Why I wear my chaps

[FXJenkins]

PPE to me is a no brainer.But I have cut with a beer on a cookie and flip flops.

We must be kin.

 

[diver64]

I'm looking hard at the Labonville chaps, made in the USA, Kevlar, and reasonably priced.

I've had a pair for a number of years I bought over at the store in Berlin, NH. They work. I was over there this summer to get a couple of ripping chains from the saw shop they run out back.

 

[WoodmanSr]

I'm looking hard at the Labonville chaps, made in the USA, Kevlar, and reasonably priced.

Love my Labonsville chaps. Do again in a heart beat. Over 25 years on 1st & original chaps. Prefer full wrap bottom. To me aprons would be too loose & snagging everything. Full wrap are impervious to what direction moving thru Bush or greenbrier. Full wrap also double as gators, keep chips & snow out of boot tops. Buy long enough to secure over your boot. There great.

Only time I snag my Labonsville full wrap bottoms is carrying saw. Outside spike grabs knee buldge (slack cloth). Just switch hands, flip saw end for end, or toss onto shoulder.

Edit clarification -- competition weight chaps are hot in summer. I really only cut below 40°F as comfort to myself & cooler for saws.

Look at Chaps product images closely. Some brands have illogical ankle snaps. Both legs right-side or left-side. Better if ankle buckles on outside; left on LH leg, right on RH leg. Seems intuitive yet some lower price apron chaps screw that up

 

[moxiemaul]

I have the Labonville apron style chaps- they work fine, but as above when the time comes for new I think I'll go for full bottom- same reason- when I'm deep in brambles they tend to work their way in between the chaps and my pants, or maybe sneak around back and stab from behind. The chaps make for great armor against thorns so I'm glad to have them.

 

[ram 2]

I was de limbing a tree today, nipped the chaps. Annoying. This very rarely has happened, but okay.
Take the 261 apart, clear the fibers from the sprocket, etc. put it back together. and the next thing...
the chain is like really loose... moment.
further investigation revealed that the clip was gone, the washer was found, the bearing was ejected but found.
Fetched the spare clip, put it all back together and sharpened up, back in business.

You never know when it will happen, wear your chaps.

chaps take my breath

 

[English Al]

I always wear my safety trousers, full stop. I have not tried chaps as trousers work fine for me. Currently we are all using pairs out of the Englebert Strauss catalogue, a German workwear mail order company which sells a wide range of good quality garments. I'm not sure ES is available in the States or Aus, but if it is it is well worth checking out. The style we are using is considerably lighter than previous pairs - mine replaced a Stihl pair which were like armour-plate compared to the ES. Although I haven't tried (because I've given up climbing), I feel sure the ES are light and comfortable enough to be worn when climbing - I would if I still was. They are rated to the full European safety specs as Class 1 (which is resistive to chain speeds up to 20 m/s).

Hope this helps.

 

[pdqdl]

The climbing I have done with a chainsaw involved, is about the ONLY time that I don't bother with chaps.
There is a lot more risk involved than the chaps would ever cover. Just gotta be sensible.
one handing a top handle saw, I am more likely to gash a forarm or chop my head off.

So use two hands!

 

[Patrick62]

Those who have been up a tree are aware of the situation. Saddle, flip line, standing on gaffs... Great big thing right in front of ya... and there is a branch on the left side... fire up the little 150T, and with the left hand.... remove that thing... oh, there is another one on the opposite side of the tree... Reach around with the other hand, and blast that thing out...
shut the saw down, and a couple 'steps' and flip the line... fun stuff...

 

[pdqdl]

Sounds like you don't believe in tying in twice, either.

 

[eglaude]

I'm 6'1", can anyone advise if either the Long or X-Long LaBonville Chaps would be the best size choice? Thanks!

I have LaBonville full length and SteveSr is right on about the length of the chaps. You don’t want then all the way down your logging boot. That becomes a snag hazard when you have to move with them in the slash and the they will eventually slide down your waist even if you have suspenders and your tool belt. I have seen guys skin their boots when bucking one the ground and the leather will do the job to protect your ankles and feet. The boot may need some repair. Besides they will draggin in the mud and water if they go all the way to the boot heel. Even if they are a bit short for your height, the upper leg area to just over the knee is where most injuries occur.

 

[moxiemaul]

On my labonville's I put the waist strap around back but inside the suspender straps so they hold up both the pants and the chaps, no need to make things tight to stay up- works pretty well.

+1 on keeping the ends of legs up off the ground.. mine end up about ankle height. My close calls have all been in the thigh area.

Was out in it over last weekend- felt good to be doing stuff again and not stuck at a desk with freezing rain coming down outside!