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Lincoln Electric K3118-2 Cutting & Grinding Goggles — Shade 3, Wide
$43.39
Final price set by Amazon · may vary
EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5 WC Safety Review — Lincoln Electric K3118-2 Shade 3 Cutting & Grinding Goggles Best For: Light cutting, brazing, and torch soldering — and grinding — where a full Shade 5...
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EDITORIAL REVIEW: 4.5/5
WC Safety Review — Lincoln Electric K3118-2 Shade 3 Cutting & Grinding Goggles
Best For: Light cutting, brazing, and torch soldering — and grinding — where a full Shade 5 is darker than the job needs and would cause eye strain. The lighter Shade 3 keeps the work visible while still blocking IR/UV.
Not For: Heavy oxy-fuel or plasma cutting (use Shade 5), or any arc welding (use an auto-darkening helmet).
Bottom Line: The Shade 3 companion to Lincoln’s wide cutting goggle — the right density for lighter torch work. For heavier cutting, step up to the Lincoln K3118-1 (Shade 5).
Editorial assessment by the WC Safety Editorial Team. WC Safety did not laboratory-test this product; scoring reflects published manufacturer specifications, ANSI Z87.1 marking, application fit, and category expertise.
Lincoln Electric K3118-2 Overview
The Lincoln Electric K3118-2 is the Shade 3 version of Lincoln’s wide cutting and grinding goggle — same sealed, wide-vision body and dual anti-fog / anti-scratch lens, marked to ANSI Z87.1, but with a lighter filter for light cutting, brazing, and torch soldering. Shade 3 keeps the work visible where Shade 5 would be too dark, while still blocking the IR/UV those processes throw off. Browse safety goggles and eye protection, and match shade to task with our welding shade-number reference.
Where the K3118-2 Fits in Eye-Protection Selection
Shade is chosen by process intensity. Light cutting, brazing, and torch soldering call for Shade 3; heavier oxy-fuel and plasma cutting want Shade 5 (the K3118-1); arc welding needs a helmet. Too-dark a shade causes strain and gets removed; too-light exposes the eyes. Confirm against ANSI Z87.1 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133.
Who Should Buy the Lincoln K3118-2?
- Buy it if you braze, torch-solder, or do light cutting where Shade 5 is too dark.
- Buy it if you want a wide, sealed goggle that also handles grinding.
- Choose Shade 5 instead for heavier cutting — the K3118-1.
- Choose a cup goggle instead for classic oxy-acetylene — the Forney 55301.
- Choose a helmet instead for arc welding — see the welding helmets guide.
What Does the K3118-2 Protect Against?
| Hazard | Fit | Buyer guidance |
|---|---|---|
| IR/UV from light cutting & brazing | Shade 3 | Right density for torch soldering and light brazing. |
| Sparks, slag & spatter | Sealed | Sealed body blocks multi-angle spatter. |
| Grinding particles & impact | ANSI Z87.1 | Impact lens covers grinding — see Z87.1 explained. |
| Heavy cutting / arc welding | Too light | Use Shade 5 (K3118-1) or a helmet. |
What the K3118-2 Does NOT Protect Against
- It is too light for heavy oxy-fuel/plasma cutting — use Shade 5.
- It is not for arc welding — that needs an auto-darkening helmet.
- It is not a face shield — add one over the goggle for full-face grinding coverage.
Important: Filter shade must match the process — Shade 3 is for light torch work; using it on heavy cutting underprotects against IR/UV (risking photokeratitis and retinal damage). Verify the correct shade against the shade-number reference and OSHA 1910.133 before use.
Best Applications
Brazing & torch soldering
Shade 3 is the comfortable density for light brazing and soldering where Shade 5 is too dark. See process/shade pairing in can safety glasses be used for welding.
Light cutting
For thin-stock torch cutting; step to the Shade 5 K3118-1 for thicker plate.
Grinding & fabrication
Impact-rated lens lets it double for grinding; round out the kit with welding respirators.
Pros
- Shade 3 — right for light torch work
- Wide sealed body, grinding-capable
- Anti-fog / anti-scratch lens
- ANSI Z87.1 impact rated
Cons
- Too light for heavy cutting (use Shade 5)
- Not for arc welding
- Fixed shade, no flip-up
- Amazon price above welding-retail
Shade 3 vs Shade 5 — Fit & Compatibility
| Task | Right goggle |
|---|---|
| Light cutting, brazing, soldering | K3118-2 (Shade 3) |
| Oxy-fuel/plasma cutting, heavier brazing | K3118-1 (Shade 5) |
| Inspect work between cuts | Forney 55320 (flip-up) |
K3118-2 vs Other Welding & Cutting Goggles
| Goggle | Shade | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln K3118-2 | 3 | Light cutting, brazing, soldering |
| Lincoln K3118-1 | 5 | Oxy-fuel/plasma cutting + grinding |
| Jackson WS (round) | 5 | Over-the-glasses cutting |
| Forney 55301 | 5 | Budget oxy-acetylene cup |
K3118-2 vs K3118-1
Identical goggle, lighter filter. Choose the K3118-2 (Shade 3) for brazing, soldering, and light cutting; choose the K3118-1 (Shade 5) for oxy-fuel/plasma cutting and heavier brazing. Verdict: many shops stock both and grab the shade that matches the job.
K3118-2 Quick Answers
What shade is the K3118-2?
Shade 3 — for light cutting, brazing, and torch soldering.
When do I need Shade 3 vs Shade 5?
Shade 3 for light torch work; Shade 5 for oxy-fuel/plasma cutting and heavier brazing.
Can I use it for arc welding?
No — arc welding requires an auto-darkening helmet.
Is it ANSI rated?
Yes — ANSI Z87.1, so it also covers grinding.
Does it fog?
It has an anti-fog / anti-scratch coating.
Lincoln K3118-2 Specifications
| Manufacturer | Lincoln Electric |
| Model / SKU | K3118-2 |
| Shade | 3 (IR/UV filter) |
| Standard | ANSI Z87.1 |
| Lens coating | Anti-fog & anti-scratch |
| Use | Light cutting, brazing, soldering, grinding |
Helpful Buying Guides
- Welding shade-number reference
- Best eye protection for welders
- Safety glasses vs goggles
- Can safety glasses be used for welding?
- ANSI Z87.1 standard explained
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133 eye & face protection
Lincoln K3118-2 Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the K3118-2 cost?
WC Safety lists it at $43.39, with the Amazon buy button reflecting the current Amazon price.
Why choose Shade 3 over Shade 5?
Shade 3 keeps light torch work visible where Shade 5 is too dark and causes eye strain.
Is Shade 3 enough for cutting?
For light/thin-stock torch cutting, yes; for thicker plate and plasma cutting, use Shade 5.
Can it be used for grinding?
Yes — the ANSI Z87.1 impact lens covers grinding.
Is it the same goggle as the K3118-1?
Yes, the only difference is the filter shade (3 vs 5).
Can I use it for arc welding?
No — arc welding needs a helmet, not a fixed-shade goggle.
Does it fit over glasses?
It fits over smaller frames; the Jackson WS goggle is roomier for OTG.
Is it OSHA compliant?
An ANSI Z87.1 Shade 3 goggle meets OSHA 1910.133 when the shade matches the task.
Does the lens fog?
It has a dual anti-fog / anti-scratch coating.
Should I stock both shades?
Many shops do — Shade 3 for light work, Shade 5 for heavier cutting.
Is it sealed or open?
Sealed — unlike open welding glasses, it blocks slag from the sides.
Can I wear it with a respirator?
Yes — pair it with a welding respirator for fume protection.
Written by Steven Eaton, WC Safety Editorial — Industrial eye-protection desk; specialization in welding/cutting filter shades, ANSI Z87.1 selection, and OSHA 1910.133 compliance.
Reviewed by: WC Safety Editorial Team · Last reviewed:
Standards referenced: ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133, ANSI Z49.1, Lincoln Electric product data.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. Shade/marking verified against published specifications; not WC Safety laboratory testing.
Reviewed by: WC Safety Editorial Team · Last reviewed:
Standards referenced: ANSI/ISEA Z87.1-2020, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.133, ANSI Z49.1, Lincoln Electric product data.
Editorial standard: Zero sponsored listings. No manufacturer input. Shade/marking verified against published specifications; not WC Safety laboratory testing.
Brand / Vendor
Lincoln Electric
Model / SKU
K3118-2
Product Type
Safety Goggle
Price
$43.39 (Amazon)
Rating
3.1 / 5 — 10 reviews
Availability
Check current availability on Amazon
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Verified Buyer Reviews
Customer Reviews
★★★★☆3.9 / 5· 170 ratings on Amazon
★★★★★
good enough for my use
I just occasionally cut steel with a torch or plasma cutter and from my use they work fine but if you had to wear them for any length of time I can't answer they would work but be incredibly hot but your eyes would be fine
Verified Purchaser · July 26, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★☆
Seems on the dark side
These are good quality and fit nicely. They are a little dark for me for grinding and cutting. I use a #9 for stick welding so I like to be on the lite side. It would be my guess they are around a 5 shade but I have no way to tell. It’s probably just me.
Verified Purchaser · June 10, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★★★
Great
Comfortable and lightweight
Verified Purchaser · April 18, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★☆☆☆☆
Not meant for cutting
These advertise as though they’re meant for cutting and welding. I bought them to view the eclipse - and it was way to bright to see. If I can’t look at the sun with these, I sure as heck can’t do any welding with them.
Verified Purchaser · December 3 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Well made but won't fit my big nose!
These were just what I was looking for but they fit very poorly on my face due to my somewhat large nose. The cutout for the nose is inadequate for all but the tiny-nosed people.
Verified Purchaser · March 22, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★☆☆☆
Useless
Did not fit curvature of my face, nor over the bridge of my nose. Useless.
Verified Purchaser · August 15, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Not for those with glasses.
Despite what another buyer reported these are not for anyone with glasses not even SMALL lens and frame style glasses. Without my glasses they fit comfortably enough, are snug without being too tight and the strap is high enough above the ear to not rub uncomfortably. Your feild of vision is rather narrow but they do not fog so that's nice.I'm sending them back only because I need my glasses when doing detail work.
Verified Purchaser · October 6, · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★☆☆☆
Great for covering your forehead
So these things don't fit over the nose at all. I legit have to have them up on my forehead....
Verified Purchaser · February 1 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Misleading product description
This product will not protect against infrared radiation, despite the Amazon description stating "INFRARED (IR) PROTECTION."From the Lincoln Electric packaging: "This spectacle does not protect against infrared radiation (IR)"I will grudgingly keep them since it will be less hassle to repurpose, rather than return them.
Verified Purchaser · February 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
★★★☆☆
Not a bad product but they did not fit well over my ...
Not a bad product but they did not fit well over my nose. If you got a bigger nose I would look elsewhere.
Verified Purchaser · July 14, 2 · ✓ Amazon Verified Purchase
Showing 10 of 170 Amazon reviews.
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