Wear those saw chaps people!

I'm finding as I age that I am a lot more methodical. I'm real uneasy these days about sprung wood. Anything above shoulder height also.

Glad you made it out with only a hanful of stitches. Thanks for the reminder on saw safety.

This is the result of 'trimming a few branches' that a former coworker got some years ago. (casual user) Was working overhead and the saw came over on him somehow. Lucky it missed his noggin. Visuals drive home the message.

 

W

Wow that is nasty! My cut looks very much like the middle cut, only just missing the kneecap. Still pizzed at myself. Probably a good thing I can’t kick myself in the butt, literally

 

Thank You

 

Been there with 12 stitches. I 100% wear chaps now

 

JD Guy glad you are okay, sounds like you got lucky!! I think it's important for people to post these and for people to read them. I heard the saying once if you use a chainsaw it's not if it's when. My co worker at the tree co I work at who I consider a very experienced saw user cut his chaps a few years back. All it takes is a small lack of concentration or being too confident. Having chaps or chainsaw pants on brings the level of worry down if I am wearing them. Stay safe out there hoarders

 

I'm too clumsy wearing chaps. I special ordered some and my danger level increased.
Many years ago I did hit the steel toe in my boots. My stomach turned pretty quick.

 

I understand that - I was always leery of the first pair of chaps I had because they had straps all the way down the leg. The straps would catch on brush, and they also allowed the bottom of the legs to flare, which increased trip hazards as well. I didn't like them much.

I solved that by buying chaps that wrap all the way around the leg below the knee, and zip up, so there's no loose cuff to catch and no straps except one halfway up the thigh. They are a great improvement over my first pair, and I've never had a snag or a trip (at least related to the chaps - LOL) while wearing them.

This is the type I bought:

Elvex® ProChapsZ™ Chainsaw Chaps, Wraparound Calf Style, 36"L, Orange

I bought it here - a better price but the photos are wrong:
Delta Plus 91 Series ProChapsZ Zipper Chainsaw Chaps

 

I am very sorry this happened to you i bought a set of Chaps when i bought my chainsaw also a helmet, have not gottten into much more then some trimming so have not used the chaps, but after reading your post i am going to rethink just when i should put them on, again very sorry you had it happen and glad is was not worse.

 

Thanks all for the get well wishes, it’s very much appreciated! I was able to get in my Duramax today (gingerly). and drive some. Actually getting into the truck is easier than putting on pants and shoes I know I won’t be on my tractor very soon though, working the clutch just ain’t happening.

 

Very similar to the chaps I have.

 

Glad to hear you will be OK.
I have a couple pair of chaps, One pair of Labonville Extreme Competition safety wraps, and an old pair of Jonsered Chaps.
I always wear chaps when running a saw, and safety toe boots.

 

You’re a wise and prudent fellow

 

Glad to everyone that shared that all of you are okay. JD I pray for a speedy recovery and the God watches out over all of us.

I used to be the same way about chaps until my wife pointed out my young boys are watching. Either right or wrong eyes are carefully watching.

I agree new chaps are like strapping sheets of plywood to our legs. I have found the cheaper the pair the stiffer they are. I also found after some hours they mold fairly well and loss rigidity. They make liner that you can button into blue jeans and full made pants. Both are less rigid than chaps. Bought my son a pair of the winter/insulated pants they are quite soft. No more rigid than insulated Carhart’s. I currently wear the Stihl pro chaps and they are way less rigid than the cheaper Stihl’s. My boy has a pair of Husky pro chaps and they are also softer.

My next investment is go with the pants bs chaps. Considering trying the arborist/climbers pants as they should be less restrictive. Brace for the pride that have in the price. I would imagine that $400+ is not that expensive when there is no stiches.

I carry a IFAK (individual first aid kit) on my belt it’s made for gunshot’s. However it’s made to stop the bleeding. If you are going to buy any of the blood clotting. The sponge vs powder is better when the ER has to remove it to deal with the wound. Powder they brush out/off and the sponge is the same spot/style that is commonly in use in the medical community. Having a good EMT style first aid duffel/kit (Amazon), was also a piece of mind for us.

Stay safe out there!

 

Good information there Rope! I’ve definitely “earned” my stupid badge and will be wearing chaps from now on. I’ve even gone so far as to plead with my two sons to NEVER AGAIN allow their sons(my grandsons) to pick up a chainsaw without the proper safety gear.

 

Can’t like that. Glad it wasn’t worse and hope you have a speedy recovery. I took one just above the knee cap about 30 years ago. No stitches…they used surgical glue instead. Same thing as super glue except it costs about $6,000 for a little tube. I’m pretty good about wearing my chaps these days, I’d say about 98% of the time. I usually start my saws with the brake on, then put all of my ppe on. Saw is warmed up and ready to go then. It’s my opinion that if you spend much time running a chainsaw, it’s not if you cut yourself, but when and how bad. PS I have never had stitches since that day. Just keep a couple of tubes of super glue in the first aid kit. Have used it several times…works great.

 

I’m of the opinion that it’s not when you have a chainsaw mishap it’s when and we should all use our due diligence to minimize the risk! Spoken like a true believer now