Chain saw chaps..

thatguy · Feb 19, 2006

Where is the best place (cheapest?) to purchase chain saw chaps? What should I be looking for in them? I wont be using them that much, but know that I need them none the less..

Just wondering..

brian

Egon · Feb 19, 2006

You should be looking for the "Best Chaps" not the best place to find the cheapest ones.

Egon

ronjhall · Feb 19, 2006

I do not know if they are the cheapest. But I got mine from baileys-online.

rozett · Feb 19, 2006

EXACTLY!!!!!!

A savings of $10 may end up costing you $100s at your local hospital. No matter how good and how careful you are... stuff happens. I cut for many years without them. Last summer I was cutting a tree bent over by an ice storm. I was VERY glad I had them on. I won't even start my chainsaw without them on. By the way, I buy mine from Construction Safety Products .

Jstpssng · Feb 19, 2006

Egon hit it right on the head. You can buy a decent pair of chaps for $50-$75; I haven't priced new legs lately, but I've heard they aren't cheap. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Labonville is a good place to look, but I would check first at your local saw shop.

There are many styles and sizes; the pair I use most has a Husquvarna label, but were made in Canada; most likely at the Labonville factory. They have a flap which wraps around the back of my leg... I'm not sure how necessary that is.

My spare pair did come from Labonville. They were 15 years old when I replaced them because the stitching is wearing out. The pair before that didn't fare so well; I wish I'd taken a picture before throwing them out, it would say a lot about wearing them. Let's say they were almost in 2 pieces from a cut with a saw... I only got a slight scratch on my kneecap.

You can also get cutters pants with the pads sewn in; I've been told these are safer, but I'm not sure why. I would advise against getting pants with the snap-in pads; I also have a pair of these but they tend to twist around and may not be where they should if you ever do need them.

One more thing; the tag on my chaps clearly states "may NOT prevent penetration of saw chain, but gives the operator extra protection time to REACT and reduce injuries."

Jstpssng · Feb 19, 2006

( Last summer I was cutting a tree bent over by an ice storm. )
By any chance was that a spring pole, that snapped back at you? I've been waiting for Tree Guy to discuss the best way to handle these, he's pretty darned good at explaing things.

rozett · Feb 19, 2006

( By any chance was that a spring pole, that snapped back at you? )

Yes, it was. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif It was a 4" diameter maple. I made a 1" back cut on the 'under' side and started making the main cut about an inch higher on the front side. Unfortunately for me, it was also twisted. As I was cutting, it split length-wise and sprang up and whacked my helmet. As I flew backwards, the saw hit the chaps mid-thigh. Chaps worked as advertised and stopped the saw instantly. I, on the otherhand, found myself on my backside about 8 feet from the tree. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

gator · Feb 19, 2006

Check your local Lowes Home Improvement for FOR THESE Husqvarna Safety Chaps ,not that expensive.

Jstpssng · Feb 19, 2006

( By any chance was that a spring pole, that snapped back at you? )

)

I usually make a series of light cuts on the outward side of the stressed area, to gradually release the tension. don't go more than 1/4 way into the tree; even less on your first cut. Start high, and work your way down toward the stump.
I'm not sure if this is the best way, but it's what they used to teach 25 years ago. There's been a lot of safety research on cutting since then, and improved techniques have been found.

Glad to hear you weren't injured. It happens too fast, doesn't it?

Did your chain brake also engage? That's when you really need that inertia brake.

Slamfire · Feb 19, 2006

From time to time you can find surplus Forest Service chaps on e-Bay. It isn't the Forest Service sellin' them but some one who bought them of resale. I'm usin' a pair for spares. Then don't provide enough coverage to my feet, but some other size might.