Have you ever seen what a chainsaw can do to a human body when it comes in contact with it if it has no protection? If your answer is yes, then we bet you'll never dare ask yourself the question – should I wear chainsaw chaps?
If you're still thinking about whether you should swipe your card for a chainsaw chaps or not, then get ready to have a change in your mind once and for all. That's because today, we'll tell you why you should never underestimate the need to put on chaps when you're dealing with a dangerous machine like a chainsaw.
Do You Need Chainsaw Chaps?
If the machine you're holding in your hand is called a chainsaw and you're planning to cut something solid off, you better grab your chaps. It's the protective equipment you'll need while using a chainsaw.
The prime purpose of chainsaw chaps is to save your legs whenever they come in touch with your leg under any circumstances. If you're a chainsaw user, then it doesn't matter whether you're a rookie or professional; you're going to need this. After all, one accident here is enough to get you seriously injured.
By the way, nobody promises you that it's going to be all-comfy, but it surely will keep you away from getting hurt. Even with years of experience, mishandling chainsaws are not entirely rare. So, count the chaps as your shield and put them on before you lay your hands on the machine.
How Does Chainsaw Chaps Work?
After seeing them, you might be wondering does chainsaw chaps really work. Well, they do! The credit for all of it goes to the way they're made and the materials that have been used within.
If you really want a clear conclusion on how they work, we'd say you better try comparing them with the chainsaw's impact or regular pants or jeans first. Only then you'll understand how good chaps work against chainsaws.
But if you look at chaps, they're much tougher than pants, even if it's the thickest one you've got. The inner of the chaps are filled with ballistic fiber. So, whenever the chainsaw hits the chap, the fibers will start flying out, and the chain will catch them right at that moment.
Once the chain gets by the fibers, they'll stop the chain and will also shut the engine off with it. As it takes a small fraction of time, the engine dies before the chain reaches your skin. So, there's no chance of you ending up with a wound.
By the way, though chaps work like a shield, we'd say don't try to do any funny stunt on your own on the chap.
Why Do Chainsaw Workers Love Chaps?
Anything that adds benefits to our book is worth loving, even if they're the minor ones. But chaps, on the contrary, deliver the major ones. But why is it so popular among chainsaw workers?
Well, at least one reason you already know. All the chainsaw chaps you see out there have one major purpose, and that is saving the legs from the chainsaw while cutting a tree or log. And trust us, chainsaw workers are familiar with accidents more than anyone else.
One accident and unprotected legs won't take any time to show what you've got under the skin. But once you put chaps on, embedded layers of the chaps cover the limbs where you'll get nothing but maximum protection.
Along with sharp metal teeth, they also can save your legs from all those flying splinters. And to be honest, it's the chaps that give the chainsaw workers more of a professional look in the first place.
Do you really think the chainsaw workers need any more reason than these? If your answer is no, then it's okay. But if it's yes, then here are a few more reasons that have made chaps one of the most wanted items on the shopping list of chainsaw workers.
Affordable
When you need something that comes with a cheaper price tag, it becomes hard to avoid loving it. That's the same case when it comes to chaps. They're highly affordable, and you will have to put zero effort to find them in the stores. So, no store to store roaming this time.
Liquid Resistant
Chaps can deal with almost any kind of liquids unless it's acid. So, it doesn't matter whether there's oil or water around; none of them is going to be a problem.
But the best part of having this advantage is the chainsaw workers don't need to get bothered with the wetness if the wood is wet. From that point of view, you can call them weather-resistant too. After all, you won't have to worry even if it rains a bit.
Size Variation
What can be any less bad for chaps if they are stuck to a single size? Nothing, we guess. After all, that'll make them stuck in a section of people with a certain size, and no one else will have the scope to try them on.
But thankfully, like most wearable items, chaps come in different sizes. This is what makes the workers find out their right size easier than ever.
Adjustable Waists
One of the best things about chaps is their adjustable straps. With the help of the straps, it becomes a piece of cake to get chaps adjusted to the waist no matter what size you've got there.
But that doesn't mean they've got those straps on the waist. They're all over the chaps from top to bottom. So, you can adjust the chaps to your legs, which won't only make them fit your body but will also give you the extra touch of comfort.
Thick and Heavy Fabric
Clearly, you're asking for protection against chainsaws. This means if you're looking for something with light and thin fabric, then it can be anything but not chaps. They're made of thick and heavy fabric to save you from hazards. On top of that, these fabrics give a feeling of superior comfort while working.
Chainsaw Chaps Standards
Have you ever thought of swiping your card on something below the standard? We don't think so. So, while grabbing chaps for your next wood cutting sessions, make sure the labels are speaking out loud about the standards they meet.
Chainsaw mechanisms are not mandatory to be followed religiously by the chainsaw protective chaps. However, it is a good practice to go through the label on the chaps just to be sure they are the right fit for the job you need to do.
You might be surprised to hear that there is a particular standard in order to test protection chaps: ASTM-F-1414-92A-1997. And there is one specific standard to test the performance of the chap: ASTM-F-1897-2008.
On top of these, there's a program of certification conducted by Underwriters Laboratories and chainsaw chaps specification by the U.S Forest Service: 6170-4F. Make sure your chainsaw chap is within these regulations for your own benefit. To keep yourself secure and to keep the environment safe.
Alternative Usage of Your Chaps
While working with heavy-duty tools like a chainsaw, chainsaw chaps are highly recommended for the protection of the user.
But why should you limit the utilization of the strong piece of protective layers when it can be used for multi-purpose? You can use it while gardening, cutting firewood, or any other task where you feel your body needs safety.
More to Know About Chainsaw Chaps
Even if you know a lot about chainsaw chap and how it protects you or your staff from accidents, there are many facets that are still unknown. So, let's look at some details of the chainsaw chap so you understand why it is so necessary.
Among all the details, the fabric is one of the essential ones that deserves the maximum attention.
Kinds of Fabrics
There are three kinds of fabrics to choose from when it comes to construction materials. The classes or kinds are made based on the level of resistance they come with.
When the issue at hand is to get protection from chainsaws, your focus should be on Class 3. Class 3 fabric offers the most protection and resistance against hits & blows that may come from a chainsaw.
The Exterior Layer
The layer at the outermost side holds the major responsibility of working as the protective layer. So, if you want to get the most efficient chap for yourself, then look for the smoothest and ultra-strong exterior layer.
Because the outer layer is the one that will protect you from any accident that may occur, it can also save you from harmful liquids like oils.
Comfort and Mobility
The comfort of the woodworkers is important because their mobility influences their quality of work to a significant amount. The people who are working in the chaps should feel the flexibility to move about while working.
So, before making the purchase, try the chaps on. If you feel your movement has been restricted, that's not what you're looking for.
Resistance of Oil and Water
If not dealt with care, fluids can be a pretty risky business. So, it goes without saying, you need chaps that can save you from oils and water. Also, oil-proof & water-proof chaps are easy to clean and maintain. And you can even work while it's raining without worrying about getting drenched.
Having Pockets & Compartments
Every time you're working with tools like a chainsaw, you wish you had more pockets to keep little parts so that you could be relieved of the pain of going to the toolbox again and again.
While shopping for the chaps, make sure your chap has compartments and pockets to store the tiny tools and pieces. This way, you’ll be able to keep all your necessary tools close to you.
Taking Care of Your Chap
Maintaining and taking care of your chaps are not critical if you pay attention to two major factors: repairing and tidiness.
Repairing
It means you make sure you get your chaps mended immediately in case it gets damaged. Regardless of the size of the cuts or holes, get up and get going. Fix whatever that's not right.
You can use different products, for example, a seam grip on the shell made of nylon. It is the kind of tool that creates a kind of patch that protects your pad from abrasion and water. As a result, you don't have to worry about your chaps being affected by contamination or damage.
Cleaning
The first thing you have to do to get your chaps cleaned is giving them a hand-wash and let them dry outside. Nevertheless, a different method has been provided by the manufacturers for washing.
They have even specified the type of detergents for you to use. Try following those methods if you want your chainsaw chaps to be in good condition. Even if you do not want to follow them, just clean your chaps like you'd wash your jeans and air-dry them by hanging outside.
Varieties of Chaps
Well, there are two types of chainsaw chaps you would see mostly in the market: Aprons and Wrap-arounds.
Apron
If you want to cover the frontal portion of your legs, apron chaps are what you're looking for. It begins at the waist and goes down all the way to the ankles. Although, they do not cover the backside of your legs.
Aprons weigh lighter and give you more mobility while you move. They are most preferred at household chores, worn as casual & landscaping works.
Wrap-Around
Yes, as the name suggests-it wraps your entire leg. They cover the lower half of your body. That means you got your thighs and shins protected as well as the calves.
These are made with extra layers and heavier in weight, therefore ensuring more protection. They're comparatively bulkier than apron chaps. However, they're a preferable option if you're working in a high-functional work environment on a regular basis.
Pros of Chainsaw Chaps
Cons of Chainsaw Chaps
Chainsaw chaps have many advantages, true. At the same time, there are some drawbacks that people have identified.
Effectiveness of Chaps While Using Battery-Powered Chainsaw
This doubt might arise for pants as well as chaps; that is how effective they are when it comes to battery-powered chainsaws. Tests were done, and it showed that the pants and chaps made of Clogger Fabric are more useful while dealing with electric saws.
This particular fabric is seen to be used in both cases, be it pants or be it chaps. It uses fibers that are cut-resistant. Therefore, the chainsaw is prevented by 'braking.' It's not solely dependent on jamming or blocking up the sprocket area.
Electric saws have different mechanisms than gas-powered saws. So, the chainsaw-resistant fabric will be ineffective in that case. But those particular fabrics overcome this limitation with their dual functionality.
The most important aspect while choosing any product is to ensure that it meets the basic standards of its purpose. For example, for a chainsaw chap, it's necessary to protect you from harm and prevent any injury that might come your way.
Even if there is an accident that could not be deflected, it would certainly be much worse if there had not been any chap.
Type A Chainsaw Pants Vs Type C Chainsaw Pants
EN-381 standard covering has declared two types of designs of pants for leg protection from handheld chainsaws. One is Type A; another one is Type C. Type A provides security only to the front. And Type C covers the entire perimeter of the legs.
Interestingly, Canada has the same two types with the names swapped. Canada's design Category C secures only the front portion. And Category A provides protection to all the sides of the legs.
In the USA and New Zealand- they have only Type A pants, which protect 360 degrees of the calves. It is also available for the chaps as well. The same goes for Australia as well.
Discarding Garments Cut by a Chainsaw
Even after taking precautions to the maximum level, accidents are beyond any control, isn't it? Therefore, if any mishap occurs and the chainsaw chap is damaged in any way, it loses its effectiveness. And as it ceases to be useful, it must be replaced by a new one.
Do you think you'll sew the inner layer and use it again, then you'd like to think again? Because, unfortunately, there's no way to repair the layer once it's broken. The moment your chainsaw bashes upon the pad, fibers are ejected off from the weave and scattered.
Why Choosing the Right Chap Is a Must?
While wearing a set of chainsaw safety chaps, it is absolutely crucial to wear the perfect size. The right-sized chap can let you have the smoothest chainsawing experience.
Therefore, being careful is inevitable because it only takes one moment of distraction to lose a limb forever. The chainsaw chap that you're working with might save you from a visit to the hospital. It protects your legs and provides a shield from any mishap that might occur.
The work that needs to be done cannot be avoided. So, be wise, get your job done and that too, without risking health. Choose the right chainsaw protection chap that fits you right and do your work flawlessly.
Final Words
Your chainsaw chaps can be your helpful partner in the experience of sawing and provide comfort even in the most uncomfortable situations. So, if you often find yourself wondering — should I wear chainsaw chaps? You know what the answer is.