Ever heard that satisfying *whirr* as a chainsaw bites deep into wood? That sound means power and efficiency, but it all depends on one crucial, often overlooked part: the chain. Selecting the correct chain for your saw feels like solving a puzzle. Do you need a full chisel or a semi-chisel? What about the pitch and gauge? Get it wrong, and your powerful tool becomes slow, dangerous, or worse—it might not even fit.
Choosing the wrong chain causes frustrating problems. Dull chains rip wood instead of cutting it smoothly, slowing down your work and making you tired. Incorrect sizing can lead to dangerous kickback or cause the chain to jump off the bar completely. These aren’t just minor annoyances; they waste time and can lead to serious safety risks when you are tackling tough jobs.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down the essential chain terms—pitch, gauge, and cutter type—into simple, easy-to-understand language. By the end of this article, you will confidently match the perfect chain to your chainsaw and your task, ensuring smooth, fast, and safe cutting every single time. Let’s dive into the sharp details of chainsaw chains.
Top Chain Saw Chain Recommendations
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】 3 Pack 16 Inch, 3/8" LP Pitch, .050" Gauge, 56 Drive Links, semi-chisel. This saw chain met the kickback performance requirements of ANSl B175.1-2012 when tested according to the provisions of ANSl B175.1-2012. Low kickback saw chain meets the kickback performance requirements of CSA Standard Z62.3.
- 【FIND YOUR CHAIN】Check the owner's manual or the guide bar side stamp to find the PITCH, GAUGE, LENGTH and DRIVE LINK NUMBER and select the chain according to these parameters. You are also welcome to contact the KAKEI Customer Support with the chainsaw/bar part number, we are always ready to assist you. (Visit the KAKEI Store for all 60+ sizes)
- 【Features】 Germany steel with heating temperature control and punching system make better toughness, Flatness. All saw chain rivets hardened and quenched, resists wear and improves strength, reducing chain tension changes.
- 【Features】Japanese chrome-plated technology creates better durability for cutters, and each of them was grinded and cold-headed with Rotary machines, becomes sharper than ever.
- Saw chain comes with protective oil, resists corrosion.
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】 3 Pack 18 Inch, 3/8" LP Pitch, .050" Gauge, 62 Drive Links, semi-chisel. This saw chain met the kickback performance requirements of ANSl B175.1-2012 when tested according to the provisions of ANSl B175.1-2012. Low kickback saw chain meets the kickback performance requirements of CSA Standard Z62.3.
- 【FIND YOUR CHAIN】Check the owner's manual or the guide bar side stamp to find the PITCH, GAUGE, LENGTH and DRIVE LINK NUMBER and select the chain according to these parameters. You are also welcome to contact the KAKEI Customer Support with the chainsaw/bar part number, we are always ready to assist you. (Visit the KAKEI Store for all 60+ sizes)
- 【Features】 Germany steel with heating temperature control and punching system make better toughness, Flatness. All saw chain rivets hardened and quenched, resists wear and improves strength, reducing chain tension changes.
- 【Features】Japanese chrome-plated technology creates better durability for cutters, and each of them was grinded and cold-headed with Rotary machines, becomes sharper than ever.
- Saw chain comes with protective oil, resists corrosion.
- 【SPECIFICATIONS】 3 Pack 16 Inch, 3/8" LP Pitch, .043" Gauge, 55 Drive Links, semi-chisel, your bar may take .043" or .050" gauge chain, verify gauge before purchasing. This saw chain met the kickback performance requirements of ANSl B175.1-2012 when tested according to the provisions of ANSl B175.1-2012. Low kickback saw chain meets the kickback performance requirements of CSA Standard Z62.3.
- 【FIND YOUR CHAIN】Check the owner's manual or the guide bar side stamp to find the PITCH, GAUGE, LENGTH and DRIVE LINK NUMBER and select the chain according to these parameters. You are also welcome to contact the KAKEI Customer Support with the chainsaw/bar part number, we are always ready to assist you. (Visit the KAKEI Store for all 60+ sizes)
- 【Features】 Germany steel with heating temperature control and punching system make better toughness, Flatness. All saw chain rivets hardened and quenched, resists wear and improves strength, reducing chain tension changes.
- 【Features】Japanese chrome-plated technology creates better durability for cutters, and each of them was grinded and cold-headed with Rotary machines, becomes sharper than ever.
- Saw chain comes with protective oil, resists corrosion.
- PRODUCT INCLUDE - 5pack 18 inch chainsaw chain 3/8" LP Pitch .050" Gauge 62 Drive Links, please check the length and drive links, to ensure this 18 inch chain works with your machine.
- MATERIALS - Premium industrial hard chrome outer layer helps reduce wear and chain adjustments for better durability. Hardened rivets provide a stronger connection between chain links, adding strength and withstanding loads.
- SMOOTH - The 18 inch replacement saw chain cuts smooth and fast with minimum kickback.Low-vibration chain helps reduce user fatigue and allows consistent cuts.
- FITS CHAINSAW BRANDS - 18 INCH CHAINSAW CHAINS Replace Craftsman/Sears、Echo、Homelite、Kobalt、McCulloch、Poulan、Remington、Greenworks、Ryobi
- DURABLE - Great Cutting Performance,low - kickback, low-vibration chain helps reduce user fatigue and allows consistent cuts.expedite the heat dissipation rate, for less friction and longer life.
- Chain Specifications: 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, .325" Pitch, .050'' Gauge, 72 Drive Links.
- Compatible Brands: Fits Husqvarna 435, 440, 445, Echo, Makita, Poulan, Ryobi and more.
- Smooth Cutting: High toughness, heat-treated semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly with a higher tolerance for debris. Low-kickback, low-vibration chain helps reduce user fatigue and allows consistent cuts.
- Wear Resistant: Premium industrial hard chrome outer layer helps reduce wear and chain adjustments for better durability. Hardened rivets provide a stronger connection between chain links, adding strength and withstanding loads.
- Note: Please verify your parameters to ensure this chain fits your chainsaw.
- Chain Specifications: 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch .043'' Gauge 56 Drive Links.
- Compatible Brands: Fits most chainsaws brands that run 3/8 Inch Pitch, .043 Inch (1.1 mm) gauge, 56 drive links. Fits Milwaukee, EGO, DeWalt, Greenworks, Makita , Poulan, Craftsman, etc.
- Smooth Cutting: High toughness, heat-treated semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly with a higher tolerance for debris. Low-kickback, low-vibration chain helps reduce user fatigue and allows consistent cuts.
- Wear Resistant: Premium industrial hard chrome outer layer helps reduce wear and chain adjustments for better durability. Hardened rivets provide a stronger connection between chain links, adding strength and withstanding loads.
- Note: Please verify your parameters to ensure this chain fits your chainsaw.
- 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗧: This saw chain is for chainsaw models that run 3/8" low-profile pitch, .050" (1.3 mm) gauge (guide bar slot), 56 drive links, 16" (40cm) bar and fits chainsaws up to 42cc - DOUBLE CHECK THE CHAINSAW MANUAL & VERIFY THE FIT
- 𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗪 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗦: Craftsman/Sears 358.34116, 358.35161, 358.35170, 358.35514, 358.38070, 358.38160, 38.38170, Echo (only when used with Oregon branded bars) CS-310, CS-330T, CS-346, CS-352, CS-355T, CS-360T, CS-370, CS-400, CS-3400, CS-3450
- 𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗪 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗦: Husqvarna 136*, 137*, 142*, 235E*, 240*, 240E*, 334T, 335T, 338XPT*, 339XP*, T435, T540XP (*Ensure your model has a 3/8” low profile sprocket), Greenworks 20022, 20232, CS60L210, CS60L00, CS80L211, and CS80L01
- 𝗟𝗢𝗪 𝗞𝗜𝗖𝗞𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞: Bumper drive link paired with depth gauge design, offers reduced kickback with strong performance
- 𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗢𝗡 𝗤𝗨𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬: The original pioneer and inventor of modern saw chain since 1947. Designed and engineered in the USA.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw Chain: Your Buying Guide
A chainsaw chain is the sharp part that does all the cutting. Getting the right one matters a lot for safety and how fast you work. This guide helps you pick the best chain for your saw and your job.
Key Features to Look For
Several important features define a good chainsaw chain. Look closely at these before you buy:
- Pitch: This measures the distance between the drive links (the little bumps on the bottom that fit into the bar groove). It is usually measured in inches (e.g., 3/8″ or .325″). You must match your chain pitch exactly to your saw’s drive sprocket and guide bar.
- Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive link. It needs to fit snugly into the groove on your guide bar. Common gauges are .050″, .058″, and .063″. A wrong gauge causes binding or falling off.
- Type of Cut (Chain Style): Chains come in different tooth shapes. Full-chisel teeth cut very fast but dull quickly. Semi-chisel teeth cut a bit slower but stay sharp longer, making them great for general use and dirtier wood.
- Number of Drive Links: This tells you how long your chain is. It must match the cutting length of your guide bar. More links mean a longer bar, which means more cutting capacity.
Important Materials Used
The material makes the chain strong and sharp.
Most quality chains use high-grade alloy steel. This steel resists wear and chipping. Better chains often use chrome plating on the cutting edges. Chrome makes the teeth much harder. Harder teeth stay sharp longer, even when cutting tough wood.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What makes one chain better than another?
Quality Enhancers
- Hardness: Very hard steel resists dulling. This saves you time sharpening.
- Lubrication Channels: Some chains have small grooves or holes built into the drive links. These channels help carry oil evenly along the entire bar and chain, which reduces friction and heat.
- Raker Depth (Depth Gauge): This small metal bump sits just ahead of the cutting tooth. A properly set raker controls how much wood the tooth takes on a single pass. Good chains have consistent raker heights.
Quality Reducers
- Soft Steel: Cheap chains use softer steel. These dull very fast, especially in dirty wood or frozen timber.
- Poor Rivets: The rivets hold the chain links together. If the rivets are weak or poorly seated, the chain can stretch or even break apart under heavy load. This is very dangerous.
- Inconsistent Manufacturing: If the pitch or gauge is slightly off, the chain will not run smoothly. This causes vibration and extra wear on your saw’s bar and clutch.
User Experience and Use Cases
Your intended use changes what chain you need.
For Light Home Use (Pruning, small firewood): You can usually use a standard semi-chisel chain. It is forgiving and easy to maintain with a simple file. Durability is less of a concern here.
For Professional or Heavy Use (Felling large trees, construction): You need a full-chisel chain made from hardened, chrome-plated steel. These chains cut faster, which saves professional users time and money. They require more frequent and careful sharpening, though.
For Dirty or Frozen Conditions: Always choose a robust chain with a slightly larger raker setting. The larger gap helps clear sawdust and chips better, preventing the chain from jamming when cutting frozen wood or wood with dirt/sand contamination.
Chainsaw Chain Buying Guide FAQ
Q: How do I find the correct pitch for my saw?
A: Check the numbers stamped on the side of your guide bar. The pitch is usually listed there. You can also check your chainsaw’s owner’s manual. Never guess the pitch.
Q: What is the difference between a “skip chain” and a “full complement chain”?
A: A full complement chain has a cutter on every drive link. A skip chain skips every other drive link. Skip chains are usually used for cutting very soft wood or when cutting in very dirty conditions because they throw chips farther and reduce the chance of clogging.
Q: Can I use a longer chain than my bar recommends?
A: No. You must use the exact number of drive links that matches your bar length. Using a chain that is too long causes it to bunch up or fall off the guide bar, which can seriously damage your saw or cause injury.
Q: How often should I sharpen my chain?
A: A good rule is to sharpen the chain every time you refill your fuel tank, or any time you notice the saw starts pushing itself rather than cutting cleanly. If you have to force the saw, it needs sharpening.
Q: Is buying a cheap chain ever okay?
A: For very occasional, light use, a cheap chain might work. However, for safety and efficiency, it is always better to invest in a quality chain. Cheap chains dull quickly and may fail under stress.
Q: What is “chain stretch”?
A: Chain stretch is not the actual metal stretching. It happens when the rivets and pins connecting the links become loose due to wear. This causes the chain to run loosely on the bar and requires replacement.
Q: What is the purpose of the “bumper spike” or “dogs” on a chainsaw bar?
A: The bumper spike is the metal hook near the front of the bar. You use it as a pivot point when cutting large logs. You brace the spike against the wood and use the saw’s power to help pull the saw through the cut.
Q: Does chain material affect vibration?
A: Yes. A well-made chain with tight, consistent rivets runs smoother. Smoother running reduces harmful vibration felt by the user, making long cutting sessions safer and less tiring.
Q: My new chain keeps falling off. What is wrong?
A: This usually means one of two things: either the chain tension is too loose, or the gauge is incorrect for your bar groove. Always check your tension first. Then, double-check that the gauge thickness matches the bar groove exactly.
Q: What is the best way to store a chainsaw chain?
A: Clean off all excess sawdust and oil. Apply a light coating of clean bar oil to prevent rust. Store it in a dry place, perhaps in its original packaging or a dedicated tool box, away from moisture.