FACE SHIELDS FOR USE WITH ANGLE GRINDERS - QUESTION

chief38 · Jun 18, 2016

I managed to get by for 62 years without ever owning an ELECTRIC Angle Grinder (I do own a few air operated ones and a Dremel though) and since my Kids were nice enough to get me an electric DeWalt for Father's Day, I figure it's about time I got a full face shield.

So I went over to Home Depot and the only model they carry is a cheapo $13.00 3M flimsy job that said right on the plastic bag it came in "not suitable for protection against grinder wheel explosions". It was made of Polycarbonate but was quite thin and flimsy - good for saw dust and splinters I would imagine.

Since I've never owned a full face shield before I am a bit lost as to brands, models, etc. I am sure some of you guys use them and could help steer me in the right direction. Even though I am a HUGE tool fan this is one thing I've neglected to purchase before. Better late than never as they say. So if you can help out I'd appreciate it.

Thanks in advance!

Regards,
Chief38

mtgianni · Jun 18, 2016

A grinder wheel explosion is when the wheel comes apart due to internal flaws or storage. I witnessed one at the age of 5 with my father.A wheel fragmented and a piece hit him between the eyes putting him to the floor but no damage other than bleeding and soreness. A shield on the grinder should deflect most of that but not all. That is the only one I have seen and most have not seen one at all. A face shield is to protect you from the metal tracings that come off of the piece being ground. If you keep multiple grinding stoned for several years store them as the mfg recommends with a light oil bath. Even then I stand at the side the first time a grinder starts with a new wheel.

Big Cholla · Jun 18, 2016

I have used and watched being used angle grinders of all sizes both electric and air operated for nigh on 60 years. I have NEVER seen a grinder disc 'explode'. I have seen them give up a small chunk off the edge as a warning that it is time to trash that grinder disc. Experienced users are a little careful in the positioning of the grinder to keep the resulting spray of sparks and grit off of the operator and off any sensitive object close like piles of paper or oil soaked rags. I use one angle grinder or another from small with cutoff wheel to the big welder's size daily. I have one rule; and that is to ALWAYS wear safety glasses. Especially when using the wire brushes available for the angle grinder. Those little wires break on occasion and can bury themselves pretty deep in an unprotected eye.

In my everyday shop practices, I ALWAYS wear safety glasses anytime using any tool that rotates. Easy insurance!

Qball · Jun 18, 2016

I had en Dremel disc explode in my face, not fun i might ad.
I also had my clothes set on fire by the spray from the disc,
Please get a high quality brand, and not a cheap flimsy sheald.

Mexican Kerry · Jun 18, 2016

On a lot of job sites its a requirement to wear both safety glasses and a shield while grinding (or even cutting wood with a saw). The clear full face shield is good for protection but I find they fog up if its cold out or if I'm sweaty (so pretty much any condition). I prefer a mesh "forestry" shield if I must use one, but only if I already have a set of glasses on. They don't do anything for dust/small particulate but they don't fog.

Regardless of what type you choose, a close-fitting set of safety glasses that offers side protection is first and foremost.

Just my opinion.

Rule3 · Jun 18, 2016

I use a DeWalt to sharpen mower blades I wear safety glasses. The full face shield I think would offer more protection

Poly carbonate is amazing stuff. You can get then at Harbor Freight or Lowes, Home Depot all China stuff.

If I found 3M product I would buy that. I like 3M products. Search on line they are inexpensive,

chief38 · Jun 18, 2016

Well so far the best one I have found is the Uvex S8510 which by the way (surprisingly enough) is actually made in the USA

. It has a anti-fog hard coating inside and out and is Polycarbonate. I am going to look a bit more and make a decision tomorrow. Can't actually believe that I waited so long to get one of these things since I use power tools all the time. Silly me - don't want to push my luck!

Fishslayer · Jun 18, 2016

I think they mean a bench grinder wheel? I was taught in grade school to stand aside while the grinder was spooling up...

Kanewpadle · Jun 18, 2016

Uvex makes some good stuff Chief.

I came close to losing an eye due to my laziness. Never again.

I HAVE seen grinding wheels and cutting discs explode as well as a 2 1/8 inch hole saw. Heck, I had a brand new set of vise grips that broke. I was tightening the jaws on something when the top jaw broke and hit me right between the eyes.

chief38 · Jun 18, 2016

Well at least I have always worn safety glasses, but an upgrade is certainly not a bad thing. Even with the face shield I'll STILL wear glasses just as an extra.

NYlakesider · Jun 18, 2016

Big Cholla said:
I have used and watched being used angle grinders of all sizes both electric and air operated for nigh on 60 years. I have NEVER seen a grinder disc 'explode'. I have seen them give up a small chunk off the edge as a warning that it is time to trash that grinder disc. Experienced users are a little careful in the positioning of the grinder to keep the resulting spray of sparks and grit off of the operator and off any sensitive object close like piles of paper or oil soaked rags. I use one angle grinder or another from small with cutoff wheel to the big welder's size daily. I have one rule; and that is to ALWAYS wear safety glasses. Especially when using the wire brushes available for the angle grinder. Those little wires break on occasion and can bury themselves pretty deep in an unprotected eye.

In my everyday shop practices, I ALWAYS wear safety glasses anytime using any tool that rotates. Easy insurance!

Lots of good advice there. OBTW I"m a now retired 40 year pipfitter/welder and have seen my share of O **** incidents.

As far as wire wheel type products you have not lived till you work in a 8 station shop and get aware of how much shrapnel comes off of a wire wheel type device. At times you think your in a WW1 trench being fired on by a bunch of Maxims.

Have dug many wires and pieces of slag out of exposed skin but the worst I had, I felt my arm get hit but could not find anything so I thought it was a bounce off. About a week later it festered up like a big boil and I saw some metal. Got the tweezers out of my Swiss Army knife and latched on. That chunk of wire was 2'' long.

So be very careful always have on safety glasses with side shields and many times if your not under your welding hood if necessary keep your face shield on.

e3mrk · Jun 18, 2016

Try to find one with a Mylar Shield.I used one for Years as a welder and They stand up to a lot.

Grayfox · Jun 18, 2016

Check Grainger and get a good one. You might also check auto parts stores, but get the best they have and not a cheapo.

Cpo1944 · Jun 18, 2016

I too have been using machinery for 50 years and just recently wised up and started using safety gear. I recon its never too late !
My grown son was giving me a hard time about wearing shooting glasses one day until we had a .38 wadcutter ricochet come straight back from the target and slam into his gun hand. It caused him to drop my pristine model 19 and drew some blood and swelled up nice and big. HE PUT ON THE GLASSES THEN!
I believe he learned younger in life than I did "thankfully"and now he is safety conscious.

Jessie · Jun 18, 2016

Better safe than sorry. I was dumb with a dremel once, thinking its just one nail head. After a visit to the eye Doc and having to grind some eyeball off to remove metal splinters, more is better!
Don't scrimp when it comes to your eyes.
Remember, they're how you're able to shoot your guns.

steelslaver · Jun 18, 2016

Get a good face sheild holder that has an adjustment rathcet on the band. If it don't fit right it sucks, Get one that also has replacable lenses.

Or do as I do and get a Jackson Big lens welding hood and run clear lenses in it instead of a welding lens.

jlrhiner · Jun 18, 2016

Go to your local welding shop.

Incidentally, I started in Heavy Construction (Boilermaker) back when my Steward had to demand I be given a pair of safety glasses because I was using a 9" side grinder.

bgrone · Jun 19, 2016

Uvex

chief38 said:
Well so far the best one I have found is the Uvex S8510 which by the way (surprisingly enough) is actually made in the USA . It has a anti-fog hard coating inside and out and is Polycarbonate. I am going to look a bit more and make a decision tomorrow. Can't actually believe that I waited so long to get one of these things since I use power tools all the time. Silly me - don't want to push my luck!

I have found the uvex shields to be the most durable and comfortable of all the brands I have tried. Good choice chief.

Maddog 521 · Jun 19, 2016

A good face shield, safety glasses and a long sleeved shirt are necessary when using a grinder of any kind. Be safe out there.

chief38 · Jun 19, 2016

I have settled on the USA made Uvex #S8510 with the anti fog coatings. I also ordered an extra replacement shield for when the original gets funky. It pays to order it at the same time and at least save the freight.

Thanks guys! I'll keep ya posted as to how it works out after a few months of use.

Regards to all and HAPPY FATHERS DAY!!

FACE SHIELDS FOR USE WITH ANGLE GRINDERS - QUESTION

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