What are the best protective gloves for using with a chainsaw?
Any chainsaw operator will know that they can be bloody dangerous machines to use and it can literally be life and limb when things go wrong.
This is why proper use of safety equipment such as chaps and helmets is so important.
Did you know though, un-gloved hands are one of the most likely parts of the body that get cut by chainsaws?
Especially the left!
This is due to the way chainsaws are held.
And that is why safety gloves like White Ox are crucial when sawing.
Quick recommendation: If you want the best gloves to protect your fingers, then Husqvarna protection gloves are an ideal safety product.
Apparently, a chainsaw accident will involve, on average, 110 stitches.
Legendary golfer Greg Norman nearly cut an artery in his wrist while he was listening to One by U2.
Accidents can happen to the best of them and they can happen to you.
chosen for their specific benefits in chainsaw operation:
| Name | Reason for Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Husqvarna Functional Saw Protection Gloves | These gloves are made with durable materials that protect against cuts and abrasions, featuring chainsaw protective material on the back of the left hand for added safety during chainsaw use). |
| Youngstown Kevlar Gloves | Offers excellent cut resistance with Kevlar fibers throughout the glove, ensuring durability and a non-slip grip for safe chainsaw operation.. |
| Oregon Anti Vibration Chainsaw Gloves | Provides cut-resistant protection for the left hand and features high visibility materials for safety, making it suitable for both home and professional use. |
| Ironclad Ranchworx Work Gloves | These gloves combine leather and synthetic materials for comfort and durability, featuring impact-resistant padding and an adjustable wrist closure for a secure fit. |
| Endura Hi-Viz Cut-Resistant Chainsaw Gloves | Equipped with vibration dampening technologies, these gloves help reduce fatigue during prolonged chainsaw use, and their hi-vis material enhances safety in various working conditions. |
What to look for when choosing safety gloves for cutting wood
The best gloves for using a chainsaw will feature two layers.The outmost layer exists to protect the inner layer until it needs to come into play. The outer layer will protect against trivial damage but is not designed to protect against a charging chain.
The inner layer of the glove is the most important. Like a good pair of safety chaps, the inner layer will be comprised of long loose fibers such as nylon or Kevlar (yes, like the bulletproof vests). These fibers are drawn out from the glove and quickly get caught in the chainsaw's sprocket. This causes the machine to lock and halts the chain.
So when choosing which glove to use, those with these fibers are the best and will go along way to reducing or preventing harm than an ordinary pair of gardening gloves!
You should also consider if the gloves meet a recognized safety standard. Many responsible manufactures ensure their gloves meet the requirements of EN 381:1999 which is specifically for protective gloves.
You'll also want gloves that offer enough flexibility for you to properly hold and operate the saw itself.
So here are some cut resistance glove recommendations to help you keep your fingers where you like them.
Husqvarna's Protection Gloves
You know this brand.You know what it stands for.
Husqvarna is a tried, true and trusted brand when it comes to chainsaws. Their safety gloves have the same level of quality that should give all users the confidence to use them.
Both gloves feature a spandex fabric back, goatskin palm, high visibility colors.
Here's a review left on Amazon from an actual user of the gloves:
"The fit is comfortable and as the old saying goes "they fit like a glove". The materials allow your hands the flexibility and comfort needed to operate a chainsaw for a number of hours.
The grip is excellent and the padding on top to protect your hands does not interfere with maneuverability or functionality. Hopefully, I won't have to find out how they are at protecting me from a chain kickback.
The grip is excellent and the padding on top to protect your hands does not interfere with maneuverability or functionality. Hopefully, I won't have to find out how they are at protecting me from a chain kickback.
While I infrequently do this type of work I can see these gloves lasting for a long time. I compared these gloves to other makes in the local hardware store and for the price and comfort I believe I got a good deal and with great quality."
Endura Hi-Viz Vibration-Dampening chainsaw gloves
You'll find Endura's cut resistant gloves are amongst the most popular and widely recommend safety gloves.
Why would this be?
Why would this be?
They are comfortable and dexterous meaning that you can ably use the chainsaw for many hours. Crucially, the left hand (remember most accidents happen on this hand due to the way the chainsaws are held) features woven Kevlar to stop a chainsaw.
The leather palms are abrasion resistant. The nylon backings are water resistant and the gloves themselves will keep your hands free of debris thanks to the elastic wrists.
The reviews from users on Amazon show these Endura gloves do the business:
"I use a chainsaw a lot and finally got gloves that offer more protection than the run-of-the-mill work gloves. I have used them several times and like them. They fit well and seem to be well-made as far as both material and workmanship. They are comfortable to wear and I have no problems with grip. Another season of cutting should give them a test of durability, but at this point, I am happy with my purchase."
"These gloves go on easy and fit snug while using them I hardly felt them on. Non-restrictive, very comfortable, of course, have not fully tested them as in getting cut by chainsaw blade, but they feel very thick, better than most gloves I have used."
Youngston gloves for chainsawing
Youngstown's utility gloves feature Kevlar fibers throughout the whole glove to offer all round protection from cuts and digital calamity.
Youngston Glove Company states in their marketing that the outer glove features "non-slip reinforcement on the palm, fingers and thumb for lasting grip and durability".
You better believe it as the gloves meet the ANSI safety standard of ANSI Cut Level 3 and ANSI Puncture Level 4.
As with all chainsaw safety equipment, gloves are designed to reduce the effects of a chainsaw chain to the hand.
You could still get cut wearing them as it all depends on the scenario of the cut incident.
They could, however, mean the difference between losing some fingers or simply receiving stitches for your trouble.
Gloves will, of course, help protect your skin from abrasions and small nicks and cuts when coming into contact with branches, thorns, brambles and the like.
You should also wear your gloves when tensioning the chain to prevent cutting yourself!
Your cut resistant gloves won't help your fingers much if they are the wrong size.
A well-made pair of gloves can slide off your hands if they are too big for you. Spending some time checking that the gloves will fit and allow you to do your intended work is obviously really important. Check the size carefully and measure your hand against the stated sizes. Many manufacturers offer size quides on their websites, or google for a PDF.
Never mistake wearing gloves as being cut proof
As with all chainsaw safety equipment, gloves are designed to reduce the effects of a chainsaw chain to the hand.
 |
| Youngston's cut resistant utility glove |
They could, however, mean the difference between losing some fingers or simply receiving stitches for your trouble.
Extra benefits of wearing protective gloves
Gloves will, of course, help protect your skin from abrasions and small nicks and cuts when coming into contact with branches, thorns, brambles and the like.
You should also wear your gloves when tensioning the chain to prevent cutting yourself!
How to order the correct size gloves
Your cut resistant gloves won't help your fingers much if they are the wrong size.
A well-made pair of gloves can slide off your hands if they are too big for you. Spending some time checking that the gloves will fit and allow you to do your intended work is obviously really important. Check the size carefully and measure your hand against the stated sizes. Many manufacturers offer size quides on their websites, or google for a PDF.
Here's a handy guide to change a chainsaw spark plug.