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Forging, hammering, grinding, and god knows what other stuff goes on in a blacksmith’s workshop.
No matter how arduous it may seem, wearing safety equipment is indispensable.
Blacksmithing is a dangerous profession as every exposed part of your body can get hurt.
When you’re working in such conditions, have a pair of safety glasses can keep you from losing your eyesight.
Did that sound too harsh? Even a teeny tiny metal speck can ruin your eyesight for life.
Apart from that, the ultraviolet radiations emitted from a forge can slowly deteriorate your vision.
Having a pair of reliable safety glasses can keep you far away from these dangers.
To an untrained eye, all these countless options for safety glasses might just be the same.
Well, you’re in for a treat because we have put together a complete list of best safety glasses for blacksmithing.
- STRONG, DURABLE DESIGN. Thanks to the tough, polycarbonate wraparound construction, these hard-wearing safety glasses provide superior eye protection from both direct and peripheral threats.
- LIGHT, COMFORTABLE AND ADJUSTABLE. These protective glasses have extendable arms and an adjustable soft nose pad so you always get the perfect fit. They're also armed with non-slip rubber grips so your protective eyewear stays on.
- VANGUARD PLUS COATING. Compared to most anti fog safety glasses, the premium coating on our eye protection glasses is 5x more fog resistant and 2x more scratch resistant. No fog, no scratch, and zero optical distortion.
- COMPLETE UV380 PROTECTION. The clear lenses block 90-100% of harmful UV radiation. They make great lab glasses, shooting glasses, and work glasses. They’re great for construction, dental work, cycling, racketball, woodworking and more.
- BUILT TO LAST. Your safety glasses for women and men come with a limited lifetime warranty. If there’s an issue, we’ll replace them or refund you because we stand behind the high quality of every product and we’ve got your back, no matter what.
Why do we like it?
This one is a work of art.
Don’t be deceived by the name as NoCry safety glasses won’t ever let you down. In fact, it is one of the best safety glasses for construction.
You don’t want your safety glasses to fall off in the scorching heats of a forge, right? The best safety glasses for blacksmithing will do just that.
Durable Construction
It comes with a unique durable polycarbonate wraparound construction to protect all sides. These goggles offer exceptional grip both from the sides and the nose piece.
The latex-free polycarbonate lens provides a PPE field of view of more than 40 degrees.
The lens is double coated to avoid scratches and to provide crystal-clear visibility. The un-tinted lens also ensures no fogging or optical distortion comes in the way of a clear vision.
The UV380 protection ensures that no UV light below 380 nm passes through the lens. Almost 90-100% of harmful UV radiations are filtered out. It even protects your eyes from UV light emitted by artificial light sources.
Wearing these safety glasses ensures that any no metal speck or falling debris penetrates your eyes.
Comfortable and Adjustable
Surprisingly, the earpieces and soft rubber nose pad are adjustable. The max temple arm length of 5” with max nose bridge diameter of 1”, these safety glasses are perfect for any head size or face shape.
According to thousands of users, these safety glasses are so comfortable that people often forget that they’re wearing them. The 0.055. lbs. weight makes it a perfect choice for extended work sessions.
Sleek Design
The glasses are designed to sit firmly on your face as the contoured shape hugs the cheekbone area with exceptional grip.
If your work requires you to put on a respirator or earmuffs, these safety glasses won’t interfere with that. You can comfortably wear all this equipment without worrying about “space.”
Overall, this is an impressive product that promises reliability and durability. From protection against shrapnel and metal specs to filtering UV rays from a forge, this one ticks all the boxes.
The NoCry safety glasses are very affordable to buy and can last for years if used properly.
Pros
Wraparound design to protect against all sorts dangers.
Lightweight and comfortable.
Double coated lens with exceptional scratch resistance.
UV380 protection to filter 90% to 100% of UVA/UVB radiations.
Cons
Does not come with a protective case.
The plastic frame is too thin for some users.
- LENS TINTS FOR ANY TASK: Uvex lens tint applications include sun & glare reduction, fluorescent/halogen/sodium lamp low light areas, indoor/outdoor transition, welding and traffic signal recognition
- PERMANENT LENS COATINGS: Uvex lens coatings deliver long-lasting anti-fog & anti-scratch performance; permanent bonding to the lens prevents wash/wear off even after extended use or repeated cleanings
- SAFETY: Full frame is lightweight but offers high-impact protection that meets ANSI Z87.1-2015 standards for safety glasses; wraparound design provides increased side protection and peripheral vision
- STYLE & PERFORMANCE: Safety eyewear combines performance-driven technology with aggressive, sport-inspired styling; the sleek side profile allows ample room for hard hats or other head gear
- LONGWEARING COMFORT: Protective eyewear features a molded nose piece & sleek temples with soft, molded inserts for longwearing comfort; Integrated hinge mechanism with dual cam action for secure fit
Why do we like it?
Best safety glasses for blacksmithing, and we don’t mention Uvex? Not going to happen!
The Uvex hypershock safety glasses come from Honeywell. The manufacturer delivers a combination of both style and performance when it comes to safety glasses.
Functional Design
These safety glasses are designed to deliver incomparable comfort with a blend of style. The molded nose piece and sleek temples with soft molded inserts make it an ideal choice for extended usage.
The integrated hinge mechanism allows versatility and can fit any head size/face shape.
Like all other safety glasses on this list, Urvex also offers an anti-fog coating with dual-action to avoid condensation and fogging even when subjected to extreme temperature changes.
Why do we consider it worthy of this list?
You have a whole lot of tint options that include sun and optical distortion reduction, contrast enhancement with halogen glare reduction, indoor/outdoor transitioning, and most importantly, all lenses offer excellent UVA/UVB protection.
The usage of Spectrum Control Technology (SCT) makes it a perfect fit for a wide range of jobs. How? It absorbs selective wavelengths of light while filtering out the dangerous ones.
The dazzling sport-inspired styling gives a performance-driven look. Honestly, these glasses enhance your appearance while providing exceptional protection.
Hypershock Lens
The hypershock lens gives you four coating options: hydroshield anti-fog, uvextreme plus anti-fog, photochromic transition, and anti-scratch hard coat.
The manufacturer claims 90x longer fog-free performance with 2x higher scratch-resistance than its competitors.
Also, these glasses can be used for welding.
For blacksmiths, there is no better option than the S2970XP. From extreme temperature changes to chances of scuffing and scratches, the S2970XP can handle it all.
Strong hinges, thick lens, and warrior-like grip, all this for an affordable price.
Pros
Value for money product.
Meets the latest standards set by ANSI and CSA.
Numerous tint options.
A customized fit.
Cons
The lens is NOT removable.
The frame is quite fragile and can break from accidental falls.
Some users have reported noticeable glare and reflection.
- DEWALT tough Coat hard coated lens provides tough protection against scratches
- DEWALT Xtra clear anti-fog lens coating provides tough protection against fogging
- Soft, dual injected rubber conforms to the face to provide a high level protection from dust and debris
- Adjustable, elastic cloth head strap provides a comfortable fit
- Ventilation channels allow breathability and added protection against fogging
Why do we like it?
With over ten thousand satisfied customers on Amazon, the DEWALT DPG82-11 is still slaying with monstrous specifications.
Protection against pesky metal flecks require a durable build, and these safety glasses proudly feature a hard-coated lens that won’t let any scratches to come through.
Ant-Fog Feature
Did we mention the anti-fog feature on this product?
The DEWALT Xtra clear anti-fog lens ensures that no fogging happens when you’re working with complicated projects. Fogging is a result of instant temperature changes, and that is a part of the daily grind for blacksmiths.
Moreover, the built-in ventilation channel drastically reduces the possibility of fogging and facilitates ventilation.
DEWALT is one of the leading manufacturers when it comes to safety equipment and power tools. They have left no stones unturned with this high-quality safety goggles.
If you regularly forge items, the UV rays emitted from a blazing hot forge can be hurtful to your vision.
These glasses feature a polycarbonate lens that makes it a protective eyewear that is stamped with the ansi z87 rating.
99.9% UVA/UVB protection! Isn’t that great?
Great Vision
And interestingly, the lens provides a stunning peripheral vision.
All these factors are vital when it comes to long term usage. Do you know what’s even more important? A comfortable head strap!
These safety glasses are very comfortable to wear, even when worn for an extended period. The cloth band does not hurt and feels light around your head.
When grinding, sanding, or even hammering, flying debris and dust can get into the glasses. The soft dual-injected rubber conforms your face naturally and won’t let ANYTHING come through.
With 8.1” x 6.7” x 4” dimensions and 1.6 ounces weight, it is quite handy as well.
Who wouldn’t go for a best-selling item that comes at an economical price!
Pros
Offers a durable build with impact resistant lens.
Comfortable head strap that is adjustable.
Exceptional UVA/UVB protection.
It can be used with a respirator on.
Cons
Despite the anti-fog feature, fog tends to build up during usage.
Creates a noticeable gap round the sides of the nose and under the eyes.
- EYE PROTECTION FOR WORKING PROFESSIONALS. Get ready for the ultimate dual protection. Protect your eyes from droplets, dust and flying particles. Keep your prescription glasses safe from scratches. How is this possible? These “over the glasses” safety glasses fit most standard frames — up to 5.7in wide, 1.37in high on the sides and 1.77 high at the center — protecting both.
- STRONG, DURABLE WRAPAROUND DESIGN. The polycarbonate wraparound lenses protect you from the front and the sides. Here’s the best part: these lab goggles have a clear UV 400nm scratch resistant coating. This means they block out 90-100% of harmful UV radiation without causing any optical distortion. These lab safety glasses are durable too: ANSI Z87.1 and CSA Z94.3 safety certified, OSHA approved. ( Z87+ embossed on the frame).
- COMFORTABLE AND DESIGNED FOR YOU. Wearing a pair of safety glasses that fit over your eyeglasses can be a hassle. That’s why we added soft tips that eliminate pressure behind your ears and adjustable, extendable arms that help you get the fit just right. These thoughtful touches make these over glasses goggles perfect for men, women, youth and anyone who wants to put the safety of their eyes and prescription glasses first.
- VERSATILE WORK AND PLAY PROTECTION. Confidently wear these safety glasses for over glasses at the shooting range. Or put these medical goggles on for woodworking, construction, chemistry or science lab work, doing yard work, using power tools, and doing dental work. In short, wear these nurse goggles anywhere you’d like to use PPE glasses. You can even wear them for extra eye protection during travel.
- DON’T FORGET TO PROTECT YOUR PRESCRIPTION GLASSES. To avoid scratches, make sure that no part of your own prescription lenses are in direct contact with the protective lenses of the goggles for nurses. (You can also wear these safety glasses on their own as oversized eye protection.) And —if you have any problems— get in touch. We offer hassle-free support and replacements.
Why do we like it?
This one is a gem! Are you tired of spending tons of money on buying prescription safety goggles?
Don’t worry as this one gives you the option of using your usual prescribed glasses with the NoCry OTG safety lens.
OTG? Yes, over safety glasses are offered by only some of the manufacturers and NoCry is one of them.
Robust Construction
The NoCry provides crystal-clear vision with a wraparound construction for excellent peripheral vision with a PPE field view of more than 40 degrees. You won’t experience any optical distortion or glare.
It is constructed using latex-free polycarbonate that is durable enough to safeguard against debris, metal specks, and dust. Also, the side covers protect the peripherals.
The UV400 protection ensures that no UV light below 400 nm passes through the lens. Resultantly, your eyes are protected from 90% to 100% of the harmful UV radiation.
Easy To Use
The most noticeable feature is that these safety glasses can be used comfortably with prescription glasses. Both your eyes and prescribed glasses stay safe from all sorts of dangers.
The OTG compartment/lens is 5.7” wide, 1.37” high on the sides, and 1.77” high in the center. These dimensions can accommodate almost every regular-sized reading glasses.
Pro tip: Make sure that no part of your reading/prescribed glasses is in direct contact with the OTG safety glasses. This way, you can keep both the lenses from scratching.
Flexible Dimension
The extendable arms (5” max temple arm length) can fit any head size and face shape. Also, the soft tips on the sides feel light on the ears.
And guess what, these safety goggles are OSHA, ANSI Z87, and CSA Z94.3 certified. These certifications are stamped on the sides of the product.
They are a bit pricey, but when compared to safety glasses with a prescribed lens, the price seems to be nominal.
Pros
Meets all American and Canadian eye protection safety standards.
Robust built with side shields to protect the peripherals.
It can be used with your prescribed reading glasses.
Cons
They’re not anti-fog.
Not suitable for welding or torch brazing.
The research
Are safety glasses similar to prescription/reading ones?
Why should you wear safety glasses?
What are safety goggles made of?
What safety glasses does OSHA use?
Can blacksmithing safety glasses make you go blind?
Does OSHA allow tinted lenses as safety glasses?
Do all safety glasses have UV protection?
Can you wear safety glasses over prescription glasses?
Are safety glasses considered as PPE?
Do safety glasses have expiry dates?
What are the differences between regular glasses and safety glasses?
Do safety glasses block blue light?
What are other blacksmiths’ safety materials?
How can I make my safety glasses more comfortable?
Can you get a safety prescription glass?
Can safety glasses protect your entire face?
Where can I buy blacksmith safety glasses?
Can blacksmiths do without safety glasses?
What are the primary care and maintenance for blacksmith’s safety glasses?
Who should get this?
Blacksmiths, carpenter, construction workers, or anyone who is at a danger of an eye injury.
Oil burns, metal specks, dust, UV rays, steam scalds, or flying debris can cause severe implications if high-quality safety glasses are not worn.
It is an essential personal protective equipment that can keep you from hurting your eyes. Apart from protection against UV light and sun glare, a good pair of safety glasses is a MUST for someone who works with a computer screen for prolonged periods of time.
Why should you trust us?
We have been in the industry for years. Blacksmithing is a dangerous profession, and we make sure that every blacksmith has access to high-quality safety gear.
Our team of dedicated professionals has been trying out different safety glasses to find the perfect match. Over time, we have refined our list by contacting professionals from around the globe.
How we picked?
Our primary focus was to list the best safety glasses that are readily available and can be bought online. Secondly, we wanted our list to have only those products that belong to reputable brands and have been used by a considerable amount of people.
Here is the list of criteria we used to select the best safety glasses for most people:
- Comfort & Protection: We care about our readers. All of these safety glasses are very comfortable and suitable for extended work sessions. We wanted both the nose pad and side temples to be equipped with soft rubber pads. Otherwise, the pressure on the side of your head and ears will make your work unbearable. Also, all these products feature a hard-coated lens that acts as a safety wall. Peripheral protection is also a key factor when it comes to choosing the right safety glasses.
- UV Protection: The majority of our readers are blacksmiths. It’s not like UV protection is not necessary for others, but people who work with forges all day long are at a higher risk of being exposed to UV radiation. The safety goggles should offer at least UV380 protection to filter out the harmful wavelengths that might contribute to ocular disorders.
- Anti-fog: Blacksmiths work with blazing temperatures on a daily basis. Extreme temperature changes can cause fog to build-up inside the goggles and result in blurring your vision. Not every blacksmith comes across this issue, but still, we preferred only those products that offer exceptional fog resistance.
How we tested?
Initially, we contacted several blacksmiths and industry experts to suggest some of the best safety glasses for blacksmithing.
Our team went through hundreds of product reviews and user experiences to narrow down the list. These products have been bought by thousands of people, and the majority of them are satisfied with what they got.
We wanted to go the extra mile, so it was decided to test these glasses ourselves. After extensive on-field testing, product reviews, and expert advice, we came up with these four top-notch products.
Care and maintenance tips
Clean your safety glasses after every use. You can use a blower or running water to remove any debris, dust, or chemicals that may have accumulated on the sides or the front.
You can also use specialized lens cleaners for more efficiency, but they will cost you a bit. Always use a protective case to store the glasses because putting them on rough surfaces can scratch the lens and resultantly hamper the clear vision.
Are safety glasses similar to prescription/reading ones?
Your prescription glasses are only used to cure short-sightedness or far-sightedness. While safety glasses, as the name suggests, are used to protect your eyes against external elements that may cause an injury or an ocular disorder.
Safety glasses themselves cannot damage your eyesight.
Why should you wear safety glasses?
Being a blacksmith, grinding, sanding, cutting, hammering, and forging is a part of your daily routine. When you’re dealing with metal, tiny shrapnel, specks, or small pieces of metal can fly around with fast speed.
Also, the UV radiation from the forge can be damaging to your eyes. And this is precisely why you should not compromise on personal safety.
What are safety goggles made of?
They are typically made of polycarbonate. It is lightweight, robust, and, most importantly, polycarbonate plastic does not block your vision.
The impact resistance is what makes this a perfect fit for safety glasses. Also, polycarbonate protects your eyes against UV rays.
Some of the manufacturers also use Trivex, another modified form of regular plastic. It is lighter but thicker than polycarbonate. Trivex lens provides sharper central vision than polycarbonate lenses.
What safety glasses does OSHA use?
OSHA works in line with American Standard Institute’s ANSI Z87.1-2010 on both lens and frame of glasses. All OSHA-approved safety glasses must have the approval and markings of ANSI.
Can blacksmithing safety glasses make you go blind?
No! A good quality blacksmithing safety will not affect your eye health; talk less of making you go blind. You can be sure of your eyes’ safety as long as you use a product of the right quality. It is also essential to ensure that you are using it appropriately.
Does OSHA allow tinted lenses as safety glasses?
Yes. OSHA will allow tinted lens as safety glasses only if it meets the ANSI standard Z87. 1-1968’s requirements. So, if you prefer a tinted lens for your safety glasses, make sure that it meets this standard.
Do all safety glasses have UV protection?
UV protection is a unique feature in blacksmithing safety glasses that protects against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Unfortunately, not all safety glasses have UV protection. But most blacksmith safety glasses are produced from polycarbonate. Polycarbonate can block about 99.9% naturally.
Any glasses with polycarbonate can protect you from UV. So, you can include it on your list of factors to consider when buying a safety glass.
Can you wear safety glasses over prescription glasses?
Some blacksmiths use prescription glasses, which is essential for their clear sight. But this doesn’t mean you cannot use safety glasses. Although it is not the ideal option, wearing safety glasses on prescription glasses will not cause any hard.
It is essential to note that your prescription glasses do not play the same role as safety glasses. So, it is still vital to have a safety glass even with your prescription glasses
Are safety glasses considered as PPE?
In the blacksmithing space, it is not out of place to consider safety glasses as PPE. Blacksmiths are prone to dust, specks from metals, and other hazardous materials that can damage the eyes. Consequently, safety glasses are one of the essential safety equipment for blacksmiths.
Do safety glasses have expiry dates?
Like every other material, safety glasses can also lose their quality over time. Technically, safety glasses have expiry dates. Most of them usually last for three years before they start to deteriorate. Safety glasses are considered to have expired when the quality is compromised.
What are the differences between regular glasses and safety glasses?
There are lots of differences between regular glasses and safety glasses. The design of safety glasses can withstand high impact provide resistance, unlike regular glasses. This feature explains why it is not ideal to use one in place of another.
The primary material in safety glasses is polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is a material that can offer up to 99.9% protection against UV. This material is often absent in regular glasses; hence, they cannot protect against UV.
Do safety glasses block blue light?
The design of safety glasses varies with models and manufacturers. Some safety glasses’ designs include blue light-blocking polymers that can protect you against harmful rays from digital screens. These blue lights can be very hazardous to your eyes.
What are other blacksmiths’ safety materials?
Safety glasses are not the only safety tools that are essential for blacksmiths. There are several other tools. Some of the basic safety tools blacksmiths use include;
- Aprons
- Safety gloves
- Safety boots
- Earphones
- Fire extinguisher
How can I make my safety glasses more comfortable?
Comfort is one of the essential things to consider when using safety glasses. Besides the comfortable design of the product, there are some ways you can make it more comfortable.
- Tighten the frames and ensure that they sit perfectly on your face.
- Relax and adjust the nose pads on your metal frames in case it feels too tight.
- Use safety glasses that size your face perfectly.
- Tighten any loose bolt on the edges.
Can you get a safety prescription glass?
Yes. Some manufacturers make safety glasses’ models that also include the features of prescription glasses. So, instead of wearing safety glasses on prescription glasses, you can go for this option.
Can safety glasses protect your entire face?
Safety glasses primarily protect the eyes. It might not offer adequate protection for the entire face, except you are using a face shield. It is best to go for a face shield if you need something to protect the whole face.
Where can I buy blacksmith safety glasses?
Blacksmith goggles are not scarce. You can buy them in various retail stores that sell blacksmith materials. They are also available in stores that sell PPEs. Alternatively, you can get them from available e-commerce websites online or order directly from the manufacturer.
Can blacksmiths do without safety glasses?
As much as blacksmiths can operate without safety glasses, it is not the best thing to do. The eyes are very vulnerable to accidents and hazards while working in the blacksmithing shop. It is best to protect them and prevent them from any damage.
Remember that safety is one of the core values of blacksmithing. And in this case, prevention is better than cure.
What are the primary care and maintenance for blacksmith’s safety glasses?
Care and maintenance are quite essential for your safety glasses. Proper care will enhance the durability and functionality of the tool. The care and maintenance tips for safety glasses are not entirely different from regular glasses and prescription glasses.
Some of the primary care and maintenance tips for blacksmith’s safety glasses include;
- Avoid dropping the safety glasses on rough surfaces or where they can quickly get scratches.
- Clean the safety glasses before and after use.
- Avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust on the surface.
- Tighten all bolts and nuts properly (if your safety glasses have any).
- Never place heavy loads or materials on the safety glasses.
- Have a specific place where you keep the glasses. Avoid placing them where they can break or damage easily.
Conclusion
Buying a pair of high-quality safety glasses can protect your eyes against many dangers. Even a small speck of metal can impair your eyesight for life.
Personal safety should always be your top priority. Nothing is more valuable than YOU.
All these products have been tested for durability and usability. Before deciding, you should always consider the nature of your work.
If you’re a blacksmith, construction worker, engineer, or even a carpenter, you must have a pair of safety glasses at your disposal.
