It's a hard but good lesson to learn and really sucks. Through my life I have had a pulp hook removed from my radius at about 13 and I will never wear gloves when sharpening a saw. Left thumb has had 10 and 15 stitches on 2 different occasions. The worst was when working I sat my saw on my right thigh to take a break for a minute just as it epwas running out of gas. 35 stitches to my left thigh was the result when it leaned out and revved up. I can introduce anyone who wants to meet him a man who when he had hair had a big ponytail. That was until his skidder had issues and when he was checking it out his ponytail got caught up in the winch driveshaft. He no longer has skin that can grow hair on his head and is happy to be alive. Growing up around logging I've seen lots of horror stories. Don't take anything lightly and use as much safety as possible.
It is bad enough, but very glad it was not much worse then it is my friend. Glad you are going to be ok. Chaps are a wise investment in my opinion. Take care of that leg!!!!
Well I just hope others learn from this. Because being cautious isn't good enough I wasn't cautious had I been I would have had chaps I've cut wood for years without injury but this quickly reminded me it only takes onece
I really do need to ware mine ALL the time. Heck of a way to be reminded, take care that could have been really bad.
I went to the ER for a chainsaw accident as well, long ago, and as they removed the bandages I saw a look of relief come over the face ER nurse, it had only notched my shin bone about 1/4" through. She said usually when the say "chain saw accident" it's much worst. So thanks for wake up call! For all of us. Also, looks like it just missed your tendon, cut the tendon and your be in for a long recovery. I'd be saying a little prayer of thanks for that.
We got two pairs of chaps, Dad and I had never wore them in the 90s and we were clearing a snowmobile trail. one of the excavators- loggers saw us and said you are on my property and everyone wears chaps! He gave us 2 pair dad who had never been cut bounced a saw off brand new chaps. We gave a check for the chaps and family rule became if you are near saw they are on! Accidents happen usually a mistake! but no need to loose limbs for a mistake. Glad it wasn't too bad. heal quick!
I looked at the photo and said OMG... Glad to hear you will be OK. Thanks to the Internet and various forums I've visited in the last couple years, the first time I saw a picture like you posted I went out and purchased Chaps, Steel Toe Boots, and a Hard Hat with ear muffs and face shield. And when I cut wood with a chainsaw I wear them.
Is there something other than chaps that you can wear? I am not trying to sound like a fool or a bad azz but I'm probably not gonna wear chaps but I'd like to wear something protection wise.
Dam! "THANK GOD" it's not worse! Woodrat, don't feel like your the only one who has done that! Your right handed so you got them in the same knee as I did! 19 stitches to be exact, thank God my blue jeans slowed some of mine down but it still didn't matter. And if that wasn't enough, I almost cut my left thumb off pruning some shrubs in 1996 because I was to lazy to get the pruners, reached around to grab a falling limb and grabbed the end of my 021 instead. … two hours of surgery to put things back together…. "NOTE TO SELF" lessened learned! Heal my friend, your in our prayers
Glad it wasn't worse man! Everyone thinks that will never happen to me but Murphy doesn't really care what anyone thinks.
I asked a retired logger if he wears safety gear while he collects (scrounges) firewood. He told me a story about one of his workers that cut his brand new chaps THREE different times on the first day! He told the worker "you aren't learning anything!!"
Glad it was not more serious. Hope you heal well and quickly. Table saws, Chain saws and snow blowers have no conscience............BEWARE>>>>>>>>>>>
X2.. If I'm just making a few cuts in my splitting area I never put them on.. I will now.. I wish you a speedy recovery Woodrat1276 and I'm glad it wasn't worse..
I'm doing ok and thank you everyone for the thoughts and prayers. I debated in sharing this or not. I've cut wood for years with out a injury and without the proper protection. Well I won't have a saw in my hand running unless I have protection from now on. And I'm going to be more vigilant. I just hope my experience will make others who was like me think about it It was to the bone but a miracle happened and it never touched the bone or tendons
heck, I don't even cut wood much myself; but, I might just buy me a pair in sympathy! But, seriously: Ouch.
Glad you're "ok'er"Woodrat1276 I have chaps that I wear "most" of the time... That surely will change! Like many have said- heal up..... post pic of new chaps, and I'm thankful it's not worse for you(or your wife!)
Just remember the chaps come in different plies, the first set I bought were maybe four and the last set was 9, I think. This is from a website, Chaps fit waist sizes from 32" to 46". Measure length from waist down two inches below top of boot to determine proper length to order.
