Chainsaws make the job of cutting hardwood trees much simpler and efficient. The chain is the critical component of a chainsaw. As there is an assortment of chainsaw chain types, it's in your best interest to find a type that matches your chainsaw as well as your needs.
This article lists some of the best chainsaw chains with their pros and cons and a detailed buying guide to help you choose the best one.
When choosing a chainsaw chain for hardwoods, it is important to get the right types of chainsaw chains that won’t cause this type of damage physically, or to your work. For example:
- Wastage of fuel
- Chain life is reduced, therefore costing you money
- Injury of the face from the chainsaw
- Difficulty in cutting
- Increased wear and tear to the consumable parts and bar oil
- Damage to the bar
Which chainsaw chain brand is best?
1. KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch .050" Gauge 62 Drive Links
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】 3 Pack 18 Inch, 3/8" LP Pitch, .050" Gauge,...
- 【FIND YOUR CHAIN】Check the owner's manual or the guide bar...
- 【Features】 Germany steel with heating temperature control and...
- 【Features】Japanese chrome-plated technology creates better...
- Saw chain comes with protective oil, resists corrosion.
This KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain is a general replacement chain for 18 inch chainsaws of Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego and Greenworks. This chain set (three chains included) has a 3/8" LP pitch, is a .050" gauge, runs on 62 drive links and is designed to provide durability and precision for any number of cutting applications such as pruning and heavy duty jobs.
If you’re in the market for a cheap no frills replacement chain that will get the job done like it should, and one that can work across multiple tasks and several compatible brands, the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain is a solid option. Besides, its value pack, durable build, and practicality make it a good choice for both casual users and professionals.
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Other great chainsaw chains
2. Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar
- Fits several chainsaw models including but not limited to:...
- Also fits:【Homelite】UT43122, UT43123...
- Ideal for DIY homeowners – Capable of handling tough jobs;...
- Automatic oiling for longer lasting chain – LubriTec is...
- Your chain stays sharper longer. All Oregon chain cutters have an...
The Oregon S56 chains are designed to cut smooth, but low kickback and vibration as much as possible if any. It’s compatible with other chainsaws.
Oregon S56 are heat treated and that makes them safe to use facing any challenging conditions. Lubri-Tec system guarantees the security and safety, by lubricating the chainsaw chains.
Furthermore, the lubrication system allows you to use this chain saw for years to come. This hands experience is a great and comfortable one. This Oregon S56 is compatible with other brands such as McCulloch, Echo, Homelite etc.
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3. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
- Durable, low-kickback, low-vibration chain helps reduce user...
- Fits these chainsaw models with an 18" bar: Atlas 56937,...
- Also fits: Dewalt DCCS672b, Echo DCS500018c2, Kobalt KCS408006,...
- Tough, long-lasting chrome outer layer and hardened rivets help...
- Built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system extends the life of...
Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is a high quality replacement chain for 18" (45.72 cm) chainsaws made by Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan or Craftsman. With 62 drive links and a low kickback design, this chain provides safety and efficiency for the homeowner and professional performing light to medium cutting tasks.
If you're looking for a reliable, low maintenance chain for general purpose use the Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is a great package. Low kickback assures you of an enhanced level of safety, while the durable materials keep on offering reliable cutting results. It is better suited to moderate workloads, but you have to pay quite a bit of attention to sizing as to get everything to properly fit.
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4. Oregon D70 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar
- Fits several chainsaw models including but not limited to:...
- Also fits:【Homelite】Super XL, Super XLAO, XL 12...
- Ideal for DIY homeowners – Capable of handling tough jobs;...
- Automatic oiling for longer lasting chain – LubriTec is...
- Your chain stays sharper longer. All Oregon chain cutters have an...
The Oregon D70 features a newly designed 0.050 inch gauge, 20 inches long cutter with a unique design that produces superior results. The chain teeth have high visible durability, so even in extreme conditions you can use this chain.
It helps because the sharp chisel cutters help to chop every piece of wood.
A low kickback design is ensured.
Moreover, the Lubri-Tec feature reduces friction or heating up by lubricating the guide bar. That’s why this product lasts for a long time. OCS-01 steel makes it strong and durable.
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5. NEO-TEC 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch, 0.050" Gauge, 56 Drive Links Fits
- 【CHAIN PARAMETERS】3 Pack 16 Inch, 0.050" Gauge, 3/8" low...
- 【NOTICE】There are two versions about 16 inch 3/8LP 56 drive...
- 【FITS CHAINSAW BRANDS】Compatible with Allis Chalmers, Black &...
- 【Features】German steel with temperature control and punching...
- 【Features】Built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system extends...
NEO-TEC 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain is a reliable replacement chain for 16 inch chainsaws from popular brands such as Craftsman, Poulan, Echo and Greenworks. Its 56 drive links make it suitable for light to medium duty cutting tasks, having a 3/8" low profile pitch and a .050" gauge.
NEO-TEC 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain is a good practical and affordable choice for those who want dependable chains for standard cutting purposes. It's safe to use but not likely to last the long haul in heavy duty.
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What to look for when buying a chainsaw chain as a beginner
1. Pitch
Pitch is the distance between the individual drive links on the chain or in other words the distance between the rivets. The more you pitch out, the more aggressive the cutting performance of the chain.
The 3/8 low profile cutters are amongst the most popular of them, while the 3/8 regular profile chain cutter is the other common sense.
If the pitch is not stated you can determine this by measuring carefully from center of first rivet to center of third rivet in line and dividing this number into two. Other 1/4 inch, 0.325 inches and 0.40 inch pitches are less popular.
2. Drive links
This is the backbone of the chainsaw chain as it holds the entire chain together. If you’re going to swap out your replacement chain that’s the same size as your current chain you have to know the number of drive links on your current chain.
The number of drive links on chainsaw chains should be printed on the bar and if it's not, you can detach the chain from the saw and count the links. The rivets hold links in place on the chain.
There are two types of drive links.
Cutter links - These are links with sharp blades
Oblong links- These are links that do not have blades
3. Gauge
The chainsaw chain gauge is the width of the drive links. These four different gauge sizes are in decimal form.
It consists of; the 0.043 which is commonly known as narrow kerf chains, the 0.050, 0.058 and 0.063. The gauge is normally labeled on the chainsaw but if this is not the case, use precision calipers to measure the gauge.
To get the downward pointing tips of drive links to fit in the indention of the chainsaw bar, you need to match the gauge to the saw.
4. Chain length
Chain lengths range from small models of 6inch to large commercial saws of 24 inches for downing huge trees.
The easiest way to make sure you have the correct chain length is to match the number of drive links but most chains come pitched to match their guide bar length.
5. Lubrication
Lubrication ensures the chain lasts longer because it reduces friction and heat which is produced with the constant spinning of the chain and lubrication helps to reduce the chances.
Today’s chainsaws are made to have built in lubrication that drips drops of oil while the chain is at work, giving you better service from the chainsaw chain.
6. Chain arrangement
There are three common types of arrangements and they include;
Full complement chain- This is the most popular type, which has a right side cutter, a drive link, left side cutter and the pattern is this way around the entire chain.
When you buy a new chainsaw, this is the arrangement it comes with. A full complement chain is designed for general cutting of wood with low kickback potential.
Skip chain-This is where there is two in place of one drive linking the cutter instead of links as in the case of the full complement chain. Fewer cutter teeth mean less resistance when you want to cut wood, and that’s why it cuts faster.
Very useful in saws whose bar is long with about 20- 24 inches where you require an aggressive cutting experience.
Semi skip chain- This semi skip provides the cutting experience between the skip and the full compliment chain.
This chain has a pattern of one right side cutter, one drive link, one left side cutter, two drive links. And this one if you want the best in aggressive cutting power without as high power as offered with a skip chain.
7. Compatibility
If you are buying chainsaw chain for hardwood, make sure you check if it’s made for which brands, so you don’t have problems later on.
8. Tooth Type
This is one of the most important things when buying replacement chains. When it comes to chainsaw chains, there are three different types of tooth types.
Depending on tooth type, these cutting method will be different, hence it is an important thing to check on. They include:
Full Chisel chains- These cutters allow for full chisel cutting and due to their high cutting speeds they make them best for cutting hardwood or downing trees. They are square in form so fit any challenging cutting just right. Still, this full chisel chain is not the ideal chains for smooth cuts for dry woods, and they are not as tough as semi chisel cutters. The semi chisel chain cuts 30-50% faster than the full chisel chain.
Semi chisel- Semi chisel chainsaw chain can be used personally and professionally for cutting dry or frozen woods with round blades and is best for cutting round woods. All woods can be cut fairly well with semi chisel chains, something the slower, full chisel is good at cutting.
Low profile- Low profile is like semi chisel chains but of round shape, in which cutting speed is low but ideal for people who have little or no experience, and it can cut all kind of woods. However the durability is less than the semi chisel chain and the full chisel.
How to sharpen the chains
If you find your chainsaw crooked cuts, difficulty in positioning, missing or damaged teeth, or perhaps a lot of smoke despite proper lubrication and right chain tension, then you already know that your chainsaw is worn out. There are a few ways you can sharpen your best chainsaw chain; manually with a file, a grinder, or by taking it to a professional.
- Using a file guide
It is a tool which comes with inbuilt files intended to reproduce the right angle for your cutter chains and guide bar. All you have to do to use it is swipe your chain two times every time you fuel up. Extra swipes till the chain is sharp if the chain is still dull.
- Using a grinder
The grinder is the best to give you smooth clean sharp cuts but this will also reduce the lifespan of the chain. You should do about 40 fuel-ups with your chainsaw before using a grinder that is like using a file guide in doing 40 sharpening of your chainsaw’s teeth.
The grinder has one major drawback – it removes more metal than a file guide and therefore sharpenings are made after 40 fuel-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the most aggressive chainsaw chain?
Stihl chainsaw chain is the most aggressive chain on the market made from the hardest steel around. In addition, the edge holds up better than other chainsaws. Husqvarna 18 inch and 20 inch are the other aggressive chain saw chain.
2. Are Oregon chains better than Stihl?
No, Oregon is better then Stihl; it’s easier to file than Stihl chainsaw but Stihl 26rs full chisel cutters are better than Oregon because the chrome is thicker, they hold the edge longer, and don’t stretch as much.
3. What’s the fastest cutting chainsaw chain?
According to our list, the Oregon brand has the fastest chainsaw chain in the market, and that’s due to the unique design of the cutter and the length of the bar.
