Almost lost an eye today - PLEASE wear safety glasses!

Hey guys, just had a close call in the garage. Was drilling some 1/2" holes in a steel plate with my corded Milwaukee and a cheap twist bit. Didn't bother with safety glasses because 'it's just a quick hole'. Well, the bit grabbed and shrapnel flew right past my face. Missed my eye by maybe an inch. I'm still shaking. Don't be a idiot like me. ALWAYS wear eye protection. What do you guys use for glasses? I need to upgrade.

Glad you're okay Felix! That's a classic 'it won't happen to me' moment. For drilling metal, I always wear a face shield OVER safety glasses. Those little chips are hot and fast. Also, use cutting fluid and go slow. As for glasses, get ones that meet ANSI Z87.1+ (high impact). Don't cheap out on the $2 ones from HF. I like the 3M Virtua or the ones with foam gaskets to keep dust out. Also consider a dust mask when drilling masonry or wood, silica and sawdust are no joke.

Seen too many guys in the trades lose an eye. Back in '89, a kid on my crew was drilling overhead with a hammer drill, no glasses. Concrete chunk fell right in his eye. He was lucky, but had to wear a patch for weeks. I keep a box of disposable safety glasses in my truck and give them to anyone who steps on site. For metal, definitely face shield. And ear protection too! Those hammer drills will wreck your hearing. I use the 3M Peltor muffs, cheap and effective.

Thanks for the tips. I just ordered a face shield and some good safety glasses. Also grabbed a pack of N95 masks for when I sand. Better late than never I guess.

Good call Felix. One more thing: make sure your drill bits are sharp. Dull bits require more pressure and can snap, sending shrapnel flying. Replace them when they start struggling. Stay safe out there!