Almost lost my foot! Chainsaw kickback safety tip — learn from my stupid mistake

Hey everyone, I know this is a chainsaw category but I wanted to share a close call I had yesterday. I was bucking up some firewood with my Stihl MS 261 and got lazy — didn't engage the chain brake between cuts, and when I went to move a log, I revved it up and the tip caught a branch. Kickback city. The saw came up and nicked my chaps (thank god I was wearing them) but my left thigh is gonna have a nice bruise.

My question: what PPE do you all use beyond the basic chaps and helmet? I'm thinking about getting a full wrap for my boots but not sure if it's overkill. Also, does anyone else find the chain brake on newer saws a bit stiff? Mine feels like I have to really jam it. Anyway, lesson learned — always engage the brake, even for a second. Don't be a dumbass like me.

Glad you're okay, Paul. That's a scary one. I've been running saws for 20 years and still have to remind myself to set the brake every single time. It only takes one lapse.

As for PPE, you're on the right track. I wear:
- Chainsaw chaps (class 1 or 2 depending on saw size)
- Steel-toe boots with metatarsal guards (I know, heavy, but so are hospital bills)
- Helmet with face shield and ear muffs
- Gloves with cut resistance
- And I always keep a tourniquet in my back pocket. Sounds paranoid but after seeing a guy at a job site slice his forearm, I don't mess around.

Boot wraps can help, but the biggest thing is keeping your left hand on the front handle and your thumb wrapped under. That's what saved me more than once. And yeah, some chain brakes are stiff when new — they loosen up a bit. What model is your 261? The newer ones have a different spring.

Felix nailed it. I'll add: if you're felling, chaps alone won't protect your feet from a kickback that drops the saw. I wear logger boots with a high top and sometimes those little plastic inserts that go in the tongue. Not sure if they make them anymore.

Also, Paul, don't feel bad. I did the same thing about 10 years ago and got 17 stitches in my knee. Now I'm OCD about the brake. One trick I use: I make it a habit to hit the brake every time I take my finger off the trigger, even if I'm just adjusting my grip. It becomes muscle memory.

And yeah, a tourniquet is a good call. I keep a CAT in my truck and one in my saw bag. Cheap insurance.

Thanks guys. I just ordered a CAT tourniquet and some cut-resistant gloves. The boot wraps — I'll hold off for now but maybe get them if I start doing more felling.

Felix, it's a 261 with the newer brake. I'll try working it a bunch to loosen it up. Appreciate the tips. Stay safe out there.