Do you own a chainsaw, and are looking to replace its chains? If yes, you are in the right place. This guide aims to provide you with options for the best chainsaw chains out there. You might want to read through this guide.
Chainsaws come in very handy as far as woodcutting is concerned. It is scary to imagine the excruciating work people had to go through when logging before the invention of the chainsaws. The chainsaw needs to have a quality chain for it to deliver a good performance.
Having the best chainsaw chain, therefore, becomes paramount, if you hope to have a seamless woodcutting experience. A good chainsaw chain is supposed to be strong, durable, and easy to maintain. It should have a perfect fit for the chainsaw’s guide too.
There are many types of chainsaw chains available. Each of the chainsaw manufacturers, also make the chains. Fortunately, they all have a standard scale of measurements, and many of the chains can fit multiple chainsaws, even those from a different brand.
It is at times difficult to tell which chainsaw chain among the many available is effective. It is even more difficult if you don’t understand the technical aspects of chainsaws. There are not many chainsaw chain reviews available either.
Shopping the best chainsaw chain may, therefore, prove to be a daunting task. Apart from whether the chain can fit on your chainsaw, many other factors should inform your choice of a chainsaw chain.
You wouldn’t want to spend your hard-earned money on an ineffective chain. You should not worry though.
As woodworkers, you might need to add tools like hole saws to your wood workshop.
BUYER’S GUIDE FOR A CHAINSAW CHAIN
Size
It is basic knowledge that chainsaws come in different sizes. You expect the chains to be of different sizes too. The chain you get should correspond in size to the guide of your chainsaw.
For example, if you have an 18’’ chainsaw, you need to get an 18’’ chain. The chain will not fit if you get the wrong size. You may have to do modifications for it to fit, which will most likely end up damaging the chain.
The chain’s package will always have the size information. Always double check to ensure you have the right size.
Pitch
The pitch of the chain is half the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain. The chain’s pitch must coincide with that of the drive sprocket of the chainsaw. The drive sprocket on the chainsaw’s guide is responsible for pushing the chain.
If they don’t fit into each other well, they will most certainly not work. The system works similarly to that of gears. The pitch informs whether the chain can perfectly fit into the drive shaft of the chainsaw.
Gauge
The gauge is the size of the holes on the drive links, where the teeth of the drive sprocket enter. These holes help to lock down the chain in place. The gauge of the chain should correspond to the size of the drive sprocket teeth.
They need to lock well to avoid vibration and any chances of kickback. A chain that has a perfect fit on the drive shaft delivers the best performance. You should never compromise on the fitting aspects of the chain. Always ensure the chain you get is a perfect match for the chainsaw you have.
Drive links thickness
The chain lugs are also a useful factor as it helps determine the chain length. This parameter of the chain is measured in millimeters. It can be 1.1, 1.3, 1.5, 1.6, or 2 mm. When cutting different sizes have different blade smoothness.
Chains with drive link thickness of 1.1 are commonly fitted on domestic chainsaws and chainsaw used for curving. Those with a drive link thickness are used in general but not for hard tasks.
Chains with drive link thickness of 1.5 and 1.6 are found on professional and semi-professional chainsaws. A 2 mm is rare and only fitted to the powerful professional chainsaws.
Number of Drive Links
As already mentioned, the drive links fit into the drive sprocket in the chainsaw’s guide. Therefore, the number of drive links on the chain needs to correspond to the number of sprocket teeth.
You will always have the information about the number of sprocket teeth on your chainsaw’s manual. The package of the chain has the information about the number of drive links it has.
If you get a chain with more or fewer drive links, it will not fit on the chainsaw, and you may have to make some modifications. This is always not advisable as it ultimately destroys the chain. It may also affect the safety measures fitted on the chain.
Safety
- Anti-Vibration:
Vibrations on a chainsaw are utterly undesired. They affect the effectiveness and energy efficiency of the chainsaw. The vibrations are also dangerous as they affect your steadiness while holding the chainsaw.
You can never be able to make precise cuts with a chainsaw with rigorous vibrations on the chain. As such, it is always paramount to ensure that the chain you get is designed to ensure minimal to zero vibrations.
A chain with not vibrations will ensure you work faster and your cuts are more precise. The chain should fit well too. This is the first step in avoiding chain vibrations.
- Anti-Kickback
Kickback is a phenomenon where the cutters may get stuck on the wood, while the chain is at full motions. The force of the chain tends to react with a kickback force. This can be very dangerous for the operator.
In as much as you need to work efficiently, your safety is paramount. As such, the chain you get should be fitted with an antikickback system, which helps protect you against such instances.
The system helps neutralize the reaction force, in the unfortunate event that the cutters get stuck. Many standard chains have the feature.
Chain Length
The chainsaws come in a variety of bar lengths, which are measured in inches. One can find the length of a 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 maybe a bit lost. 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 tape, from the 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.
Cutter Design
The chains come in different cutter designs. Some are chiseled, semi-chiseled, and have many other shapes. The cutters are the components that do the actual cutting work.
They, therefore, need to be strong and durable. Many chains have hardened cutters to enable them to power through the wood with ease. Chrome-hardened cutters are common in many chains. Always go for the chains that have the best quality cutters.
Ease of Maintenance
You need to have the necessary tools to sharpen the chain. Chains that can be easily sharpened by a self-sharpening chainsaw are always desirable. You do not want a chain that is a headache to maintain. In a bid to make the chain tough, some cutters are so hardened that it becomes difficult to sharpen them. When purchasing tools like Geiger counters, and measuring wheels, the ease of maintenance should be at the back of your mind.
Price
The price of the chain is the ultimate determinant of whether you are going to purchase it. Usually, the pricier chain is of better quality. That may not always be the case though. The prices differ according to the production processes of the manufactures and their distribution chain.
Take your time to compare the various types of chains available and find out which has the most value for the money you have. You should never comprise on the quality of the chain just to save a few bucks. Always go for the best quality that you can afford.
BEST CHAINSAW CHAINS
| NAMES | FEATURES | WHERE TO BUY |
| Husqvarna 531300439
|
Genuine OEM Husqvarna Chains
Pixel Low-Kickback 18″ Chain .050 Gauge, .325 Pitch, 72 Drive Links |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Husqvarna H4684 24-Inch Saw Chain
|
The chainsaw chain comes with 84 drive links
It has a 3/8’’ pitch It has .050’’ gauge It fits on a 24 ‘’ chainsaw’s guide. |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Oregon S56 16Inch Semi Chisel Chain
|
Designed for fast cutting
Produces very low vibrations Durable chain with long-lasting sharpness |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Oregon S52 14Inch Chain
|
Ideal for light-duty residential tasks and professional use
Fits 14-inch Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, and Poulan chainsaws Solid and durable steel Industrial chrome plating and hardened rivets Stronger load-bearing surface resists wear and tear |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| SUNGATOR 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain
|
⅜ inch chain pitch
16-inch chain length 050-inch gauge chain |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Tallox 3 Pack 16″ Chainsaw Chains
|
⅜ inch chain pitch
16-inch chain length Three chain pack |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| WORX 50022070 WA0161 6-inch Chainsaw Chain
|
Fits JawSaw Chainsaws WG307, WG308, WG320 and WG321
Fits securely onto a Black & Decker Alligator Lopper Chainsaw Perfect for tree maintenance or cutting firewood Designed to eliminate sharpening downtime and minimizes kickback |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Oregon S62T AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
|
Minimum kickback and vibration
LubriTech Oiling System ensures a smooth cutting performance Available in a 1-pack and a 2-pack 30-day money-back guarantee |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Stihl 26RS Rapid Super Chain
|
The chainsaw chain is high-performance.
It has a length of 20’’ It has a 325-inch pitch Its gauge is .063 |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
| Oregon Advance Cut D70 Chain
|
Fast, precise cuts
Specially-designed for improved performance and safety Low noise and minimum kickback |
GET IT ON AMAZON |
Husqvarna 531300439
Husqvarna has established a reputation for making exceptional outdoor power tools and accessories and their chainsaw chains are known for their high-quality design.
This 95vp pixel saw chain was designed with a .325″ pitch and 0.050″ gauge that is perfect for cutting through most demanding projects with ease. It was designed to retain its cutting edge remarkably well, allowing it to stay sharp even after hours of heavy use. And since it cuts smooth and doesn’t stretch during operation, you don’t have to worry about excessive vibrations or kickbacks.
| PROS | CONS |
| Impressive performance on softwoods | None |
| Works with Husqvarna chainsaws | |
| High-performance product | |
| Reasonable price |
Husqvarna H4684 24-Inch Saw Chain
The Husqvarna H4684 chainsaw chain is yet another very versatile and strong chain. It is similar to the Husqvarna 531300439 chain above, but it is big. It is meant for bigger chainsaws. The chain fits into multiple chainsaws and delivers a very precise and powerful performance. It is a great option for tough and heavy-duty professional applications. It is the kind of chain used in logging and cutting huge chunks of wood.
| PROS | CONS |
| It is easy to sharpen and maintain. It is even better if you have a self-sharpening chainsaw | The chain tends to get loose after being used for some time. You may have to keep adjusting it. |
| It is a heavy-duty chainsaw chain. It can handle tough applications with ease. | |
| The chain has high safety levels. It has low vibration and no kickback | |
| The chain can fit in multiple chainsaws. It is very versatile. |
Oregon S56 16Inch Semi Chisel Chain
This is a precision chain that cuts like butter, creating gorgeous chips. It’s smooth and fast and offers very little kickback thanks to the bumper drive ink.
The chain is precision made and hand treated, using hard chrome. It’s also engineered for safety, quality, and performance. It should work for saw sizes up to 42 ccs.
It uses twin corners for superior performance and the four-way symmetrical tie straps make it easy to join chain loops. It uses Chamfer chisel cutters to ensure a low chip flow. It is even weather-resistant!
| PROS | CONS |
| Compatible with multiple brands | Packaging tangles the chain; takes time to unravel the knot |
| Powerful and accurate cutting | Dulls quicker than other chains |
| Easy to install and tighten | |
| Clean and consistent cuts |
Oregon S52 14Inch Chain
The Oregon S52 AdvanceCut 14-inch Chainsaw Chain is ideal for homeowners who need to trim trees on their property and landscape professionals.
This chainsaw chain has a 0.50 gauge, a 3/8-low-profile pitch, and 52 drive links and it fits Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, and Poulan chainsaws.
Solid and sturdy, the chain has industrial chrome plating and hardened rivets that create a stronger load-bearing surface. This design also resists wear and tear and minimizes chain stretch. So you will be able to work smarter and spend more time cutting and less time filling, grinding, or adjusting the chain. AdvanceCut technology also allows for tougher, sharper teeth that bite cleanly into a tree limb or log.
| PROS | CONS |
| High quality | Not ideal for heavy-duty use |
| Very affordable price | Requires frequent sharpening after extended use |
| Minimizes chain stretch | Short 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Great value for money |
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
| PROS | CONS |
| Compatible with various chainsaw models | none |
| Comes with UL and ANSI safety standards | |
| Affordable price tag | |
| Single chain pack |
Tallox 3 Pack 16″ Chainsaw Chains
Tallox’s chainsaw chain is present in the 2nd position in this article as it offers great value for money since this is a 3 pack. While the overall cost of the 3 pack chain replacement might be slightly high, the effective price of each chain is quite low. And even then, it can offer high-quality replacement chains that are compatible with various chainsaw brands.
It is supported by Husqvarna, Remington, Craftsman, Poulan, and various other chainsaw brands out there. This is possible as it offers a very common and popular chainsaw length of 16 inches.
| PROS | CONS |
| Compatible with various brands | none |
| Great value for money | |
| 050-inch gauge rating | |
| 56 drive link chains |
WORX 50022070 WA0161 6-inch Chainsaw Chain
The strong and rugged steel chain has 27 teeth with a 1/4-inch pitch and 42 chain links. It fits securely onto the JawSaw models WG307, WG308, WG320, and WG321, but can also be used with the Black & Decker Alligator Lopper Chainsaw.
Designed to eliminate chain sharpening downtime and minimize kickback, the WA0161 helps you to safely and efficiently maintain the trees around your property or cut up firewood quickly.
| PROS | CONS |
| Very good value for money | Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting |
| High quality | Not designed for standard chainsaws |
| Good price |
Oregon S62T AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Extremely versatile, the Oregon S62T fits a wide range of chainsaw models such as Craftsman, Homelite, Echo, Husqvarna, McCulloch, Poulan, and Remington. The 18-inch chain has a 3/8-inch low profile pitch, a .050-inch gauge, and 62 drive links. As well as fitting the above chainsaw models, it can also be used for similar chainsaws up to 42 cc’s.
This semi-chisel chain is well suited for cutting trees on residential properties and professional landscaping projects.
| PROS | CONS |
| Industrial hard chrome plating and hardened rivets | Short 30-day money-back guarantee |
| Creates clean and precise cuts | Might be a bit long for some chainsaw models |
| Stronger load-bearing surface | |
| AdvanceCut technology |
Stihl 26RS Rapid Super Chain
The Stihl 26RS chainsaw saw chain comes in a very unique but effective design. The chain is designed to be durable and of high-performance. Unfortunately, it can only fit on Stihl chainsaws. Stihl has a unique design for its chainsaws too. They are very popular for their powerful performance and durability. The chain is suitable for a tough and intensive application. It is a great option for professional applications. You will easily power through those logs of wood with the Stihl 26RS chainsaw chain.
| PROS | CONS |
| The chain is easy to sharpen. It is even easier if you have a self-sharpening chainsaw. | The chain is only applicable in the STIHL chainsaws. |
| The chainsaw can still function effectively under high-pressure applications. | Its performance is affected by dirt. |
| It is a versatile chain. It fits on multiple Stihl chainsaws | |
| Vibration and Kickback are very rare. | |
| The chain has a perfect and firm fit. |
Oregon Advance Cut D70 Chain
Designed to cut through any type of wood easily and without excessive noise, the D70 20″ Vanguard Chain will retain its edge over hours of use for less downtime and less sharpening. Plus, it was designed to never present any stretching problems so you never have to worry about issues arising when strengthening this chain.
| PROS | CONS |
| Sharpening guide marks are included on every tooth. | Dulls very quickly. Needs re-sharpening after every one or two cords of firewood, more regularly if cutting into hard trees. |
| Extremely easy to install. | |
| Extremely sharp blades. | |
| Cuts very powerfully. | |
| Very low kickback. |
CONCLUSION
To maximize your chainsaw lifespan, make sure that you purchase the right chain. This means knowing what sort of job you want to do and checking to ensure that the specifications and fit are correct.
The reviews and buying guide above should help you narrow down to your best-suited chainsaw chain. The chain you get should serve you efficiently and for longer. Depending on your particular requirements, you can explore the different chains and find one that works best for you.
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