I run into the same fogging issue, especially when I’m bouncing between my attic and the crawlspace. Even with the supposed “no-fog” goggles, it’s like they just buy me a few extra minutes before I’m wiping them down again. Have you tried those goggles with the little battery-powered fans? I saw a pair at the hardware store but wasn’t sure if they’re worth the price or if they’d just be another thing to break.
As for gloves, I’ve yet to find any that actually stay dry once you’re in a damp crawlspace for more than 10 minutes. I started using those blue Atlas nitrile-coated gloves—kind of a middle ground between disposables and full-on rubber gloves. They don’t stay totally dry, but at least they don’t shred instantly on rough stuff. Still, the moisture always finds its way in eventually... Maybe it’s just the nature of crawlspaces? I’d love to know if anyone’s figured out a better workaround.
Have you tried those goggles with the little battery-powered fans? I saw a pair at the hardware store but wasn’t sure if they’re worth the price or if they’d just be another thing to break.
Honestly, I wouldn’t bother with the fan goggles. A buddy of mine picked up a pair for HVAC work—he said the fan was barely noticeable and started rattling after a month. More moving parts just means more stuff to go wrong, especially in tight spots like crawlspaces. I’ve had better luck just cracking my goggles off for a second to clear them when I’m out of the dust zone. As for gloves, I keep going back to cheap cotton liners under dish gloves. Not perfect, but at least my hands don’t feel like prunes after an hour.
More moving parts just means more stuff to go wrong, especially in tight spots like crawlspaces.
I get the hesitation, but I actually had a different experience with the fan goggles. Picked up a mid-range pair last year for attic inspections—yeah, the cheap ones are junk, but the pricier model kept my lenses clear even when I was sweating buckets. Haven’t had any rattling so far, though I do baby my gear a bit. For gloves, nitrile disposables are my go-to for wet work, but I’ll admit they don’t last long if you’re crawling around.
I hear you on the disposables for wet work, but do you ever run into issues with grip or tearing when you’re handling rougher surfaces? I’ve tried a few brands and always end up with holes after crawling under decking. Is there a reusable glove that actually holds up, or is it just wishful thinking?
Yeah, I’ve had the same problem with disposables—especially those cheap nitrile ones. They’re fine for painting or cleaning gutters, but the second you start dragging yourself under a deck or dealing with rough lumber, they just shred. I tried those coated fabric gloves from the hardware store (the ones with the rubbery palm), and honestly, they hold up way better. Not perfect—eventually they wear through—but I get a few jobs out of each pair, and they’re only a couple bucks. Just gotta rinse them out if they get gross. For anything really nasty, I still keep a box of disposables around, but for crawling or heavy stuff, reusables are worth it.
