Milwaukee Task Full Face Shield

As someone who frequently works with various power tools and safety gear, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Milwaukee Task Full Face Shield (model 48-73-1460). This face shield is designed to be easily attachable and detachable, promising a high level of safety and convenience. Here’s my detailed take on it.

Design and Build Quality

Right out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the build quality of the face shield. Milwaukee has a reputation for producing durable tools, and this face shield is no exception. The polycarbonate lens is robust and has a solid feel to it. It’s clear that the lens is designed to withstand significant wear and tear, which is crucial for anyone working in environments with flying debris, sparks, or other hazards.

The face shield also comes with a one-handed locking mount, which simplifies the process of attaching and removing the shield. This feature is particularly beneficial when you’re in the middle of a job and need to make quick adjustments without removing your helmet.

Ease of Use

One of the standout features of this face shield is its compatibility with Milwaukee's Bolt helmets and safety hats. The shield snaps in and out of place effortlessly, and the one-handed locking mount is genuinely user-friendly. I found that it took mere seconds to attach or detach the shield, making it extremely convenient for tasks that require frequent transitions between protected and unprotected states.

The shield has two secure locking positions, allowing you to flip it up when not in use without worrying about it falling back down. This is a small but significant feature that adds to the overall user experience.

Visibility and Comfort

The lens quality is exceptional. It offers a 180-degree field of view, which is essential for maintaining situational awareness while working. The clarity of the lens is top-notch, with no noticeable blemishes or distortions. Milwaukee has also treated the lens with a fog-free interior coating and an anti-scratch exterior hard coating. In my experience, the anti-fog feature worked quite well, with only minimal fogging in extremely humid conditions.

The face shield also accommodates wearing sunglasses underneath, which is a nice touch for those working in bright outdoor environments. The shield provided full coverage down to my neck, ensuring comprehensive protection against flying debris and other hazards.

Durability

Durability is a critical factor for any safety gear, and this face shield does not disappoint. The polycarbonate lens is tough and has held up well against various impacts during my testing. I even tried scratching a corner with a metal screwdriver, and it took a considerable amount of force to make a barely noticeable mark. This level of durability gives me confidence that the shield will last through many demanding tasks.

Versatility

The face shield is versatile enough to be used in different settings, from grinding metal to chopping down trees. However, I did find that wearing a dust mask underneath the shield could make breathing somewhat challenging. This is something to consider if you need to use additional respiratory protection while wearing the shield.

Switching the shield between different helmets is straightforward but can be a bit tricky if you have larger fingers. The mounting tabs are small and require some dexterity to flip, which might be a minor inconvenience for some users.

Safety Ratings

The face shield meets the ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 safety standards, which means it provides protection against blunt impacts, splashes, small particles, dust, and high-velocity impacts. This certification is reassuring and underscores the shield’s suitability for a wide range of hazardous tasks.

Additional Features

One of the added bonuses is the inclusion of a low-profile headlamp mount. This feature allows you to attach a Milwaukee low-profile headlamp, which is particularly useful for working in low-light conditions. The headlamp mount is optional but adds another layer of functionality to the face shield.

Areas for Improvement

While the face shield excels in many areas, there are a few minor drawbacks. The instructions could be clearer, especially the illustrations that show how to attach the shield to different helmets. Additionally, the plastic parts that clip the shield to the helmet can be bent easily, making it somewhat challenging to remove the shield without bending these parts.

Another point worth mentioning is the stiffness of the snap-in mechanism. While it provides a secure fit, it can be quite stiff initially. This might ease up with more use, but it’s something to be aware of when you first start using the shield.

Final Thoughts

Overall, the Milwaukee Task Full Face Shield is an excellent piece of safety equipment. Its combination of durability, ease of use, and high-quality lens makes it a valuable addition to any professional’s toolkit. The quick attachment and removal feature, along with the one-handed locking mount, significantly enhance its usability.

Would I recommend this face shield? Absolutely. Its robust construction, clear visibility, and comprehensive protection make it well worth the investment. Whether you’re working with power tools, grinding metal, or chopping down trees, this face shield provides the safety and convenience you need to get the job done efficiently and safely.