Best Safety Glasses for Mechanics

If you work with cars or with other types of machinery that require a mechanic, you may be working with things that are in motion and consequentially safety measures become a priority.

Eyewear protection is an essential component of PPE, and especially for mechanics who work with oils, fuels, and liquids in general. A good pair of safety glasses can make all the difference in protecting your vision long term. 

We commissioned a group of professional mechanics to establish criteria for the best safety glasses for mechanics and then we researched available products in the marketplace. Once we narrowed it down to a dozen or so pairs of safety glasses, our mechanics tested them directly while on the job.

As a result, we chose Ergodine Skullerz Odin Anti-Fog Glasses as our top choice in safety glasses for mechanics because of flexibility, an adjustable nose piece, and a foam gasket for dust and particle reduction. Ergodine offers multiple lens coatings for your personal needs and for different work environments.

Comparison of Top Safety Glasses for Mechanics

1. Ergodine Skullerz Odin Anti-Fog Glasses

Ergodyne Skullerz Odin Anti-Fog

• Clear Anti-Fog Lens/ Black Frame
• Fog-Off anti-fog technology wont wash, wear off
• Meet ANSI Z87.1+, CSA Z94.3 & MIL-PRF 32432 Ballistic Impact
• Scratch-resistant lens blocks 99.9% of harmful UV
• Durable, flexible, lightweight full frame construction for comfortable fit

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These safety from Ergodyne are at the top of the list in comfort thanks to flexibility, an adjustable nose piece, and a foam gasket that will reduce dust and particle entry.

A versatile safety glass option, Ergodine offers numerous lens coatings and finishes to tailor your safety glasses to your personal needs. There are an astounding forty-five different options for working in light, dark or any number of different work environments. 

They are ANSI certified at Z87.1+ as well as CSA Z94.3 and MIL-PRF 32432 requirements for ballistics. As such they are suites for almost all industrial work environments.

They protect peripheral vision and give 99.9% protection from harmful UV rays. These glasses are comfortable and offer additional cushioning thanks to foam inserts for increased comfort. Very adjustable for all types of face and head shapes.

Pros

• • • Comfortable with cushioning additives
    • Lightweight
    • Forty-five different options
    • Resist dust and particle entry
    • Adjustable
    • Affordable

Cons

• • • Adjustment joints may weaken with use
    • Padding wears quickly

Alternative Competitive Options

2. Honeywell UVEX Avatar Style Safety Glasses

Uvex by Honeywell Avatar Safety Glasses

• LENS TINTS FOR ANY TASK
• PERMANENT LENS COATINGS
• 14 POINTS OF ADJUSTMENT
• COMFORT & STYLE: 3/4 Frame is ultra-light
• Meets ANSI Z87.1-2015 and CSA Z94.3 standards

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Manufacturer Honeywell has created these very sporty safety glasses at an affordable price. They are available in several styles to satisfy different tastes and offer several coverage options for the lenses to afford customized support and sufficient comfort while you are on the job.

Options include coatings that are anti-fog, anti-glare, or scratch resistant as well as tinted lenses for bright light or sun. In this way, Honeywell has provided enough choices for professionals to select in accordance with personal needs or preferences.

These glasses boast fourteen adjustment points, meaning you can manipulate the glasses to completely adjust to the shape of your face and head. Frames are ultra-lightweight and feature grips that are anti-slip so that the glasses stay in place on your face regardless of your position or angle.

This particular characteristic will save you time and hassle, as you won’t need to keep fussing and adjusting the glasses. The style is wraparound meaning that you are protected from the sides for your peripheral vision. Comfortable and budget-friendly, these safety glasses are an outstanding choice for professional mechanics.

Pros

• • • Great fit
    • Lightweight and comfortable
    • Many protective coatings available
    • Lots of options provided by the manufacturer

Cons

• • • The adjustment points may weaken over time and extensive use
    • Some fogging reported
    • Some scratching reported 

3. SolidWork Safety Goggles with a universal fit

Solid. Safety Goggles that fits perfectly | Protective eyewear with anti-fog, anti-scratch and UV-protection lenses

• DESIGNED TO FIT YOU
• SOLID. RETINA EDGE COATED LENSES
• COMFORTABLE

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If you prefer safety goggles as opposed to glasses, these goggles by SolidWork meet all ANSI Z87.1+ standards for high impact resistance.

They are very budget-friendly and also provide great UV protection, blocking out 99% of both UVA and UVB rays.

The polycarbonate lenses feature an anti-fog coating as well as an anti-scratch coating to prolong the life of your safety goggles. This will save you money in the long run.

The lenses are crystal clear without tinting however they do come in tinted options for those who work outdoors or under bright lights. These are attractive goggles available in several colors to meet your personal taste.

Pros

• • • Comfortable for all day wear
    • Attractive modern style
    • ANSI certified for impact resistance
    • 99% UVA and UVB protection
    • Unisex
    • Adjustable Head Band

Cons

• • • Some nose pad breakage reported
    • Some factory defects reported

4. Uvex Stealth Safety Goggles

Uvex Stealth Safety Goggles with Clear Dura-Streme

• DURA-STREME ANTI-SCRATCH / ANTI-FOG COATING
• SUPERIOR OPTICS
• SPLASH & IMPACT PROTECTION
• LONGWEARING ECONOMICAL COMFORT
• CUSTOM FIT NEOPRENE HEADBAND

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These are exceptional safety goggles that prevent chemicals and particles from entering and damaging your eyes. Featuring a Dura-Streme dual coat, the lenses are both scratch resistant and anti-fog as well as resistant to impact.

They provide UV protection, and a Rx insert, sold separately, is available for prescription glasses wearers who prefer to have prescription safety goggles. The fit is gap-free preventing mists, splashes, dusts or any type of particles from coming into contact with your eye area.

Easy snap on lens replacements are available. A neoprene headband allows for a comfortable, custom fit. Ten different versions for selection are available. Glasses meet ANSI Z87.1-2003 and CSA Z94.3 standards.

Pros

• • • Anti-fog
    • Scratch-resistant
    • UV protection
    • Impact-resistant
    • Lens replacements available
    • Multiple choice selections

Cons

• • • Side vents not great for airflow

Do Mechanics Really Need Safety Glasses?

Absolutely, without a doubt they need them. Mechanics deal with numerous hazards daily while on the job. Fragmented pieces of metal and glass, as well as chemicals that are caustic, and hazardous fluids like fuels, oils, and antifreeze are used numerous times daily placing mechanics in harm’s way.

So absolutely, it is highly recommended that all mechanics wear safety glasses to reduce any risk of injury and permanent damage to their eyes. Especially when working with liquids, safety glasses should provide not only protection to the front of the eye but also to your peripheral vision.

You should be protected from any angle in such a way that splashes will not reach the eyeball. Peripheral vision protection also minimizes risks connected to dust or flying bits of debris from around you.

Furthermore, safety glasses for mechanics should be impact resistant and shatterproof. Imagine a tool or piece of an auto in repair falling from a hydraulic lift above you and landing in your eye.

Safety glasses that are shatterproof and resistant to impact will give you the necessary protection to safeguard your eyes and vision. Should you use regular prescription eyewear, a falling object could shatter your glasses with the fragments of glass ending up in your eye and doing irreparable damage.

Glasses or Goggles?

The principal difference between glasses and goggles is the amount of air that circulates around your eyes. Good safety glasses will most probably be more than adequate in most working conditions however, goggles seal the eye area and thus give maximum protection to that part of your face, With a pair of goggles, almost nothing can reach your eye.

Safety goggles worn by mechanics are similar to the protective goggles worn in a laboratory. A strap, usually adjustable will hold the goggles securely in place on your face.

A foam or rubber seal will adhere to your face, creating a seal, and dust, particles, and liquids will not reach your eyes thanks to the barrier in place. If you prefer the idea of a goggle style, make sure that they are designed to seal around your eye area.

See also: Best bifocal safety glasses

Are Mechanics Required to Wear Safety Glasses?

The OHSA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does require any employee working in an industrial environment to wear PPE while at work. This will include safety glasses or safety goggles.

Some mechanics may choose not to, however, if you are working with some type of a caustic or poisonous substance or you regularly deal with dust, material fragments, or just a lot of dirt, any of which can ruin your eye health and vision, you should be wearing safety glasses. 

You should not take it for granted that because you have not had an eye injury, everything is fine. Chemical substances or particles in the air may be affecting your eyes, and perhaps continued exposure to contaminants will do permanent damage in the long run.

Any type of eye injury can result in a permanent and severe reduction or loss of vision. Many professional mechanics will find it uncomfortable to wear safety glasses or goggles all day long, however, your health comes before your comfort, and it is your health that will also determine your capability for long-term employment.

Safety Ratings 

The ANSI (American National Standards Institute) is an independent organization that tests and then certifies ratings for safety. These ratings are then approved by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). The safety certification for protective glasses is identified by a Z87 marking.

A rating of Z87.1 means that the glasses or goggles meet the ANSI requirements and are acceptable in any work environment where safety glasses are required. This indicates basic impact while high impact safety certification will be marked as Z87.1+. UVA, UVB, and UVC ratings will be identified separately.

FAQs

Can I wear safety glasses all day long?

Yes, they do not harm your vision in any way. Your only consideration may be comfort when wearing for extended periods of time.

Can I wear safety glasses over my prescription eyewear?

Yes, but you will need a pair of “over-glasses” or safety goggles that are made to fit over another pair of regular glasses.

Is there a difference between my regular glasses and safety glasses?

Yes. Regular glasses are not made to resist impact or protect you from liquids, dust or particles entering your eyes. They will not offer fogging protection and they may be prone to shattering or breakage. They do not offer protection in a work environment.

Is it possible to get safety prescription glasses or goggles?

Absolutely! There are numerous options and styles available in safety prescription glasses. They can be ordered from specific suppliers of prescription safety glasses and online retailers or many people will choose the type of frame or goggle they desire and have the original lenses substituted with their own prescription lenses. You can consult your eye doctor when making this kind of choice.

What if my safety glasses fog up while I’m working?

Fogging happens when droplets of water collect on the surface of the lenses due to their having a lower temperature than the surrounding environment.

Many brands of both safety glasses and safety goggles are treated with a special anti-fog coating to prevent fogging when in use.

The coating will prevent the water from collecting on the lens avoiding both fogging and less fuss with wiping your glasses constantly.

Can I keep my glasses from fogging?

The best solution is to select a pair of safety glasses with a specific anti-fog coating. However, if you already own a pair of safety glasses that does not have an anti-fog coating, you can use anti-fog wipes that are available for purchase.

A homemade remedy is to use a small bit of bar soap and buff it into the lenses or do the same with shaving cream. Anti-fog sprays and pastes are also available but may leave residue on the lenses.

Conclusion

As a professional mechanic, or even if you do mechanical work as a hobby, you need protective safety glasses. Research what is available on the market and decide what your specific personal needs are together with your preferences and taste.

With so many options available, you most assuredly will find the best safety glasses for mechanics that are perfect for you. Thank you for reading and we hope this article has provided you with information to begin your search.