The best quality chainsaw is must to have tool in any home improvement project. The chainsaw chain is a key component that will affect the efficiency, safety, sturdy and strong performance just like professional.
In case, if you use a wrong chain then it won’t make the job done toughly bur also run the risk of chain binding and thereby experiences a dangerous kickback. So, it is essential to choose the right cutting chain for your chainsaw.
The regular usage of chainsaw will wear out overtime and thereby you have to replace its chain after sometime. So, to grab the best chainsaw chain you have to consider these 3 main factors.
- Bar Length: The chainsaws come in a variety of bar lengths, which are measured in inches. It ensures replacement chain should be compatible with chainsaw. The most common chain bar lengths are 14-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch.
- Chain Pitch: The pitch will let you know how close the links together on the chain. In general, most of the available pitch sizes are 0.250-inch (1/4-inch), 0.325 – 0.375-inches (3/8-inch) and 0.404-inches, in which 0.325-inch (3/8-inch) pitch chains are most common.
- Chain Gauge: It let you know the thickness of chain’s drive links. This will help to lock the chain in place to avoid much vibration and kickback chances. The gauge sizes available for chain are 0.043”, 0.050” to 0.063”, in which 0.050 is most commonly used.
Apart from these 3 things, you have to consider various other factors like its types, how it works, cutter types, performance, safety, and so on, which are clearly mentioned in the below “Buying Guide”. Also, we evaluated with a list of top 7 chainsaw chains by based on the design, performance, & reviews in the market.
Scroll down to know how to choose, what to look and where to choose the best one, as per your chainsaw requirement.
Best Chainsaw Chains List
| Chainsaw Chains | Length | Pitch | No. of Chains | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw | 18 inch | ⅜ inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
| Husqvarna 18-Inch Pixel Saw Chain | 18 inch | 0.375 inch | 2 chains | Check On Amazon |
| SUNGATOR 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain | 16 inch | ⅜ inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
| AR-Pro Chainsaw Chain | 14 inch | ⅜ inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
| Replacement Oregon chain | 16 inch | ⅜ inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
| Outdoor Stihl Chainsaw Chain | 18 inch | 0.325 inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
| Greenworks 8-Inch Replacement Pole Saw Chain | 8 inch | ⅜ inch | 1 chain | Check On Amazon |
Best Chainsaw Chains Reviews
1. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw
Oregon is a highly popular brand that is mainly known for making chainsaws. And as you would expect, it also makes chain replacements for its chainsaws like the option present here.
The Oregon S62 AdvanceCut chain is present in the 1st position in this article as it is the largest option present in this article. It has a chain length of 18 inches that is quite long. And it also offers a standard chain pitch of ⅜ inch, which is 0.325 inches. As a result, it can be a great option if you are looking for low profile chains for your chainsaw.
While this is a single pack and comes with only a single chain replacement for your chainsaw, it has a very justified price tag. Despite its lower price tag, it offers precision cutting due to its heat-treated and hard-chromed surface. Since Oregon is quite a popular brand, this semi-chisel chain for chainsaws is engineered for safety along with high performance and sharpness.
Best Features
- ⅜ inch chain pitch
- 18-inch chain length
- Single chain pack
- Precision cutting chain
- Heat-treated hard-chrome surface
- Engineered for safety
- Decent value for money
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
2. Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch Pixel Saw Chain
Husqvarna is a popular brand of chainsaws that needs no introduction as it has been making gas chainsaws for a long time. And it also makes chain replacements for its chainsaws like the option featured here.
This Husqvarna replacement chain comes in a 2 pack that makes it an excellent option for many users. Since it is made by Husqvarna, it is a bit on the expensive side. Thankfully, it offers a great build quality to the user that justifies the price tag. It offers a large 18-inch size due to which it is present in the 3rd position in this article.
You also get a chain pitch size of 0.325 inches in this chain, along with a chain gauge rating of 0.050 inches. As a result, it can be used with a lot of chainsaw models. It can even work with some chainsaw models that are not made by Husqvarna.
Best Features
- 325-inch chain pitch
- 18-inch chain length
- Two chain pack
- High-quality chain
- Easy to install
- Compatible with various models
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
3. SUNGATOR 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Sungator is a lesser-known brand of tools and equipment related to chainsaws. And it also makes various replacement chain models including the one we have mentioned here in this article.
The Sungator chainsaw chain is the cheapest option present in this article if you are considering a single pack. And even then, it is a great option for various chainsaw models. As per its name, it is compatible with various chainsaw brands. You can use it with Remington, Homelite, Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, and various other chainsaw models.
This chainsaw replacement chain has a length of 16 inches along with a chain pitch size of ⅜ inch. As a result, it is a great low profile chain option. This 56 drive link chain has a gauge rating of 0.050 inch that is quite common when compared with other options present in this article.
Best Features
- ⅜ inch chain pitch
- 16-inch chain length
- 050-inch gauge chain
- Single chain pack
- Affordable price tag
- Compatible with various chainsaw models
- Comes with UL and ANSI safety standards
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
4. AR-Pro Chainsaw Chain
AR-Pro is a popular brand that manufactures a wide range of products including tires and inner tubes, automotive parts, patio, pool and outdoor equipment, arts and crafts, and home and kitchen products.
One of the main features of this chain is its wide compatibility. The chain features a universal fit design that makes it compatible with all 14-inch chainsaws including Craftsman, Oregon, Husqvarna, Homelite, and Echo. This 14-inch chain is made of carbon steel that helps you to achieve precision cutting. While many chains cause vibrations while cutting trees, you won’t face that problem with this one. Even when you are cutting hard wood, you will only experience low vibrations.
The carbon steel is chrome plated and heat-treated not just to make them sharp but also strong and durable. The chain won’t lose its sharpness for a long time and will produce smooth and clear cuts. On top of this, the chain comes with hardened rivets to bear the load. AR-Pro’s chain is designed for easy adjustments and repairs with little downtime.
Best Features
- 14-inch chain length
- Wide compatibility range
- Made of carbon steel
- Undergoes heat treatment and chrome plating
- Less vibration
- Wear resistant rivets
- Little downtime
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
5. Replacement Oregon chain
As you would expect by now, Oregon makes a lot of replacement chain options for chainsaw models by Oregon as well as other brands. And this one is mainly made for electric chainsaws instead of gas-powered ones.
Oregon’s 9056 chainsaw chain has a 16-inch chain length as per its name. And as mentioned earlier, it works with electric chainsaw like options from Dewalt. Just like other chains for gas-powered chainsaws, this one also has a chain pitch of ⅜ inch. As for its gauge rating, it is a 0.043-inch gauge replacement chain.
Since this chainsaw chain is made by Oregon, it offers a great build quality. The LubrilLink tie straps keep the oil in all important places on the chain. As a result, your chain stays properly lubricated for offering a clean and sharp cut. You also get lesser vibrations from your chainsaw while using this chain for cutting trees.
Best Features
- ⅜ inch chain pitch
- 16-inch chain length
- 043-inch gauge rating
- Single chain pack
- Less vibration
- LubriLink for oiling the chain
- Clean and sharp cut
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
6. Outdoor Stihl Chainsaw Chain
Stihl is one of the world’s leading chainsaw brands with an experience almost close to a century in manufacturing chainsaws. The brand uses innovative ideas along with meticulous craftsmanship to develop durable outdoor power equipment that last for a lifetime.
As this chain comes with a length of 18 inches, this is compatible with most heavy-duty saws that are used for large cutting tasks. When it comes to the cutting performance, this chain is more aggressive that the chains that come along with your saws. This chain complements your heavy duty saw and provides added power using which you can rip through hard wood.
The 18-inch chain comes with a pitch of .325 and gauge of .064 along with 68 drive links. The chain does not lose its sharpness even after large cutting tasks which means that you will spend less time shaping the chain and more time cutting wood. As the chain is more aggressive, it is ideally suited for heavy duty cutting tasks and have to be handled by experienced users. You will also have to be cautious of the kickback this chain produces while cutting lumbar.
Best Features
- 18 inches chain length
- 68 drive links
- .325 pitch
- .063 gauge
- Heavy duty option
- Provides smooth and clean cuts
- Does not have to be sharpened frequently
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
7. Greenworks 8-Inch Replacement Pole Saw Chain
Greenworks makes a lot of electric power tools, including electric chainsaws. It even makes chain replacements for its chainsaws.
It is the smallest option present in this article when compared with other chainsaw chains since it has a chain length of 8 inches. And it is a low profile chain as it offers a very common chain pitch of ⅜ inch. As a result, you can easily use this chain with various 8-inch chainsaw options from GreenWorks.
It is compatible with GreenWorks saw tool models 20192, 20302, 20352, and 20672. If you have any of these, you can use this chain without any issues. You also get a great build quality in this chain since GreenWorks is a reputable brand of chainsaws and related accessories.
Best Features
- ⅜ inch chain pitch
- 8-inch chain length
- Single chain pack
- Precision cutting chain
- Heat-treated hard-chrome surface
- Engineered for safety
- Decent value for money
Components
- Chainsaw replacement chain
- User manual
- Warranty card
Top Features to Look for in Chainsaw Chains
Choosing the right chainsaw chain is important for cutting wood well, whether you’re a professional or a homeowner. There are different types of chains to consider, like low-kickback for safety or high-performance for tough jobs. Here are the top features to check before you buy.
It’s important to know about different types of chainsaw chains to cut safely and effectively. This guide will cover important factors, different chain types, and how to pick the right one for your cutting tasks.
1. Types of Chainsaw Chains
Chainsaw chains come in different configurations, each suited for specific cutting tasks and conditions:
- Full Chisel Chains: These chains feature square-cornered teeth, providing aggressive cutting performance ideal for hardwoods and clean, precise cuts. However, they are more prone to dulling when encountering dirt or abrasive materials.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: With rounded-cornered teeth, semi-chisel chains offer a balance between cutting efficiency and durability. They maintain sharpness better in harsh conditions, making them suitable for cutting dirty or abrasive materials like construction lumber.
- Low-Profile Chains: Designed with a narrower profile, these chains reduce kickback potential, enhancing safety during operation. They are commonly used on smaller chainsaws for light-duty cutting tasks.
Safety Chains: Equipped with added safety features such as bumper links or reduced kickback bars, safety chains prioritize operator protection by minimizing the risk of kickback accidents.
2. Chainsaw Bar Length
Choosing the right chainsaw bar length is important for cutting safely and effectively. Bar length is the distance from the tip of the bar to where it connects to the chainsaw. Longer bars are good for cutting big trees and tough jobs, while shorter ones are easier to handle in tight spaces or for pruning.
3. Gauge and Pitch Compatibility
Chainsaw chains come in different gauges and pitches. These measurements need to match your chainsaw’s guide bar and sprocket. Gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links, while pitch indicates the space between rivets. Making sure the chain fits your chainsaw’s parts is important for safe and efficient use.
4. Chain Tooth Arrangement: Skip, Semi-Skip, Full-Comp
Choosing the right teeth setup for your chainsaw chain can really improve how well it cuts. Chains with skip-tooth design have wider gaps between teeth. This makes cutting softer woods or materials with lots of sap easier because it reduces clogging and helps the chainsaw run smoothly. On the other hand, semi-skip and full-comp chains have teeth that are closer together. This setup allows for faster cutting, especially when dealing with harder woods and bigger trees.
5. Matching Chain to Wood Type and Cutting Style
Choosing the right chainsaw chain that matches both the type of wood and cutting method used is essential for achieving the best results. Elements like the hardness of the wood, its moisture level, and the desired result play a significant role in determining whether a full chisel, semi-chisel, or low-profile chain is the most suitable option.
6. Durability and Longevity
Chains made from high-quality materials and crafted with precision tend to remain strong even with regular use. They withstand wear and tear well over time. Opting for resilient chains means they perform reliably, reducing the need for frequent replacements. This ultimately saves both time and money in the long term.
7. Cutting Speed and Efficiency
Chainsaw chains’ performance and efficiency depend on factors like tooth shape, sharpness, and overall chain condition. Well-kept chains with sharp edges and appropriate tooth design make cutting quicker and easier. This speeds up tasks and lessens fatigue for the operator using the chainsaw.
8. Maintenance Requirements
Keeping your chainsaw chains in good shape is vital for making them last longer and work better. You need to clean, lubricate, and adjust them regularly to avoid wearing them out too soon, reduce friction, and stay safe. Also, sharpening the teeth from time to time helps them cut better and makes it easier on the chainsaw motor.
How the Chain of Chainsaw Works to Cut the Material?
Here is a detailed outlook on how the chain of the saw will work to cut the material/wood. Have a look on the picture to get an idea on how it works to cut.
- Cutter Entering Wood/Material – The chain of the chainsaw will cut with porpoise-like motion. They set the depth gauge to determine the thickness of the severed cross grain.
- Attach Position – The cutter will feed into the wood and thus begin to leave the guide bar.
- Getting into Wood – In the third position, the cutter slices through the wood without touching the guide bar.
- Severe Wood Chip – The clearance angle will allow the cutter to pivot out of the wood severing the chip.
How to Change the Chain in a Chainsaw?
One has to know a detailed process on how to change the chainsaw’s chain for its long-time effective usage. Here we are providing a clear step by step process to let you know how to change the chainsaw chain.
- First of all, remove the guide bar side panel of the chainsaw. In case, if chain is broken, then unlock it before you take out the side panel cover.
- Then release the chain tension by screwing off back on the chain tension screw.
- After the tension has released then you can take out the old one easily.
- Now clean off the area by using a clean cloth or Teflon cleaning pad to remove any residue or corrosion build-up on the guide bar of chainsaw.
- Take out the new one and install it by following your user manual to ensure that you fixed the chain in proper direction.
- After installing, simply follow the first 3 steps in reverse order (3,2,1) till you close the guide bar side panel.
- Lastly, make sure to adjust the chain tension to make it work properly.
Chainsaw Chains – FAQs
Ans: Chainsaw chains should be replaced when they become excessively worn, dull, or damaged. A general rule of thumb is to replace the chain when it no longer cuts efficiently or starts to produce sawdust instead of wood chips.
Ans: Signs of a worn-out chainsaw chain include decreased cutting efficiency, increased vibration, smoking during operation, and irregular or rough cuts. Inspecting the chain for visible signs of wear and damage is also recommended.
Ans: While some chainsaw chains may be compatible across multiple brands, it is essential to verify compatibility with the specific chainsaw model and consult the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure safe and proper operation.
Ans: If your chainsaw chain becomes loose during operation, immediately stop cutting and adjust the chain tension according to the manufacturer’s instructions to prevent damage to the chain or chainsaw.
Ans: Signs that indicate it’s time to replace your chainsaw chain include excessive wear, damage to the cutting teeth, decreased cutting performance, and difficulty maintaining proper tension.
Conclusion
Even though you can use a chainsaw sharpener to sharpen the chain of your chainsaw, there is a limit to the number of times you can sharpen it. As a result, you have to replace it with a new chainsaw chain replacement with one of the various best chainsaw chain options present in this article. You can also find their details along with a detailed buying guide in this article. These can be quite useful for easily choosing the perfect chain replacement for your chainsaw. Although, if you still have any confusion, here are some of our recommendations:
- The Tallox chainsaw chains pack offers a total of 3 chains in a single pack. As a result, it is a great option if you want a value for money option. You get 16-inch chains in this pack that are compatible with 16-inch chainsaws without any issues. These chains have a standard pitch of ⅜ inches and 0.050-inch gauge. As a result, these can be a great option to use with your chainsaw.
- Although, if you have a small chainsaw, then you can go with the Greenworks 8 inch chain. It is the smallest option present in this article with a chain length of 8 inches. And it has a chain pitch of ⅜ inch that is quite standard when compared with other options out there. Since it is made by Greenworks, it offers a great build quality and should last you for a long time.
- The Oregon S62 chainsaw chain is the longest option present in this article. It is compatible with 18-inch chainsaws without any issues. And just like various other options out there, this one also has a ⅜ inch pitch for a low profile chainsaw chain. It is compatible with the chainsaws of various brands out there. While it is a bit on the costly side, it offers a great build quality.
Make sure to share your thoughts in the comments section. You can also post any questions down there if you have any!
One Response
i recently purchased a Dewalt 18v lithium battery chain saw. it has a 12″ bar/30cm. model is DCM565. as we live in the country, i want to have a spare quality chain,as some minor hardwood cutting may be required. i have had 3 various model Stihl in the past,but now due to health {damaged spine, and knees,and age}, i needed a light weight battery stand by chainsaw.I contacted Dewalt spares ,re my request to have on hand a spare chain,the best they could offer was 2 local retailers who only order in on payment prior. our closest city is port macquarie, and the cost are around $37. but as to type cutting ,they were very vaigue. my sought after quality is “chipper chain,better quality”. all dewalt vic, could say ,go to oregon ,part number 90 PX045E. is this No correct ? and can you reply with details and avail, pric, and sourcing costs thanks Ian.