Safety First: What PPE do you use with pliers?

Hey everyone! Just had a close call this weekend - was using my slip-joint pliers to bend some wire for a garden trellis, and a piece snapped and flew right at my face. Thankfully I had my safety glasses on! Got me thinking - what PPE do you all use with pliers? I usually just do glasses, but wondering if I should add gloves too?

Wendy, glad you're okay! For me, it depends on the task. For precision work with needle-nose pliers (electronics, jewelry repair), I use anti-static wrist straps and magnifying glasses with side shields. For heavier jobs with lineman's pliers, I wear cut-resistant gloves (Level 3) and a face shield if I'm cutting hardened wire. Remember: the right tool for the job includes the right protection!

Great topic! I've got about 27 pairs of pliers in my collection (including some vintage Channellocks), and I've learned the hard way. Always wear gloves - I prefer Mechanix Wear for dexterity. Also, don't forget hearing protection if you're using pliers near power tools! Once saw a guy get metal shavings in his eye from cutting bolts... not pretty. Safety gear is the one collection that should never be incomplete!

Budget tip: Harbor Freight's safety glasses are like $3 and work just fine. For gloves, I get the cheap leather ones from the hardware store - they last about 6 months with heavy use. Honestly though, the most important thing is just WEARING the PPE you have. I see so many guys skip glasses because 'it's just a quick job.' That's how accidents happen!