Did something stupid

[thecfarm]

No,did not climb a ladder. Worse.  :  I was heading into the woods to cut an old dead stub of a tree. Got about halfway into the woods and realized I forgot my chaps. I had them hanging up in the tractor shed,drying from when I was out in the rain.Did not want to spend the 5 minutes that it would take to go back and get them.   :  Ayup,hit my leg with the saw. Nothing bad,I hope. Did not bleed much. I have 2 marks,as wide as a chain about 2 inches long on my left leg below my knee. I was clearing some small fir out of the way to get a good clear path to cut down the stub. I kept on a cutting,when I knew it was not bad. At least I got the stub down.  ;D
And yes,I will keep an eye on it too. I need that leg right where it is.

[sawguy21]

What are we going to do with you ??? Glad you are ok, that could have been a LOT worse.

[thecfarm]

Brenda all ready told me all that I want to hear. Which I hate to say it,she is right. No reason for it. Take the time to be safe. Most times I do.
I had just got done cutting the small fir,only a foot tall,and the saw chain was barely moving. Lucky. I had let go of the throttle and swung the saw into my leg.

[Savannahdan]

Hum, what can I say!  I remind myself not to be stupid by pulling up my pants leg and looking at the old scar from a hatchet cut made when I lived in Brewer, Maine, many years ago.

[TKehl]

Glad you are OK!

I've got chaps on my Christmas list.  Never worn them before, but been doing more cutting recently.

I've been careful, but careful only goes so far for so long. 

Thanks for sharing.  Hearing from you guys has made at least one skeptic reconsider his ways.   

[barbender]

You know, I ran saw for years and never gave chaps a second thought. In fact, I didn't know they even existed😊 Now, when I run a saw without them on (I'm still dumb enough to do so sometimes) I'm fine unless I think about it. Just knowing you're vulnerable can keep you from thinking clearly and cause you to do something stupid. Another example, I do OK working on heights, but sometimes I think about how far down it is, and get a bit rubber legged, thereby increasing my chances of falling from said heights😊

[Jesper Jepsen]

Well thats one reason that I don't use chaps, I just forget them. I only use safety pants (Stihl X-treem) yes they can be warm to wear but you alway have them on and putting them on if I know I'm going to start the saw up and if not they are fairly comfortable work pants.
The chainsaw is not a tool to take light and even if the chain are moving very slowly it cuts and normal pants and skin aren't much resistance for a chainsaw. It sounds like you got away with a waring this time( except from your wife ;)) and I'm glad you didn't hurt yourself more than mostly your pride( even if that can hurt alot).
Keep safe and remember the chaps

[brianJ]

I appreciate your truthfulness and the safety reinforcemnt

[Stoneyacrefarm]

Cfarm.
Sorry to hear about your accident but glad your ok.
I have to say that I haven't cut anything in the last 2 weeks without chaps on.
I never used to wear them.
After seeing some past threads a few weeks ago.
Don't start my saw up without them on.
Like previously mentioned it only takes a second for something bad to happen.
Thanks to all for the constant safety reminders.

[DDW_OR]

Yep, chaps and gloves

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 I've been considering a set of chaps pretty soon. I've had a couple close calls where the chain cut a little gash in my jeans and one time the chain got the end of my boot. Luckily never an injury from the chain so far, but all it takes is one little slip up and things can go bad in a fraction of a second. Thanks for sharing your experience thecfarm, this has me thinking a little more about getting some chaps.

[DDW_OR]

............ this has me thinking a little more about getting some chaps.

do not "think", DO!!!!!

with that many close calls............ God will only protect you so long

[ljmathias]

Worst chain saw cut I've had so far (and yes, there's been more than one, and no, don't ask) was when I'd taken my finger off the trigger and was sure it was stopped as I was reaching down to pick up the piece I'd cut off. Let the blade rub against my knee: 12 stiches. Worse yet, I don't even own a pair of chaps and wouldn't know how to put them on if I did. Means I think three times while I do anything with a saw in my hand: once for me, once for the wife and once for the grandkids who I want to see grow up.

LJ

[sawguy21]

Don't wait until you do some serious damage . Visit a larger saw dealer or forestry supply and try a pair on, they are a lot cheaper and easier to replace than legs. A lot of the small mom and pop shops don't stock ppe.

[thecfarm]

What's the Old Saying,a pair of chaps cost about as much as a co-payment for an emergency room visit.
Probably the chaps are much cheaper now than a co-payment.
Just like insurance,hate to pay it,but nice when you need it.

[sablatnic]

I use chainsaw trousers - I might forget putting on chaps, but I will not leave the home without trousers. :-)

[ZeroJunk]

They even keep saw dust out of your pants pockets.

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 Luckily the close calls I've had were all after I had taken my finger off the trigger, except maybe the time I nipped the toe of my boot. Nonetheless a pair of chaps are definitely something I will be buying soon.

[leeroyjd]

In addition to chaps/pants, it's a good idea to get in the habit of using the chain brake if you are moving more than a step. Hoping someone can explain this better.

[Grizzly]

You mean just let your hand bump the brake on when not cutting and release it again when ready to cut? I use that method quite a bit. Very quick and easy and even stops the chain real quick. Just roll your wrist forward.

[Stoneyacrefarm]

Grizz.
Explained well.
Not a bad idea to have the chain brake on when starting the saw as well.
On a lot of the new saws the blade will want to turn when you first start the saw up.

[Ianab]

I've tripped over brush / vines when limbing and carrying a running saw, and one time the saw hit something on the way down and blipped the throttle. Chain brake was on and I was wearing chaps, so no harm done. Could have been different.

So yeah if you aren't 100% sure of your footing, flick the brake on as you walk for sure.

[thecfarm]

I use to cut wood for logs and pulp. I use to just push the pulp up into a pile. I had to get on top of the pile to cut it. That chain break got used a lot while doing that. Those fresh cut trees are slippery. Mighty slippery.

[trapper]

chain brake instead of shutting saw off when taking a few steps. thanks for the idea.  Been getting more careful in my old age and trip easier.

[DDW_OR]

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,92351.msg1421554.html#msg1421554


This is why i use the chain brake, even if i am only moving 5 feet


 

[drobertson]

that sounds like a "close shave"!  the few times I've brushed it, it has always been might right thigh,,never bad, but like you said, too close for comfort.

[John Mc]

thecfarm - I hope you did more than just "keep an eye on it". You should get it looked at by a medical professional. Chainsaw cuts are particularly nasty, not just from the mechanical damage they do, but also because there is a risk of infection and gangrene. Putting bar oil and other crud in a fresh cut is a recipe for problems.

[Grizzly]

I'm not against doctors (I see them regularly) but I've kept many a wound from infection using either iodine or rubbing alcohol. A good burn of that seems to keep infection out of the equation.

But cfarm better know when to head in or he'll be in trouble with a  pretty good sized group.  ;D

[Hilltop366]

So yeah if you aren't 100% sure of your footing, flick the brake on as you walk for sure.

It seems like I can trip over the flowers in the carpet, I use the brake often when walking with a running saw and also when setting a running saw down.

[thecfarm]

Well,I not out of the woods yet,Old Saying,but my dumb butted move looks mighty good. I have to show The Boss the dumb butted move every night.

[Grizzly]

 :D :D  And I bet "The Boss" don't keep quiet either!!   :D :D

[samandothers]

I hear grits help with healing....or was it required food for those not using chaps!?!  ;D

[Hilltop366]

I hear grits help with healing  ;D

Just put one hand on the grits and the other on the part you want healed?

[John Mc]

I hear grits help with healing  ;D

Just put one hand on the grits and the other on the part you want healed?

Look at the grits, then throw them out and have some pancakes and Maple syrup instead - you'll feel much better.

[Grizzly]

Maybe it works like Buckleys cough syrup? Whenever I offer that as a remedy everyone feels much better! Even before they get any medicine!  :D

[samandothers]

I know how much thecfarm loves grits ... just assumed given the choice of wearing champs or eating grits might give him some additive incentive!  :D

Could be I was after the responses being given!  Or Bringing up dislike of grits for alternate purpose!?!  ???

[thecfarm]

Just about serve me right to have to eat grits as a punishment. But I all ready tried them things. No need to do something even stupider now.

[petefrom bearswamp]

I guess Im old enough to have used a saw for probably 35 to 40 years before the advent of the chain brake.
Nicked the top of my thigh a few times didnt even need a band aid and once in the kneecap 67 stitches while doing tsi work cutting 500 700 stems a day back in my 30's
Now i wear em cause I only get to come this way once and would like to be mostly intact when I meet the grim reaper.

[trapper]

who makes them for real short people? 5'3"

[John Mc]

who makes them for real short people? 5'3"

Labonville has some short ones. Their apron chaps are available in a 28" length. The full wrap chaps the shortest is 32".  Personally, I like wrap chaps better than apron style, but the apron is available in a shorter length.

I'm sure there are other manufacturers who make shorter chaps.

Remember, you don't fit chaps by inseam length. Instead, measure from the top of your belt to the top of your foot (where the bow would be tied on a pair of sneakers)

[HolmenTree]

You mean just let your hand bump the brake on when not cutting and release it again when ready to cut? I use that method quite a bit. Very quick and easy and even stops the chain real quick. Just roll your wrist forward.

Yep called the "parking brake" :D

[petefrom bearswamp]

oops, my knee aint tht big should have read 6-7 stiches I cant remember which
This was on a saturdayi n 70 or 71
My doc met me at his office.

[trapper]

thanks John for clearing that up for me

[Peter Drouin]

Just saw this cFarm, Good your ok.

[Southside]

Always wear PPE.  Things happen when you least expect it, get a bit tired, etc.  Couple years back I had laid down a pine and was going to drop the one about 5 ft away from it.  There was a 4" gum in the way so I quickly cut it and pushed it over with my hand, well that dislodged a dead branch from the not yet cut pine which caught me smack on the top of the head - widow maker.  That old, dead, dried up, branch was about 2" in diameter and maybe 10' long, but it collapsed the suspension of my hard had, split the hard hat in two, cut my head, and laid me out cold.  Took about 30 seconds for me to get my feet to work properly so I could stand up.  Ended up with a massive concussion that was a good month of vertigo before it cleared up. 

Never, never, ignore the PPE. 

[deerslayer]

I wear chaps. Wore forestry pants prior to that. Prior to that I got a bunch of stitches in my left thigh... Some people won't wear PPE. Some people won't wear seat belts in their vehicle. Whatever. Not wearing protective gear is a choice one can make but please don't think that because you've never cut yourself with a saw that you won't in the future because you're:
1. More skilled than average
2. More safety conscious than average
3. Luckier than average.
A person can go an entire lifetime and not cut themselves with a saw. It's not an inevitable event. However, statistically, it's a high risk and easily mitigated with $100 worth of safety clothing.
Some people don't wear a motorcycle helmet but if I wasn't wearing a helmet that night I hit a deer on my bike, I wouldn't be writing this post.

Get some chaps and wear them when you use a saw. It won't cost you your man card.

[thecfarm]

Guess what one of my Christmas presents is??

Ayup chaps!!!!! Mine did have a couple nicks in them. If I would of had them on,there would of been another nick added to them.

[samandothers]

Guess what one of my Christmas presents is??

Ayup chaps!!!!! Mine did have a couple nicks in them. If I would of had them on,there would of been another nick added to them.

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 Santa gave me a few dollars to go towards a new set of chaps. Now I just need to start shopping around.  ;D

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 Not exactly the ones I was wanting to get, but better than no chaps at all  ;)

[John Mc]

Not exactly the ones I was wanting to get, but better than no chaps at all  ;)

Glad to hear you made the purchase. ANY chaps are a major step up from just wearing jeans.

[Woodcutter_Mo]

 Yea, they will definitely help for sure. I plan to pick up some stihl promark full wrap chaps later on, nobody local had them though. These will be cooler in the summer when it's hot though so they'll be nice to have.

[Ron Scott]

Great gift for the chainsaw user.

[Kbeitz]

Got mine off E-bay...

[luvmexfood]

Few years back I was cleaning a fencerow out. Bumped my thigh with the saw. Looked down and saw a rip and first thought was darn. Ripped my pants. About 5 seconds later realized what had happened and through saw down and ripped pants open. Just two scratches but I still have the scars today. Couple railroad tracks that seem to get worse with age.

[bdsmith]

No,did not climb a ladder. Worse.  :  I was heading into the woods to cut an old dead stub of a tree. Got about halfway into the woods and realized I forgot my chaps. I had them hanging up in the tractor shed,drying from when I was out in the rain.Did not want to spend the 5 minutes that it would take to go back and get them.   :  Ayup,hit my leg with the saw. Nothing bad,I hope. Did not bleed much. I have 2 marks,as wide as a chain about 2 inches long on my left leg below my knee. I was clearing some small fir out of the way to get a good clear path to cut down the stub. I kept on a cutting,when I knew it was not bad. At least I got the stub down.  ;D
And yes,I will keep an eye on it too. I need that leg right where it is.

I hope you are healed up by now but hydrogen peroxide is better disinfectant than alcohol or iodine.  It kills bacteria and virus and it doesn't sting as much.  A drop on your finger tip once or twice a day does wonders.

BTW: any recommendations on brands of chaps?  With a price range from $45 to $180, I'm sure there are some key differences.

[thecfarm]

Ayup all healed. More than lucky. This time!!    I had to report to head boss each night. She was watching it just about as close as I was. I mentioned she went to the Labonville store and bought me a new pair. Lesson learned. Lucky once,maybe not so lucky next time. Yes,
hydrogen peroxide was used at least once a day.

[thecfarm]

Man,those cuts look like they will stay with me for awhile.     : They are still about a ¼ inch wide. But are all healed over and than some. Some new skin was added to my leg.  ;D

[John Mc]

Man,those cuts look like they will stay with me for awhile.     : They are still about a ¼ inch wide. But are all healed over and than some. Some new skin was added to my leg.  ;D

Normally, I'd say "where are the pictures? If there are no pics, it didn't happen."

However, I think I'll take your word for it this time.

Chainsaw cuts are tough to heal. They don't really cut (where you could just pull the two sides together with a bandaid, butterfly bandage or stitches) they shred. If nothing else, maybe you'll have a nice scar to show the kids who think they are too tough or somehow immune to accidents to need chaps.

[teakwood]

i am glad to hear that you're fine

[Wood Shed]

Have owned and operated chain saws all of my life.  Started out not using any of the safety wear I now use on a regular basis.  My list of safety related accessories include much more than just a good pair of chaps.  My down fall comes from things making me uncomfortable while working and taking them off and I regularly forget something.  You just have to do your best.  I just have to think of a guy I know from work that has permanent nerve damage that causes a foot drop and severe limp.  Glad you are OK.

[BobbyG]

I'm glad your injury was minor and you're OK.

I know I'll be the odd man out here but I've never worn chaps in the 40+ years I've been cutting. Now, I'm not a "professional" meaning I don't cut for a living but I'll drop and cut 5 to 6 cords of wood annually.

Safety is important to me and always has been. I wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and a helmet but no chaps. It's been working for me and my plan is to stick with it for the type of cutting and hauling I do.

[teakwood]

40years without leg protection!!

[John Mc]

I'm glad your injury was minor and you're OK.

I know I'll be the odd man out here but I've never worn chaps in the 40+ years I've been cutting. Now, I'm not a "professional" meaning I don't cut for a living but I'll drop and cut 5 to 6 cords of wood annually.

Safety is important to me and always has been. I wear eye protection, hearing protection, gloves, and a helmet but no chaps. It's been working for me and my plan is to stick with it for the type of cutting and hauling I do.

Booby G, I guess that's your decision to make (at least as long as you are not cutting commercially, where your employer, OSHA and the insurance companies get involved). Everyone has their own tolerance for risk (I fly small aircraft, and used to do rock climbing. My wife rides a motorcycle, and is also a pilot.)

I do hope that some day you will reconsider. No one plans to have an accident. Everyone thinks they are safe... until they are not. There are reasons that logging has one of the highest worker's comp rates of any job in the US, and why insurance companies have conniption fits if they find out an employer is not requiring employees to wear the appropriate protective equipment. I recognize that there are situations where other considerations may outweigh the safety benefits of wearing chaps or chainsaw pants (for example some of our members cut in hotter climates where heat stroke/heat exhaustion is a real danger).

When I first got into this, I cut my firewood for a few weeks with only safety glasses and ear plugs for protective gear. I eventually decided that I wanted to be around to watch my kids grow up, and have full use of all of my limbs while doing so. I added chaps and a helmet, and a couple years later some chainsaw boots. All of those have been upgraded/replaced over the years with equipment that either provides better protection and/or is more comfortable (so I'm more likely to actually use the stuff).

[EDIT] That sounded a lot more preachy than I intended. Stepping down off my soapbox now.

[thecfarm]

My Father never wore safety gear and he cut a lot of wood. He never said a word when I showed up with safety glasses,hard hat. I can't remember if he ever saw me in a pair of chaps. Some can do good,some not so good, Kinda like a roll of the dice. Just never know what will come up next.

[Kwill]

I caught my boot the other day with the chain. Just barely touched it  and the saw was idling but it cut it. No more waterproof

[teakwood]

I work probably in the hottest area of all FF members but that is no excuse to not wear the chainsaw pants, of course i would not want to use chaps.
On the landing sometimes i don't use the safety pants and i think it will be pretty hard to cut yourself doing the landing work, but in the woods without pants it's a big no no for me.

I have a much harder time to use the helmet, i just last 2-3 hours and them the headache begins :(  For my defense: teak plantations don't have dead stuff hanging around 

[John Mc]

I work probably in the hottest area of all FF members but that is no excuse to not wear the chainsaw pants, of course i would not want to use chaps.
On the landing sometimes i don't use the safety pants and i think it will be pretty hard to cut yourself doing the landing work, but in the woods without pants it's a big no no for me.

I don't envy you we occasionally see 90-95˚F (32-35˚C) and humid around here, but it usually doesn't last more than a few days. Fortunately, since I'm not doing this for a living, I usually just stop on those days (though I have been known to occasionally go for a session in the woods on days like that).

I have a much harder time to use the helmet, i just last 2-3 hours and them the headache begins :(  For my defense: teak plantations don't have dead stuff hanging around

I have a problem with helmets as well. An old college wrestling injury means that wearing a helmet for an extended time really messes up my neck. If I haven't worn it in a while, a couple of days of solid use usually mean a visit to the chiropractor and/or getting my physical therapist wife to work on me. Removing the hearing protection from the helmet and just wearing ear plugs helps, but I don't always do that (those built-in ear muffs certainly are convenient). I also take the helmet off and just wear safety glasses and hearing protection when I'm doing work where overhead hazards are not an issue.

[HolmenTree]

I have a much harder time to use the helmet, i just last 2-3 hours and them the headache begins :(  For my defense: teak plantations don't have dead stuff hanging around

teakwood, I look at your skidder in your avatar photo.
From experience operating skidders I remember a few times when ever I abruptly ran over a log, rock, high stump the side of my helmet struck the inside of the canopy so hard that it would fly off resulting in a sore neck.

Now if my bare ahead struck that canopy....ouch! :D

[teakwood]

I understand, but that is impossible it could happen in my situations. All my skid trails are clean clean. they are bulldozed over every other year. and when i leave the trail i back up so slowly that i ran over stuff almost in slow motion.

but thanks for the warning