Quick safety reminder: wear your damn safety glasses! (Automotive Tools)

Hey guys, just wanted to share a quick safety tip that I learned the hard way. I was under my truck yesterday replacing the fuel filter, and a bunch of rust and dirt fell right into my eye. Spent 2 hours in the ER getting it flushed. Not fun. So please, wear safety glasses even for the 'simple' jobs. You only get two eyes. What other PPE do you guys always use when working on cars?

Ouch man, that sucks. Glad you're ok. I always wear safety glasses, but I also keep a pair of mechanic's gloves handy. Not those cheap latex ones, but the thick ones with grip. Saved my knuckles more than once when a wrench slipped. Also, if you're doing anything with springs or brakes, wear a face shield. Trust me, I've seen a coil spring go flying. Not pretty.

Good reminder. I'm guilty of skipping glasses when I'm just doing a quick oil change. But after reading this, I'm gonna be more careful. I also recommend ear plugs if you're using an impact wrench or air hammer. Those things are loud and can damage your hearing over time. And don't forget about ventilation when working with brake cleaner or paint. That stuff can mess you up.

Yeah, ear protection is a good call. I keep a pack of disposable ear plugs in the garage. Also, I've started wearing a respirator when I'm doing anything with brake dust or sanding. That stuff is nasty. Larry, what kind of gloves do you use? I've been looking for a good pair that still lets me feel what I'm doing.

I use the Mechanix Wear M-Pact gloves. They're a bit pricey but worth it. They have impact protection on the back and fingers, and the palm is thin enough that you can still pick up small bolts. Just don't use them near rotating equipment, obviously. And always check for wear before you use them. A torn glove is better than no glove, but not by much.