Chaps Work Too

[XP_Slinger]

I made a discovery while looking my equipment over this morning before hitting the woods. I was working tops and bringing the firewood out yesterday and don’t even know when this happened...sobering.



It looks minor but had I not been wearing my chaps I would’ve been bleeding yesterday. It must have happened after completing a cut then swinging the saw away with my left hand so I could move a limb with my right hand. That’s the only thing I can think of that would get into the chaps this high, about 10” below the waist.

After discussing with a few experienced friends it couldn’t be clearly determined that I should or should not use these anymore. My gut was telling me they’re fine because so little fiber was disturbed but that’s just an assumption, I bought a new pair this evening. I have since learned that these are still usable but I need to repair the outer canvas. They’ll be my spares for anyone that needs them while cutting with me.

A piece of good advice I got from a friend, set the chain brake when moving or clearing. Did that every time I adjusted or cleared debris today.

Wear them chaps gentlemen, no matter what.

 

[XP_Slinger]

I’d like to add something. When I went to my dealer for chaps I intended to buy a pair of chainsaw pants for the convenience, one less layer kind of thing. But, what I saw did not impress me.

My dealer was fully stocked in Husqvarna brand pants. Of the two types he had both had a design characteristic I was not comfortable with given my recent incident. The protective layer of chain stopping fibers on the thigh aren’t present until about 10” below the waist line. Most guys might not be bothered by this and rightfully so in some cases. But, had I been wearing the pants rather than my chaps the other day I would’ve been bleeding because the chain would’ve contacted the pants above the actual protective layer of fibers. Because of this, I opted for a pair of traditional Labonville chaps that have protection all the way up to the waist belt.

Not hacking on anyone that likes the pants. I’m putting this out there as information. Due to the location of my near miss, I just wasn’t comfortable buying the pants.

My lesson here is just because you’re buying protective equipment doesn’t mean you’re protected. Buy it with your experiences in mind and evaluate the equipments ability to protect you to a level you’re comfortable with. Just something to chew on gents.

 

[Slacker]

I just dropped $200 on a pair of Husky technical pants. I'll keep your experience in mind. I need to start treating the chainbreak like the safety on a firearm.
Default position is ON.

 

[redline4]

I went with chaps for the adjustabity they offer.
I dont know if it's fact, but my mind thinks the protective layer should be your outermost layer.
I can be out cutting in -15 or 80 degrees.
With chaps, I can just pull the straps tight no matter if they are over jeans or 2 thermal layers, jeans and insulated bibs.

 

[Dougbert]

Have been a personal firewood cutter and problem solver on my own property for almost 20 years. Always wear eye and ear protection, but never chaps. Just ordered my first pair this weekend. XP-Slinger's post helped push me off the fence.

 

[Slacker]

Pants arrived. Fast shipping from treestuff.com.

I wear a 32 waist and got the med size.
They fit well. My 1.5" belt fits the loops.
My intention was to (hopefully) put them on in the morning and wear all day.
I'm forever picking up a saw for "just one branch."

They seem comfortable enough to wear all day. A bit heavy for street pants but not a huge deal. I like that all the pockets are zippered and the knees are pre bent.
Easy to move and stretch. No crotch binding. Machine wash gentle, hang dry.
I have a feeling they take some time to dry completely due to the layers of protection.

I'm not sure they are the best value @$209 shipped but I am more likely to be wearing them than a set of chaps that are in the truck.

I tried to buy a set of Oregon pants but they are not sold in the USA. I would like to compare them. I think the Oregon brand is called the Wiapoua.
I may still get a pair off ebay so I can rotate out.

Full disclosure, I've not yet used them in the field so my opinion may change as they break in.

 

[Slacker]

Comfy so far. Easy to move around in.
Not sure if $200 worth of comfy but divided by the number of stiches I might not need, it sounds more reasonable.

 

[NCFarmboy]

I have GIVEN 3 sets of chaps away. Asked them if the use them? NONE wear them !!!!!! I'm done! It's their leg not mine.
Shep

 

[treesmith]

My legs feel naked without them

 

[Dougbert]

Wore my Husqvarna "technical" chaps today while milling. Heavy and hot, but better safe than sorry.

 

[Deets066]

I like the full wrap chaps, very easy on and off. Not bad to wear in the summer either

 

[Slacker]

Wore my Husqvarna "technical" chaps today while milling. Heavy and hot, but better safe than sorry.

Pants or chaps?

 

[Dougbert]

Chaps. Full wrap on lower leg. These:

https://www.husqvarna.com/us/access...echnical-apron-wrap-chainsaw-chaps/587160704/

 

[Philbert]

Big believer in chaps. Also have some experience in repairing minor tears to outer fabric (PPE for volunteer groups).

Followed the USFS guidelines, and tried the Seam Grip product (available at REI, Amazon, Cabelas, etc.). Worked great. One tube will repair many tears (or use for other projects).

Wash chaps first. Place a piece of paper behind the tear to protect the fibers. Mask the area. Cover with plastic wrap and a brick for a smooth finish. Use pieces of fabric from pockets (or retired chaps) to match, or find a really cool patch / logo.

https://www.fs.fed.us/t-d/pubs/pdfpubs/pdf05672816/pdf05672816dpi72.pdf

 

[Penguin]

Thanks for the post there Philbert. I used the same procedure on a BRAND NEW pair of Labonville chaps about a day after you put this up. How many hours did my old chaps have on them with nary a scratch? Heaven knows.

The new chaps jinx. It's real.

Will

 

[Philbert]

Just got an email that Labonville is now selling their chaps on Amazon. In case anyone is interested.

Philbert

 

[Canadian farm boy]

Hope this is in the right spot. @David Young
Just a reminder to wear those chaps fellas. They saved me from a lot of blood loss last weekend.

This is the aftermath of the thrown chain
My chaps My leg a day and a half later

 

[David Young]

It’s easy to think oh I only got to make a couple cuts. That would have been stitches and more pain without the chaps

 

[Canadian farm boy]

It’s easy to think oh I only got to make a couple cuts. That would have been stitches and more pain without the chaps

I’d say it felt like getting cracked with a whip or shot with a paint ball at close range. Definitely got my attention.
That bruise is through a good pair of chaps and jeans.

 

[Philbert]

Just a reminder to wear those chaps fellas. They saved me from a lot of blood loss last weekend.

They did their job.

Philbert