We know that there’s a lot of jokes about health and safety. Sometimes there’s a fair point to those jokes. You can take a good thing too far. So let’s forget health and safety and talk about common sense. If you’re going to be using a high-speed cutting tool, it’s common sense to protect yourself appropriately. Wearing proper chainsaw trousers is an important part of that.
If you just want a recommendation on what kind of chainsaw trousers to buy, please head on down to our chainsaw trousers review section. If, however, you’d like to know a bit more about chainsaw trousers so you know how to pick the right chainsaw trousers for you, please keep reading and we’ll tell you everything you need to know
Best Chainsaw Trousers Review
Personal protective equipment and chainsaws
Even if you’re using a domestic chainsaw for light tasks, you should be wearing some form of eye protection, gloves and thick trousers, preferable proper chainsaw trousers and solid boots with a reliable grip. Depending on what work you’re doing, a safety helmet can also be a very good idea.
If you’re using a cordless or electric chainsaw, you may get away without ear defenders. You may, however, find that they make life a whole lot more comfortable, especially with electric chainsaws. Some of these are approaching the sort of power you’d expect from entry-level petrol chainsaws. If you’re using a petrol chainsaw, then ear defenders are essential.
The purpose of chainsaw trousers
The main purpose of chainsaw trousers is to stop you from being cut by the chainsaw. They also offer some protection against being cut by the debris created by the chainsaw, for example flying wood chips.
Chainsaw trousers come in three classes and two types
The classes indicate the maximum speed at which the chainsaw trousers are effective. Class 1 chainsaw trousers work up to 20m/s. Class 2 chainsaw trousers up to 24m/s and Class 3 chainsaw trousers up to 28m/s.
The types indicate how much of the leg area is covered. Type A chainsaw trousers only protect the front of the leg (and groin area). These chainsaw trousers come in two subtypes. One subtype is designed to be worn on its own. These look like regular trousers. The other subtype is designed to be worn over regular trousers. These look like chaps. Type C chainsaw trousers protect the whole leg, (groin and buttocks).
Type A chainsaw trousers are generally sufficient for amateur gardening. Essentially, they are intended for static work at ground level, such as trimming bushes and low branches from trees and also cutting up logs. That probably covers everything the average gardener is going to want to do. If, however, you’re planning on undertaking aerial work, such as proper tree surgery, then you really need Type C chainsaw trousers as this is a lot riskier.
Chainsaw trouser material
Chainsaw trousers made for use in the domestic market tend to be made of multi-layered polyester or occasionally kevlar. This means that they are durable, but also makes them relatively heavy and hot to wear. That’s why a lot of amateur chainsaw users prefer Type A chainsaw trousers. Even if they’re full trousers (as opposed to chap-style trousers), they’re often more comfortable and cooler.
While we hate to say this, if chainsaw trousers do get torn (or cut), it’s usually best to stop using them as protective trousers. You might still be able to wear them as general work trousers, or you might be able to recycle them. Whatever you do, however, don’t rely on them as safety equipment. We’ve yet to hear of any options for repairing chainsaw trousers to an acceptable (i.e. safe) standard.
Chainsaw trouser styling
Chainsaw trousers are safety-wear, not fashion-wear. This means that you may have to settle for an approximate size and use a belt and/or braces to keep them securely in place. Always check the manufacturer’s size guide before you buy, as their idea of small, medium, large and so on may be very different from yours.
Ideally, you want some level of breathability. Type A trousers are generally the best option for this by far. Pockets are a matter of taste. Some people find them handy, other people find them irritating. Remember, you can always use a waist pack.
Best chainsaw trousers on the UK market
We’ve picked two Type A chainsaw trousers (full and chaps-style) and one pair of Type C Chainsaw trousers. We’ve also suggested a bundle of protective equipment which includes chainsaw trousers. For the record, we have nothing to do with Oregon. They just happened to produce the chainsaw trousers we liked the best in each category.
Oregon 295435
Type A, Class 1, Polyester
These are “full-trouser” style, but only have protection at the front. There are two standard pockets at the front, plus a single pocket at the back, all with hook-and-loop closure. We have mixed feelings about this. It’s good that it keeps pockets closed, but if you’re the type of person who likes to put your bare hands in your pockets, you may find it a bit irritating. Overall, however, these chainsaw trousers provide good protection while still being reasonably light and comfortable.
Oregon 575780 Universal Chainsaw Safety Leggings
Type A, Class 1, Polyester
These are basically chaps for use with chainsaws. What we really like about them is the fact that they are very adjustable so you can get a great fit regardless of your size or shape. In addition to the buckle on the waist, there are four buckles down the leg. If you’re on the shorter side, you might want to look at braces to keep them up.
There are no pockets in these, but in general, similar comments apply as for the previous trousers. They’re relatively lightweight and about as comfortable as you can get.
Oregon Chainsaw Safety Clothing Kit with Universal Leggings, Gloves and Helmet
This is a kit with the Oregon 575780 chainsaw trousers mentioned above, plus an excellent pair of gloves and a safety helmet with a visor to protect your eyes.
Oregon 295397 Yukon Chainsaw Protective Trouser
Type C, Class 1, Polyester
These are basically identical to the first pair of trousers in our roundup, except that they have full protection, which makes them slightly heavier.
In short
Even domestic chainsaws can do serious damage, so take protection seriously and invest in a robust pair of chainsaw trousers. Type A, Class 1 chainsaw trousers will be perfectly adequate for most home users.
If you want a job doing, Jeff’s your man. Our all-around resident man on the tools, Jeff’s shirt is always covered in paint and his coffee is never without wood chippings. Always on the go and a fully qualified joiner, Jeff is a professional reviewer and has great knowledge about tools, design, installation and is a force to be reckoned with
