Chainsaw chaps

D2Cat

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Since I do some wood cutting by myself I am going to get a pair of protective chaps. I noticed Stihl, Husqvarna, Forester, Labonville, and others. And all have different number of layers of protection.

I see various layers and reference to ASTM spce F-1897-1908. which I understand requires that the chaps can stop a chain saw running at 2,750 pt/min tested ant 45 degrees and 90 degrees longitudinal to the material.

What do you guys use, why, where did you purchase them?
 

skeets

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After my Husky kissed me I went looking at the saw store. I left empty handed the prices were all over the board, and have also been looking e bay amazon all over and like you am confused too
 

mdhughes

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Husqvarna Professional is what I have, I looked at the other two levels that Husqvarna has, but decided on the Professional. I got them from Amazon, "Chain Saw Protective Apparel Powerkit, Professional".

When I was logging, we used STIHL. I'm not sure what version they were, that was 12+ years ago.

The Husqvarna chaps seem to be a little heavier than the STIHL.
 
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JackJ

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BX1870-1
Mar 14, 2016
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I've worn chaps, but for me, chainsaw pants are more comfortable, easier to put on, and do a better job of keeping sawdust/chips out of my boots and off of my other clothes. The first two factors mean that I'm more likely to wear them even for just a quick clearing of a downed limb, which in turns means that they are safer. And the last point (i.e., they're cleaner) means that don't track as much wood debris into the house if I come inside for a water break or snack. (I just leave the pants outside, and parade around in my boxers.)

I do almost all of my cutting on my own property, so it's no problem to switch from jeans to saw pants and back. If I was driving to some other property it might be a little awkward to change pants, but even then I think I'd prefer them to chaps.

Mine are Husqvarna--don't recall the model or price, but as I recall, they weren't that much more $ than chaps, and they have pockets where I keep a saw tool and plastic wedge.
 

bearbait

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I've worn chaps, but for me, chainsaw pants are more comfortable, easier to put on, and do a better job of keeping sawdust/chips out of my boots and off of my other clothes. The first two factors mean that I'm more likely to wear them even for just a quick clearing of a downed limb, which in turns means that they are safer. And the last point (i.e., they're cleaner) means that don't track as much wood debris into the house if I come inside for a water break or snack. (I just leave the pants outside, and parade around in my boxers.)

I do almost all of my cutting on my own property, so it's no problem to switch from jeans to saw pants and back. If I was driving to some other property it might be a little awkward to change pants, but even then I think I'd prefer them to chaps.

Mine are Husqvarna--don't recall the model or price, but as I recall, they weren't that much more $ than chaps, and they have pockets where I keep a saw tool and plastic wedge.
I have to agree with you, my first pair were pants and when they died of old age I picked up a pair of chaps. All in all I prefer the pants and also a pair of suspenders to hold them in place. The main thing is to wear them even if you only have a small job to do, I learned the hard way.
 

Tughill Tom

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B3200
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Turin, NY
Since I do some wood cutting by myself I am going to get a pair of protective chaps. I noticed Stihl, Husqvarna, Forester, Labonville, and others. And all have different number of layers of protection.

I see various layers and reference to ASTM spce F-1897-1908. which I understand requires that the chaps can stop a chain saw running at 2,750 pt/min tested ant 45 degrees and 90 degrees longitudinal to the material.

What do you guys use, why, where did you purchase them?
I have Stihl Chaps, 6 Ply. I think that they made 2 thickness, the other being heavier than the 6-ply. I went with the chaps because their cooler in the warm weather over the pants. so far so good.... knock on wood!
 

Creature Meadow

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I where Stihl chaps and a vest name brand of vest eludes me right now and it is at home in barn.

Recently had a chain saw safety class at our fire dept. and watched a video of a Stihl run full bore engage with a pair of Stihl chaps that were wrapped around a log it was crazy. Stopped in right then, the fabric bound up the chain.

The test sold me, we all should wear them regardless of pants or chaps if running a saw.

I like my chaps keep them in the truck box as I do most of my cutting at our deer lease.

Good luck.

Jay
 

jajiu

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I bought a pair of Forester after my chainsaw caught my jeans about mid thigh. Gave a nice cut to the jeans, but not even a scratch on the leg. I was real lucky. The thing with chaps is I don't think it makes a real lot of difference in which brand you go with, just make sure you wear them. I worked around the house for years cutting firewood and cleaning up downed trees and never thought about chaps until this near accident happened. I like the pair I bought with wrap around legs and quick connect clips. Easy on and off. They are hot to wear but safety first.
 

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Tooljunkie

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I wore chaps only once.
In the bush, chaps are cumbersome and get snagged on every little branch and twig.
The pants are lighter and more comfortable, but hot in summer. The ones i have have zippers to ventilate,so it helps with the heat.
I paid 100 taxes included and dont regret it for a second. Other than i shoulda got them a size bigger. For some reason they got a little tight in the waistline....
 

sdk1968

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LMAO....


i have a pair of the chainsaw pants.... but usually forget to wear them.


as to "chaps"... oh my.... if im wearing chaps its usually with my cowboy hat & nothing else. :eek:

still breaks my wife up every time. was gonna post the picture "butt" figured you might want to pass on that one...
 

D2Cat

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I've looked at several brands and have found such names as Elvex, and Laser along with the saw brands and Forester. They all seem to have good, better, and best. I don't want protection that "almost" works.

Another concern is I don't want something that doesn't fit. So how does one make sure the legs are long enough, and the waist fit? Just take a wild guess and order larger than you think?
 

sdk1968

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I've looked at several brands and have found such names as Elvex, and Laser along with the saw brands and Forester. They all seem to have good, better, and best. I don't want protection that "almost" works.

Another concern is I don't want something that doesn't fit. So how does one make sure the legs are long enough, and the waist fit? Just take a wild guess and order larger than you think?

first thing you do when ordering "chaps" is convince yourself that you are a "large"..... :D :D
 

David Page

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Jun 25, 2013
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I have Stihl brand chaps, they are warm and sometimes catch on things but, when I was young the chain stopped about an 1/8 inch into my thigh. So comfort isn't as important as safety when running a 4.6 HP saw.