Chaps.... Opinion on quality?

[bfitz3]

I received a set of chips for Christmas. Made by Jonesred. 100% polyester. Feels like a very tough fabric to the hand, but I wonder if they will stop a chain or if I should exchange them for something tougher.

Just a weekend warrior trying to be a bit safer.

Thanks, and Merry Christmas to everyone!

 

[BrotherBart]

Chaps job is to clog the chain and stop it. Those should do it just fine. Read the reviews here on Tractor Supply's site.

http://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/jonsered-protective-chaps

 

[BrotherBart]

Here is a look at how they work.

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[bfitz3]

Thanks!

 

[jeff_t]

Before the switch to Jred, I had Husqvarna branded chaps from TSC, which I assume are the same thing you're inquiring about. I can't comment on their effectiveness, but they have all the appropriate certifications. I can say they fit me well, are a good value, and I would buy them again.

 

[CentralVAWoodHeat]

Before the switch to Jred, I had Husqvarna branded chaps from TSC, which I assume are the same thing you're inquiring about. I can't comment on their effectiveness, but they have all the appropriate certifications. I can say they fit me well, are a good value, and I would buy them again.

I second that. Whatever you choose, go with a reputable company that has all the appropriate certifications.

It doesn't matter if you're a weekend warrior or paid logger. Use the safety gear every time. Trust me, it will save your life someday.

 

[johneh]

I also use chaps from a reputable company that has all the appropriate certifications.
And I never cut anything with out them !
Because I am a firm believer that I fist time I do not use them I will wish I had

 

[heavy hammer]

I personally didn't see it happen but a buddy that I went to lineman school with worked as a tree guy before we went to school. He was a big fan of chaps. They had a tree guy one day at work who should not have been doing tree work. Long story short the only reason he still has his leg is because of a pair of chaps. He some how buried the saw into his thigh. My friend said to this day he would never could believe his eyes. He always thought chaps were a pain and a waste of time, since that day he always puts a pair on.

 

[greg13]

when I worked for the tree company, I saw a demonstration on early chaps (about 20 years ago), They stuffed a log in the leg and hit with an 041 running full speed. It took 3 tries before it broke through the inner layer. I think the only reason it got through was because of the amount of fibers the first 2 tries pulled out.
Made a believer out of me.

 

[CincyBurner]

There are two types of chain saw protection material - Kevlar and polyester based upon protection strategies - Kevlar on its ability to attenuate ballistics, and polyester to quickly clog chain. Both are effective. Lots of YouTube vids.
Use a pair that are comfortable for you (chaps, pants) and work well for your needs.
Learn proper use/ technique of your saw, and use proper PPE.
Treat your saw like a loaded firearm (don't look down barrel : don't look down saw kerf/ cut while cutting).
Keep your body out of the saw's plane of kickback.
Get in habit of using your chain brake religiously. If you take more than a step without cutting set the brake. If you take your hand off the saw to clear brush/ move wood set the brake.
Don't use a dull saw, which can lead to frustration, tiredness, and sloppiness.
Learn how to file your saw. Keep your cutters sharp and depth gauges filed to proper depth.

 

[TreePointer]

Feels like a very tough fabric to the hand, but I wonder if they will stop a chain or if I should exchange them for something tougher....

Just to clarify, the fabric you "feel" is only the outer shell, which often is a type of nylon fiber. What stops the chain is the fill inside the outer shell.