Safety First! What's your must-have PPE for specialty tools?

Hey folks, just had a close call with my new angle grinder while working on a metal project. Sparks flew right past my face - scared me straight! I usually just wear safety glasses, but now I'm thinking I need more. What PPE do you all swear by when using specialty tools? Especially stuff like grinders, routers, or anything that throws debris. Weekend warrior here trying to keep all my fingers and eyes intact!

Tim, glad you're okay! As a collector who's tried literally hundreds of tools, I've learned the hard way. For grinders: FULL face shield, not just glasses. Leather apron too - those sparks can burn through cotton. For routers: hearing protection is non-negotiable, and a dust mask at minimum. My pro tip: keep a dedicated PPE bag with each tool type. I have separate kits for metalworking, woodworking, and masonry. Yeah it's extra, but so are hospital bills!

Woodworker chiming in! Dust is my enemy. I use a respirator with P100 filters for ANY cutting or sanding. Those cheap paper masks are basically useless for fine particles. Also - push sticks! So many people skip them with table saws and routers. Made mine from scrap wood. Oh, and knee pads for floor work - your joints will thank you later. What specific projects are you working on, Tim?

Thanks both! Rick - mostly small metal fab and some wood trim work. DrillMaster, the separate PPE kits idea is genius! I've been using the same glasses for everything. Just ordered a face shield after reading this. Anyone have brand recommendations for comfortable hearing protection? My current muffs give me a headache after an hour.

Tim: 3M Peltor X-Series are my go-to. Pricy but worth it - super comfy and great noise reduction. Also consider electronic ones if you need to hear people/talk. And don't forget about gloves! Different types for different tools. No gloves with rotating tools (drills, etc) but cut-resistant for sheet metal. Safety is definitely not one-size-fits-all!