Sometimes I’ll just pop the glasses off for a second to clear them, but that’s not really safe.
Yeah, I’ve done that too—usually when I’m halfway through a crawlspace and can’t see a thing. For fogging, I started using anti-fog wipes, but honestly, they’re hit or miss. As for gloves, layering nitrile under regular ones is smart, but like you said, they get sweaty quick. I keep a small towel in my bag just to dry off between jobs... not perfect, but it helps a bit.
I can relate to the sweaty glove problem—after an hour in the attic last summer, I felt like I was wearing water balloons on my hands. I’ve switched to those thin, washable fabric gloves for lighter work and save the nitrile for anything really messy. They breathe better, but you lose a bit of dexterity. For goggles, has anyone tried the ones with vents? I found a pair that helped a bit with fogging, though dust still sneaks in sometimes. Curious if reusable gloves end up cheaper for folks, or if disposables are just more convenient in the long run...
I can relate to the sweaty glove problem—after an hour in the attic last summer, I felt like I was wearing water balloons on my hands.
That’s a perfect description. Attics in July are basically saunas with insulation, and those nitrile gloves just trap everything in. I’ve tried the thin fabric ones too—like you said, they’re way more breathable, but I end up dropping screws or fumbling with small parts. It’s a tradeoff.
On the cost side, I started out using disposables for everything because it seemed easier. But after going through box after box (and seeing the price creep up), I switched to reusable gloves for most jobs unless it’s something really nasty—like cleaning out a crawlspace or dealing with old insulation. The reusables last me a couple months if I don’t abuse them, and they’re easy to toss in the wash. They do get pretty grimy after a while though... not sure if that’s saving money or just trading one hassle for another.
Goggles are another story. The vented ones help with fogging, but yeah, dust finds its way in no matter what. I’ve tried anti-fog sprays and even dish soap tricks—works for about ten minutes before sweat takes over again. Sometimes I just give up and use safety glasses unless there’s a real risk of stuff falling from above.
Honestly, it feels like there’s no perfect combo. If it’s comfortable, it doesn’t protect enough; if it protects well, you’re sweating buckets or can’t see straight. Maybe someone will invent self-cooling gloves and dust-proof goggles one day... until then, guess we just keep swapping gear depending on how gross the job is.
Couldn’t agree more about the tradeoffs. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to peel off a pair of soaked gloves in an attic, only to have my hands pruned up and still covered in grime. I’ve bounced between disposables and reusables for years—disposables are great for the real nasty stuff, but like you said, the cost adds up fast. Reusables are better for most jobs, but after a while, they get so stiff and stained that I start wondering if they’re doing more harm than good.
Goggles drive me nuts too. The anti-fog sprays work for maybe one inspection, then it’s back to wiping them every five minutes. I tried those foam-sealed goggles once—never again. Felt like my face was in a greenhouse.
I don’t think there’s a magic solution either. End of the day, I just keep a bin with different gloves and eye protection in my truck and pick whatever seems least miserable for the job at hand. If someone ever invents gear that actually stays cool and clean, I’ll be first in line... until then, it’s all about managing discomfort.
I get what you’re saying about the tradeoffs, but honestly, I’ve had better luck with some of the newer reusable gloves. Maybe it’s just the brand, but mine don’t get as stiff as the old ones did. I toss them in the wash every so often and they’re not perfect, but they last way longer than disposables for me. Goggles are still a pain though—haven’t found a fix for that yet.