Safety Gear

[hareball]

I'm getting ready to begin processing wood to burn. I'll be starting off small with log lengths here in the driveway and working my way up to felling trees.
I'd lke to know what you guys use as far as safety gear. If it's something you swear by please give some brand names and or some links to where you like to buy your gear.
Thanks in advance,
-Bob

 

[heffergm]

Chainsaw chaps: aside from helping stop a chain, they have the added benefit of keeping junk like chain oil off the new jeans your wife told you not to cut wood in.

Earplugs: I realized my 260pro is deafening the other day when I ran it without them by accident. Holy deafness batman.

Safety glasses: don't really need explaining.

You can get any of this stuff at lowes, etc.

 

[wendell]

CHAPS!!: You can't go wrong with Labonville but there are other brands too. Just make sure they cover your whole leg. Full wrap are safer, half wrap are cooler.

Something to protect your hearing and your eyes. Since you will eventually be felling I would go with a helmet system that does both. If not, hearing protection and safety glasses.

Boots: steel toe at a minimum, real chain saw boots would be ideal.

Gloves: there are chainsaw safety gloves but I stick with my Atlas Fit gloves. I guess we all cut corners here and there. ;-P

 

[Monkey Wrench]

These boots.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80&idcategory=41)

 

[Monkey Wrench]

These chaps.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=14)

 

[Monkey Wrench]

This for your noggin.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=125&idcategory=47)

 

[Danno77]

These boots.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80&idcategory=41)

now why'd they have to go and ruin a perfectly good pair of boots by labeling them as "high heels".

 

[stee6043]

I personally run Stihl brand gear and have loved every purchase. For me I'd have to say my "top two" pieces of gear are the Stihl chaps and the Stihl helmet system. Both are awesome. Like mentioned above the chaps are good for soooooo many more reasons than just protecting you from the saw. I feel like I can walk through just about anything with them on. And the helmet is super comfy, super convenient with built in muffs and the visor never fogs like glasses do. Other than that I run standard steel toes and cheapo gloves. Some folks run upper body protection but not me. T-shirt in the summer, flannel in the spring/fall....

 

[Monkey Wrench]

These boots.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80&idcategory=41)

now why'd they have to go and ruin a perfectly good pair of boots by labeling them as "high heels".

Give Me A Kiss And I'll Tell Yeah !

 

[Gooserider]

If you want first class for chainsaw boots, go with Matterhorns, but quality will cost big time on those... I also like my Lumberworks chainsaw gloves, but suggest that you only use them when actually running the saw, go back to the Atlas FIT gloves for doing any significant wood handling.

Chaps and helmet I would say that any of the reputable brands are pretty good, the only thing I would advise is to get a helmet with a "ratchet knob" type suspension adjustment - you'll be glad you did on those days when you want to wear a woolie on you noggin, or have a swelled head...

Gooserider

 

[mike1234]

I was out in the forest alone this winter, dropped a tree, which pulled a 3" round branch from another tree down with it, and hit me in the head, then knocked the chainsaw out of my hand. I had on a helmet like this one - so no damage except brain damage - which is unnoticeable in my case. %-P I was paying attention to what was hanging above me, but had no idea this was coming. Get a helmet if you are going to fell any trees.

This for your noggin.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=125&idcategory=47)

 

[KarlP]

These boots.

(broken link removed to http://www.labonville.com/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idproduct=80&idcategory=41)

now why'd they have to go and ruin a perfectly good pair of boots by labeling them as "high heels".

"I cut down trees. I wear high heels, suspendies, and a bra."

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[KarlP]

If you want first class for chainsaw boots, go with Matterhorns

If you want third class, the ~$35 Brahma steel toes from Walmart are pretty good if you add some ~$10 gel insoles.

 

[smokinj]

At the very least chaps steele toes boots and eye wear.

 

[Danno77]

"I cut down trees. I wear high heels, suspendies, and a bra."

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ok, now seriously this has to stop. I think it was Bigg Redd last week that got that darned song stuck in my head all day long. Now you go and do it too!

 

[ribs1]

OK,
Seriously, why do most guys seem to like the higher heeled labonville boots? I am planning to order a pair of these right away and I'm having trouble making the decision.
Thanks

 

[Danno77]

OK,
Seriously, why do most guys seem to like the higher heeled labonville boots? I am planning to order a pair of these right away and I'm having trouble making the decision.
Thanks

i seriously have no clue, but it probably has something to do with the following:

"I wish I'd been a girlie
Just like my dear papa"


in all seriousness: let me know if you like the ones you get. I'm starting to think about it. just seems like a lot of money when I buy cheap steel toed boots at walmart and use them for a lot more than just cutting wood. I like my feet, though, so i just dunno.....

 

[golfandwoodnut]

I did not have safety gear until XMASS. I got Labonville chaps, Stihl Helmet and my wife found some Steel toed boots that are quite comfortable but not a big name. I tried them and like them all. I was surprised by how quiet it is with the ear muffs. The only thing that concerns me is that it seems to dull the senses a little when it is so quiet. If someone was yelling to watch out for something you would never hear them or a branch was falling, etc. I guess it is just something I have to get used to. I guess they even want you to wear safety glasses under the shield, but that seems like overkill to me and I hate getting fogged in. I think that is a real safety hazard. I must say the stihl helmet is nice on how every thing is so adjustable and moveable, like flipping the ear muffs out the way. It is only around $43.

 

[Gooserider]

I did not have safety gear until XMASS. I got Labonville chaps, Stihl Helmet and my wife found some Steel toed boots that are quite comfortable but not a big name. I tried them and like them all. I was surprised by how quiet it is with the ear muffs. The only thing that concerns me is that it seems to dull the senses a little when it is so quiet. If someone was yelling to watch out for something you would never hear them or a branch was falling, etc. I guess it is just something I have to get used to. I guess they even want you to wear safety glasses under the shield, but that seems like overkill to me and I hate getting fogged in. I think that is a real safety hazard. I must say the stihl helmet is nice on how every thing is so adjustable and moveable, like flipping the ear muffs out the way. It is only around $43.

I find that with the muffs I can hear BETTER once you get used to them - it filters out the worst of the background... Of course if I was running the saw, I probably wouldn't be able to hear anyone yelling at me over the saw anyway, so it's kind of a moot point... Although there was the irony that was pointed out when OSHA was first getting going, and they started requiring backup beepers on construction site vehicles, and immediately followed w/ rules requiring hearing protection due to the increased noise levels... At this point I've gotten used to using hearing protection to the point where I wear muffs any time I'm using any sort of OPE, or even loud power tools.

I do feel that some eye protection in addition to the mesh facemask is a good idea - I know I'm not 100% on dropping the mask every time I rev the saw, but the eye protection still being there can really save you - also the mask is great for stopping the large particles, but dust and fine stuff can still get through... I do compromise a bit, in that I don't wear the full "OSHA grade" glasses w/ side shields and so forth, as I find they are seriously uncomfortable and do tend to fog, etc... Instead, I wear my prescription eyeglasses, for which I deliberately chose big "Aviator" style lenses and frames, and polycarbonate lenses - functionally I would say that it gives me about 90% of the coverage and protection one would get w/ OSHA grades, and without the discomfort...

One of the things that I will say is that I do judge safety gear by whether or not it is comfortable and / or gets in the way of getting the job done - I agree that gear that is uncomfortable, or gets in the way excessively could be considered a safety hazard in and of itself - a problem I see with a fair amount of eye protection products in particular, I don't feel like I'm working safely if I can't see...

Gooserider

 

[golfandwoodnut]

I did not have safety gear until XMASS. I got Labonville chaps, Stihl Helmet and my wife found some Steel toed boots that are quite comfortable but not a big name. I tried them and like them all. I was surprised by how quiet it is with the ear muffs. The only thing that concerns me is that it seems to dull the senses a little when it is so quiet. If someone was yelling to watch out for something you would never hear them or a branch was falling, etc. I guess it is just something I have to get used to. I guess they even want you to wear safety glasses under the shield, but that seems like overkill to me and I hate getting fogged in. I think that is a real safety hazard. I must say the stihl helmet is nice on how every thing is so adjustable and moveable, like flipping the ear muffs out the way. It is only around $43.

I find that with the muffs I can hear BETTER once you get used to them - it filters out the worst of the background... Of course if I was running the saw, I probably wouldn't be able to hear anyone yelling at me over the saw anyway, so it's kind of a moot point... Although there was the irony that was pointed out when OSHA was first getting going, and they started requiring backup beepers on construction site vehicles, and immediately followed w/ rules requiring hearing protection due to the increased noise levels... At this point I've gotten used to using hearing protection to the point where I wear muffs any time I'm using any sort of OPE, or even loud power tools.

I do feel that some eye protection in addition to the mesh facemask is a good idea - I know I'm not 100% on dropping the mask every time I rev the saw, but the eye protection still being there can really save you - also the mask is great for stopping the large particles, but dust and fine stuff can still get through... I do compromise a bit, in that I don't wear the full "OSHA grade" glasses w/ side shields and so forth, as I find they are seriously uncomfortable and do tend to fog, etc... Instead, I wear my prescription eyeglasses, for which I deliberately chose big "Aviator" style lenses and frames, and polycarbonate lenses - functionally I would say that it gives me about 90% of the coverage and protection one would get w/ OSHA grades, and without the discomfort...

One of the things that I will say is that I do judge safety gear by whether or not it is comfortable and / or gets in the way of getting the job done - I agree that gear that is uncomfortable, or gets in the way excessively could be considered a safety hazard in and of itself - a problem I see with a fair amount of eye protection products in particular, I don't feel like I'm working safely if I can't see...

Gooserider

Thanks for the comments Gooserider, you know your safety gear. Just teaching an old dog new tricks.

 

[John_M]

Ribs 1, I can't explain the reason boots with higher heels feel so comfortable. However, I have read that many who wear "cowboy" boots with the elevated heels describe them as being the most comfortable footwear a person can find. My favorite boots were custom made by the White's Boot Company in Spokane, WA. The boots are their 8", "Farmer/Rancher" model with an elevated heel. These are so comfortable that I jokingly tell friends that I would wear them to bed if they wouldn't tear up the sheets too badly.

I do not know whether the elevated heel or some other construction feature(s)give the boots such excellent support in the arch, heel and ankle areas. I frequently wear them all day and do not remove them when returning to the house. The elevated heel does not interfere with any activities, including those on the wood lot. An elevated heel may or may not provide the same comfort and support from other manufacturers. Elevated heels might not be as comfortable to others as they are to me.

My White's are now eleven years old and one of these weeks I will be returning them to the factory for rebuilding. I am searching for something to wear for the approx. two months they will be gone. At the top of my current "favorites" list are the Matterhorn #12277 (thanks Gooserider) and the Carolina Mahogony steel toe. I may purchase another pair of the White's Smoke Jumper or Logger style boots after mine are rebuilt. White's are expensive but worth it in my experience.

Good luck in your search.

John_M

 

[Gooserider]

I will say there is one minor downside to chainsaw boots - they do make your feet BIG... If you read the instructions on starting a saw, most of them tell you to stick your foot in the rear handle loop - AIN'T NO WAY that's happening w/ chainsaw boots, as they flat won't fit in the hole... (and at a size 10, my feet aren't that big as such things go...)

I also have trouble riding a motorcycle with them, as they are to big to fit under the shift lever - I have to kind of catch it with the side of my foot rather than the top of the toe...

Gooserider

 

[Danno77]

... If you read the instructions on starting a saw, most of them tell you to stick your foot in the rear handle loop - AIN'T NO WAY that's happening w/ chainsaw boots, as they flat won't fit in the hole......Gooserider

what's this nonsense. My manual clearly states to ALWAYS drop-start the saw. or is it "never?" hmmmm, i'm going with always, since that's what i do.

 

[Stlshrk]

I use the same safety gear you would for various other power tools or outdoor power quipment. Muffs, safety glasses, gloves, steel toes, hard hat (if felling & swap the muffs for plugs). Have been considering the chaps though.