Eye and hand protection: disposable vs. reusable gear?

Upgrades seem great until you’re fighting with some fancy gear that doesn’t actually help. I end up back with the basics too - less hassle, less to break or lose.

That’s the truth. I tried these “ergonomic” gloves last summer - supposed to wick sweat and keep your hands cool. All I got was a weird rash and a pair of gloves that never quite dried out. Ended up right back with my old leather ones, stiff thumbs and all. A little lanolin goes a long way, but I admit I usually forget until they’re already cracking.

For eye protection, I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve taken my goggles off just to wipe the fog, only to get a face full of insulation dust. The anti-fog sprays are a joke in humid weather. The medical tape trick is awkward but it actually kept my glasses from fogging up on a roof tear-off in August, so I’m a convert. Still feels like I’m prepping for surgery every time, though.

Disposable nitrile gloves are my go-to for the real nasty stuff - bird nests, old insulation, you name it. But I can’t wear them for long or my hands look like I’ve been in the bath all day. Reusables for most jobs, disposables for the gross ones. Simple formula, works for me.

That lanolin trick for leather gloves is underrated - funny how the old-school stuff still works best. I’ve tried a few of those “breathable” synthetics too, and either they fall apart after a week or, like you said, they never dry out. I’m in the southeast, so humidity is a constant battle. Leather’s not perfect, but at least I know what I’m getting. I do wish someone would make a glove that doesn’t turn into a sauna by noon, though.

On the goggles - yeah, anti-fog coatings are basically useless once the dew point hits. I’ve even tried the dish soap smear, but it just made everything blurry. The medical tape hack is awkward but surprisingly effective. I’ve also seen folks use foam weatherstripping along the top edge of their goggles to block sweat and air, but it’s a bit much for me. Still, anything’s better than getting fiberglass dust in your eyes.

Disposable nitrile gloves are a must for the gross jobs, but I can’t stand how sweaty they get. Sometimes I’ll double up with a thin cotton liner underneath, which helps a bit with the clamminess and makes them easier to pull off. For most roofing work, though, I stick with reusables - less waste, and they’re tougher. The only downside is cleaning them out after a messy job. I’ve started rinsing mine with a hose at the end of the day and hanging them up, which seems to help them last longer.

I’m curious if anyone’s found a reusable glove that actually holds up to solvents or tar without turning into a sticky mess. Most of mine end up trashed after a couple of weeks if I’m working with adhesives. Maybe there’s something out there I haven’t tried yet...

I’ve had the same issue with reusables breaking down after a few rounds with solvents, especially anything petroleum-based. I’ve tried a few of those heavy-duty chemical-resistant gloves - like butyl or Viton - but they’re stiff and not great for grip on ladders or tools. Sometimes I’ll just end up swapping gloves halfway through a job, which isn’t ideal. Has anyone had luck with a particular brand for tar or adhesives that doesn’t just get gummy and useless after a couple uses? Curious if there’s something out there that’s actually practical for field work, not just lab stuff.

Sometimes I’ll just end up swapping gloves halfway through a job, which isn’t ideal.

Yeah, that’s been my experience too. I’ve gone through a pile of “chemical-resistant” gloves that were either too clunky to handle tools or just melted after a couple days with hot tar. Honestly, the only thing that’s lasted me more than a week around adhesives was the Showa 6781R – not perfect, but better grip than most. Still, they’re not immune to getting gummy if you’re working nonstop in the summer heat. It’s kind of a trade-off... comfort vs. durability. Haven’t found anything that ticks all the boxes yet, but you’re definitely not alone in this struggle.

- Totally get the “comfort vs. durability” struggle. I’ve had gloves basically fuse to my hands after a long attic inspection in July - gross.
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“better grip than most. Still, they’re not immune to getting gummy if you’re working nonstop in the summer heat.”

Yep, that’s the kicker. I like the Showas too, but they get sticky fast.
- Tried disposables for quick jobs, but they rip if you even look at a nail wrong. Reusables last longer, but I end up washing them so much they stiffen up.
- Honestly, I keep a stash of both and just swap depending on the job. Not perfect, but at least I’m not bare-handed in fiberglass anymore... small wins, right?