DEWALT Converter Safety Glasses

The DEWALT Converter is a glasses/goggles hybrid that converts between traditional safety glasses and sealed-gasket goggles through interchangeable temples and an elastic head strap. Rated ANSI Z87.1+ with soft foam frame insert, it suits applications where both open-air comfort and dust/splash protection are required across the same shift. Available in Clear Anti-Fog, Smoke Anti-Fog, and Indoor/Outdoor Anti-Fog at $19.99.

Construction and Materials

The Converter features a large wraparound polycarbonate lens with an enlarged lens opening for improved sightlines. A soft foam frame insert provides a conforming seal against the face for goggle-mode protection. Interchangeable ratcheting bayonet temple arms and an elastic head strap allow field conversion between open safety glasses (temples) and sealed goggles (strap with foam gasket). All lens options include anti-fog coating. The adjustable ratcheting temples allow custom temple angle and length for a variety of face geometries.

Compliance

ANSI Z87.1+ rated for high-velocity and high-mass impact. The foam-sealed goggle configuration provides additional debris and liquid splash protection beyond the lens-only protection of the open configuration. Provides 99.9% UVA/UVB protection across all lens tints.

Performance Assessment

The Converter's primary advantage is application flexibility. Workers who transition between dust-heavy sawing or grinding operations (where the foam seal reduces debris ingress) and general site mobility (where the open temple configuration is more comfortable) benefit from a single eyewear solution rather than carrying two separate pairs. The anti-fog coating on all lens options addresses fogging that the foam seal can exacerbate in humid or high-exertion conditions by reducing breathability.

The foam gasket effectiveness depends on face geometry and fit; workers with significant facial hair or non-standard face profiles may not achieve a complete seal. The ratcheting temple mechanism adds weight versus standard safety glasses and may be uncomfortable for extended open-configuration wear for workers accustomed to lighter frames.

Strengths

• Converts between open safety glasses and sealed foam-gasket goggles with the same frame
• All lens options include anti-fog coating — prevents fogging in both goggle and glasses configurations
• Enlarged lens opening improves sightlines compared to compact safety glass frames
• Ratcheting bayonet temple arms allow customized fit across a range of face geometries
• ANSI Z87.1+ certified for high-impact protection in both configurations

Limitations

• Heavier than standard non-converting safety glasses; noticeable in extended open-configuration wear
• Foam gasket seal quality depends on face geometry; not a reliable full-seal goggle for all wearers
• At $19.99, costs more than purpose-built budget safety glasses; value depends on needing both configurations

Recommended Use Cases

Construction trades requiring both sealed protection (cutting, grinding, masonry, demo) and open-air comfort in the same workday. Woodworking, chemical handling, and environments with intermittent dust or liquid splash where carrying two separate pairs of eyewear is impractical. The anti-fog lens is particularly valuable in high-exertion or high-humidity conditions.

Verdict

The DEWALT Converter is the correct choice for workers who genuinely need both glasses-mode comfort and occasional goggle-mode sealing capability. For workers who need only basic anti-fog protection without the goggle conversion, the DEWALT Contractor Pro Anti-Fog provides the same ANSI Z87.1+ rating at lower cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Converter switch between glasses and goggles?

The bayonet temple arms detach and the elastic head strap attaches in their place. The foam frame insert creates a seal against the face in goggle mode. Both configurations use the same lens and frame body.

Does the foam seal make the Converter suitable for chemical splash protection?

The foam seal provides additional incidental splash protection beyond open glasses, but the Converter is not rated as a full splash goggle for chemical exposure. For verified chemical splash environments, a dedicated indirect-vent chemical goggle should be evaluated.

Do all lens options include anti-fog?

Yes. Clear Anti-Fog, Smoke Anti-Fog, and Indoor/Outdoor Anti-Fog all include anti-fog treatment. Anti-fog coating is standard across all three variants.

What ANSI rating does the Converter carry?

ANSI Z87.1+ for high-velocity and high-mass impact in both open and sealed configurations. 99.9% UVA/UVB protection on all lenses.

Is the foam insert washable?

The foam insert is a soft removable gasket. It can be hand-washed with mild soap and allowed to air dry. Replace if the foam begins to deteriorate or no longer maintains a consistent seal.