James,
Thanks to George H. and George W. for their input on chainsaw safety. Yes, buy Kevlar chaps and use them. Once getting your hands on a pair, don’t expect them to function like body armor because they have Kevlar in them. From personal experience, they work by the chain’s cutters tearing through the outer fabric of the chaps, then pulling out Kevlar fibers, that then bind up the saw and almost instantly stop the chain from moving. Chain stops and you don’t get cut. Then the penance you pay for your lapse in judgment is taking the cover off your saw and pulling Kevlar fibers out of the works. Again, from personal experience, blue-jeans do not serve this function; although if God is watching over you, you can get your keys pulled straight out of your shredded pant pocket and they will stop the chain when they enter the saw housing. I’ve had a running chainsaw cut into fabric on my leg four times, two with chaps and two without. I am truly blessed that none of the incidents have drawn a drop of blood. All four times happened towards the end of the day, when I was tired, and was cutting something in an awkward position. Think safety all the time. Also, don’t forget ear protection. A chainsaw isn’t as loud as a gun, but consistent exposure to the engine noise can lead to slow, but permanent hearing loss. Whatever you keep your chainsaw in, put some hearing protection in there too.
Keep your oil reservoir full and the cutters sharp. – Sean B.
Editor:
I read the article on felling trees and the follow up on chainsaw chaps. Several years ago my son and I bought two pair of chainsaw chaps from Labonville Inc. up in New Hampshire. These chaps are made in the USA and sell for less then the name brand chaps sold at Lowe’s or Home Depot. They are of the highest quality and I highly recommend them. Also you are supporting the USA and the local New Hampshire economy. See: Labonville.com or 800-764-9969. I have no financial interest in them or the company. – E.G. form North East Tennessee
Jim,
The other great thing about Kevlar chain saw chaps is that they save your jeans. I use my chain saw two or three times a month on average, often in brushy areas. I am confident that over the course of two years that the chaps have paid for themselves just in reduced wear and tear on my jeans. – Jim B.