FACE SHIELDS

Start with what's flying

Sparks and metal chips want a thick polycarbonate visor on headgear that doesn't move when you look down: a flip-up shield, with a spare visor for the day it scratches. Fine dust and spray get past any shield, so for demo, drywall and washdown you want goggles that seal under it: the kits. Sanding in the home shop needs coverage, not a rating, and LiteArmor says exactly that.

Then the headgear

A shield that slips comes off, and a shield that's off protects nothing. Look for a ratchet knob, a sweatband you can replace, and visor angles that lock: flipped up to talk, half down to check the work, down to cut. All of ours fit over prescription glasses; the kits are made for it.

Glasses under it

A face shield is secondary protection. ANSI Z87.1 expects safety glasses or goggles underneath for impact, because a visor stops the big pieces and the small ones find the gap. If you grind all day, pair the FaceArmor Pro with impact-rated glasses, or wear one of the kits.

Keep it clear, know when to swap

Anti-fog coating works until it's wiped with the wrong rag: soap, water, a soft cloth. A scratched visor scatters light and tires your eyes, so swap it; the FaceArmor Pro takes a new visor in a minute. Scratches are wear. Anything that breaks before it wears out is on us: message us with your order number and a replacement ships.