Best Chainsaw Chaps: Stay Safe While Cutting Wood
Protect the vulnerable parts of your body with these top chainsaw chaps
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BY Mike Knott , Norah Tarichia / LAST UPDATED ON July 7, 2021
Chainsaws are convenient power tools that can help you get your work done in minutes. However, there’s also the risk of being injured by a running chainsaw if something goes wrong. That’s why every chainsaw operator should consider dressing in chainsaw chaps, which are protective trousers that minimize injuries. Take a look at some of the best on the market, so that you can help mitigate a little bit of that risk.
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Our reviews are driven by a combination of hands-on testing, expert input, “wisdom of the crowd” assessments from actual buyers, and our own expertise. We always aim to offer genuine, accurate guides to help you find the best picks.
The Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap Chaps are easily one of the best options available on the web. These chaps are both tough and ultra-protective. They are constructed from PVC-coated 1000 denier polyester with Tek warp protective layers that are specially designed to decrease the chances of injury or accidents when operating a chainsaw. This brilliantly designed material is not only cut-resistant, but it’s also made to clog the chainsaw’s sprocket system by pulling apart, thus slowing or even stopping a moving chain altogether. These chaps are made with a fully adjustable waist that can go as wide as 42 inches. They also have special acetyl Delran buckles, extra pockets to hold gear and accessories, and they’re machine washable. They also meet a wide variety of safety standards, including ASTM f1897, OSHA regulation 1910-266, ANSI z133.1, and they’re UI certified, so you can be assured you are getting a durable product with a high safety rating.
Our choice for the best value in chainsaw chaps is this pair of Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps. Offered at one of the most competitive prices on the market, these lightweight and strong chaps come in three different leg lengths and eight different color and style patterns. That way, you can be sure to get the most perfect pair to suit your needs. These are an apron style chap that is designed to cover the front of the legs and provide protection against accidental injuries from chainsaw mishaps. It should be noted that these chaps are not suitable for electric chainsaw use. These chaps are equipped with a large side pocket for holding accessories and a flip adjustment belt that allows you to get a secure and snug fit. They’re also water- and oil-resistant. These chaps meet OSHA 1910.266 and ASTM f1897-2008 39JY safety specifications, as well as being UL classified.
We have to give a shout out to the Labonville Premium Chainsaw Chaps. Made in the USA, these chainsaw chaps are constructed of an ultra-tough five-layer Kevlar and polyester blend. They're also coated with a rugged 1000 Denier Nylon Cordura with extra H.D. urethane coating, making them some of the most durable chaps on the market. Not only do they protect against accidental cutting, but they’ll also pull and tear in such a way as to jam up the drive sprocket of the chain in order to slow the chain, or in some cases, stop it altogether. They are UL classified and meet OSHA regulations 1910.266, ASTM f1897-14, and ANSI z133.1 standards. They’re even flame-resistant and completely washable, making them a versatile and excellent all-around alternative.
The Cold Creek Loggers Professional Forestry Cutter's Combo Kit is a three-for-one deal. The kit includes a pair of highly visible orange chaps that are available in two sizes: 37 inches and 40 inches. The kit also includes a safety helmet and earmuffs, which provide face and ear protection and meet ANSI requirements. The apron-style chaps are UL classified and meet safety standards for leg protective garments, which provides some peace of mind. Overall, the chaps fit well and are expandable to accommodate several waist sizes. However, the pocket on the chaps is very shallow and not particularly useful. Also, there have been some complaints that the helmet and earmuffs are poor quality and have a tendency to break rather easily.
The Pfanner Gladiator Chainsaw Protection Pants are Class 1 pro-grade chaps that are designed to withstand and repel thorns, oil, heat, and water. They feature high-tech Dyneema chainsaw protection and StretchAIR technology, which makes them more comfortable than some competing brands. They also have KlimaAIR fabric to regulate the temperature in both hot and cold climates. The zippered vents on the back of the legs provide ventilation, while the knees are reinforced with waterproof Keprotec. The chaps are available in medium, large, extra-large, and extra-extra-large, but you may have to order one size up for a better fit. These chaps don't feel bulky in the legs, and they provide excellent protection in densely wooded areas. However, they don't have gators or ankle shields like some rival brands do. In addition, they're a little pricey.
Tips
- Do not wash the chaps if the manufacturer doesn’t recommend it. Some chaps get weaker with every wash. Some chaps can only be hand washed.
- Consider pairing the chaps with other safety gear, like a helmet, safety boots, and work gloves, to protect your entire body from harm.
- Wearing safety gear is not a license to operate the chainsaw at higher speeds than what you are used to or to do tricks. Stick to the basics and the chainsaw manufacturer’s instructions to stay safe.
FAQs
Q: Can a chainsaw chap stop a chainsaw rotating at full speed?
A: It depends on the rotation speed, angle of the cut, and the thickness of the chaps. Most chainsaw chaps can stop a chainsaw rotating at 2,500 feet per minute. However, you may get minor injuries from a chainsaw rotating at 4,000 feet per minute. The chaps only work to reduce damage by high-speed chainsaws.
Q: Do all chainsaw chaps protect against electric chainsaws?
A: Most chaps do not protect against electric chainsaws unless the manufacturer says that they do. Electric chainsaws attain high speeds that most chaps cannot protect against.
Q: Do repaired chainsaw chaps offer the same protection?
A: Depending on the type of damage, you can repair the chaps and still use them. If the damage on the inner layer that’s in direct contact with your body is small, you can seal it with duct tape. Do not attempt to repair the outer layers, especially if the damage is caused by a chainsaw. It won’t offer the same level of protection.
Q: Do chainsaw chaps come in standard sizes?
A: Most chainsaw chaps come with adjustable waist and shoulder straps to fit a range of sizes. A size 33 chap may only refer to its length and not the waist size. Most brands make a variety of sizes, including extra-large sizes for tall people.
Final Thoughts
Our top pick is the Husqvarna Technical Apron Wrap. They offer top-notch protection to your legs from chainsaw injury. They can also be used by anyone since they are adjustable.
If you are looking for comfortable and affordable chainsaw chaps, then consider the Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps.