Using a powerful tool like a chainsaw comes with a certain amount of risk. And as this study shows, injuries to the upper and lower leg injuries are the most common type of injuries associated with chainsaw use.
Thankfully, there are a couple of things you can do to enhance your safety when operating a chainsaw. The first is to undergo proper training on chainsaw use. If you’re a beginner, you’re better off working under the supervision of a more skilled person.
The next best thing to do is to arm yourself with protective gear, specifically chainsaw chaps.
These are chainsaw pants designed primarily to offer leg protection. Looking for the best chainsaw chaps on the market? Read on to learn more.
Best Chainsaw Chaps Reviews
1. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chap
It is no secret that Husqvarna is a well-renowned brand in the power tool industry. As such, it comes as no surprise that their Technical Apron Wrap Chap is a hit too.
As you might have noticed from its name, it’s an apron style chainsaw chap. This means the pants only protect the front of the legs. Even though it does not provide adequate coverage, there are a few other things you’ll like about the chap.
It’s designed with a PVC-coated 1,000 denier polyester alongside Tek warp protective layers. This reassures you that if you were to get into an accident while sawing, it would offer a high level of protection.
Another thing we love about Husqvarna chainsaw chaps is the fact that they have an adjustable waist. So no matter how slim or big you are, you’ll be able to find the perfect fit.
The Technical Apron Wrap Chap also features acetyl Delran buckles, preventing it from coming loose when you’re in the middle of your sawing job. It’s also equipped with pockets, which are very handy when it comes to storing other tools.
Pros
Cons
The primary reason for investing in a pair of chaps is to protect your legs in case the saw starts to malfunction and these ones made by Forester don’t disappoint.
You’ll get 6 layers of protective material, giving you a decent amount of leg protection from a loose chain. If you’re in doubt, you can rest easy knowing that the chaps have been tested and found to meet OSHA regulation 1910-266 as well as UL standards.
If you’re big on aesthetics, you’ll be pleased to learn that the chain saw chaps come in an array of colors too. They’re available in orange, green, camo, brown, denim, and black.
When buying these chaps, one factor we recommend checking is size. You don’t want to end up buying very small chaps that will restrict your movement.
Forester understands this, which is why they’ve designed their chaps with adjustable waist belts and buckles. This way, you’re able to find the perfect fit.
Another impressive thing about the Forester chainsaw apron chaps is that they’re resistant to both water and oil. This not only makes it possible to work in wet conditions but also results in very easy cleanups. Plus, they have a pocket, where you can store additional tools.
Pros
Cons
If you’re looking for chainsaw safety chaps that will be easy to take on and off, these protective pants by Stihl are your best bet.
Their key highlight is the fact that they can be opened in the rear. Compared to other apron style chaps (like those from Husqvarna), this design makes them easier to put on; hence, more comfortable to wear.
The chainsaw pants we’ve looked at all have adjustable waistbands, and this one is no exception. The waist belt can be adjusted from 30 to 42 inches. Better yet, the chaps come with an extender strap, enabling them to fit even larger waist sizes.
For protection, this pair of chainsaw chaps comes with layers of Avertic Pro lite fabric, which has been sewn onto the outer layer that’s made of nylon. In addition to enhancing protection, the nylon material makes these pants oil and water resistant.
Though comfortable and easy to maintain, the Stihl chainsaw safety chaps are also more expensive. So chainsaw users will want to ensure that they’ve set aside enough money for its purchase.
Pros
Cons
Want to invest in the best chainsaw chaps for the money? If so, these chainsaw pants by Oregon are your best bet.
Despite their decent price tag, these chainsaw trousers have a nice selection of features, so you won’t be missing out on anything.
The chaps chainsaw comes in just one color- black, which can be a turn-off for some. On the plus side, they consist of eight layers of protection.
According to Oregon, they’re specially designed to bind with the chain in case of contact as well as stall the saw. This way, you don’t have to worry about suffering a gruesome cut if your power tool begins malfunctioning.
Another thing we like about the chainsaw safety pants is the quality of material used in their construction. In addition to offering protection, the fabric is breathable- which is a crucial trait to consider as you’ll be engaging in very taxing jobs.
Most chainsaw chaps only let you adjust their waist. The Oregon chaps take things a notch higher by offering wearers the ability to adjust the length of these chainsaw pants. Just to be specific, the waist can be adjusted up to 46 inches while the length can be adjusted up to 36 inches.
Pros
Cons
So far, we’ve only looked at apron-style protective chaps. However, if you’re looking for safety gear that will offer protection on both the back and front of your legs, you need a full wrap chainsaw chap like this pair of pants by Forester.
The chainsaw protective pants come in a bright orange hue, which helps to improve your visibility in case you’re working in poorly lit conditions.
Forester chainsaw safety chaps are available in two sizes, so you’ll be able to pick one that fits you perfectly. The 35-inch long chaps are suitable for individuals who are 5’ to 5’4” tall whereas the 37-inch long chaps are ideal for those who are 5’4” to 6’ tall.
Another feature that makes these protective chaps attractive is the material used in their construction. To be specific, the outer layer is made of 1200 Oxford Polyester, which is not only strong and durable but also very light.
As such, you’ll never have to worry about this pair of chainsaw pants weighing or slowing you down because of their weight.
With these chaps, you should be able to work in any kind of environment. This is made possible by their resistance to oil and water- an aspect that also makes them very easy to clean and maintain.
Pros
Cons
Types of Chainsaw Chaps
Whether you'll be using your chainsaw to prune or split felling wedge support systems, these protective pants are a must-have. The only question that remains is, which type should you go for? Here's an overview of the different designs:
Type A
Popularly referred to as the apron-style design, these chaps offer protection only on the front section of your legs. To guarantee maximum safety, you should wear them over your work pants.
Seeing as they don’t offer ample protection, type A chaps are best suited for workers who operate chainsaws on the ground.
Type C
Also known as wrap around chaps, these are the most preferred because they offer all-around protection. Simply put; they cover both the front and the back of your legs.
Unlike type A, wrap chainsaw chaps are worn as regular pants, meaning you don’t need to wear another layer of clothes underneath them. The LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps are an excellent example.
If you’ll be operating your chainsaw while standing on a ladder or making cuts from a very awkward position, type C chaps are the best option.
How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Chaps
Using a chainsaw exposes you to an array of dangers. Thankfully, the best protective chaps improve users' safety. Here's what you should look for when buying these pants:
Materials/ Durability
The best chainsaw chaps are designed with layers and layers of material, all of which are meant to stop the spinning chain from making contact with your skin. The most popular materials used to make these pants are:
- Kevlar - this is the same material used in bulletproof vests so it’s pretty tough. The Kevlar material is usually made of heat-resistant fibers, offering maximum protection. The Labonville Full Wrap are examples of chaps made of this fabric.
- Nylon - this is a synthetic material that is revered for being stretchy and malleable.
- PVC - a PVC coating may be included in the outer shell and it helps to repel water and oil.
- 600 denier polyester - chainsaw chaps made of denier polyester fabric are highly durable and can withstand tough conditions.
In addition to the material used for the outer shell, you’ll want to be mindful of the number of layers of protection. The higher the number of warp protective layers incorporated, the better its ability to clog the chainsaw mechanism.
Size
Another factor you’ll want to pay attention to is the size of chainsaw pants. Ideally, the chaps should have adjustable waist sizes and lengths so they can fit different wearers.
So before you start shopping for these protective gear, measure your waist size and length. When it comes to length, be sure to estimate the length from your waist to the top part of your foot or instep.
Comfort and fit
The best chainsaw chaps also include an array of straps. The purpose of these straps is to help you tighten or loosen the clothing to ensure you’re comfortable when working.
The straps are particularly handy in situations where you plan to wear the chaps over several layers of clothing. They let you adjust accordingly so the chaps don’t end up restricting your movement while you work.
Safety Standards and Certification
You should always confirm whether the chainsaw chaps you’re planning to buy have been approved by necessary organizations. They should be UL certified and compliant with OSHA 1970 regulations.
Similarly, they should adhere to ANSI Z133.1 standards. Based on this, it’s mandatory for anyone dealing with tree care activities to wear PPE, specifically: a hard hat, eye protection, hearing protection, foot protection, and chainsaw-resistant pants or chaps.
If the chaps have these certifications, it means they’ve been tested by relevant agencies and found to minimize the risk of chainsaw injuries.
Type
Once you’ve figured out the size, the next thing you’ll want to check is the type or design. Chainsaw chaps come in one of two designs: apron or wraparound.
Similar to a chef’s apron, the apron chaps only cover the front. This means they leave the back of your legs exposed.
Wrap-around chaps are more preferred because they provide coverage on the front and back of your legs. But because of their design, they’re also heavier and they may cause you to sweat quite a bit.
If you’re using a basic chainsaw that is not too powerful, the apron style chaps will work just fine. For more powerful, heavy duty jobs, you’ll want to invest in wrap-around chaps that offer full coverage.
Chainsaw Compatibility
An important point to keep in mind is that the majority of chaps are designed to work with gas powered chainsaws.
The Tek and Kevlar warp fibers present in most of these chaps, begin to fragment and cause the chain to clog. This process brings the engine to an immediate stop and causes the clutch to disengage.
This then means that a chap isn't compatible with an electric chainsaw as it uses a motor in place of the gas-powered engine. Electric chainsaws also don’t use clutches to engage the chain.
So if you come across pants being advertised as the best chainsaw chaps for electric chainsaw, they’re probably not genuine.
Extra features
Ease of use
The best chainsaw chaps should be quick and easy to put on or remove. As soon as you’ve adjusted the length and waist size, it should only take you a couple of seconds to put them on.
Another thing you’ll want to check is whether the adjustments you make remain in place. You don’t want to invest in protective gear that starts coming loose in the middle of your sawing activity.
Ease of cleaning
Another trait you’ll find in the best chainsaw chaps is machine washability. So once you’re done sawing, all you’ll need to do is toss your gear in the washing machine to do the rest.
Tips for Using a Chainsaw Chap
Clean on a Regular Basis
There’s a common misconception that washing your chaps too frequently can compromise the integrity and performance of the fabrics. But the opposite is what’s true. If you fail to keep your chaps clean, residue buildup can prevent the fabrics from functioning as they’re designed to.
Invest in Chainsaw Chaps with More Straps
Yes, it can be taxing to fasten and unfasten all those buckles. But the more buckles there are, the better the safety provided by your chaps.
The buckles enable you to keep your chaps as tightly secured as possible. This minimizes the risk of the chaps being grabbed and pulled by the spinning chain, which would then leave you exposed.
Wear Your Chaps Even When You're Climbing
Another mistake that arborists make is to get rid of their chaps whenever they have to climb to do some sawing. The majority cite the heavyweight of these protective gears as the reason for abandoning their chaps.
However, failing to wear your chaps significantly increases the risk of getting injured if anything were to go wrong. Besides, present-day manufacturers incorporate a ton of elements that make these chaps pretty comfortable to wear, even on a climb.
For one, they’re designed with fabrics that are not only heavy-duty but also breathable. Some chaps also feature vents that enhance airflow around your legs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How effective are chainsaw chaps?
Though no studies have been done on this piece of safety gear, there’s no doubt about how effective chainsaw chaps are at minimizing the risk of injury.
Most chaps are designed to stop chains spinning at speeds of up to 2,750 feet per minute. If such a chain were to come into contact with your skin, you would suffer massive injuries. Thankfully, these chainsaw trousers create a barrier that prevents this from happening.
Are Stihl chainsaw chaps good?
Yes, Stihl chainsaw chaps are among the best. What makes their chaps stand out, in particular, is their fabric choice. The Avertic Pro lite material is not only good at clogging up the chain but it’s also incredibly light and breathable.
This then means that you don’t have to worry about getting overly hot or being weighed down by the bulkiness of these protective pants.
How do I choose a chainsaw chap?
There are a couple of things you should consider when buying these chainsaw trousers. The most important of these are safety regulations and certifications.
A quality chainsaw chap should have been tested by relevant authorities and found to be fit for the purpose you’ll be using it for.
That said, the chaps should have met ASTM F1897. Set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), these standards lay out what’s needed for a piece of clothing to be considered fit to protect your legs when you’re sawing.
Where are Husqvarna chaps made?
Husqvarna is one of the oldest companies in the chainsaw industry. The majority of its manufacturing plants are located in Sweden and a few Scandinavian countries so there’s a high chance that this is where their chaps are made as well.
What are chainsaw chaps made of?
The majority constitute a tough outer shell of denier polyester fabric, which is usually treated with a water-resistant compound. This outer layer encases a core, often made of either Kevlar, ballistic nylon, or Tek warp.
How to size chainsaw chaps
As we mentioned earlier, getting the right fit for your chain saw chaps is crucial. If the chaps are too short, they may not offer enough protection. On the other hand, if they are too long, you may end up tripping on them.
So how do you ensure that you get the correct fit? Well, you should take measurements of your length and waist size beforehand. To get the best estimates, consider getting someone to help you. Next, you’ll want to stand up straight, then ask your assistant to measure the length all around your waist as well as the length from your waist to the top of your foot.
How do chainsaw chaps work?
Chainsaw chaps are not your typical work pants.
Unlike the latter, chaps are constructed with dozens of ballistic fibers that start flying out to prevent a moving chain from coming into contact with your legs. In case you’re wondering, ballistic is a kind of thick, tough nylon material.
So when the fibers are released, they clog up the chain, making it impossible for it to continue spinning.
Are chainsaw chaps worth it?
Yes, chainsaw protective pants are worth every penny. If you’ve been thinking that you can forego this investment and simply look for some heavy duty work pants, don’t. Even though they’re a little pricey, they’re totally worth it given the level of protection they offer.
Do I need chainsaw chaps?
Yes, you do. This is particularly the case if you'll be operating a chainsaw that is gas powered. Electric chainsaws don't necessarily call for this type of safety gear.
One of the biggest advantages of chain saw pants is that they’re tested by relevant authorities like the ASTM and UL safety organizations. This gives you peace of mind knowing that you’re investing in protective gear that will truly keep you safe and mitigate the risk of chainsaw injuries.
Wrap Up
A chainsaw is a pretty versatile piece of equipment. It can be used to split felling wedge structures, limbing, pruning, and more. But operating it poses a great deal of risk. This is where the best chainsaw chaps come in handy by offering maximum leg protection.
One chap that comes highly rated is the Husqvarna 587160704. It has a bright orange and grey color scheme, improving your visibility when working in the field. More importantly, the apron style chap is made of 1000 denier polyester with Tek warp layers; hence offering optimal protection.
It’s been tested by third parties and found to be UL certified and compliant with ANSI z133.1, ASTM f1897, and OSHA regulations.