Protect what is most important: YOU! Keep yourself safe and know How Chainsaw Chaps Work?
We know how having power tools around gives you increased productivity and make life easier. But, they also carry a major risk for the person using it.
You see, there is a high probability that a saw can slip out of your hands, hit your leg and be fatal for you. So, here is where the chaps come in to save the day. By using them you will give maximum protection to your leg by providing resistance to the saw blade.
Only a decade ago, the chainsaw chaps that were available in the market were heavy and had the agility of steel construction. Now, this is not the case.
They are as light as a breeze.
How Chainsaw Chaps Work – Safety is Your First Priority
Since then, they have been modified and hardly weigh the same as a simple pair of jeans. Moreover, these are the following materials used for making them and the working depends on the materials being used.
- Kevlar: strongest synthetic fibre which is heat-resistant.
- Avertic: warp-knitted fabrics for clogging.
- Polyester: very durable and strong. Moreover, it can resist chemical spills and abrasions. On the other hand, it can shrink as well as stretch depending on the environment.
- Ballistic nylon: Thin nylon fabric which is very tough.
- PVC: Is a plastic, synthetic coating.
1. How Does a Chainsaw Chap Work?
Simply put, they contain ballistic fibers which start flying out if you slice your chap by mistake.
Who would be careless enough to do it?
Believe it or not, these sorts of accidents happen day in and day out. What if your hand slips, and the saw falls out and hits your leg? The worst-case scenario can even result in loss of chunks of flesh off your leg.
Nevertheless, if you wear a proper chainsaw chap, it would protect your leg by jamming the saw which will make it stop there and then.
Consequently, you can save yourself from a major accident.
2. How Does It Do It?
Understandably, it revolves around clogging:
The first layer of the chap is made of very strong, durable material. This is the layer that will provide the first layer of protection and is always the strongest.
Apart from being strong, it is made slippery as well to protect against oil and chemical spills. These materials do not penetrate the chaps and hence saves you from buying a new one.
Also, it is the first layer to go if a saw makes contact with your chaps and it exposes the safety pads which comprise the second layer.
Well, what happens next?
Once the blade hits this layer, the chap starts ripping up and the blade starts clogging.
Despite the presence of a strong outer layer, below it there are multiple layers of unique fiber. Furthermore, these layers consist of more than a million tiny threads which are very strong.
In short, their main purpose is to clog the rim sprocket and saw chain as fast as it is possible to make the chain stop within seconds.
3. Let’s Look What Happens Inside the Saw When It Hits a Chainsaw Chap:
Now, what goes on inside the chainsaw when it hits the chap?
Fibers from the chap’s protective layer are pulled and cut from the weave itself. They end up in the clutch of the saw, causing it to jam. This, in turn, makes the saw slow down.
Moreover, when enough fibers get stuck in the saw and sprocket, it forces the blade of the saw to halt.
4. Can They Protect Against Anything More?
Best of all, they are resistant to
- Heat.
- Cold.
- Water.
- Chemicals.
- Wear and tear.
- Abrasion.
Are you tired of looking around for that little hammer you had?
Chainsaw chaps don’t only provide ease, convenience and safety for you, but they also provide convenient pockets. Hence, these big pockets let you store small items which come in handy while working.
Expert Tips:
- Simply do not compromise on quality.
- Never go for cheap materials.
- Do not only rely on chainsaw chaps to save you from accidents, but it is imperative to invest in other safety gear also.
- Most importantly, always buy a new pair of chaps once it gets a tear.
5. Can Normal Clogs Work for Electric Chainsaws Too?
The answer will surprise you:
Simply, NO.
An electric chainsaw has such a unique and powerful motor that it will cut through the entire chap in a matter of seconds.
Therefore, you need to choose specific electric chainsaw compatibility chaps while using it.
Moreover, the chaps for electric chainsaws can be used for gas chainsaws. But, it cannot be vice versa.
Conclusion:
In short, I have covered the basics of How Chainsaw Chaps Work to provide you with not only a strong layer of protection, resistance to chemicals and weather conditions but also how it stops the chainsaw once it engages with your leg.
Furthermore, this article gives you an insight into the mechanics of the chainsaw chap and how it acts as a barrier between your flesh and your saw.
