Clogger Quick Guide to Chainsaw Protection

Chainsaw pants and chaps are well established as a critical piece of PPE. Here’s a quick breakdown on how chainsaw protection works and why investing in chainsaw pants and chaps is worth it.

How chainsaw protection works

Chainsaw protective products work by jamming the sprocket in the saw. Fibers are loosely woven in the chainsaw fabric. These fibers are hooked by the chainsaw and pulled into the sprocket stopping the saw and stopping or minimizing injury. Chainsaw trousers are chainsaw proof like a bullet proof vest. They are designed to stop the chainsaw before serious damage can be done.

Not all protective fibers are the same

Low-cost products use standard fibers like nylon and polypropylene. These chainsaw protective pads need to have more material and be thicker since a large percentage of fibers are cut. High end technical chainsaw protective fabrics use cut resistant fibers like Dyneema. Fewer fibers are cut so the fabric can be thinner and achieve the same performance levels. Chainsaw fabric is also layered to be effective. 6 layers is most common. It is common for a chainsaw to cut through a number of layers on impact before the saw is stopped.

Certified chainsaw protective products have a standard and defined test method. In the US, the standard is ASTM F1897-20 and the test method is F1404. The idea of a standard is that it is set at the point where products meeting the standard prevent serious injury. If there is a change in chainsaw technology that means that injuries are seen, then the standard is adjusted. Chainsaw protective products in the US need to exceed 2,750 feet per minute when tested by third party testing agency UL using the F1404 test method as well as meeting a number of other requirements defined in the standard.

Why chainsaw protection is important

Chainsaw pants and chaps are proven to minimize or eliminate most cut injuries. The best case outcome is a severe, painful injury with potentially high medical costs and lost income from time off the job. Worst case, chainsaw injuries can lead to fatalities.

It is also important to consider going beyond basic chainsaw protection. High performance, technical chainsaw pants and chaps are lighter with more flex and allow for better productivity especially in the heat. Don’t ignore the lifestyle improvement that you get with chainsaw gear that is easy to work in.