Greetings everyone. I’m in the market for some good knee pads. Any recommendations?
Thanks,
Michael
Darlington, SC
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http://www.proknee.com
You didnt mention if cost was an issue. These will run you about 2 bills, and worth it.
Real trucks dont have sparkplugs
There are (were?) a couple of brands like this - worth every cent, b ut make sure, at that price, they're custom-fitting and carry replacement "skins" (buy a couple to make sure you have them)
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Phill Giles<!----><!---->
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Check out pants with knee pads built in. The great thing about them is that the pads stay in place without straps around the back of your knees. Those straps always used to dig into my legs, and the pads fell down anyhow. Skillers was the first manufacturer of kneepad pants, but now others like Dickies and Carhartt have caught on to a good thing too.
Someone else makes 'em too. Quite expensive at well over $100 a pair of pants. The pockets folded out- kind of like a built in tool belt. Darned if I can remember, though.
I bought some pants in Finland when I was working there in 1986. They were nylon and wore like iron. When I contact the company they said that they are sold through Skillers in the U.S.
I have a pair of pro-knee pads, and am very happy with them. They protect you from knee to ankle, but can be a little awkward to walk around in -- sort of have to swing your legs a little wide as you walk.
LOL, those of us who grew up on horses already swing wide when we walk
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Tile/carpet guys use the ProKnees, and I am told they are best for flat surfaces. Not so good for stair work.
I picked up a set of Snap-On branded kneepads, and I like them. Lots of padding, but the kneepad is bulky which sucks on hot days. See below.
I also like the plain old nylon/plastic ones with the Craftsman name. I think they are made by ALTA. Simple catch system and the straps don't dig in too much. Smaller and lighter than the Snap-On ones, but not quite as comfy.
I tried the Occidental Leather kneepads, and I did not like them, even though they are well made. The straps kept coming off.
As someone else mentioned, the work pants with the insertable pads are the ticket.
I've got two pairs of the Skillers (From Duluth Trading) and they wear like iron....and the backs of your knees don't get raw. I also wear the Carhardt double kneed britches and had pockets made in the knees for the Skiller pads.
So I wear knee pads about half the time....it's amazing how often you're on your knees in a day of work, even if only momentarily....and how nice it is to drop down to dig through a tool box and have the pads already there.
I gave my Pro knees away, along with a variety of others that were disappointments.
I'm a slate roofer and I really like the Patella T knee pads I use.
There are two straps to each one-can wear them all day with no binding or chaffing.
Walter
KNEE PADS...
I belive FHB did an article on them in recent years. Might seach.
Are you in a kneeling trade - such as tile setter - or just need protection?
For the kneeling trades, buy the finest you can afford. There have been recommendations here for those.
Another consideration is - finish flooring or rough? No hardshells for finish floors.
If you situation is like mine - up, down, up, up, down, on dirt, concrete, etc. - you might find the ones at Home Depot work just fine. I am on my second pair. The old set went to the boat.
Can't remember the brand, but the price is upwards of $25 and they have plastic covers. Comfy. I cut off one strap and only velcro behind the knee. No slippage issues. Put them on at the start of the day if I will be up and down.
The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
I've had no luck at all with the Home Depot ones. Even with both straps tight, if I have to stand and walk at all, they become ankle pads. Maybe some day I'll pop for the good ProKnee. But for now, what seems to work better is a bunch of rolled up carpet scraps. The protection stays put on the floor rather than tied to my ankles.
-- J.S.
@@ I've had no luck at all with the Home Depot ones. Even with both straps tight, if I have to stand and walk at all, they become ankle pads.
I checked mine - CLCs.
Wonder if the pad's failure to remain up is a function of the leg profile.
I have well-developed calves, so there is a considerable indent just below the knee, then the muscles flare out so there is very little tendancy to slip. I cut off the top straps and just use the lower velcro straps below the knee.
Skillers might be the thing as the pants hold them up. Wonder what you do for shorts?The ToolBear
"Never met a man who couldn't teach me something." Anon.
You may be right about leg shape. I don't wear shorts -- Not just because of the scrawny legs, my dad had skin cancer, so I avoid sun exposure.
-- J.S.
Thanks for all the great advice, guys. I plan to check out your suggestions. I'm not a contractor by trade, but I've just begun a massive remodeling project and will be spending a lot of time on my knees. My mind is excited about the challenge ahead, but my body isn't looking forward to it at all. When I turned 40, I could put in a hard day's work like a man half my age. But now I'm going on 50 and my bones and joints require a lot more pampering. What a difference a few years has made.
Thanks again,
Michael
Darlington, SC
Here it is (work pants with intergrated kneepads/big pockets): http://www.kilianhardware.com/frisworclot.html
Looks like nice stuff... Anyone tried it?
Wow... pants for ~ $100. I always flinch whenever I buy a new $40 pair of Carhartt loggers jeans. The Skillers kneepad pants are great for the reasons mentioned. After you wear them for a while, kneeling without any pads seems cruel.
I have been wearing the Skillers others have mentioned for better than 20 years, and I think they're great.The problem with any kind of strap-on knee pads is 1) you have to have them nearby, and 2) you have to be willing to stop and put them on. With Skillers the pad are always there, in the pockets all the time, even for a quick kneel-down for something or other. And they're never in the way, or uncomfortable when you're just walking around. All their fabrics are practically bulletproof, and I have never worn a hole in the knees of any of the pants I've had.Finally, I just checked their web site, and my two favorite style pants are now on sale:http://www.skillers.com/promotions/promotion_6019.htmAnd these are have "pockets within pockets" (very handy) and the fabric is a lot like the Carhartt stuff:http://tinyurl.com/yx39nw********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
This thought just crossed my mind - Why doesn't Victoria's Secret make kneepads?You know - Some nice frilly ones she could wear while she.........O.K. - Never mind.
The kind of man who wants the government to adopt and enforce his ideas is always the kind of man whose ideas are idiotic. [H.L. Mencken]
Great idea. That would be hot.
Expert since 10 a.m.
http://www.hay98.com/
"Why doesn't Victoria's Secret make kneepads?You know - Some nice frilly ones she could wear while she........."What are you talking about? I'm sure Victoria doesn't scrub floors. That is what you meant, right?BruceT
"I'm sure Victoria doesn't scrub floors. That is what you meant, right?"
Uhhhhhh.........Yeah - Sure.
You just go right ahead and think that.
Nothing risqué, nothing gained. [Alexander Woolcott]
I've been curious. I wonder how much controversy that would stir up? I think it would be hilarious.
Expert since 10 a.m.
http://www.hay98.com/
I guess when I was back up in the bitter cold north I might have been able to get away with wearing those long pants with the built in knee pads. At least in the wintertime. But now that I'm here in the tropical region of the country, I can't even imagine actually subjecting myself to having to wear long pants at work.
I do finish carpentry, which means I'm constantly up and down, up and down, and trotting all over the place, so I have to tread the fine line between having something that's light weight and comfortable, yet still gives enough cushion to keep my poor old knees from hurting and still be rugged enough to last more than a couple of months.
The nylon ones that you can buy for around $25 seem to fulfill the first two requirements, but they wear out pretty fast. I've looked at all the new "gel" knee pads, but they all seem to be the kind with the hard kneeling surface, and as has been pointed out, not acceptable on finished surfaces.
Sometimes I get all nostalgic for the good ol' days of my youth when I could get away with just using those cheap, foam ones that you could buy for $5 at Menards or Home depot... Boy, those days are certainly long gone....
I'd certainly be willing to spend a bit more money on some kneepads if I was sure they would be worth it. I just don't like to gamble. So, like the person who orgionally started this thread, I'm hoping someone wiser and more experienced than me will post saying "buy this kind! I've used them and they're the best!" If I were a carpenter"
You might consider sewing kneepad pockets in a pair of NBA style shorts...you'd still be able to show your lower shins.
I normally wear soccer knee pads I guess they are with shorts.
They feel better lined with nylon stockings.
Tim
BUY THIS KIND !!http://www.equipment2u.com/family/2556?trk=frglWell, you did ask............Earlier in this thread I was promoting Skillers.But when I wear shorts, the pads above are the ones I prefer, and I have tried at least a half dozen others. I found them originally in a wholesale flooring place, and they are really designed for people who need to kick carpet stretchers. However, I like them for 3 reasons: 1) they have a fabric covering, which will absorb sweat; thus they are comfortable in hot weather, 2) they have wide velcro straps, so binding is never a problem, and 3) the straps attach well above and below the knee, which I find very comfortable.Also, they are very durable.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
Ya know what Nikkiwood? I just may have to give those a try.
I'm especially attracted to the "machine washable" part. One thing about this warm weather, those kneepads tend to get a bit gamey after a few weeks of sweaty work. My current device for combating that issue is to spray the kneepads down with aerosol (yes, they still sell that stuff) underarm deoderant before putting them on.
Thanx. " If I were a carpenter"
They're the best hot weather knee pads I have found, and I'm a heavy sweater.********************************************************
"It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."
John Wooden 1910-
I think it would stir up a LOT of crap.But I still like the idea.(-:
It's not true that I had nothing on. I had the radio on. [Marilyn Monroe]
I love it.
Expert since 10 a.m.
http://www.hay98.com/
Being the PC guy you are, you'd be ordering his and hers kneepads, right?
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Maybe he'll need some elbow pads too, and possibly a back support.
frilly ones, yeah, like the head nurse wears
???I've never seen a nurse wear knepads. Is his some kind of kinky fantasy of yours or something ???(-:
I don’t need your attitude – I have one of my own.
thats why she's the 'head' nurse
Thanks to this thread, i bought some Bucket Boss double-knee pants from Duluth...on ebay, new with pads for $16 plus $8 shipping. There are also Skillers shorts for $10-12, but i'm too cold right now to be tempted. There were lots more at BIN price, various sizes...looks like several people are dealing in these kinds of work pants.
Irwin has a good, comfy pair for under $20. they only have one big strap with elastic, so they dont' bunch up too bad behind the knee. Gel padding makes them extra comfy as well...I wear them daily.
it's ok to think you're as old as you once were...just so long as you don't try to prove it...
http://www.cobrajem.com
http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=2385&position=4&type=article&partID=1
Have you tried looking here? I found this article last week and it may be what you are looking for.
Want to make God laugh? Tell Him you've got plans.
- Anonymous
I wear the accordion style everyday (bad knees) I find these the most comfortable and they stay put, with the occasional minor adjustment.
The accordion top stays tight to the knee and wont let wood chips fall in.
I don't bother with the top strap, the bottom strap works fine on its own. Easy to walk in, work in, and it doesn't cut off circulation.
The button that holds the strap wears out long before the pad. I manage to get 6 months of daily use out of a pair.
View Image
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=44503&cat=1,42207
May neighbors respect You, and troubles neglect You.
Gord
Check out the Total Comfort Knee Pads: http://www.totalcomfortmedical.com
They have a memory foam padding and a strap that doens't pinch behind your legs.
They are also machine washable, which I know some people commented on before.
For $35, they are a steal.
Define "Best"
The best pads are the ones that you have on when you need them!
Since you spend more time walking and climbing than crawling, how they 'hang' is critical. One of the best systems is ffound in the trousers that had pockest at the knees, where you insert foam pads. You can walk normally, yet they're there when you need them. Blaklader is one source.
Next: What are you kneeling on? Pads with hard caps will keep you from feeling the sharpest gravel, but slide all over a tile floor. Other pads give lots of cushion, but don't protect you from the heat or cold of the surface.
I favor pads that are made of urethane- a good balance between "too soft" and "too slippery." I'd check tactical supply houses like US Cavalry and Brigade Quartermaster for good ones.