Chainsaw chaps.

[N80]

Again, I have no problem paying for quality. I do have a problem with assuming something is higher quality just because it costs more. I typically don't pay extra just for a name. I also have a problem paying for features I don't need. As I mentioned above, I found $300 chaps. Would it be smarter to buy those than a good pair of Stihl or Husqvarna?

Anyway, I'm pretty sure they're going to get me the Stihl chaps so I should be in good shape.

 

[Billrog]

I have a couple pair of chaps and a pair of pants the pants are only good in winter far to warm for summer. Chaps the protect your calf as well are probably a good choice. I'd be inclined to fine a pair that are comfortable more than anything other wise your more inclined not to wear them. Ease of putting them on and comfort are the only factors that I would consider most as they all stall the saw once cut into.

 

[Jim Everett]

Yes, get chaps! Regardless of cost it is worth it. Few years had a small injury- cut skin/fat on leg, no deep involvement but hurt my feelings real bad that I was that careless. Shortly after - before I used saw again -got chaps off ebay for a lot less than $100. My chaps do 3 things: remind me I can get hurt -- remind me to THINK before doing --- provide me with safety if I DO make another mistake!
Be careful!
Jim E

 

[Egon]

What is important is the ability to stop a saw chain and protection coverage area. This will vary. So look for chaps/pants with this criteria in mind. Also be reminded that proper chainsaw boots should also be worn.

I prefer the pant types but each to his/her own.

 

[N80]

What is important is the ability to stop a saw chain and protection coverage area. This will vary. So look for chaps/pants with this criteria in mind.

One would assume the various ratings would account for that. Even the cheaper pants carry safety ratings comparable to the more expensive ones. But I have no idea what those ratings actually mean. They might just be marketing fluff. But they might also be a better measure than some YouTube dude cutting up chaps in his back yard. I don't know.

Also be reminded that proper chainsaw boots should also be worn.

Good point. These have not been mentioned much. Doubt I will got that far. Foot area wounds make up a fairly small percentage compared to leg and upper body but in the type of work I often do with a saw I could see it as a potential risk area. I have steel toe boots but they would only help in the toe area.

I prefer the pant types but each to his/her own.

I like the idea of the pants but two issues will keep me from going that route: 1) Probably harder to get something that fits just right for comfort and mobility. 2) Heat. I'm in South Carolina. Our winters are probably warmer than your summers. ;-)

 

[Egon]

Quality?? Shop in a reliable established store. You will probably get the needed advice.

Boots, limbing is a good place to wear them.

 

[dmccarty]

...

You never know when/how/if it will happen.

I try to "never" touch my saw without them on.

(try to be just as retentive about hearing protection)

When buying my chainsaw, I also bought Stihl chaps and helmet. First time I used the saw, I did not put on the chaps but did use the helmet. :thumbdown: Nothing bad happened but I never did it again. :thumbsup:

Safety is a Habit so says I and the JD safety sticker on my tractor. :laughing::laughing::laughing:

There have been one or two times where I went out to use the chainsaw but something was not right. The little man on the shoulder was ringing a bell and I finally realized I had NOT put on my chaps. The habit of putting on the chaps and helmet made my subconscious tell me that something was not right when I was missing the chaps. :thumbsup:

I use chaps but I think the pants would be "better" but wearing two layers of trousers is not happening. Chaps are hot enough, pants would be far worse and cause me to overheat that much faster, which is its own safety issue.

Knock on wood, kick back has not been an issue for me. I have certainly had kick back but it was always instantly controllable. What does scare me is kick DOWN. That I have found to be very hard to control which make me worry about my feet. I would love to have some boots that had full top of foot protection but I have not seen any. As a result, when cutting and this is usually a problem when limbing, I try to make sure my legs are never aligned with the bar/chain so if I do have a kick down my body wont' be in the way.

Back to N80's question about quality, I just buy Stihl or Husquavarna chaps and helmets. I figure they are top quality brands, there might be better but how would I know, so I just stick with them. Along with chaps and helmet, I wear safety glasses and gloves. Figure everyone wear gloves though.

Later,
Dan

 

[Egon]

Just wear the chainsaw pants. Mine come down to cover my boots. The boots offer protection right to their top.

Information??
[video]http://www.bestworkwear.co.uk/chainsaw-ppe-guide[/video]

 

[N80]

I have certainly had kick back but it was always instantly controllable. What does scare me is kick DOWN.

My accident was kick down (or over, to be precise). I have felt kick back and kick down before. What scares me (now) about what happened to me is that I did not feel it or see it. I still can't tell you exactly what happened but there was no opportunity to sense it in any way until it hit me. And again, the impact was hard. It felt like someone hit me with a stick. I did not feel the cut at all.

That's why no one should rationalize that they can anticipate it or control it. You cannot control what you cannot see or feel happening.

I would also agree that while a small chainsaw might not be as capable of as severe an injury as a large chainsaw, the blade of a smaller saw, especially a powerful one, can be harder to control. Think pistol vs rifle. We are also more prone to use small saws in tight/close situations which increases risk.

 

[newbury]

<snip>
I would also agree that while a small chainsaw might not be as capable of as severe an injury as a large chainsaw, the blade of a smaller saw, especially a powerful one, can be harder to control. Think pistol vs rifle. We are also more prone to use small saws in tight/close situations which increases risk.

And I handle the small saws in ways I'd never handle my 42 CC and up saws. I'll saw overhead w/ the Stihl 021 and with my B&D electric I'll use that one handed at arms length.
I'd never do that with my Stihl 088