It’s no secret that chainsaws are dangerous tools. A moment’s lapse in concentration can result in serious injury. That’s why many people choose to wear gloves when operating a chainsaw.
Even the most experienced chainsaw operators can have an accident. But do chainsaw gloves really offer any protection? Let’s find out.
Do Chainsaw Gloves Really Work?
If you’ve ever watched someone use a chainsaw, you know that the saw can cause some serious damage if it comes in contact with your skin.
That’s why many people who use chainsaws on a regular basis choose to wear gloves specifically designed for this purpose. But do these gloves really work? Let’s find out.
So, do chainsaw gloves really work? The answer is yes – but only if they are properly fitting and made from high-quality materials. If you choose to wear chainsaw gloves, be sure to select a pair that fits snugly on your hands and is designed for heavy-duty use.
With the right pair of gloves, you can feel confident that you’re protected from the dangers of using a chainsaw.
Types of Chainsaw Gloves
There are a few different types of chainsaw gloves on the market, each designed to offer different levels of protection.
The most basic type of chainsaw glove is a leather work glove with reinforced pads on the palms and fingers. These gloves will offer some protection against cuts and scrapes, but they’re not going to do much to protect your hands if the chain comes into contact with them.
The next step up is a Kevlar-reinforced glove. These gloves are designed to offer more protection against cuts, as the Kevlar will help to prevent the chain from cutting through the material.
This material is incredibly strong and is designed to resist cuts from sharp objects. When paired with the right kind of material on the back of the hand, this can create a glove that is virtually impervious to being cut by a chainsaw.
When shopping for chainsaw gloves, always prioritize those with layered protection. Make sure you have a look at the ANSI rating and crosscheck the inner material used. The reason is that it is the inner material that will cushion your hands in case they come into contact with the blades.
You can always tell if a chainsaw glove is of good quality by checking for certifications, such as ANSI (American National Standards Institute). This institute rates the puncture and cut resistance of protective gloves.
Apart from certification, you should also pay close attention to the inner fiber used in the glove for hand protection. Some examples of materials used are Kevlar, goatskin, TPR, and nylon. Kevlar is widely recognized as being the most protective material against a chainsaw blade.
Using ChaInsaw Gloves
If you choose to wear chainsaw gloves, you should choose the correct chainsaw gloves for your task.
Chainsaw gloves are put into 2 categories – felling gloves and bucking gloves.
Felling gloves protect your hands from being injured by branches and brush as you’re cutting through them. Bucking gloves, on the other hand, protect your hands from being injured by the chainsaw itself. So, which type of glove do you need? That depends on what you’ll be using the chainsaw for.
If you’re going to be using the chainsaw for felling trees – that is, cutting them down – then you’ll need felling gloves. These gloves are made of thick, sturdy material that will protect your hands from being cut by branches as you’re cutting through them. The material is also tough enough to withstand being punctured by the sharp teeth on the chain.
Bucking gloves are designed for use with smaller saws that are used for tasks like trimming branches and cutting firewood. These gloves tend to be lighter and more dexterity-friendly than felling gloves, as they don’t need to be made of such thick, bulky material. However, they still offer good protection against cuts from the chain.
Safety Tips for Using ChaInsaw Gloves
When using chainsaw gloves, it’s important to follow all safety precautions. These include:
- First, be sure that your gloves fit properly and offer the level of protection you need.
- Always wear protective eye and hearing protection while operating a chainsaw, even if you’re wearing chainsaw gloves.
- Checking your gloves regularly for signs of wear and tear or damage.
- Only using your gloves for their intended purpose. If you’re not sure what type of glove is right for your needs, talk to an experienced chainsaw operator or consult with your local hardware store for recommendations.
- Finally, always be aware of your surroundings and maintain a safe distance from other people and objects when using a chainsaw. Never use a chainsaw without being fully alert and focused on what you’re doing.
Following these tips will help keep you safe as you operate your chainsaw, no matter which type of glove you’re wearing. With the right precautions and a good pair of chainsaw gloves, you can safely enjoy all the benefits that a chainsaw has to offer.
When used properly and with care, chainsaw gloves can offer excellent protection against injuries while working with a chainsaw.
Conclusion
Chainsaws are dangerous tools, but if you take the proper precautions, you can minimize the risks associated with using one.
Wearing chainsaw gloves is one of the best ways to protect your hands from being cut by the saw. However, not all gloves are created equal – be sure to select a pair that fits well and is made from high-quality materials in order to ensure your safety.
