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DIY Handyman Woodworking Safety Essentials

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Whether you're a hobbyist, tinkerer, or someone who has been building things for years, having these woodworking essentials are… essential? Make sure you are protecting yourself. It only takes one accident to mess up your life. Future you thanks you!

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Basic Personal PPE Essentials

Having the proper woodworking safety essentials to get started is important. Don't “get to it later”, especially when you're just starting out. 

 
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You'll shoot your eye out. Seriously, at some point, you're going to get something in your eye. And you know how much it hurts when you get an eyelash in your eye? Imagine a splinter of wood shooting off a table saw.
Safety Glasses: DEWALT
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Goggle Type Eye Protection - A more secure version.
Anti-Fog Goggles with Clear Lens
 
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Full Face Shield - If you wear glasses, this is probably your best option for protecting your eyes and still being able to see.
Lincoln Electric Face Shield
 
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Protect your hearing. Don't screw around. It is not fun asking people to repeat things over and over. These earplug are convenient, don't hurt, are harder to lose, but if you do, you have 6.
Earplugs: 6-Pack Reusable Corded Hearing Protection Earplugs
 
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These are not better than wearing ear plugs, but if you think you're too cool to wear ear plugs, then these still will help with protecting your hearing. Just don't get distracted.
TOZO Hybrid ANC Wireless Earbuds
 
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Ear Muffs Ear Protection - These are the extra protection that will keep your hearing working for the long term.
3M Pro-Grade Earmuffs
 
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Protect your hands. I like gloves that are a little thinner, just so that I can feel what I'm working on, but depends on what you're doing. These are pretty good though.
Gloves: FIRM GRIP Large Utility Work Gloves (3-Pack)
 
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If you plan on doing any staining, painting, etc. get some Nitrile gloves. Harbor Freight is the cheapest place I can find that sells these gloves and often have coupons.
Nitrile Powder-Free Gloves, 50 Pack, Large 7 mil
 
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Do a test. Blow your nose after working in the yard all day, or on a project, without a mask. Then, try it once with a mask on. And then buy these.
3M All Purpose Face Mask - 10-Pack
 
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If you want to get serious about protecting your lungs, these are a better choice. And they fit nice.
3M All-purpose Half Face Respirator
 
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See stuff! Strap this headlamp on and be able to see, regardless of how bad your lighting is in your garage.
850-Lumen LED Headlamp with Rechargeable with Batteries Included
 
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Push Blocks - Keeping distance between your hand and that spinning blade of death on your table saw is crucial. This combo pack has multiple options for what you are working on.
WEN Push Block and Push Stick Safety Set For Woodworking, 5-piece
 
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Push Block: This push block has some great safety features built in to feel confident that it won't slip when you're using your table saw or router.
GRR-RIP BLOCK Revolutionary Push Block

Protective Clothing

Gear up with these recommendations for protective clothing while in your workshop.

 
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Men's safety toe boots. With an aluminum toe, these boots are still lightweight, but will protect your feet from getting messed up.
Men's Safety Toe Boots: Apex | RedWing
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Women's safety toe boots. With an aluminum toe, these boots are still lightweight, but will protect your feet from getting messed up.
Women's Safety Toe Boots: Apex | RedWing
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Protect your knees during strenuous, repetitive tasks with DEWALT® Flooring Knee Pads with Gel. These knee pads are designed to provide a secure fit and provide continuous comfort on long days and tough jobs.
DEWALT Flooring Knee Pads
 
Paul Miller profile picture
There are a million magnetic wristbands out there. I like this one because it comes with the socket adapter as an add on, so I think that is a useful tool.
Magnetic Wristband & Universal Socket Grip
 
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A work apron is great. Not only does it keep that paint splatter from ruining your clothes, but it also is a barrier between you and something sharp.
Work Apron: Duckwear Super Bib

Shop Safety and Comfort

Here are some items for general shop safety. It's meant to protect you but more “shop” related items. And who says you have to be miserable while you build something?

 
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Having proper lighting when you are using power tools is one of the most important safety “tools” you can have for your work area. 

These shop lights are great! You get 4 lights that can link together, so they only take up one outlet plug. They are nice and bright. And not that expensive!
4FT LED Shop Light, 40W, 5000K, 4 Pack
 
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First Aid Kit - Have this for those injuries that are bound to happen.
Band-Aid First Aid Kit - 160ct
 
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Fire Extinguisher: Two pack. Has one for common fires, and another for oil/grease fires. Get this one so you can have it for the house as well.
Multipurpose Residential Fire Extinguisher (2-Pack)
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Push Broom with Squeegee - A great 2 in 1 tool. Keep your floor clean. Having a flat clean surface to stand on is really important.
Squeegee Push Broom: Libman 24 in. Heavy-Duty Multi-Surface Squeegee Push Broom
 
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If you're doing any work in your garage in the winter, the floor gets REALLY cold and you might not notice until you're miserable. Add some padding and distance to help you keep working.
Anti Fatigue Industrial Work Mat
 
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Stay warm with this garage shop heater! Here is why I like this one. It's electric, and runs on a standard outlet. It also heats a 10x10 area, so plenty of area for a garage or small workshop.
Infrared Portable Electric Garage Heater with Thermostat | Up to 1500-Watt
 
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Another option for a garage or small shop heater. Standard outlet, so no need to run 220V wire and you can move it around.
Portable Ceramic 120v Electric Garage Heater for 160 sq. ft. with Adjustable Tilt Head & Perfect for Garages
 
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Dust Collection System: Attach this directly to the discharge port on your saw, planner, etc.
12-Gallon Dry Dust Collector with Polyester Filter
 
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Air Filter: Ceiling mounted, this is meant to remove fine particles from the air. Also comes with a washable filter.
Air Cleaner | Ceiling Mount | Washable Pleated Air Filter