Do you guys really wear chaps?

[kevinj]

BLOOD-and-GUTS

:jawdrop: OUCH !!!
After seeing the pics from SRT-TECH, I dont think I'll go without chaps again!! Thanks for the post.

 

[PA Plumber]

Thanks for a great thread and even better posts.
Total PPE before I cut wood again. I have always been particular about protecting my ears but this thread gives new meaning to the rest of my body parts!

 

[CertifiedFunds]

I will get me a pair!

 

[Big Woody]

When I see guys cuttin wood wearing chaps I always ask them if they didn't use to be in that band "Village People" :biggrinbounce2:

 

[tawilson]

I'm also going to get one of those shirts Stihl makes with the protection in the shoulders and arms.
Caution, nasty pic.

 

[highpower]

I had already been looking at chaps and this thread made up my mind to buy. There are so many brands out there does anyone have a recommendation on brands they like better as far as fit and easy to put on. I am only a weekend warrior but I cut by myself and don't like the sight of blood. Especially mine.

 

[zemmo]

I had already been looking at chaps and this thread made up my mind to buy. There are so many brands out there does anyone have a recommendation on brands they like better as far as fit and easy to put on. I am only a weekend warrior but I cut by myself and don't like the sight of blood. Especially mine.

I'm still awaiting the WP chaps I ordered from Baileys. Amicks has the Husky chaps, but one size only, and I'm a little guy. I think the WP chaps came in 3 sizes. I'll post on the fit and comfort after I get them.

 

[highpower]

I'm still awaiting the WP chaps I ordered from Baileys. Amicks has the Husky chaps, but one size only, and I'm a little guy. I think the WP chaps came in 3 sizes. I'll post on the fit and comfort after I get them.

It looks like the Bailey chaps are 4 layers and the Husky brand are 6 if it makes a difference. Is there a web site where they have tested the different brands? They all seem to be UL approved.

 

[Sprig]

I'd like to know how you did it! I'm afraid I'm already plenty old, if I was still a kid I wouldn't use chaps, and would ride motorcycles in cut-offs and t-shirts. It's just that I can envision all SORTS of ways to screw up with a saw, but none of them put the cutters in my leg (maybe my foot).

You'd be surprized how easy it is and the variety of dynamics, top on my list would be moving around in brush (or a wood pile for that matter) without engadging the brake first, wot, to move to another piece and catching the tip on almost anything, sure enough will eventualy fling that sucker at you. Think hard now. You carry your hands at about upper thigh level (there are some exceptions to this of course, they cut their ankles) so a saw in the hands of a caffine addled hot-shot limbing (where many accidents happen) with the saw angle every-which-way can, when mixed with inattention, lead to all sorts of gruesomeness (is that even a word lol), lets just not do it man!
GAH! The biggest cause of kickback imo (and I do stand to be corrected as usual), and the deadliest, is when people do not pay attention to what is behind what the are cutting and catch their bar tip (this can also be applied to cutting logs larger than bar size, use common sense to size the cut down (example, start by cutting the far side from the top, dawgs in, and going till the tip is close to the bottom, then pull back and start your main cut) and not have the tip in fresh wood if ya don't have to), having done this several times I can attest to the incredible power of kickback, and that had I been in the wrong stance or in the bite, my helmet would not have saved me face or shoulder, or leg. Don't know iffin I expressed this right for you to get the idea but not paying attention and not listening to the common sense of others is enough for me to walk away from a job, I'll toss a diaper and a roll of duct-tape by the lunch pail on the way out........never really had to do that, I can be fairly persuasive when need be,

Regards to all and very best of the season to you and your's!

Serge

 

[Haywire Haywood]

a diaper and a roll of duct-tape

That would make a pretty good dressing for a large wound wouldn't it. I never thought of that.

Ian

 

[Engineeringnerd]

Got two pairs

When I hit the woods I look like an orange Storm Trooper.

I read some stats a while back that the average chainsaw accident requires 104 stitches. Ouch!

I use Labonville chaps whenever I cut. They have 6 layers of Kevlar and are open in the back, so they provide some ventilation. I think Labonville has been in this business longer than anyone else and claim they sell more of these than others. I found them to be the rare example of providing the best quality at the best price ($49). Here's a link.

http://labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5

If you order them, make sure you understand the length is from the belt to the bottom of the chaps, not an inseam measurement like a pair of jeans. You really should protect yourself from your waist to the top of your ankle. I did make a minor modification to my chaps, adding a strap and buckle behind the knee (being careful to not sew into the protective material in any way). No getting around the fact they are hot if the weather is above 60F, even with the backs open. I always carry a spare pair to offer to my comrads (they rarely use them) and insist my boys wear them if cutting.

I also wear Labonville's Kevlar boots and usually a Peltor helmet with muffs and screen. I often use the face shield, but I don't think it offers much protection against cuts as it is very thin. I think the screen is mainly intended to keep chips out of your face and eyes. In any case I always wear glasses to protect my eyes. If I'm not felling and it is hot I will sometimes use inner ear hearing protection and loose the helmet.

I have an Elvex protective vest with cut protection in the shoulders. The vest is really hot and given I live in Georgia, I often don't wear it unless the weather is cold or I'm doing overhead cutting.

 

[Rivet Watcher]

Pickaroon

SRT - Where'd you get dat? I want one.:jawdrop:

 

[aarcuda]

Im buying some laborville chaps today! thanks for the link!

 

[zemmo]

You'd be surprized how easy it is and the variety of dynamics, top on my list would be moving around in brush (or a wood pile for that matter) without engadging the brake first, wot, to move to another piece and catching the tip on almost anything, sure enough will eventualy fling that sucker at you. Think hard now. You carry your hands at about upper thigh level (there are some exceptions to this of course, they cut their ankles) so a saw in the hands of a caffine addled hot-shot limbing (where many accidents happen) with the saw angle every-which-way can, when mixed with inattention, lead to all sorts of gruesomeness (is that even a word lol), lets just not do it man!
GAH! The biggest cause of kickback imo (and I do stand to be corrected as usual), and the deadliest, is when people do not pay attention to what is behind what the are cutting and catch their bar tip (this can also be applied to cutting logs larger than bar size, use common sense to size the cut down (example, start by cutting the far side from the top, dawgs in, and going till the tip is close to the bottom, then pull back and start your main cut) and not have the tip in fresh wood if ya don't have to), having done this several times I can attest to the incredible power of kickback, and that had I been in the wrong stance or in the bite, my helmet would not have saved me face or shoulder, or leg. Don't know iffin I expressed this right for you to get the idea but not paying attention and not listening to the common sense of others is enough for me to walk away from a job, I'll toss a diaper and a roll of duct-tape by the lunch pail on the way out........never really had to do that, I can be fairly persuasive when need be,

Regards to all and very best of the season to you and your's!

Serge

Yo, Sprig, that's good. I'm off for another day of cutting today, have really been thinking about safety since I'm out by myself. Thanks for the details.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

Husky helm and their Pro tech pants very comfortable
Meindl Logging boots with steel toe and chainsaw protection ,,,
I just use regular gloves, I tested a pair with protection but they were just to bulky for me !
I always use my ppe I'm on my second pair of pants :help:

Stay safe !!!
/K

 

[046]

they've got this helmet for $24... any good?

Helmet System
SKU: 570H
Weight: 2 lbs

Gripo 6 point ratchet pivot adjustable suspension logging helmet. Includes helmet, suspension, 30 db ear muffs, and visor. More details...

Price: $23.95

http://labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=47&idproduct=125

When I hit the woods I look like an orange Storm Trooper.

I read some stats a while back that the average chainsaw accident requires 104 stitches. Ouch!

I use Labonville chaps whenever I cut. They have 6 layers of Kevlar and are open in the back, so they provide some ventilation. I think Labonville has been in this business longer than anyone else and claim they sell more of these than others. I found them to be the rare example of providing the best quality at the best price ($49). Here's a link.

http://labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=5

If you order them, make sure you understand the length is from the belt to the bottom of the chaps, not an inseam measurement like a pair of jeans. You really should protect yourself from your waist to the top of your ankle. I did make a minor modification to my chaps, adding a strap and buckle behind the knee (being careful to not sew into the protective material in any way). No getting around the fact they are hot if the weather is above 60F, even with the backs open. I always carry a spare pair to offer to my comrads (they rarely use them) and insist my boys wear them if cutting.

I also wear Labonville's Kevlar boots and usually a Peltor helmet with muffs and screen. I often use the face shield, but I don't think it offers much protection against cuts as it is very thin. I think the screen is mainly intended to keep chips out of your face and eyes. In any case I always wear glasses to protect my eyes. If I'm not felling and it is hot I will sometimes use inner ear hearing protection and loose the helmet.

I have an Elvex protective vest with cut protection in the shoulders. The vest is really hot and given I live in Georgia, I often don't wear it unless the weather is cold or I'm doing overhead cutting.

 

[SWE#Kipp]

046 I would buy a Peltor helmet, topnotch stuff
very comfortable and you change muffs on them with different dampening !
I think Stihls helmet is a Peltor helm, much more comfy then huskys ,,,,

 

[PA Plumber]

Well I did it. Ordered Labonville chaps, and a Peltor helmet from Bailey's. I added some felling wedges and the Douglas Dent book for some good winter reading and lesson learning. :greenchainsaw:

 

[SWE#Kipp]

Good for you !!
you wont regret it if an accident occurs

 

[kevinj]

Another good idea, is to bring a couple unopened Kotex napkins. Just in case of a serious injury. They're sanitary, and hold alot of blood. (So I'm told).