Know about chainsaw chaps?

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e9999

e9999

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decided I should look into getting some.

did use saws for a bit now without chaps but I figure my time is running up and I'd rather be safer...

any suggestion or feedback as to brand, Kevlar or not, how many layers, calf wrapping, surplus vs commercial, etc?
 
I've got a Stihl pair. Like em a lot. They've got kevlar in them, don't know how many layers. The pocket is handy for your T-wrench, gloves, and collecting saw chips.

I haven't used them yet. ;)
 
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The fist things about leg protection is that they reduce the severity of the injury. There is no such thing as cut proof, they are only cut resistant. The fibers pull out of the chaps and clog up the sprocket area of the saw.

The Osha Reg is that a 6ply is recommended for Chain Saws below 3.8ci and a 9 ply is recommended for saws above 3.8ci. Osha regs are only in place for employees of companies so as a private individual you are not required to follow the rulings.

Kevlar is a balystic nylon that was the best thing on the market in the late 70's and 80's. The thing most people do not know about Kevlar is that when it gets wet it is extremely less effective. They are considered leg protection but so are leather farrier chaps.

When any chain saw protective chaps get dirty (bar oil spilled) they will all become less effective.

Something with Engtex (STIHL) is extremely nice. They are machine washable and dryer compatable. Kevlar has to be washed with a scrub brush and then let to air dry. A new pair of STIHL chaps will have a recomendation that you wash and tumble dry the chaps before you use them. This fluffs up the fibers making it easier for the chain to pull them out and clog the sprocket.



Get the right size. Most all chaps are measured from the top of the chaps to the bottom of the chaps, not the inseam.
 
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e9999 said:
decided I should look into getting some.

did use saws for a bit now without chaps but I figure my time is running up and I'd rather be safer...

any suggestion or feedback as to brand, Kevlar or not, how many layers, calf wrapping, surplus vs commercial, etc?
Click to expand...

Definately Kevlar. For proper fit, they should overlap your boot tops by a minimum of 2". Stihl and Husky chaps suck in comparison to the one's I wear while sawing on wildfires, but they're probably OK if you're just 'sport falling'. Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is keep control of your saw. I've been cutting my own firewood and sawing on wildfires for 9 years now and haven't had a close call, nor have I cut my chaps. Focus on what you're doing and take your time. Know where your bar tip is at all times. Here's a link to some chaps in Forestry Supplier.

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1475

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1641
 
bigndn said:
Definately Kevlar. For proper fit, they should overlap your boot tops by a minimum of 2". Stihl and Husky chaps suck in comparison to the one's I wear while sawing on wildfires, but they're probably OK if you're just 'sport falling'. Probably the best thing you can do for yourself is keep control of your saw. I've been cutting my own firewood and sawing on wildfires for 9 years now and haven't had a close call, nor have I cut my chaps. Focus on what you're doing and take your time. Know where your bar tip is at all times. Here's a link to some chaps in Forestry Supplier.

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1475

http://www.forestry-suppliers.com/product_pages/View_Catalog_Page.asp?mi=1641
Click to expand...


Don't forget BignDn that you are 212 certifide. That is a 40 hour course covering mostly chain saw operation etc. That is a requirement for all USFS and CDF, Department of Forestry personell to runs chain saws. With that training and certification you can use the 2 ply Kevlar. It's an insurance thing.

Please do not confuse the specialty training you have received and the allowances you have been given because of the training and apply it to the average home owner when it comes to protective apperal.


Just to let you know that I am not some dude blowing smoke out my ass. I am a "C" certified faller instructor in the USFS. I train the Hotshot crews throughout CA and work closely with Doug Dent. I alos train the breaching teams of the Navy Seal teams in Coronado.
 
is it like some of the mainstream chaps are worthless and you have to be very careful when buying or rather that they are all generally OK and it doesn't matter much what kind you get?
 
Hi,

I work for a Construction Equipment Rental Company that sells and rents small construction equipment. We are a Sthil dealer, and we sell chainsaw chaps made by Sthil. I would definetly follow the advice of those that use chainsaws for a living, because they have to have certification for using this or any type of cutting equipment. However, do not forget to use goggles, gloves, and ear protection when you are running any type of equipment. OSHA does not apply to us when we do our own work, but what works for professionals will apply to us at home.

mark
 
D'Animal said:
Don't forget BignDn that you are 212 certifide. That is a 40 hour course covering mostly chain saw operation etc. That is a requirement for all USFS and CDF, Department of Forestry personell to runs chain saws. With that training and certification you can use the 2 ply Kevlar. It's an insurance thing.
Click to expand...

All true. I'm not a C faller, but only because I chose not to be. I don't do enough highly technical falls to be put in that situation on a wildfire. Thanks, but no thanks.

D'Animal said:
Please do not confuse the specialty training you have received and the allowances you have been given because of the training and apply it to the average home owner when it comes to protective apperal.
Click to expand...

I was simply trying to share information and my opinion. Hopefully he gets something from all this discussion.

D'Animal said:
Just to let you know that I am not some dude blowing smoke out my ass. I am a "C" certified faller instructor in the USFS. I train the Hotshot crews throughout CA and work closely with Doug Dent. I alos train the breaching teams of the Navy Seal teams in Coronado.
Click to expand...

Never crossed my mind, especially after you mentioned S-212. Not too many people outside the agencies know what kind of trainings we go through. Training the Shot crews should be fun. They're very professional and proficient. I detailed to the IPNF Shots in 2000, and had a blast!

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and opinions!!! It's all about helping a brutha out, right? :cheers:
 
e9999 said:
is it like some of the mainstream chaps are worthless and you have to be very careful when buying or rather that they are all generally OK and it doesn't matter much what kind you get?
Click to expand...

One thing you have to consider is that any chaps are better than none. IMO, you'll have to consider several things. How comfortable are you sawing? What kind of distractions will you have? What kind of sawing are you doing? If you're mostly falling and bucking, chaps come into play very rarely. In my experience, most saw cuts have originated during slashing/thinning operations. D'Animal may chime in here, as he may have some actual stats due to his position.

IIRC, our kevlar chaps are made to bind the chain within 3 inches of contact. D'Animal???
 
e9999 said:
is it like some of the mainstream chaps are worthless and you have to be very careful when buying or rather that they are all generally OK and it doesn't matter much what kind you get?
Click to expand...

To my knowledge there are no Bad chaps / leg protection. Some of the features to look for are Washability and durability. Look at how they are sewn together, look at the buckles that connect the leg straps. If they are small they can be dificult to remove when wearing gloves.

Someone mentioned in an earlier post.

Any leg protection is better than no leg protection.
 
thanks, yes, any much better than none.

specific question:
a quick search on ebay reveals that the main players are apparently Stihl, Husky, and Elvex. Advice on which to get for casual use around the house (no fire fighting hopefully:) ) and without spending hours doing research ? Budget: up to $100.
 
The Elevex website (above) has good data: chap pricing is $83-$115. My saw shop ran a special PPE deal w/chaps & helmet w/earmuffs/mesh for around $100 (Stihl).

D'Animal: my S-212 was 3 days (R3) and had no formal falling observation. All the chaps available (Eng, Heli, local cache) left a gap tween chap & boot-top.

Now I work for local government, and they don't do formal saw training. Apparently our bunker gear is supposed to stop the chain, and it's okay to cut above your head. :confused:
 
Husq chaps. That and the Husq hardhat with face shield and fold down ear protection. I've seen people get knocked out because of falling branches. Get yourself a hardhat with face protection...


Pro Forest Helmet
Includes UV protected hard hat, adjustable 6-point suspension, 25 dB (A) NRR hearing protectors, face screen, and a rain neck protector. Meets ANSI Z89.1-2003 Class G-E-C standards. New Hi-Viz Orange color for improved safety

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000ML7XAW/?tag=ihco-20

I know that Lowe's used to sell them too.

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Why settle for mere chaps when you can have fashion with function. Besides who knows when that rabid rhinoceros, tiger or grizzly bear may attack while cutting firewood in the woods or just in your own yard.
josh2.webp
3quarte.webp
 
Dude, that suit on the right would make you look fat. :lol:
 
E, these chaps outta know a thing or two about Chaps.
 
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