properties are more expensive.
Anti-fog properties
The heat produced from the body during heavy woodworking jobs coupled with airflow can lead to foggy lenses. Foggy lenses prevent you from having a clear vision, which will cut down on work productivity.
To prevent fogging, safety glasses undergo anti-fog treatment to reduce heat buildup, ensuring a clear vision at all times. So, the anti-fog property is a must-have feature for safety glasses.
Peripheral protection
Safety glasses should protect both your eyes and the area around your eyes. This factor is of utmost importance because a woodworking environment is where tiny objects can come at you in different directions.
So, peripheral vision protection is a must when it comes safety eyewear.
Size
Sizing is always an issue when it comes to safety glasses. People’s face shapes and sizes vary. Ensure you check the size of a pair of safety glasses before you buy them. However, there are safety glasses with a one-size-fits-all that will fit your face regardless of the shape and size.
Comfort
Comfort is a very critical aspect worth considering when deciding on the safety glasses best for your needs. You wouldn’t want to purchase safety glasses that won’t stay long on your face before hurting and causing dizziness. Safety glasses that feature nose pieces and soft rubber temples are more comfortable and reduce stress from your ears and the nose bridge.
Adjustability
Some safety glasses allow easy replacement of lenses. And other adjustable features like adjusting the length of the temples & the angle of vision. This feature allows you to customize the glasses to your preference. You should consider this feature when choosing a pair of safety glasses.
Weight
The weight of the glasses frame adds to the comfort level of the glasses. Larger frames mean more weight, while small frames mean less weight. Large frames will apply more pressure on your nose and cause discomfort but will provide tough protection around your face area.
In comparison, small frames won’t cause any discomfort in your face even when worn for long but won’t provide proper protection for your eyes. Go for safety glasses with medium size frames. However, OTG glasses tend to have large frames so that prescribed glasses can fit underneath them perfectly.
Design
Some safety glasses are designed to look fashionable so that people don’t easily tell you are wearing safety glasses. Glasses with such designs are ideal for all-day wear to different places. They will protect your eyes and at the same, give you a stylish appearance.
Price
Price is another important factor to consider before you buy a pair of safety glasses. It’s always wise to buy things according to your budget. You should check out each price of the safety glasses on our list and purchase according to your budget. Of course the costlier the glasses, the higher the performance. There are safety glasses that come in a pack of 12, which are very cheap and worth considering.
Final Thought
We have come to the end of this article. Each safety glasses that made it to our list has been thoroughly reviewed, covering all the spec, features, sizes, etc.
The list comprises different designs of safety glasses for you to choose from according to your needs. We also went further to educate you on some key features to consider before choosing a pair of safety glasses.
In conclusion, if you made it to this point, we are sure you have seen the best safety glasses for your woodworking needs. Safe woodworking!
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