Clogger chainsaw protective products do not have an expiration date as both UHMWPE (e.g. Dyneema) used in Arrestex HP and Polyarylate (e.g. Vectran) used in Arrestex FR are not impacted by flexing and retain their strength over a very long period if not exposed to abrasion or UV. Para-Aramid (e.g. Kevlar) is weakened by flexing, which is one of the reasons why it is not used in Clogger chainsaw protective fabrics. However, you should retire your Clogger chainsaw protective pants and chaps if you see any of the following conditions.
- Numerous holes and cuts on the outer.
Extensive damage to the outer fabric exposes the chainsaw fabric to direct wear (abrasion) and UV that can reduce the level of protection.
- Exhaust burns.
In most cases, the burn affects more than just the outer and will have damaged the chainsaw fabric. Arcmax FR chainsaw pants and chaps will likely not be severely affected and can stay in service though the outer should be patched and the chainsaw fabric inspected for signs of damage.
- Improper repairs.
Sewing through the chainsaw fabric prevents the fibres from moving inhibiting their function and therefore reducing the level of cut protection.
- Evidence of incorrect cleaning.
The use of bleaches may impact the cut resistance of the chainsaw fabric fibres. Using high pressure power washers or heavy-duty machine wash and drying cycles can also damage the cut resistant fibres and the chainsaw fabric structures. If the chainsaw fabric is bulking up at the bottom of the garment or appears to be migrating from where it should be, do not use.
- Evidence of incorrect drying processes.
If the chainsaw fabric feels rigid or has shrunk excessively, it may indicate that excessive heat was used to dry the garment. This may have partially melted the cut-resistant fibres.
- Significant damage to the chainsaw fabric.
Significant damage includes any chainsaw cut that has pulled out chainsaw fabric fibres. Chainsaw fabric is only effective for the first cut. After that the fabric structure gets disrupted as fibres get pulled from the full length and width of the garment. The fabric will most likely be ineffective if it is subject to a second chainsaw strike.