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 for Hardwood 2023
Best Chainsaw Chain 2023 Reviews
1. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw
Best chainsaw Best chainsaw sharpeners Best chainsaw chaps Best cordless chainsaws
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
How to Choose the Best Chainsaw Chain:
The chainsaw is a versatile power tool that allows one to tackle a variety of projects such as cutting through branches, pruning trees, removing stumps and toppling trees. The chain of the chainsaw helps to perform proper cutting action as deeply and quickly as possible. Getting a right chain will help to get smooth and controlled performance without getting stuck and causing kickback. To help you get the best chainsaw chain, we are providing the complete information on its types, what to consider, and how to select the best, as per your chainsaw requirement. Take a look on it.
1. Types of Chainsaw Chains:
One has to consider the tooth type while purchasing the replacement chainsaw chain, why because it influences largely on the tool’s performance and capabilities. In general, there are three main styles of teeth – chipper, semi-chisel and full chisel teeth.
a. Full Chisel Chain/Chipper Chain:
The angular square-cornered teeth of this chain will allow it to cut softwood quickly and efficiently. Designed to deal with tough exteriors, as they ripe faster through the surface. It provides safety along with comfortable speed, why because lack of safety tweaks will make this chain a high-risk. Although, they are common chain style in older days but now they are used for dirty tasks and quick pruning of thin branches and limbs. The recommended bar lengths of this standard chain are up to 24” (61 cm).
b. Semi-Chisel Chain:
The round cornered tooth of this chain will create a radius between the top plate and side. It is 10% slower than chisel chain but it is great while retaining its sharpness. It suits best to use while cutting wood which is covered with hardwood, dust, stump work and for cutting frozen wood. This round chisel teeth chain is great as all-round option that cut through both hard and softwood. The recommended bar lengths of this semi-chisel is 24 – 32” (61 – 81 cm).
c. Skip and Semi-Skip Chain:
This type of chain has less teeth when compared with standard chain. It is often used in chainsaws which are longer than 24-inches or longer than recommended size. Since it has fewer teeth, it operates on less power. For this Skip chisel, the recommended bar length will be 32” and longer (81+cm).
2. Chain Length:
The chainsaws come in a variety of bar lengths, which are measured in inches. One can find the length of chainsaw, shorter as 10-inches and longer as 24 inches in the market. It is essential to consider the length while purchasing, why because one chain won’t fit for all chainsaws. If the chain is too loose or too snug then it won’t get fit well or may be a bit loose. Thus, result in any dangerous safety hazards while operating. In case, if you’re unsure about the bar length of your chainsaw then simply measure the saw by using a tape, from tip of the guide bar to the point where bar protrudes from tool casing. Round up the measurement to next even number to get your chainsaw bar length. A few common chain lengths are 14-inch, 16-inch, 18-inch and 20-inch.
3. Chain Pitch:
The pitch will let you know how close the links together on the chain. In case, if you unable to find the pitch of your chain. Then simply measure the distance between 3 rivets on chain and divide the measured number by 2. 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. This 3/8” low profile chain will feature a narrow cutting width / kerf that reduces the power required for cutting.
For professional chainsaw users, they prefer to use pitch size of 0.404 inches For occasional chainsaw wielders and hobbyists, use 3/8-inch pitch chain.
The large distance between the links of this chain will allow you to have aggressive cutting of wood. Not only in commercial grade chainsaws but this measurement is found in chainsaws used by rescue workers or first responders.
4. Chain Gauge:
The chain gauge will describe the thickness of chain’s drive links. In simple, it is termed as the size of holes on drive links in which the drive sprocket teeth enter. This will help to lock the chain in place to avoid much vibration and kickback chances. So, if you want to perform your chain efficiently and safely then this chain gauge should match exactly to the gauge of chainsaw’s guide bar. In case, if it is too thick then it won’t fit to the tool, while if chain is too thin then it slips and poorly cut the material. The gauge sizes available for chain are 0.043”, 0.050” to 0.063”, in which 0.050 is most commonly used. Generally, this number is printed on the guide bar of the tool. In case, if you’re unable to find it then simply consult your instruction manual.
5. Drive Links:
In general, the chain of the chainsaw consists of 4 parts – cutter, rivet, drive link and tie strap. Now, let’s discuss about drive links. They are bottom part of the chain, fits into guide bar of chainsaw. They are used to provide accurate measurement for choosing a proper fitting replacement chain. A few models have this required number of drive links printed on the guide bar while some won’t. Number of Drive Links – Its number will correspond to number of sprocket teeth, which can be found easily on the chainsaw’s manual. Whereas the number of drive links found on the pack of chain. In case, if you get more or less than that count, it won’t fit on the chainsaw. Doing any modifications may destroy the chain and affect its fitting. Drive Links Thickness – The chain lugs, measured in millimeters, used to determine the chain length. The lug can be 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, or 2 mm, in which different blade smoothness is used to cut different sizes.
The chain with drive link thickness of 1.1 are fitted on domestic chainsaw and curving chainsaws (general but won’t for hard tasks). One can found drive line thickness of 1.5 & 1.6 on professional & semi-professional chainsaws. Finally, a 2 mm thickness is rare and fits to powerful professional chainsaws.
In case, if you don’t know its measurements then simply take off the chain and count the drive links. This will help you to find the best replacement chain which fits perfectly to the chainsaw.
6. Cutter Types/Tooth Cutter Design:
Depending on the type of cutting tooth head, the cutters can be categorized into 4 types.
Chipper Semi-chisel Chamfer chisel Micro-chisel chisel
All these types of cutting tooth have round shaped to square shaped. Do you know why chisel chain cuts faster? The reason is that the rounded chisel cutters recut the end-grain several times until the kerf (its full width) is reached. Whereas the chisel cutters are square cutters used to cut a full width kerf with every pass.
7. Performance:
The teeth of the chainsaw will determine its performance. Let’s know about the performance of various types of chainsaw in detail.
Chipper chains – Its teeth is designed to cut branches and other dirty work around the home. Semi-Chisel – Its teeth are versatile and can be used to cut both soft wood and hard wood easily. Its round chisel teeth are durable but take longer time to complete the given task. Full Chisel – It has square shaped teeth, which are sturdy, durable and efficient to complete any heavy-duty task like cutting through hardwood.
8. Safety:
Safety & comfort are essential features to consider while operating these power tools. Vibration and kickback are two main things we have to look in this chainsaw chains while talking about safety.
Anti-vibration – The vibrations on chainsaw will affect the energy efficiency and effectiveness of the chainsaw, and thereby makes unable to hold chainsaw steadily to make precise cuts. So, to get rid of this ugly vibration, one has to choose premium chains that comes with anti-vibration mechanisms (minimal to zero). This will not only speed up precise & faster cutting process but also help you to work without physical ailments. Anti-Kickback – The kickback is the force that tend to react when the cutting saw gets stuck on the debris (wood), while chain is in full motion. They simply throw you off-balance, when there is an interruption in chain rotation and thereby results in devastating injuries. So, make sure to check the models like top-tier chainsaw chains, which comes with anti-kickback feature before purchasing.
9. Durability and Reliability:
These power tools used for heavy-duty applications, such as cutting trees & tree branches will has to be durable and reliable. So, that it ensures you to have a smooth operation in the longer run without facing any issues. Most of the chainsaw chains are replaceable, they won’t come with any warranty. So, if you want a durable product, you have to check its build quality, warranty offered, and user ratings. This will help you to get an idea on durability and reliability of the given chainsaw chain.
10. Other Features:
Although, there are various other features offered for chainsaw chains, irrespective of various sizes and types of chains. Here we have listed them and have a look on it.
Built-in Lubrication – To keep the chains lubricated while operating, most of the manufacturers designed several features like grooves / holes in the cutting teeth or links to make the chain stay lubricate. Proper lubrication will help to move the cutting tool like chainsaw effectively. So, one has to consider this feature while purchasing to maintain proper lubrication and effective sound working. Self-Sharpening Chains – The auto-sharpening chainsaw chains are specially designed to keep their teeth filed whenever the chain passes around the guide bar. Although, regular sharpening is a maintenance hassle but using this chain will reduce your trips to shop for sharpening the chains. The self-sharpening chain will help to keep the chain sharper for a longer time without undergoing regular sharpening maintenance. Ripping Chains – This chain is specially designed for professional applications, which involves cutting lengthy wood along the grain. One has to require special extra skill and technique to use these chains. So, people those using chainsaw for normal application won’t require this ripping chains. Carbide Chains – Chains made with carbide material are hard & durable, which quickly wear a normal chain out until it is not useful. It is quite brittle and shatter when it gets struck with force. It is also expensive, which makes it useful only in places where dirt, sand, cold weather or other rough conditions causing unusual wear to the chain.
11. Ease of Maintenance:
A chainsaw sharpening tools are easily available in the market to sharpen the chain. Also, in most of the models, the chains are sharpened easily by self-sharpening mechanism. While a few chainsaw cutters are hard to sharpen them. Simply, look for chains that comes with an excellent lubrication system. For this, you have to oil your tool to maintain it properly.
12. Price:
The price of this chainsaw chains depends up on the brand, efficacy, and user-friendliness. They are somewhat price affordable and you have to choose the best quality one from trusted brands, irrespective of the cost.
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.
How to Take Care for Your Chainsaw Chain?
To make the chain of your chainsaw, work properly for a long time without any issues, you have to take care of it. Here are some tips which help you to care your chainsaw chain.
Clean it – Always, clean the chain of the chainsaw after using, to remove all the dirt and sawdust on the chain. Oiling – It keep the chain lubricated and reduce the friction. Thus, it prevents getting rust and wear & tear. Sharpness – Also, make sure that chain is sharp before using chainsaw. Never use the chain on the dusty wood, why because it makes the chain gets dull faster. Follow User Manual – In the user manual, all the caring and maintenance tips are mentioned to keep the chain in top performance. Also, one can get information on how to sharpen the chain teeth, lubricate the chain and replace when it breaks.
What are the Best Chainsaw Brands in the Market?
Although, there are several brands available in the market to choose from but not everyone is trustworthy. So, below we have provided some reliable brands to help you purchase the best.
Stihl – A well-recognized brand for high-quality and dependable chainsaws and chains as well. These chains are sharp and boost the saw’s performance with minimal vibrations. Oregon – The chains are harder and tends to stay sharper. The chainsaw replacement chains are simple to install and won’t loose after running for a longer time. Husqvarna – It is a well-established company that offers high-quality chainsaws. Their products (chains) are high end to boost up the performance of chainsaw and comes at reasonable price. Black & Decker – Another reputable company manufacturing high-quality power tools at reasonable price. These chains are strong, durable, easy to install and stay sharp for a longer time.
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! Comment * Name * Email * Website
Δ
