Best Saw Chain – Top Picks & Guide

Ever watched a lumberjack effortlessly slice through a thick log? That smooth, powerful cut doesn’t just happen. It relies on a hidden hero: the saw chain. If you’ve ever felt frustrated watching your chainsaw struggle, or noticed uneven cuts, you know the pain of a bad chain. Choosing the right one feels like solving a puzzle—there are so many numbers, letters, and styles!

Selecting the wrong chain means more vibration, slower cutting, and faster wear and tear on your expensive saw. It’s the difference between a satisfying afternoon of work and a headache. This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down what those confusing numbers mean and show you exactly how to match the perfect chain to your saw and your job.

Keep reading to become a saw chain expert. By the end, you will confidently pick the best chain every time, making your cutting smoother, safer, and much faster. Let’s dive into the sharp details of saw chain selection.

Top Saw Chain Recommendations

No. 1
6 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 5 Pieces Replacement Chains for Almost 6-inch Cordless Electric Portable Mini Chainsaws, Durable Carbon 6Inch Chainsaw Chains for Pruning Shears and Wood Cutting
  • WHY CHOOSE THESE CHAINS:5-Pack Value- Multiple replacements for long-term use.Smooth, fast cutting with minimal kickback for safety.
  • UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY:Our chainsaw Chain Fits almost all 6-inch mini chainsaws (cordless/corded electric models).Seamless fit with 6-inch guide bars for smooth operation.Greenworks/RYOBI P25013BTL is not applicable.
  • EASY INSTALLATION & ADJUSTMENT:Remove the side cover with a nut driver.Replace the old chain (ensure correct direction).Reattach the cover and adjust tension with a screwdriver.
  • PREMIUM MATERIAL:Premium Manganese Steel Construction.Deeply quenched for extreme durability and high hardness.The service life of the saw chain is longer and smooth.
  • SHARP TEETH:Perfect for garden pruning, firewood, bamboo, PVC pipes, and DIY projects. Sharp, wear-resistant teeth maintain efficiency over time.
No. 2
4 Pack 8 Inch Chainsaw Chain 050" Gauge, 3/8" LP Pitch, 33 Drive Links, 8 Inch Pole Saw Chains Fits for Chicago Sun Joe SWJ800E SWJ806E Portland, Greenworks, Chicago and More- S33
  • [ 4 PACK 8 INCH CHAIN] 3/8" LP Pitch .050" Gauge 33 Drive Links, please check the length and drive links. Suitable for most 8-inch pole saw. This saw chain met the kickback performance requirement of ANSI Standards
  • [ REPLACEMENT FOR ]# S33, SG-S33, 63PM333E, 91EX033 91PJ033X 91PXL033G. FOR Greenworks Pole Saw 20192 Corded 6.5A, 20302 40V, 20612 20V Li-ION, 20352 24V Li-ION, 20672 40V Li-ION, 1400102 24V Li-ION. FOR Kobalt Pole Saw 506891 40V, KPS 80-06 40V, KPS 80-08, KSP 80-07. FOR Remington RM4050B, RM4050. FOR Portland 63190, 62896
  • [ FITS MOST 8" POLE SAW ] This 8 inch replacement chains compatible with Chicago Pole Saw 68862. Sun Joe Pole Chainsaw models SWJ800E SWJ802E SWJ806E iON8PS pole saw. Earthwise CCS30008 Pole saw CPS40108, CPVS41008, LPS40208, PS40008. Harbor Freight, Portland, Kobalt, Remington and more pole saw chainsaws
  • [ SHARP AND STRONG CHAIN ] This 8 inch chainsaw chain is deeply quenched to ensure smooth cutting and optimal lubrication. The service life of the saw chain is longer and smooth, lightweight, wear-resistant, and cuts smoothly
  • [ EASY TO REPLACE ] Use a nut driver to open the side cover, replace the original chain and guide bar with ours, install the side cover and tighten the nut, then use a screwdriver to turn the screw to adjust the tightness of the chain. Please pay attention to the installation direction
No. 3
4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch .050'' Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more
  • Chain Specifications: 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch .050'' Gauge 62 Drive Links.
  • Compatible Brands: Fits most chainsaws brands that run 3/8 Inch Pitch, .050 Inch (1.3 mm) gauge, 62 drive links. Fits Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Husqvarna, Kobalt, McCulloch, Poulan, Remington, 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.
No. 4
Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP Pitch, .050" (1.3 mm) Gauge for 18" (45cm) Bar, 62 Drive Links – Low-kickback Replacement Saw Chain, Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Homelite, Craftsman and more
  • 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗙𝗬 𝗙𝗜𝗧: This saw chain is for chainsaw models that run 3/8" low-profile pitch, .050" (1.3 mm) gauge (guide bar slot), 62 drive links, 18" (45cm) bar and fits chainsaws up to 42cc - DOUBLE CHECK THE CHAINSAW MANUAL & VERIFY THE FIT
  • 𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗪 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗦: Atlas 56937, Craftsman CMXGSAMCN4218, S185, ECHO CS310, Ego CS1800, CS1804, Greenworks GCS80420, Husqvarna 240, 120 Mark II
  • 𝗙𝗜𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗔𝗪 𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗦: Homelite ZR43100, Masterforce 2000094ME, Poulan PR4218, Remington RM1645, Ryobi RY3818, RY40580, RY40580, Sun Joe SWJ701E, and more
  • 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.
No. 5
Seesii Mini Chainsaw, 6-inch Mini Chainsaw Cordless, Handheld Electric Power Chain Saw with 2 Batteries, for Tree Trimming Wood Cutting, Best Gifts for Father, Dad, Husband, Men
  • POWERFUL & SMOOTH CUTTING: SEESII mini chainsaw is equipped with a powerful 900W motor and a precision-hardened chain, achieving chain speeds up to 30ft/s. Cut effortlessly through wood up to 15cm thick in just 7 seconds, as smoothly as a hot knife through butter. Even thicker pieces of wood that other chainsaws struggle with are easily cut. Compared to traditional motors, it offers 30% higher cutting efficiency and doubles the lifespan, saving you the cost of frequent machine replacements.
  • ONE-HANDED OPERATION, WOMEN FRIENDLY: This mini chainsaw cordless weighs only 2.7 pounds, just 23% of the weight of a bulky, large gasoline chainsaw, making it especially suitable for women, the elderly, and arthritis sufferers, preventing fatigue even during long working hours. It's also ideal for DIY beginners, as it's fully assembled; simply insert a fully charged battery to start cutting. The ergonomic design ensures optimal grip, providing both efficiency and a comfortable user experience.
  • LONG-LIFE BATTERY: SEESII pruning saw is equipped with two powerful 21V 2000 mAh batteries, providing up to 80-100 minutes of continuous operation, enough to cut over 100 pieces of wood consecutively. You can cut without worrying about interruptions, even in the field! Suitable for garden pruning, timber cutting, branch trimming, and shrub trimming. Furthermore, higher quality cells and overload and temperature protection features can significantly extend battery life.
  • SAFETY FIRST: The double safety lock of the electic chainsaw prevents accidental activation, and the chain guard effectively prevents debris from flying everywhere. The low-recoil design enhances stability and ensures your safe operation. Its low operating noise ensures it won't disturb neighbors or family members, even when working in the early morning or evening. The perfect combination of powerful performance and thoughtful design makes this chainsaw the ideal assistant for your daily work.
  • OTHERS GIVE YOU CARDBOARD BOXES, SEESII GIVES YOU ARMOR: plastic boxes are easier to carry and store than cardboard boxes, protecting your chainsaw and making it easy to organize accessories. The package includes everything you need: 2 batteries, 1 suitcase, 2 chains (one pre-installed), 2 chainsaw files, 1 oil bottle(oil not included), 1 pair of gloves, 1 charger, 1 nut driver, and 1 screwdriver. With these essentials, you can start working right away without any extra cost or wasted time.
No. 6
SENSILIN Rope Saw for Tree Limbs, 55 Inch Chain Saw with 70 Sharp Teeth & 46 Feet Ropes Kit, High Limb Pocket Chainsaw
  • [A Fully Functional Rope Chainsaw Kit]: This Rope chain saw kit contains 16 different items, everything you need for Tree Trimming, a rope saw for tree limbs & a portable pocket chainsaw.
  • [Upgrade 55 Inch Both Sides 70 Teeth]: Upgraded 55 inch hand rope chainsaw is made of high strength carbon steel, 70 sharp teeth evenly distributed on both sides of the saw. Upgraded SENSILIN rope saw can cut thicker trunks and has higher cutting efficiency than others.
  • [Better Functionality & Durability]: Our high limb rope saw can cut both High & Low lying Branches. You can cut 15-17 Inches trunks in a matter of minutes. This is a good investment, you can save Hundreds of Dollars on Tree Service with rope tree saw.
  • [Cut Both Thick & Thin Trees]: Bidirectional cutting function, which can spit out sawdust to keep chain from bogging down when you saw trees back and forth. It can easily tear through wood while cutting on both stroke rotations.
  • [Package List]: 55 Inch 70 Teeth Rope Chainsaw + 2×23 Feet Ropes + 1×Thickened Throw Bag + 2×Hand Wrist Strap + 5×Metal Carabiner + Gloves + Round File + 2×Handle.
No. 7
4 Pack 14 Inch Chainsaw Chain 52 Drive Links, .050" Gauge, 3/8" LP pitch, 14-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Chains Low-Kickback Fits Craftsman, Echo, Poulan, Ryobi, Worx 14 inch Chainsaw Chains
  • 4 PACK 14 INCH CHAIN: 3/8" LP Pitch .050" Gauge 52 Drive Links, please check the length and drive links, to ensure this 14 inch chain works with your machine. Suitable for most 14-inch pole saw. This saw chain met the kickback performance requirement of ANSI Standards.
  • REPLACEMENT CHAINS FOR 14-INCH CHAINSAW CHAIN Compatible for most chainsaw, Compatible for Craftsman, Echo, Ryobi, Poulan, Homelite, Husqvarna, Remington, Earthwise, Makita, Chicago, Greenworks, Sun Joe, Worx, etc. Compatible for 14 inch chainsaw chain 3/8" LP Pitch .050" Gauge 52 Drive Links pole saw.
  • LOW KICKBACK CUTS SMOOTHLY: 14 inch chainsaw chain is deeply quenched to ensure smooth cutting and optimal lubrication. The service life of the saw chain is longer, wear-resistant, cuts smoothly and fast with minimum kickback. With high hardness, the carving chains are not easy to break, durable and practical.
  • 14 INCH CHAINSAW CHAINS COMPATIBLE FOR Craftsman S145, S1450, CMECS614, Echo CS310. Greenworks - 12A Electric 20022, 12A Electric 20232, 2020902ME, 9A Electric 20012, 9A Electric 20222. Sun Joe SWJ699E, SWJ701E. Poulan PR4218, PL3314. Ryobi RY3714, RY40503, RY40530, RY43006. Makita UC4051A, XCU03, XCU04.etc.
  • EASY TO INSTALL AND REPLACE, stronger connection, Heat treated and quenched rivets make stronger connection between chain links. This 14-inch pole saw chain has a product warranty. If you have any questions about this 14 inch replacement chain, please feel free to contact us.

Choosing the Right Saw Chain: Your Complete Buying Guide

A saw chain is the sharp, moving part of your chainsaw. It does all the cutting work. Choosing the right chain matters a lot for safety and how well your saw cuts. This guide helps you pick the perfect one.

Key Features to Look For

When you buy a new saw chain, look closely at these three main features:

1. Pitch

Pitch measures the distance between the drive links on the chain. It is measured in inches (like 3/8″ or .325″). The pitch must exactly match your chainsaw’s sprocket and bar. If the pitch is wrong, the chain will not fit or will damage your saw.

2. Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive links. This is also measured in inches (like .050″ or .058″). The gauge must match the groove on your guide bar. A chain that is too thin will wobble. A chain that is too thick will get stuck.

3. Looper Count (Number of Drive Links)

This is simply how many teeth or links the chain has. This number determines the length of the chain. It must match the cutting length of your guide bar. Always buy a chain with the correct number of links for your bar length.

Important Materials and Construction

Saw chains get very hot and hit hard wood. They need tough materials to last.

  • Steel Quality: Most good chains use high-grade alloy steel. This steel resists wear and keeps the cutting edges sharp longer.
  • Chrome Plating: The cutting teeth are often coated with hard chrome. This plating makes the edges much harder. Hard edges cut better and resist dulling from dirt and knots.
  • Rivets and Links: The small pins (rivets) that hold the chain together must be strong. Poor rivets fail quickly under stress. Look for robust, well-seated rivets.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all chains cut the same way. The design of the cutters makes a big difference.

Cutter Style

Chains usually have one of three main cutting styles:

  • Full Chisel: These offer the fastest, cleanest cut, especially in clean, soft wood. They dull faster if they hit dirt or knots.
  • Semi Chisel: These are more common for general use. They cut slightly slower than full chisel but handle dirty wood or occasional contact with the ground better.
  • Low Profile (or Safety Chain): These chains cut slower but are designed to reduce the chance of dangerous kickback. They are often required for smaller, less powerful saws.

Quality Reducers: Chains made with weak steel or thin chrome plating will dull rapidly. If the chain stretches too much after just a few uses, the quality is low.

User Experience and Use Cases

Your intended use changes the best chain choice.

  • Felling Large Trees (Professional Use): You need maximum speed and durability. Choose a full chisel chain with high-quality chrome and a large pitch (e.g., 3/8″).
  • Limbing and Bucking (Homeowner Use): Versatility is key. A semi-chisel chain works well for mixed cutting tasks around the yard.
  • Trimming Small Branches or Pruning: A low-profile chain might be suitable for safety on small jobs, even if the cutting speed is slower.

A good chain feels smooth when running. It should cut without excessive vibration. If the chain chatters or digs unevenly, the grind angle might be poor, or the chain might be low quality.


Saw Chain Buying Guide FAQs

Q: How do I measure the pitch of my existing chain?

A: Measure the distance from the center of one rivet to the center of the third rivet, then divide that number by two. This gives you the pitch in inches. For example, 7.25 inches divided by two equals 3.625 inches, which is a 3/8″ pitch.

Q: Can I use a chain with the wrong gauge?

A: No, you should not. If the gauge is too small, the chain will wobble in the bar groove. If the gauge is too large, the chain will not fit onto the bar groove properly.

Q: What does “kickback” mean?

A: Kickback is when the chainsaw suddenly jerks back toward the operator. Low-profile chains help reduce this danger, making them safer for beginners.

Q: How often should I sharpen my chain?

A: Sharpen your chain whenever you notice the saw starts cutting slowly, or if you have to push the saw to make it cut. For heavy use, this might be daily; for light use, it might be every few hours of cutting.

Q: Are expensive chains always better?

A: Usually, yes. Higher-priced chains use better steel and stronger chrome plating. This means they stay sharp longer, which saves you time sharpening.

Q: What is a drive link?

A: The drive link is the small piece on the bottom of the chain that fits into the groove of the guide bar and is driven by the sprocket.

Q: Should I buy a chain with more chrome plating?

A: Yes, more durable chrome plating means the cutting edge stays sharp longer, especially when cutting hard wood or wood with dirt on it.

Q: What is the best chain type for cutting firewood?

A: A semi-chisel chain is often the best choice for cutting firewood. It balances sharpness with the ability to handle wood that might have dirt or grit on it.

Q: Can I switch between different pitches on the same saw?

A: No. You can only use one pitch on your saw. You must also change the sprocket and possibly the guide bar if you switch to a different pitch size.

Q: When should I replace the entire chain instead of just sharpening it?

A: Replace the chain if the rivets are loose, if the links are stretched so they no longer sit flat, or if too much metal has been ground away during sharpening.

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