A good pair of chainsaw gloves is the unacclaimed hero of any workshop. Though it’s often underrated and neglected, it’s the key to working with ease, and in certain instances, it could even save your skin- quite literally.
The best chainsaw gloves are meant to offer the highest form of protection to your hands. They also provide a secure grip, minimizing the risk of the chainsaw slipping.
If you’ve never thought of purchasing chainsaw gloves, now is the right time to get them. Here’s a detailed guide to top-rated chainsaw gloves.
The 6 Best Chainsaw Gloves
1. Hi-Viz Cut-Resistant Chainsaw Gloves from Endura
Searching for chainsaw gloves that check all the boxes for what you’d want in these protective gear? If you have, the Hi Viz Cut Resistant Chainsaw Gloves from Endura are precisely what you need.
Right off the bat, you’ll notice that these work gloves are a bit pricey. For the price though, you get the best chainsaw gloves with cut protection.
For starters, the gloves have a bright yellow tone on the rear. As implied in the title, this contributes to their high visibility, minimizing the risk of accidents when operating a chainsaw.
Designed by Superior LumberWorks, the glove sports eight layers of Kevlar lining on the back of the left hand. What’s unique about this lining is that it’s designed to withstand a chainsaw spinning at speeds of up to 3140 feet per minute; thus, offering maximum protection.
Taking this feature into account, it is no wonder the Endura Hi Viz cut resistant chainsaw gloves comply with the EN 381 1999 class 0 standards set for chainsaw cuts.
Also, the backs of these gloves are made of a stretchable lycra/nylon fabric mixture. They are then encased in a water-resistant, breathable membrane to offer optimal comfort.
The palms, on the other hand, are made of goat leather, which is not only smooth but also has an anti-vibration reinforcement.
Another thing you’ll love about these chainsaw gloves is the fact that they have elasticized Velcro wrists. This not only helps to improve their fit but also prevents the accumulation of debris.
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If you’ve been looking for a chainsaw glove that you can wear specifically on your left hand, consider the Oregon Chainsaw Safety Gloves.
They’re available in three different sizes: medium, large and extra-large. And though they come in just one color, it’s a bright orange hue that provides high visibility.
But what makes this the best pair of gloves is the fact that it’s made of an ultra-thick material; hence, providing a decent layer of protection. Besides, it’s backed by an EN 381-7 certification.
While this chainsaw glove doesn’t have the Velcro wrist used in the Endura model, it boasts a close-fit wrist design that enables it to stay put. This way, you’ll never have to worry about the chainsaw slipping during use.
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If you prefer to buy all your protective gear from a household name, then you’ll be impressed with Husqvarna’s Functional Saw Protection Gloves.
One thing we love about the Husqvarna brand is that it never discriminates. On that note, their chainsaw gloves are available in three different sizes: medium, large and X-large. This makes it incredibly easy to find gloves that fit your hands snugly.
Husqvarna is one of the few brands that has managed to create chainsaw gloves that are not only functional but also stylish. They come in a beautiful color scheme that constitutes gray, black, and orange.
With regards to construction, the manufacturer used dual-layered goatskin leather for the palms, spandex fabric for the rear, and nylon neoprene for the knuckles.
Thanks to this selection of materials, these chainsaw gloves provide excellent cut resistance for your left hand. In fact, based on tests, they meet the EN 381-7 Class 0:16 (m/s) standards set for safety. This means they’re very capable of protecting your hands from any sort of accident.
Pros
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Want to buy the best pair of chainsaw gloves that will offer ample protection, but on a limited budget? the Superior Work Safety Gloves fit this description perfectly.
Depending on the size, the price varies. However, these are an extremely affordable pair of gloves. This makes it a great choice for chainsaw users who are still on the fence about investing in such protective equipment.
We like that these gloves come in six different sizes: x-small, small, medium, large, x-large, and xx-large. With such a variety of sizes to pick from, there’s no doubt that you’ll find one that fits you nicely.
More importantly, though, the gloves are lined with Kevlar, resulting in maximum protection against cuts. The good thing about Kevlar fabric is that it’s able to provide protection without compromising on comfort or dexterity.
Another feature that these protective gloves pride themselves on is their abrasion resistance. The goatskin leather palms offer remarkable tensile strength and resistance to abrasion.
If you have any doubts regarding the gloves’ performance, you can rest easy knowing that they meet Puncture Resistance ASTM level-3 and ANSI cut-level A4 standards.
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Want to buy the best winter chain saw gloves? Well, look no further than the Vgo Warm Work Gloves.
These not only come in multiple sizes but colors too. With regards to size, you can choose from x-small all the way up to xx-large. For colors, choose from black/green, dark blue, black, and fluorescent green.
Aesthetics and size aside, the biggest draw of these chainsaw gloves is the fact that they offer protection from cold. The gloves’ linings are encased in TPU waterproof membrane. This membrane is what forms a barrier, shielding your hands from moisture, cold, and wind.
Another role played by this membrane is that it provides an avenue for perspiration vapor to escape. Doing so ensures that your hands stay dry and comfy on the inside.
The highly-rated gloves are constructed using synthetic leather. But what makes this unique is that it’s infused with PVC reinforcement on specific palm areas for added protection and maximum resistance to wear.
If your line of work requires you to operate a smartphone, you’re in luck because the Vgo Winter Gloves are touchscreen compatible. This means you don’t have to remove the entire glove to use your cellphone.
The icing on the cake is the fact that these gloves come in a pack of two pairs. Thanks to this, you get maximum value for your money.
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For the best anti-vibration chainsaw gloves, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything better than the Youngstown glove.
There’s a lot to love about this chainsaw glove, but the most impressive one entails its construction. Let’s start with the fact that every inch of it is lined with DuPont Kevlar fiber, providing superb resistance against cuts and punctures.
For the outer layer, the manufacturer uses a heavy-duty material then adds a non-slip reinforcement to enhance grip. Lastly, there’s a soft terry cloth that’s been added on top of the thumb. This allows wearers to wipe away sweat from their faces with ease.
And as stated earlier, the Youngstown glove has anti-vibration features. This allows you to work for extended periods of time without feeling overly tired.
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Why are Chainsaw Gloves Necessary?
If you’re a veteran woodworker who has been operating a chainsaw with nothing more than sunglasses and some chaps as your protective gear, you may want to reconsider your decisions. Chainsaw work always brings with it a high risk of injury.
And even though wearing gloves is likely to reduce your speed and efficiency, they're an integral part of safety equipment.
At the end of the day, you’re no good if you suffer a severe hand injury because of ignoring crucial protective equipment like gloves.
So how exactly do these dedicated gloves work? Well, they contain an outer layer and an inner one that’s constructed using special fibers.
In the event that the saw comes into contact with your hand, it will rip through the back of the glove. As soon as this happens, the inner fibers will be released and wrap around the chainsaw’s drive sprocket; hence, stopping it on its tracks.
While the primary role of chainsaw gloves is to prevent your hands from being severed, there are a few more benefits you stand to gain.
For instance, some gloves are equipped with foam pads that minimize the intensity of vibrations resulting from operating a chainsaw.
The Kevlar material incorporated in most gloves interiors is also good at reducing vibrations. This, in turn, prevents you from getting fatigued too quickly so you’re able to work for longer.
The interior fabrics are also designed to wick moisture/sweat away from your hands. By keeping your hands dry, they enable you to have a firm grip on your power tool; thus, reducing the likelihood of an accident.
How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Gloves
Here are a few of the factors you should take into account when purchasing chainsaw gloves:
Materials
Chainsaw work gloves are only as good as the quality of materials used in their construction. As such, this is the first thing that you ought to consider. More specifically check the fabric used for the outer layer and the inner layer.
Outer Layer
For the exterior, the most likely fabrics used are nylon, leather, spandex, or Lycra. The choice between these materials will depend on your preferred fit and comfort level.
Spandex and Lycra are excellent options if you’re looking for gloves that will fit snugly without causing any discomfort.
Leather, on the other hand, provides exceptional durability and resistance against cuts. The non-slip trait of this fabric also makes the gloves ideal for all-weather conditions.
Lining
The inner layer of the glove is the second and most important line of defense. For the best outcome, the interior is usually lined with Kevlar fiber.
Kevlar is the same material that’s used to make bulletproof vests. Upon impact, it released its fibers, which then tangle the chainsaw, rendering it inoperable. Safety gloves that feature a Kevlar lining also tout excellent anti-vibration qualities.
Protection
The whole reason for purchasing a pair of chainsaw gloves is to maximize your safety. So it goes without saying that they should be able to offer protection against cuts, piercings and abrasion.
ANSI,ISEA & EN Safety Standards
To err on the side of safety, always check whether the chainsaw work gloves you’re purchasing meet the recommended standards.
The best places to check their certifications are the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI); and the EN, which is coined from the German name Europäische Norm meaning European Standardization.
When it comes to gloves, they should specifically adhere to EN 381-7, EN 420, and EN 388. Clause 7 of the EN safety standards stipulates that gloves should be capable of stopping tools moving at high speed.
EN 388 are the tests done to prove the glove can withstand physical resistance against mechanical hazards like abrasion, puncture, and tears.
Overall, all three organizations have come up with strict standards that chainsaw glove manufacturers are required to comply with.
So if you come across a product that meets one or all of the ANSI ISEA and EN standards, you can rest easy knowing that it’s made of high-quality materials.
Comfort
While the primary function of chainsaw gloves is to offer safety, the best chainsaw gloves are those that also feel comfortable to wear.
If they’re not providing the level of comfort that you’d like, there’s a good chance that you’ll stop wearing them altogether at some point.
One thing in particular that makes chainsaw safety gloves comfortable is how well they fit. A pair that’s too big can prevent you from having a secure grip. On the other hand, one that’s too tight can impede proper finger movement.
Before purchasing, ensure you know what size to get. While you’re at it, leave a little wiggle room due to the gloves’ thickness and the variety of materials used in their construction.
Durability
The best chainsaw gloves are also durable.
Keep in mind that you’ll be using this safety equipment for day-to-day operations. This means that they should be made of heavy-duty fabrics that can withstand the intense situations you subject them to.
A pair of gloves whose exterior is made of leather offers the highest level of durability. This material is naturally resistant to punctures and scrapes; hence, resulting in decent longevity.
FAQs
What is the best type of gloves to use when operating a chainsaw?
Any work glove that offers protection, optimal durability, a firm grip, and meets essential safety standards is suitable to wear when using the chainsaw.
Ultimately, it boils down to the factors that you prioritize most. For instance, if you plan to be working in wet conditions, then you’ll want a chainsaw glove that’s water-resistant.
On the other hand, if you’ll be tackling tough jobs then you’ll want to go for one that’s made of heavy-duty materials so as to get the best protection.
Should I wear gloves with a chainsaw?
Yes, you should. It should be mandatory practice to wear the best pair of gloves when using a chainsaw. In addition to offering protection, each glove improves your grip of the saw, increases your visibility, and minimizes the intensity of vibrations; thus, helping you work comfortably.
Will Kevlar stop a chainsaw?
Yes, it will. A good pair of chainsaw is one that has a Kevlar lining as it offers a decent level of protection. The fibers of this fabric tangle the saw; hence, bringing it to an immediate stop.
What are chainsaw gloves made of?
Chainsaws contain two main layers: the outer and inner. The inner layer is often made of the Kevlar material mentioned above. However, other materials like nylon and Prolar are just as good at offering protection.
The outer layer is made of fabrics like spandex and leather to provide extra layers of protection and enhance the durability of the glove.
Conclusion
Wondering what are the best chainsaw gloves to buy? Well, one pair that comes highly recommended is the Endura Hi-Viz.
Available in medium, large, and x-large sizes, these gloves have stretchy lycra/nylon fabric on the rear. This material works in tandem with a breathable and water-resistant membrane, allowing you to saw in any weather condition.
The palms of the gloves are made from goatskin leather, and boast anti-vibration features. This helps you work comfortably for extended periods.