If you need to carry out heavy-duty projects around the home like pruning limbs, trimming hedges, or cutting down a tree, the power tool you’ll need with you is a chainsaw.
There are different types of chainsaws, but they all need the right type of chain. If you use the wrong chain on your chainsaw, it’ll increase the difficulty and duration of the task, not to mention you’ll increase the risk of experiencing a dangerous kickback or chain binding.
In this guide, we’ll be looking at some of the best chainsaw chains currently on the market.
Contents
Types of Chainsaw Chains
Before buying any chain for your chainsaw, you need to think about the type your chainsaw requires. There are fourtypes of chainsaw chainson the market with a near limitless combination of sizes, types, and features. The four types of chainsaw chains are low-profile cutters, semi-chisel cutters, full chisel cutters, and square chisel cutters.
Low-profile Cutters
These are the most popular chains for chainsaws today. This is because they fit perfectly with several popular saws.
They are very simple and easy to use. However, they tend to cut slowly. On the upside, they can stay sharp for long periods. They are used mostly in softwood stands due to their amazing qualities.
Semi Chisel Cutters
These are quite similar to the low-profile cutters. Semi chisel chains usually keep their edge for much longer than full toolchains.
Full Chisel Cutters
These are the fastest cutters among the different types of chainsaw chains. They are best for general cutting purposes. They come with round grind profiles and have square radius edges. Full chisel cutters need to be sharpened regularly.
Square Chisel Cutters
These are similar to full chisel cutters but are best suited to professional use. They cut quite fast, but aren’t suited for amateurs. They also tend to dull quite quickly, so they require faster sharpening.
These are similar to full chisel cutters but are best suited to professional use. They cut quite fast, but aren’t suited for amateurs. They also tend to dull quite quickly, so they require faster sharpening.
When to Replace Your Chainsaw Chains
An important part of chainsaw maintenance is knowing for how long you’ve been using a particular chain. During operation, the chain moves at extremely high speeds, which generates a lot of friction.
Not only does this heat up the chain, but it also wears it out as time goes on. If you use your chainsaw regularly, then you’ll need to know when to replace the chain.
Here are some signs that the chain on your chainsaw needs replacement Chain:
- The chain needs replacing when you notice that several teeth on the chain have broken off during use. Fewer teeth mean the chain won’t be as effective in performing its duty, and the only way to remedy that is to replace the chain.
- If the chain needs sharpening after every use, it means that the teeth are wearing out. They’ll also end up getting smaller, and when they get too small, you’ll need to get a new chain.
- Constant use can also cause the rectangular cutters in front of the teeth to wear out and become smaller. Regular sharpening can cause the cutters as well as the teeth to reduce in size over time. When the cutters become too small, you’ll need to get new chains.
- After prolonged usage, you may observe that the chainsaw needs to be pushed into the wood for it to cut the wood. In its best condition, the machine should do this on its own, without any added force. You may even observe the chainsaw bouncing off once or twice while cutting. The only remedy to this is to replace the chainsaw chain.
The chain is not the only part of the chainsaw that needs to be cared for. The chainsaw bar also needs to be kept in good working condition if you want the best use from your chainsaw. One of the functions of the bar is to face many hard surfaces and absorb some of its effects.
You or a chainsaw expert will need to examine the bar and determine the type of damage it has taken in its lifetime before it can be repaired. The bar needs repairing if you notice any of the following:
- The bar appears crooked or bent
- There are unusual cracks and wear on the bar
- There might be too much movement in the chain as an indication of loose rail
Chainsaw bar repair typically includes making the rails work well so that the chains will work well in return. You may also need to grease the bar, depending on the type of bar on the chainsaw.
Factors to Consider When Buying The Best Chainsaw Chains
Now that you’re a bit more familiar with the different types of chainsaw chains, let’s look at the factors to consider before making a purchase.
Chain size
You want a chain that matches up with the size of the bar of the chainsaw. If the chainsaw’s bar measures 20 inches, then you’ll need to get a 20-inch chain.
If you don’t get the right size, either it’ll be too loose to cut, or it won’t fit at all. You can find the size information on the package. You can also manually measure the chain, but only after you’ve made a purchase.
Chain pitch and gauge
This is an important feature used to distinguish the chainsaw chains. The chain pitch and gauge determines the tension and vibration levels of the chain.
You can find the pitch and gauge specifications on the chain’s package. Most chain packages come with some sort of recommendation about the type of chainsaw the chain can fit.
This can be wrong sometimes, especially when the chainsaw and chain are from different brands. However, with the help of the pitch and gauge information, you’ll be able to get the right chain nine out of 10 times.
Anti-vibration
The vibration of the chain affects the traction and effectiveness of the chain while coming. Additionally, these vibrations can mean waste of energy. A lot of chains come with a system in place to reduce vibrations.
You should always get a chain with very little to no vibrations so that energy won’t go to waste.
If you use a chain with the wrong gauge on your chainsaw, it can also cause vibrations. So always ensure that the chain gauge matches the chainsaw.
Anti-kickback
One of the things you look for when getting a chain is the ability to cut through hardwood fast. Despite that, your safety should be your number one priority. Chainsaws are dangerous for a number of reasons, especially their kickback.
A kickback occurs when a chain cutter is stuck in a piece of wood while it’s at full throttle.
This generates a force that pushes back on the user and can cause serious injuries. The more modern chains come with anti-kickback features that’ll help you remain safe when using chainsaws.
Best Chainsaw Chains Reviews
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1. Husqvarna 531300439 18-inch Chain Saw Chain
First on the list is the Husqvarna 531300439 18-inch pixel saw chain. It is an ideal fit for your 18-inch’ chainsaw and delivers excellent performance and durability. It is a hardworking chain that is easy to install.
A good chainsaw chain should have a couple of extraordinary features. The drive links should fit perfectly into the chainsaw’s guide. It should also have minimal kickback and vibrations.
The Husqvarna 531300439 can deliver in both of these aspects, and with great efficiency. You can also use it on chainsaws that aren’t produced by Husqvarna as long as they are also 18 inches and the chain fits well.
Sharpening this chainsaw is very easy, and if your chainsaw has an automated sharpening system, then it’s even easier. The chances of you finding a better anti-kickback chain at an affordable price are slim.
If you fit it to a 50cc saw, you’d find that you can cut through wood as easily as butter. The Husqvarna 531300439 holds an edge quite well with minimal stretching. Make sure you keep the bar away from snow, rocks, and ice, and you’ll be able to cut all day long.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Excellent performance
- Size: 18-Inch
- Weight: 1.31 pounds
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Pitch & Gauge: .325 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
2. Husqvarna H4684 24-Inch Gauge Saw Chain
This is another product from Husqvarna, which is no surprise. Husqvarna has already made a name for itself with its exceptional outdoor power tools and accessories. Additionally, its chainsaw chains always have high-quality designs.
Most24-inch chainsaws are true wood cutting beasts, but you’ll need the right chainsaw to draw out their maximum performance, and that’’s where the Husqvarna H4684 chain comes in. It delivers the best cutting performance in both easy and demanding tasks.
The Husqvarna H4684 chain is ideal for large chainsaws. It has a 0.050-inch gauge and a 3/8-inch pitch. The chain has 84 drive links, which is why it is great for quickly cutting through wood.
The chain is designed to give you a clean cut so you don’t have to worry about cleaning up debris and chips when you’re done. It has very little vibration and kickback to reduce user fatigue and increase user safety.
The teeth retain their sharp edge quite well, thus minimizing the need for regular sharpening. It can deliver high-performance cuts required for professional work, but it is also ideal for beginners due to its ability to make smooth, clean cuts, and also the fact that it requires little maintenance.
The Husqvarna H4684 is a low-kickback chain that’ll last you a long time. You can use it for some time before it’ll need sharpening, and when that time comes, you’ll find that sharpening this chain is extremely.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Prune, Limb or Cut Firewood
- Size: 24-Inch
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna/Poulan/Weed Eater
- Pitch & Gauge: .375 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
3. 2 PACK 18″ 71-3619 S62 Oregon Chainsaw Chain
This two-pack chain set contains a pair of 18-inch Oregon S62 chainsaw chains. The Oregon S62 is arguably one of the top chainsaw chains on the market. It has a gauge of 0.050 inches, weighs 5.6 ounces, has a pitch of 3/8 inches, and has 62 drive links.
The Oregon S62 is a semi-chisel chain that is excellent for high-precision cutting. It is a heat-treated cutter chain with a unique design that allows it to deliver smoothly finished cuts with very little kickback.
The file diameter of the chain is 5/32, and it is ideal for 30-degree sharpening. It also has a depth gauge of 25/1000. The Oregon S62 is a hard-chromed premium chain made with advanced technology.
With this chain, you’re guaranteed sharp, smooth cuts with few vibrations and little kickback, as well as requiring very little sharpening. The 18-inch Oregon chains in this pack fit perfectly with most of the popular chainsaws available on the market.
They are efficient and lightweight, and great for cutting wood. They aren’t the fastest cutting chains out there. After all, they are safety chains, but they are reliable and durable.
Additional Specification
- Best For: High-precision Cutting
- Size: 18-Inch
- Weight: 0.01 ounces
- Manufacturer: Oregon
- Pitch & Gauge: .(3/8 or .325) x (.043 .050 .058 .063)
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4. Set of 3 Husqvarna 24″ Professional Chainsaw Chain
If you’re looking for an affordable value pack for your money, then this set of three 24-inch professional Husqvarna chainsaw chains is what you need. It comes with three 24-inch Husqvarna chains, each with 84 drive links, a gauge of 0.050 inches, and a pitch of 3/8 inches.
The chains on this value pack are high-performance, low-vibration chains with square corner chisel cutters. They are best for high production of clean-cut wood. It has all the features you’d expect from a Husqvarna chainsaw chain.
The chains in this value pack are a perfect fit for a 24-inch Husqvarna chainsaw. So if you own any one of these chainsaws: the 288XP, 298, 357XP, 359, 362XP, 365, 371, 372XP, 380, 385XP, 394XP, 390XP, 395XP, 2100, 2101, 3120XP, 455 Rancher, 460, 460 Rancher, 560XP, 565XP,570, 575XP, or 576XP, then this value pack is the best thing you can buy.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Affordable
- Size: 24-Inch
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Pitch & Gauge: 3/8 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
5. Oregon H72 ControlCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
For property owners wishing to maintain their home, one of the things they need to juggle is all the small jobs that add up.
The bush that needs trimming, the branch that needs cutting… Soon enough, you’ll end up with a pile of jobs on your hands. With the Oregon H72 ControlCut chainsaw chain, you’ll be able to complete all of these jobs in no time.
It is perfect for light work, is easy to maintain, and gives a smooth cut every single time.
You can also use it for bigger jobs, as the semi-chisel and micro chisel cutting style make it an excellent tool for cutting off the occasional tree limb. It also gives you professional cuts, which makes it an excellent tool for the orchardist and experienced landscaper.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Commercial Cutters
- Size: 18-Inch
- Weight: 10.9 ounces
- Manufacturer: Blount International/Oregon
- Pitch & Gauge: .325 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
6. Oregon H78 ControlCut 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain
We love this product put out by the brand Oregon. This product is 20†long, and it is a low-kickback chain. This chain can fit saw sizes 38-62cc, making it versatile for your needs.
Because of its size, it can accommodate several different brands of chainsaws. At 20â€, it will fit the Echo, Husqvarna, John Deere, Jonsered, Poulan, Sears, and Shindaiwa chain saws.
We recommend using this chain for lighter-duty jobs. If you are looking for something heavier duty, this probably isn’t the chain for you, but if you need something for smaller repairs or maintenance, this chain will offer the perfect amount of power and precision to help you get the job done.
The technology behind this chain offers you longevity, control, and smooth cuts for whatever kind of project you are working on.
The manufacturer, Oregon, boasts in its ControlCut technology, which has a semi-chisel and a Micro Chisel cutting style. The Micro Chisel cutters are low-vibration, which increases the precision of the performance of the chainsaw. The chain also has blued cutters, which help prevent any kind of corrosion outside of your normal wear and tear.
The chain is protected by the company’s LubriTec technology, which means your tools will last longer because they stay lubricated where they need to.
What’s more, the cutters, or, chain saw blades, if you will, are plated with chrome, which doesn’t respond to wear and tear as quickly and is generally a harder surface, which means you don’t have to work so hard to maintain the chain. Less filing? We’ll take it!
Just in case you need to know anything else to be convinced, Oregon boasts of their low vibration technology, which has cut their vibrations by over 25%. Hopefully, the energy is dissipated by the time it reaches the saw, much less the operator. The smoother the ride, the longer and more easily you’ll be able to operate your piece of machinery, so this is a win in our book.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Light-duty Jobs
- Size: 20-Inch
- Weight: 11.99 Ounces
- Manufacturer: Blount International/Oregon
- Pitch & Gauge: .325 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
7. Husqvarna 531300437 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain
This 16†chain is also well-reviewed and loved by many chainsaw enthusiasts. Unlike our last review, this chain is built to be able to handle heavier-duty jobs, so if you have a particularly tough hardwood to get through, or perhaps just a lot of it, this may be the product for you.
Let’s consider the specs: it has a .325 inch pitch, and a .050 inch gauge, and is also a low-vibration chain.
Several reviewers mention how easy it is to sharpen this chain, which isn’t a review you hear often about chainsaw chain options. It starts sharp, stays sharp, and is easy to keep sharp, which is of great importance when working with a product on long projects.
It fits on several different chain saws, which is a plus, but a lot of reviewers rave about the compatibility and smoothness of using Husqvarna products together. If you enjoy a seamless, integrated working experience, and you have a Husqvarna chainsaw, then this might be the product for you.
The more reviews you read about this project, the more examples you will find of this product living up to claims of durability and endurance. Not only can you use it heavily, but it will stay sharp and cut quickly longer than several other chain options.
Speaking of reviews, it is important to take responsibility to make sure that a product will fit the specifications of your tool. Some reviewers have noted that not all of the tool specs listed here are actually compatible with this chain. So although there are a sundry of listed options, make sure to check for yourself whether or not this chain will serve you and the specific make and model of the tool you have. (Also, pro tip: keep your receipt, just in case.)
Additional Specification
- Best For: Heavier-duty Jobs
- Size: 16-Inch
- Weight: 9.6 Ounces
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Pitch & Gauge: .325 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
8. OREGON CUTTING SYSTEMS 2-Pack C Loop Chain
Our next product review is another Oregon product. This chain is 2 inches shorter than the other Oregon product, and this is actually two chains in the same package.
There are all sorts of benefits that come with purchasing this chainset. This product is described as a precision cutting chain. Like the other Oregon product already reviewed, the cutters are plated in chrome and heat-treated. The combination of these factors makes sure the cuts are smooth and fast and ensures kickback is kept to a minimum.
As to be expected, this brand is also compatible with several models of the chainsaw. It will work with Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Husqvarna, John Deere, Makita, McCulloch, Poulan, and Remington models, so you have several options available.
This chain features four-way symmetrical tie straps, which makes the joining of chain loops a lot simpler than other products will boast. The chain pitch is 3/8 inches, and the gauge is .050 inches.
Many reviewers love how easy it is to install, so that is a huge bonus, especially if you are a chainsaw novice. There is a discrepancy among the reviewers regarding how long the sharpness of the blades last – some say it is an enduring sharpness, where others lament needing to sharpen often. This may depend on the length of use and type of use, of course, but also is worth considering when making your purchase.
If your chainsaw uses are few and far between, you may not need to sharpen much. However, if you use a chainsaw often and don’t enjoy this kind of tool maintenance, another product option may be more ideal for you.
Another added bonus: the manufacturer encourages purchasers to look for the gold-colored ID link on their product. This will show a chain replacement part number, so you can reference your previous order to make sure you get exactly the part you need. How handy is that?
Additional Specification
- Best For: Precision Cutting
- Size: 18-Inch
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Manufacturer: TV Non-Branded Items
- Pitch & Gauge: .375 x N/A in.
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What We Didn’t Like:
9. Husqvarna 501842584 H46 24″ Replacement Chain
This is another Husqvarna product, similar to the one we reviewed listed as #2 in this article.
This is a 24 inch loop with a 3/8th inch pitch and a .050 inch gauge. (Remember, some of these measurements can vary from product to product! Making sure you know what the specifications are of your tool, and what you need out of a chain, is the key to achieving success, and avoiding frustration.)
Several reviewers mention quite a bit of kickback upon using this tool, so that is an important note to process and be aware of before purchasing.
Once again, like other products, there is a discrepancy between reviewers regarding how long this chain will last until needing to be sharpened in between uses. Some say it needed sharpening after one or two uses, while others said their chain lasted quite a while.
Other product specs boast a smooth performance via a low vibration bumper drive link, which is always helpful when it comes to tool (and tool user!) longevity. In addition, it is listed as a full chisel chain with 84 drive links.
Like the other Husqvarna product reviewed above, this product is excellently suited for heavier-duty projects. Whether around the house, outside the house, or in your yard, these chains are equipped to get the job done. You might need one or two chains to get through a big project, or a good filing kit depending on just how heavy the wear and tear will be.
Whether you use this as a replacement for the stock chain or you purchase it to keep for a rainy day and/or chainsaw emergency, you are in for a treat with this Husqvarna.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Professionals
- Size: 24-Inch
- Weight: 16 ounces
- Manufacturer: Husqvarna
- Pitch & Gauge: .375 x .050 in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
10. Sun Joe SWJ800E-63 Oregon 8-Inch Replacement Chain
For our last product review, we are looking at a Sun Joe chain. This is the third brand we are introducing into this review, and we love this option.
This is an 8-inch semi-chisel chain. It is designed specifically to fit two Sun Joe chainsaw models, so if you have either the SWJ800E or the SWJ802E chainsaw, then this is the chain for you. As a note, this is by far the shortest chain on the list, and for good reason. It is for a pole chainsaw, which is significantly different than your average chainsaw.
If you are unfamiliar with pole chainsaws, just think of your regular chainsaw… on a stick. No, really! These are lightweight, smaller versions of your regular chainsaw brands to help you get the job done in hard-to-reach places. (Chainsaws and ladders don’t always mix if you know what we’re saying.) There are generally three types of pole chainsaws: battery-powered, cordless saws, corded electric saws, or gas-powered pole saws.
Each of these options may be more or less noisy, more or less equipped with vibration limiting technology, and have longer or shorter pole bars. None of these options are better or worse than the others, so just be aware as you pick out exactly what you need.
This manufacturer boasts a unique cutter design that minimizes kickback and cuts smoothly and quickly, so you can get your job done as quickly and as safely as possible. The semi-chisel chain features a low profile of 3/8th inches.
Reviewers highly recommend this chain and mention that it lasts quite a long time without needing to be sharpened. As a note, a few reviews noted that it does chug some chainsaw oil, but that may be a small price to pay in order to ensure that your machinery works properly.
Several reviewers note that this chain works better than the original chain and that this one was more preferable to work with than the other.
The replacement chain process was quick and easy, and intuitive for the buyer, whether you are a chainsaw expert, or replacing the chain for the first time.
Additional Specification
- Best For: Pole Chainsaw
- Size: 8-Inch
- Weight: 4 ounces
- Manufacturer: Snow Joe LLC
- Pitch & Gauge: 3/8 x N/A in.
What We Like:
What We Didn’t Like:
Chainsaw Chains Comparison Chart
| Name | Best For | Size | Weight | Manufacturer | Pitch |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Husqvarna ChainSaw Chain | Excellent performance | 18-Inch | 1.31 pounds | Husqvarna | .325 |
| Husqvarna H4684 Saw Chain | Prune, Limb or Cut Firewood | 24-Inch | 15.2 ounces | Husqvarna/Poulan/Weed Eater | .375 |
| Oregon Chainsaw Chain | High-precision Cutting | 18-Inch | 0.01 ounces | Oregon | 3/8 |
| Set of 3 Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain | Affordable | 24-Inch | 2 pounds | Husqvarna | 3/8 |
| Oregon H72 Chainsaw Chain | Commercial Cutters | 18-Inch | 10.9 ounces | Blount International/Oregon | .325 |
| Oregon H78 Chainsaw Chain | Light-duty Jobs | 20-Inch | 11.99 Ounces | Blount International/Oregon | .325 |
| Husqvarna 531300437 Chain | Heavier-duty Jobs | 16-Inch | 9.6 Ounces | Husqvarna | .325 |
| OREGON CUTTING Chain | Precision Cutting | 18-Inch | 12 ounces | TV Non-Branded Items | .375 |
| Husqvarna H46 Chain | Professionals | 24-Inch | 16 ounces | Husqvarna | .375 |
| Sun Joe SWJ800E-63 Oregon Chain | Pole Chainsaw | 8-Inch | 4 ounces | Snow Joe LLC | 3/8 |
Chainsaw Chain Types Explained by Our Friend Human.
Final Verdict
There you have it — all you need to know about buying chains and a review of five of chainsaw chains. If you leave your chain to dull, it can cause overheating of the chainsaw assembly, and in turn, shorten the life of your chainsaw.
With this list, you can visit any online shop, purchase any one of these chains, and be at ease knowing you’ve gotten one of the top-rated chainsaw chains on the market.
The buying guide is one of the most important sections in this article, as it’ll give you the proper information you need to make a purchase, so pay close attention to it.
