Let's talk chainsaw chaps

[Poindexter]

Thanks for the reminders. I think I spent about $75 on my Husky chaps in 2007, haven't tested them but way cheaper than 1800-3300 for a trip to the ER.

I do like having them on for going through underbrush and keeping my Carharts clean when I am sawing.

 

[mr.finn]

I had the Husky pro forest pants a while back. I liked them until the waist band stretched and they wouldn't stay up. They can also get very warm, and once they are on they stay on unlike chaps. I bought the Husky chaps a few years ago and love them. I wear them every time I start a saw, even if only for a few minutes. I usually just keep them on while splitting too, they are a great all around protection for the legs. Next time I go to NH they have an outlet store, I will try on the Labonville's and see if they fir for my next pair. Bottom line is do not run a saw without them!!

 

[srb08]

I've got the Labonville 8 ply full wrap chaps. When I first got them, two years ago,I hated wearing them. They were hot and cumbersome.
Now, I feel naked without them.

A couple months ago, I was cutting and splitting with my BIL. I was bucking and my BIL was rolling the rounds to the splitter. I finished the last top cut on a log and stepped back to set the saw down and roll the log to finish the cuts. When I did, I tripped over a round that my BIL had rolled part way to the splitter and left there while going to get the pickaroon. I fell back over the round, tripping the chain brake and when I hit the ground, the bar slammed into my right leg, just above the knee. Even though the brake tripped, if it hadn't and I would have instinctively tightened my grip on the saw, without the chaps, a 20" bar on a 562 at WOT would have most likely gone half way through my leg, or worse.

 

[nomad_archer]

Any chap is better than no chap, Like any other PPE I do not think any of it is ever that comfortable! we wear Stihl chaps at work and when I cut firewood, they are nice for protection but I like them so when I kneel down I don't get the knees of my pants nasty. Also read the instructions on the chaps. I have stated this before on AS that you need to wash them every so often, it keeps the fibers loose instead of them getting bunched up in one area!

Actually that is incorrect or at least not clear enough information: Any kevlar saftey clothing should not be machine washed period because that will cause the kevlar fibers to bunch.

The important quote: "Do not bleach or machine wash or dry any brand "KEVLAR" or nylon saftey clothing. Kevlar brand clothing need to be hand washed with non bleach detergents!!!
http://www.labonville.com/Chap-Specifications-Care_ep_55.html

 

[rossjonnes]

Which is the best product among those listed in this site?
https://onlychainsaw.com/best-chainsaw-chap/

 

[Philbert]

Actually that is incorrect or at least not clear enough information: Any kevlar saftey clothing should not be machine washed period because that will cause the kevlar fibers to bunch.

People toss the word 'Kevlar' around like a generic material. It is, of course, a trademarked brand of aramid fiber (whatever that is) manufactured by DuPont.
http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/fibers/brands/kevlar.html

Not all chaps use Kevlar. Some use polyester blends. STIHL uses 'Avertic® Pro by Engtex®' (whatever that is).
http://avertic.com/

Key point I wanted to make is that STIHL recommends washing their chaps periodically to keep the protective fibers loose and fluffy, and to remove oils which can matt them down. They even recommend washing them when new, before their first use, to fluff them up after manufacturing, shipping, and storage. STIHL is the only major brand I know of that states their chaps can be machine washed and dried. Most others say 'hand wash and line dry'. STIHL does not recommend bleach.

This does not mean that STIHL makes the best chaps, or are the best choice for you. However, working with volunteers, where we share PPE, and things get muddy and sweaty, etc., it is a real convenience to be able to throw a bunch of them into a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat (no agitator) and hand out clean chaps.

Read the label on your chaps, or check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend.

Cleaning the outside fabric is also important for making repairs that stick.
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/chaps-repair.324300/

Philbert

 

[nomad_archer]

People toss the word 'Kevlar' around like a generic material. It is, of course, a trademarked brand of aramid fiber (whatever that is) manufactured by DuPont.
http://www.dupont.com/products-and-services/fabrics-fibers-nonwovens/fibers/brands/kevlar.html

Not all chaps use Kevlar. Some use polyester blends. STIHL uses 'Avertic® Pro by Engtex®' (whatever that is).
http://avertic.com/

Key point I wanted to make is that STIHL recommends washing their chaps periodically to keep the protective fibers loose and fluffy, and to remove oils which can matt them down. They even recommend washing them when new, before their first use, to fluff them up after manufacturing, shipping, and storage. STIHL is the only major brand I know of that states their chaps can be machine washed and dried. Most others say 'hand wash and line dry'. STIHL does not recommend bleach.

This does not mean that STIHL makes the best chaps, or are the best choice for you. However, working with volunteers, where we share PPE, and things get muddy and sweaty, etc., it is a real convenience to be able to throw a bunch of them into a commercial washer and dryer at a laundromat (no agitator) and hand out clean chaps.

Read the label on your chaps, or check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend.

Cleaning the outside fabric is also important for making repairs that stick.
https://www.arboristsite.com/community/threads/chaps-repair.324300/

Philbert

My post from 5 years ago got quoted. Talk about a thread resurrection. I'm sure my original post from 2014 was true at the time. Good to know that STIHL is making a machine washable chap. The best PPE is the ones that you wear and dont leave in the truck.

 

[Jwilliams]

Searched around online and noticed forestershop.com was only 1 hr away from me so stopped in there and they had stihl chainsaw pants for 65 a pair ( due to stihl changing colors) they had everything on sale. Seemed like a good deal pants are a bit warm but worth it

 

[alleyyooper]

I bought Husky pants from Medsens about 1998. I really likeed them (I got to fat to wear them after I retired and ate regular meals.) Today Madsens sells them for 129.00, I bought a pair of Husky chaps which can fit my fatness.
I got them while on sale for $45.00 when the husky dealer was selling out.
I don't care for the buckle set up on them.

I saw a pair of Echo chaps a week or so ago. though about trying them out, think said Velcro fastners for the legs.

Why you should wear them.
http://www.madsens1.com/chaps.htm


Al