Where is best deals on Chainsaw chaps & hard-hat?

MossflowerWoods · Apr 21, 2012

I think the answer is buried in one of my old threads, but I'm going to ask again because... Well because I'm a n00b and that's what I do...

TSC has husky branded chaps and a hard hat with ear pro and a flip up metal screen eye pro. both approx $50 each. Stihl wants more $$$ like $65 for hat and over $90!!!! for chaps!!!!

For whatever reason I sweat like a pig when sawing, especially my head, and I fog up my goggles something fierce.

LstInThot when he came over used a hardhat setup with the metal screen and ear pro and I REALLY was impressed with it.

I also would like some chaps for all the obvious reasons, plus to keep my pants cleaner.

And it is my birthday next week, so...

Where do I tell the wife & daughters to go shop for my presents?

Thanks,
David

phiferpharm · Apr 21, 2012

I went the simple route and got them from Home Depot. I wanted the hat/earmuff/face shield in particular as I wear glasses and putting on eye protection over my regular glasses gave me about 2 minutes (well that is what it seemed like) of vision before it was fog city.

The hat was about 45.00 minus 10% military discount and the chaps are maybe $60-80 plus -10% military discount.

The hat is great when using a chain saw- mine always throws stuff at my face.

MarkV · Apr 21, 2012

Take a look a Baileys for good quality stuff. Husqvarna Chainsaws, Outdoor Power Equipment and Tree Care Supplies from Bailey's

MarkV

SimS · Apr 21, 2012

Try and get the chaps that have a full wrap around the lower leg/calf area. They are a little more expensive. A good portion of chainsaw injuries occur in the lower leg area. The way I see it, it's cheaper to pay more today than it costs to limp for the rest of your life. Do not scrimp on chainsaw safety gear. Elvex and Husqvarna have good stuff and there are online retailers so pricing is competitive. I think my Elvex chaps were about 90-100 bucks. The headgear is around 50 bucks IIRC. I also recommend getting some chainsaw safety gloves. I sweat like crazy in all this gear but I just guzzle water while working. The old adage "Better safe than sorry" is always in my head when I'm strapping on the gear.

SimS

Baby Grand · Apr 21, 2012

I'll second MarkV's suggestion to check out Bailey's.
I got my chaps from Labonville. Great price and very nice kevlar/polyester chaps.
My helmet is a Husqvarna with ear muffs and face screen - found on sale at the local Tractor Supply.
Good luck & work safely,
-Jim

Treemonkey1000 · Apr 21, 2012

Ebay if you know what sizes.

xyz123 · Apr 21, 2012

helmet Helmet System

chaps Labonville Safety Clothing & Accessories - Labonville Inc.

moeh1 · Apr 23, 2012

Search for "Amicks chaps", they had a good sale on them this spring.

s219 · Apr 23, 2012

The helmet can be whatever you like in terms of comfort and features as long as it has the relevant safety specs.

Keep in mind that the mesh face shield is primarily intended for groundwork. If you do any serious felling, you'll tire of it pretty quickly -- when you need to look up all the time, it gets in the way and obstructs vision (and if you're not looking up all the time, learn to get in the habit!!).

I use a Stihl helmet and mesh face shield for ground work, but switch to a full brim aluminum logger's helmet and safety glasses when I am doing a lot of felling work.

As far as chaps, beware of cheap thin ones. There are only a few top-rated brands that will really stop the saw chain under all conditions. I like the Labonvilles, and prefer the full-wrap models. They may seem unwieldy at first, but give them time to break in and they fit well. Size them by measuring from belt to the top (laces) of your boots.

If it's super hot out, you need to make the call as to what's worse -- unprotected legs or dehydration. Generally, I wear chaps all the time unless it's nuclear hot out (in which case, I most likely won't be cutting anyhow).

Finally, get in the habit of putting the chaps on even for quickie cuts. I think we're all most likely to screw up and get in trouble when we think stuff like "oh, it's just one little cut so I don't need chaps". The more you wear them, the more chances they have to protect you.