Best Chainsaw Chaps for the Money | Top 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide
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Chainsaw chaps are protective trousers that should be worn with other protective clothing when operating a chainsaw or any other powerful machinery. Chainsaw chaps help to protect your legs in the event of an accident occurring when using a chainsaw. Worn over normal work trousers they act as a trouser shield offering extra protection but usually only to the front, so it is important to remember the back of the leg is still exposed.
High-quality chainsaw chaps are vitally important for safety reasons. However, there are certain factors to consider when looking for chainsaw chaps, comfort, safety, and material, and with so much on the market, it can be confusing. To help make your search easier we have compiled comprehensive reviews and a buyer’s guide on five of the best chainsaw chaps on the market.
Here’s a rundown of what we discuss in this best chainsaw chaps review article
- First, we compare our top 5 picks against each other in an easy-to-read comparison table
- Next, we’ll share all the best features and benefits you’ll find useful
- Then, we’ll dive into their drawbacks you might need to know about
- And finally, our buyers guide will give a greater insight into the options available
Sound good? Let’s begin!
Buy on AmazonComparison of Our Favorite Chainsaw Chaps
CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon
| Image | Buy | Editor Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|
Top | Husqvarna 587160704 | Check Price | 4.9 / 5 (Best Overall) |
Top | Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps | Check Price | 4.7 / 5 (Best Value) |
 | ZELARMAN Chainsaw Chaps | Buy Now | 4.5 / 5 |
Top | Forester OEM Arborist Forestry | Check Price | 4.2 / 5 |
Top | LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps | Check Price | 3.9 / 5 |
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Top 5 Chainsaw Chaps – Reviews
1. Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chainsaw Chaps (Best Overall)
- The Husqvarna is made from cut retardant material containing PVC coated denier polyester and Tek warp protective layers that are designed to reduce the risk or severity of an injury giving the operator more reaction time by contact with a moving chainsaw.
- The cut retardant material pulls apart and clogs up the sprocket system on the chainsaw. It slows or stops the chain from rotating depending upon the speed of the chain, angle of contact, length, and power of the saw.
- These Husqvarna chaps feature an adjustable waist with sizes up to 42 inches and the overall length is from the waist to the ankle. They are cold-water washable and have strong Delran buckles and pockets. Meets ASTM f1897, ANSI z133.1, and OSHA regulation 1910-266 and are UL certified.
- The weight is 3.5 pounds. The Husqvarna chainsaw chaps work on electric or gas chainsaws. They protect the lower backs of the legs, front of thighs, and waist, high visibility with reflective strips around the ankles, and have excellent reviews.
2. Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps (Best Value)
- The Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps come in sizes 35 inches (short), 37 inch (regular) and 40 inch (long) and protect the front of the legs, not the back, are adjustable and come in various colors.
- They are hard-wearing, durable, lightweight, oil and water-resistant and feature a large side pocket and a flip adjustment belt for a perfect, secure fit.
- Meets the ASTM F1897, OSHA 1910.266 regulation and is UL Certified. These chainsaw chaps are not suitable for electric chainsaws. Weight 1.28 pounds.
- The Forester chainsaw chaps are made from very strong material and although can’t be used with electric chainsaws they offer good protection at an affordable price.
3. ZELARMAN Chainsaw Chaps
- With the upgraded safety features, these chainsaw chaps will protect you from injury on the job.
- Zelarman Chainsaws offers professionals a safer and more efficient way to work outdoors with their employees by reducing their exposure to wood splinters, harmful chemicals in logging chemicals, wax moth larvae, and harmful bacteria in fresh-cut wounds.
- Their design exceeds ASTM F1897-14 and the newest standard ASTM F3325-19 requirements for logger wear standards while meeting OSHA regulations 1910 266 (and ANSI Z133.1). They meet UL standards too! Rigid 1000 denier Oxford outer construction is durable & hard wearing to withstand heavy use without tearing or snagging quickly.
- For those lumberjacks that need to protect themselves from all the hazards of a ten-hour day in the timber, you cant do better than with these Zelarman Chainsaw Chaps. Whether its felling giant trees or pruning branches dangerously close to your body, these chaps will keep you safe when handsaws and electric chainsaws cannot reach you.
- Apron Style Design: These chaps are designed like an apron, so they sit on top of boots, and wide buckles hold them tight around each leg securely without restricting mobility. The straps have adjustable waist sizes, so they fit more people comfortably while maintaining good levels of protection even around larger thighs or hips.
4. Forester OEM Arborist Forestry Professional Cutter’s Combo Kit Chaps Helmet
- The Forester offers an all-in-one package for use by woodsman whether professional or occasional use. The apron-style chaps are made from Polyester, they are not the strongest material but will protect and do the job. Adjustable sizes in small, regular, and long.
- Included in the package are a pair of safety glasses, an orange helmet, a set of black ear muffs, and a mesh screen.
- Meets approved Clear Safety Glasses ANSI Z87.1/UV400; Forestry Helmet ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 Type 1, Class E, G & C; Screen meets Basic ANSI Z87.1 requirements; Muffs: Meet ANSI S12.42 21dB rating; Chaps Apron style UL classified and tested in accordance with ASTM F1897 (for USA only)
- Weight 2.3 pounds. This all-in-one-package meets all the safety requirements and has everything included at an affordable price.
5. LABONVILLE Premium Chainsaw Chaps
- These Labonville chainsaw chaps are made from strong Kevlar and Polyester 5 ply material. They come in sizes 32 inches to 40 inches and the waist is adjustable up to 48 inches.
- These chaps are sized by overall length and not the inseam and should be worn snug so they are positioned correctly on the legs. The 2-inch waist belt is heavyweight polypropylene and the 2-inch waist buckle is a special blend nylon with a 1-inch leg buckle.
- These chaps are reversible if needed. Meets OSHA Regulation 1910-266. UL Tested & Classified Chainsaw Chaps (ASTM F1897-08). Meets ANSI Z133.1 Standards and Cordura material meets CS-191-53 (Flame resistance standard).
- The Kevlar fibers and polyester material block the chain so the chainsaw rapidly stops allowing for more reaction time. Weight is 2.4 pounds. Made in the USA. These chainsaw chaps are strong and fit a shorter person of 5 feet upwards.
Video: Why Wear Chainsaw Safety Chaps
Further Reading: The Husqvarna 435 Chainsaw Review
Chainsaw Chaps Buyers Guide
Chainsaws can be dangerous machines, so Health and Safety must be your top priority, so research before you buy, which will help keep you and others safe. Chainsaw chaps are just one of the essential items of safety clothing to wear when operating a chainsaw, along with goggles, helmet, ear protectors, gloves, strong footwear, and a protective jacket.
Wearing chainsaw chaps protects you by bunching up and clogging a rotating chainsaw upon contact, which slows or stops the chain, averting a severe injury. However, safety, material, size, comfort, and fit are all essential factors to consider.
Regulations for safety
It is essential to check that the safety gear you are buying is certified as fully protected by relevant agencies. For chainsaw chaps, these should be UL approved and meet the OSHA 1970 regulations giving you peace of mind that they are fit for purpose. They have been tested rigorously for quality of materials, and in the event of an emergency happening, they will protect you.
Material
The material used should have several protective layers; 4 to 6 ply is good; otherwise, they will be too bulky to wear and uncomfortable when working. High tensile material Kevlar or Entex is strong and heat resistant. Nylon is a synthetic polymer that is stretchy, malleable, and easy to wear or PVC coating, a plastic layer mainly used to deflect water and oil. You can wash most chainsaw chaps in cold water only. Do not machine wash or use detergents on them.
Sizing
When measuring for chaps, the correct way is to measure from your waistline down to your instep. This will make sure the whole of your front is covered and covers the tops of your shoes or boots. You should wear jeans or other trousers underneath, and the straps should fit tightly, make sure they are adjusted correctly. Also, make sure they are not loose as they could catch on the chainsaw or other objects around, making it a potential safety hazard.
Further Reading: Husqvarna 440E vs. Husqvarna 440: The Ultimate Chainsaw Comparison
Gas or Electric?
Electric chainsaw models work in an entirely different way to Gas chainsaws, so it is best to look for the specific chainsaw chaps for either electric or gas models. Don’t take a risk. It is too high a price to pay! Only one of the chainsaw chaps reviewed is suitable for gas and electric, and the others are for gas only.
Comfort
Chainsaw chaps should feel comfortable and allow for a full range of movement. They should fit snug so that when you move around, they don’t slip down. They should also be quick and easy to put on and take off, and once adjusted to the right fit, you will be able to get to work without wasting time.
Conclusion
All of the chainsaw chaps reviewed have their qualities and would protect you, but our Best Overall is the Husqvarna 587160704 Technical Apron Wrap Chainsaw Chaps. Made from high-quality cut retardant material, high visibility reflective strips, and solid buckles and pockets, these chainsaw chaps, being very strong, would clog a rotating chainsaw, giving you time to act quickly.
The front of the legs is protected, and they also wrap around the backs of the lower legs and the front of the thighs and waist, giving even more protection. The safety requirements meet ASTM f1897, ANSI z133.1, and OSHA regulation 1910-266 and are UL certified.
They give protection when using either electric or gas-powered chainsaws. Sizes are adjustable up to 42 inches enabling a good fit for most chainsaw users. With excellent reviews and an affordable price, these chainsaw chaps would give good protection and are well worth considering.
Our Best Value chainsaw chaps are the Forester Chainsaw Apron Chaps with a pocket and an adjustable belt. Made from a robust and lightweight material, they are hard-wearing, durable, resistant to oil and water, and come in various colors, patterns including high vis and adjustable sizes.
They feature a large side pocket and an adjustable flip belt to give a perfectly secure fit that won’t fall with movement. Safety requirements meet the ASTM F1897, OSHA 1910.266 regulation, and are UL Certified. Although these chaps are not suitable when using an electric chainsaw, they would give good front leg protection at an affordable price.
Further Reading: Husqvarna 450 Rancher Chainsaw – Honest Review
Best of the rest
The Forester OEM Arborist chaps are an all-in-one package including an orange helmet, a pair of safety glasses, a set of black ear muffs, and a mesh screen, all of which have the required safety regulations.
The apron-style chaps are made from polyester, not the most robust material, but would protect when doing lightweight cutting and trimming. They are not suitable with electric chainsaws, but this all-in-one combo set would be ideal if you occasionally use a chainsaw.
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The Labonville premium chainsaw chaps are made from solid Kevlar and polyester material and are made in the USA. The waist sizing is adjustable, and the 2-inch waist belt is made from heavyweight polypropylene with a 2-inch waist buckle made from unique blend nylon. The leg buckle is 1 inch.
These chaps meet all the safety standard requirements. Some reviews state the straps don’t last and are poorly sewn on, and there is no pocket. They are not suitable for electric chainsaws and are in the higher price range.
If you use a chainsaw frequently, buy the strongest chaps like the Husqvarna (Best Overall) and all the other safety gear mentioned. You cannot put a price on your safety, and remember, if your chaps get cut, then buy some more as they will become ineffective and won’t save you a second time around.
We hope that these reviews and buyers’ guides have helped you to make an informed decision on which chainsaw chaps would be right for you. Stay safe!
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Husqvarna 440 Chainsaw Comparison
| Husqvarna 440E (Best Overall) | Husqvarna 440 (Best Value) |
|---|---|
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Walts DIY is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
When I’m not testing and reviewing tools, you’ll find me in front of a hot BBQ, cold drink in hand, cooking up something big, and spending quality time with my wife and two boys. I’m also often found in my workshop working on my next project!
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