Operation of angle grinders requires special safety precautions. In the process of performing operations with a grinder, dust will inevitably occur, as well as small abrasive fragments that can cause mechanical damage. Accordingly, a kit with personal protective equipment should be prepared. Usually it includes a mask, gloves, and an apron. At the same time, the use of a mask is not always convenient, so protective glasses for working with a grinder in a suitable performance can become a good replacement. This is an inexpensive, but functional accessory that allows you to confidently and without interference to perform processing operations.
Features of protection in working with a grinder
From the general gamut of goggles, models of this purpose are distinguished by the use of light, but at the same time reliable material. This is due to the nature of the mechanical influences that the work process involves. Cutting or grinding of concrete, stone, metal and other materials is accompanied by the active release of particles unsafe for the organs of vision. In turn, the safety features must have the appropriate qualities. Therefore, goggles for working with a grinder are usually made of shockproof plastics or polycarbonate. High-strength plastic is not only resistant to physical stress, but also easy to handle, which is important when working with angle grinders.
Varieties of glasses
There are several classifications involving the separation of such points. First of all, they are distinguished by the type of structure - closed and open. It is believed that for the grinder, modifications of the first type are ideally suited, since they fit tightly on the skin and leave no chance for small particles of dust to get into the eyes. In addition, closed protective goggles for working with a grinder can withstand a shock of the order of 6 J. But there are also parameters in which the benefit remains with open models. In particular, products in this design provide adequate ventilation and do not fog up. Most often, open models are used in working with processing machines, but in some conditions they are also suitable as an addition to a hand tool.
Another equally important division relates to the degree of dimming of the glasses. Optimal goggles for angle grinders in most cases are transparent goggles for working with the grinder, but if welding operations are performed in parallel with cutting in the same area, it is advisable to use darkened versions.
Additional functionality
Although the complexity of the design of auxiliary accessories in such workflows is not welcome, sometimes add-ons bring considerable benefits. So, if you want to keep the enclosed structure, but at the same time eliminate the risk of fogging, then turn to special models with ventilation. It can be performed sideways or directly. It is worth noting that anti-fog coating provides only indirect ventilation, so it is more convenient to work with. Also on the question of how to choose safety glasses for working with a grinder, one cannot do without considering the possibilities of adjustment. The settings are provided in almost all models, but in some cases the adjustment has only a symbolic meaning, while in others it really contributes to the optimal placement of the protective accessory on the head. Experts recommend purchasing models that have several directions of adjustment. For example, modern glasses can be adjusted not only in length, but also in the tilt of the arms.
Glasses instruction manual
Before you start working with the tool, you should check the reliability of fastening all the components of the glasses. Further, the adjustment of the above-described settings of the arches, lengths, etc., is performed. Sometimes, manufacturers also recommend treating the inner surfaces of the lenses with special compounds that counteract fogging before work. But if there is a vent in the structure, then such measures are unnecessary. Also in the instructions you can find a point indicating the outer coating of the product. The need for this event depends on the conditions under which work with the grinder is performed. Goggles through external processing can be protected from chemicals - for example, if you are working with environmentally unsafe concrete brands. After completing work, rinse, clean and dry the product thoroughly.
Manufacturer's Reviews
Pocom3 and Stayer products dominate this segment of protective equipment. If you need functional open models, then you should contact the first manufacturer, since he offers inexpensive, and at the same time high-quality products. According to users, such protection against dust when cutting concrete with a grinder is almost not felt, but at the same time it reliably protects from dust. Stayer specializes in closed models. These are classic models made of polycarbonate, which provide ample opportunities for tuning and landing on the head. True, there are reviews that such glasses weakly protect the lenses from fogging.
Price issue
Products of these brands can be purchased on average for 400-600 rubles. This category presents the optimal models for basic protection against dust and all kinds of small particles formed during the processing of the same concrete. But for simple operations, you can also get budget goggles for working with a grinder, the price of which rarely exceeds 200 rubles. Such products are usually made of inexpensive plastic with minimal impact resistance and modest functionality. For regular use, this option is unlikely to work.
Glasses or a mask?
In terms of eye protection, a mask is the best solution. But she has many weaknesses, which is why even professionals prefer glasses to them. The fact is that the process of working with an angle grinder requires quick reactions from the user and, as a rule, an appropriate orientation in space. Therefore, in the question of how to choose a protective mask for working with a grinder, you should focus on a good overview and the ability to adjust the device. It is the weak ergonomics of many builders that repel masks, although with proper adjustment of inconvenience during operation can be minimized. By the way, and glasses in some modifications sin loose fit with an uncomfortable fit, so their unequivocal advantage in terms of comfort is difficult to say. But according to safety criteria, the mask wins without any reservations - of course, if you compare products at the same level.
Conclusion
In most cases, ordinary polycarbonate effectively copes with its dust protection function. But in the process of long-term operation, its characteristics may decrease, and with them safety. Other composites are offered as an alternative to this material, but they do not always guarantee durability. Therefore, in order for protective glasses to work with the grinder to properly perform their tasks throughout the entire operational period, they should be properly taken care of. Preventive measures affect the nuances of servicing glasses, and maintaining the working state of adjustment and fixing mechanisms. By the way, manufacturers usually equip such glasses with special lubricants that help restore the structure of the protective coating. This allows you to eliminate the effects of minor damage - for example, to smooth microcracks and chips.