A chainsaw chain will last you for years but when you use your chainsaw or pole saw a lot, its teeth or cutters can lose their sharpness and effectiveness over time. The good news is, there are plenty of replacement chainsaw chains available to suit a range of chainsaw brands. But not all chainsaw chains are designed to suit all types of projects.
Whether you use your chainsaw for light-duty garden maintenance or cutting up firewood, medium-duty tasks like trimming storm-damaged trees, or you are a professional apiarist, choosing the right chain for your particular chainsaw is extremely important.
Once you have found the perfect chain, you will improve your productivity and cut through any type of wood amazingly fast!
The 10 Best Chainsaw Chains
- WORX 50022070 WA0161 6-inch Chainsaw Chain
- Oregon S33 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Chainsaw Chain
- SUNGATOR 3-Pack 10-inch Chainsaw Chain
- Oregon S52 AdvanceCut 14-Inch Chainsaw Chain
- Oregon S62T AdvanceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain (Our Top Pick)
- Oregon D72 AdvanceCut 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain
- Stihl 3610 005 0055 16-inch Chainsaw Chain 2-pack
- Tallox 18-inch Chainsaw Chain 3-pack
- Husqvarna 18-inch Cadena Chainsaw Chain
- Husqvarna 20-inch Chainsaw Chain
Our Top Pick for the Best Chainsaw Chain
Our top pick for the best chainsaw chain is the Oregon AdvanceCut 18-inch Chainsaw Chain.
This superb chainsaw chain from Oregon has been awarded the top prize of being the best chain for your chainsaw as it has all the necessary features you need to work smarter.
Whether you choose the 18-inch chain or another size from Oregon’s AdvanceCut range, you will experience the same reliability, durability and ground-breaking cutting performance that Oregon is famous for.
Check the price on AmazonHow to Choose the Best Chainsaw Chain
Types of Chainsaw Chains
Chainsaw chains come in two basic designs; the full chisel and the semi-chisel.
– Full-Chisel
A full-chisel chainsaw chain like the Tallox 18-inch Chainsaw Chain 3-pack has square-shaped teeth that make fast and aggressive cuts into hardwood fibers easily.
While these types of chains are ideal for demanding tasks, the teeth on a full-chisel chain can dull faster than the teeth on a semi-chisel chain and the teeth may get stuck in softwood.
– Semi-Chisel
A semi-chisel chainsaw chain like the Oregon 18-inch Chainsaw Chain is very popular with chainsaw enthusiasts as the slightly rounded edges on the teeth can cut easily through most types of wood. It is a great all-round chain that is perfect for most people’s needs.
More importantly, the rounded shape of the teeth also helps to maintain the chain’s sharpness for longer. This type of chain may have problems with cutting thick hardwood.
Performance
A chainsaw chain must be made from super strong carbide steel or high-strength German steel which is solid, durable, and corrosion-resistant.
Manufacturers may also use chrome plating and hardened rivets which creates a stronger load-bearing surface, as well as minimizing corrosion and chain stretch.
Size
Although most chainsaw chains are made by chainsaw manufactures to suit their own brand, some chains can fit other types of chainsaws. Just make sure that the chain is the right size for your chainsaw’s guide bar. There is a wide range of sizes available such as 6, 8, 10 14, 18, and 20-inches.
Aside from the size of the guide bar, you need to check that the new chain has the same pitch, gauge, and number of drive links as the old chain.
Number of Drive Links
The drive links are the parts that secure the chain onto the guide bar and they are located on the bottom of the chain. As the number of drive links may not be displayed on the guide bar, you can find this out easily by counting them on your old chain.
Pitch
Pitch refers to the distance or space between the chain’s drive links. The most common pitch sizes are 1/4, 3/8, or low profile 3/8-inches. These types of chains are ideal for general home use or light commercial tasks. A wider .404-inch pitch is better suited for more heavy-duty tasks.
If the pitch is not displayed on the guide bar, you can contact the manufacturer.
Gauge
The gauge refers to the width of the groove where the chain fits into the guide bar. Gauge sizes are normally .063 or .050-inches. It is important that the gauge is correct otherwise the chain will not fit properly on the guide bar.
Like the pitch, the gauge is displayed on the guide bar. If you cannot find it, just contact the manufacturer for the details.
Anti-vibration and Anti-kickback Design
A quality chainsaw chain will reduce vibration and kickback as much as possible. If the chain produces too much vibration or kickback when the guide bar gets stuck in a piece of wood, it will not only cause you grief while you work but can also affect the chain’s cutting performance.
For more detailed explanations on pitch, gauge, and size, this informative article will illustrate the concepts in further detail.
Best Chainsaw Chain Reviews
1. WORX 50022070 WA0161 6-inch Chainsaw Chain
If you have just bought yourself a new JawSaw to cut up logs or trim storm-damaged trees, the WORX 50022070 WA0161 6-inch Chainsaw Chain is the perfect match for this cutting dynamo.
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.
WORX offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the chainsaw chain.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- 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
- Safe and efficient cutting performance
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not designed for standard chainsaws
- Not ideal for heavy-duty cutting
2. Oregon S33 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Whether you need to complete occasional yard work or trim storm-damaged trees, the Oregon S33 AdvanceCut 8-inch Chainsaw Chain is a great fit for light-duty tasks.
The 8-inch chain has a low-profile 3/8-inch pitch, a .050-inch gauge, 33 drive links and it fits Chicago, Earthwise, Greenworks or Sun Joe chainsaws up to 42 cc’s.
This solid steel chain features industrial hardened chrome-plated teeth that deliver better cutting power and long-term durability. The harder surface also means you will spend more time cutting and less time filling, grinding and adjusting the chain.
Oregon’s special LubriTech Oiling System keeps the chain gliding along smoothly as you cut tree limbs or small logs.
The S33 has a low kickback and low vibration design which reduces vibrations by 25% or more so it is extremely easy to work with.
Oregon offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the chainsaw chain.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Ideal for light-duty tasks
- Designed for Chicago, Earthwise, Greenworks or Sun Joe chainsaws
- Solid steel construction
- Industrial hardened chrome-plated teeth deliver better cutting power and long-term durability
- Less time filling or grinding the chain
- Fewer chain adjustments
- LubriTec Oiling System ensures a smooth performance
- Low kickback and low vibration design reduces vibrations by 25%
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Not ideal for heavy-duty tasks
- Short 30-day money-back guarantee
3. SUNGATOR 3-Pack 10-inch Chainsaw Chain
Whether you use a chainsaw or a pole saw, SUNGATOR 10-inch Chainsaw Chain 3-pack is ideal for light-duty tree maintenance or cutting logs for firewood.
The SUNGATOR chains are specifically designed for Remington, Craftsman, Poulan, WORX, Ryobi, Troy-Bilt, Earthwise, and Greenworks models. But as these chainsaw chains have a .050-inch gauge, 3/8 pitch, and 40 drive links, they can be used with other similar size saws. Just make sure your chainsaw has the same parameters.
Made from premium high-grade steel, the chains offer you a professional cutting performance for use on various trees and wood types. The semi-chisel design is dirt- and dust-resistant and stays sharper than other cutters. Each rivet has been heat-treated for long-lasting hardness. Premium industrial hard chrome plating means better wear resistance and anti-rust oil prevents corrosion.
You will be able to work comfortably as the chains have a low vibration design that reduces vibration by 20% or more.
Pros
- High quality
- Excellent value for money
- Affordable price
- Fits a wide range of chainsaws and pole saws
- Professional cutting performance
- Can be used on various trees and wood types
- Premium high-grade German steel
- Semi-chisel design is dirt and dust resistant and stays sharper than other cutters
- Each rivet has been heat-treated for long-lasting hardness
- Premium industrial hard chrome plating
- Better wear resistance
- Anti-rust oil prevents corrosion
- Reduces vibration by 20% or more
- Handy 3-pack
Cons
- Does not fit Ryobi models very well
- Can have a noticeable kickback with some types of wood
4. Oregon S52 AdvanceCut 14-Inch Chainsaw 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.
Engineered for reliable safety and comfort, the S52 produces low kickback and minimal vibration. It also features four-way symmetrical tie straps which simplify the joining of chain loops. The special LubriTec Oiling system keeps the chain well-oiled and delivering a smooth precise cutting action.
Oregon offers the chainsaw chain in a 1-pack, 2-pack, and a 4-pack, and the chain is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- 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
- Minimizes chain stretch
- Less time filling or grinding the chain
- AdvanceCut technology allows for tougher, sharper teeth
- Produces low kickback and minimal vibration
- Four-way symmetrical tie straps
- LubriTec Oiling system
- Smooth precise cutting action
- Available in a 1, 2, or 4-pack
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Requires frequent sharpening after extended use
- Not ideal for heavy-duty use
- Short 30-day money-back guarantee
5. 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.
Oregon has designed a solid and durable steel chain that keeps your chainsaw performing at its very best. AdvanceCut technology allows for tougher, sharper teeth. Industrial hard chrome plating and hardened rivets create a stronger load-bearing surface. You will be able to spend more time cutting and less time filling, grinding or adjusting the chain.
Engineered for your safety and comfort, the S62 produces minimal kickback and vibration.
The smart LubriTech Oiling System will make sure that the chain cuts through wood like butter every time.
Oregon offers the S62T in a 1-pack or a 2-pack, and the chainsaw chain is covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Excellent price
- Ideal for home outdoor maintenance and landscape professionals
- Fits Craftsman, Homelite, Echo, Husqvarna, McCulloch, Poulan, and Remington
- Solid and durable steel chain
- Creates clean and precise cuts
- AdvanceCut technology
- Industrial hard chrome plating and hardened rivets
- Stronger load-bearing surface
- Less filling, grinding or adjusting the 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
Cons
- Might be a bit long for some chainsaw models
- Short 30-day money-back guarantee
6. Oregon D72 AdvanceCut 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain
The Oregon D72 AdvanceCut 20-inch Chainsaw Chain is the perfect replacement chain for Husqvarna, Remington, Makita, Stihl and other types of 50-100 cc chainsaws.
Featuring a dependable design, the D72 chainsaw is well suited for DIY home maintenance enthusiasts, arborists, commercial cutters, farmers and loggers.
Highly versatile, the D72 can handle both light-duty maintenance work and tougher tasks like trimming storm-damaged trees. It has a .050-inch gauge, a 3/8-inch pitch, and 72 drive links.
The steel chain features AdvanceCut technology, industrial hard chrome plating and hardened steel rivets, which makes it solid and durable. This superior design means you will spend more time cutting and less time adjusting the chain.
This chain is very easy to work with as it produces less vibration and has a low kickback design.
The special LubriTec Oiling System keeps the chain well oiled so it will glide along easily with less friction.
Oregon offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the chainsaw chain.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Very affordable price
- Perfect fit for Husqvarna, Remington, Makita, Stihl chainsaws and other types of 50-100 cc chainsaws
- Ideal for light-duty garden maintenance and some tougher tasks
- AdvanceCut Technology
- Industrial hard chrome plating
- Hardened rivets
- Solid and durable steel
- Less filling, grinding and adjusting the chain
- Very good sharpness
- LubriTec Oiling System
- Less chain stretch
- 30-money-back guarantee
Cons
- May be too small for some Remington and Husqvarna models
- Short 30-day money-back guarantee
7. Stihl 3610 005 0055 16-inch Chainsaw Chain 2-pack
The Stihl 3610 005 0055 Chainsaw Chain 2-pack is ideal for residential or commercial tree maintenance.
Each 16-inch chain has a 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge, and 55 drive links and fits Stihl chainsaws or pole pruners, but you can use the chain for other chainsaws of the same size as well.
The semi-chisel chains are made from strong and durable steel and the teeth stay sharp for a long time.
Featuring a smooth-cutting performance, the Stihl chains are very user-friendly and the guide bar’s narrow kerf produces a low-kickback even in thicker wood.
To make sure you get the right-sized chainsaw chain for your chainsaw, check out the Saw Chain Selection & Identification Chart on the Stihl website.
Stihl offers a limited lifetime warranty on the chainsaw chain pack.
Pros
- High quality
- Very good value for money
- Good price
- Specially designed for Stihl chainsaws or pole pruners
- Can be used for other chainsaw brands
- Perfect for tree maintenance
- Strong and durable steel
- Long-lasting sharp teeth
- Smooth-cutting performance
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Produces a low kickback in thicker wood
- Limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- Some chains have been delivered in unmarked boxes
- Not strong enough for cutting through logs or hardwood
- Better suited for Stihl chainsaws
8. Tallox 18-inch Chainsaw Chain 3-pack
The Tallox 18-inch Chainsaw Chain 3-pack is an excellent choice for any DIY home maintenance enthusiast or an arborist who uses a Stihl chainsaw.
If your chainsaw is not cutting as well as it used to, the Tallox chainsaw chain will transform its performance.
Although this full-chisel saw chain is specifically designed for Stihl chainsaw 025, MS250, and MS251, it can also fit other chainsaws that have 18-inch guide bars that require a chain with a .325-inch pitch, .063-inch gauge, and 68 drive links.
Whether you plan to cut tree limbs, cut large logs for firewood, or cut down a tree, the Tallox chainsaw chain can do it all. Featuring high-strength tempered German steel, hardened rivets, and sharp chrome-plated teeth, this chain cuts fast with minimal vibration through thicker wood and also minimizes any strain on your chainsaw.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Affordable price
- Ideal for DIY gardening maintenance, a farm or an arborist
- Fits a wide range of light to midweight chainsaws
- High strength tempered German steel
- Hardened rivets
- Chrome-plated teeth
- Very good sharpness
- Cuts fast with minimal vibration through thicker wood
- Minimizes any strain on a chainsaw
- Cuts fast and smoothly through thick tree limbs and logs
- Handy 3-pack
Cons
- Can grab aggressively when a cut is started
- No mention of a money-back guarantee or warranty
9. Husqvarna 18-inch Cadena Chainsaw Chain
If you own a Husqvarna chainsaw, the Husqvarna 18-inch Cadena Chainsaw Chain offers you amazing tool versatility, superior design, and maximum performance.
The Cadena chain has a .325-inch pitch, 050-inch gauge, and 72 drive links and it fits 17 different Husqvarna chainsaws!
Perfect for arborists or people who use smaller chainsaws in a high-production environment, the Husqvarna chainsaw chain is very reliable and will empower you to get the best results possible.
Rugged, sturdy, and durable, this steel chain is long-lasting and its sharp teeth cut through wood like butter.
You will be able to complete any project with ease as the Husqvarna chainsaw chain has a low kickback and low vibration design. As the chain fits securely onto the guide bar, you do not have have to worry about making continual adjustments.
The chainsaw chain is available in a 2-bundle, a 4-bundle, and black or orange/gray.
Husqvarna offers a 90-day money-back warranty on the chainsaw chain.
Pros
- Great quality
- Excellent value for money
- Very affordable price
- Fits 17 different Husqvarna models
- Perfect for arborists and for users who use smaller-size chainsaws in high-production environments
- Reliable
- Unmatched performance
- Rugged, sturdy, and durable steel chain
- Low kickback and low-vibration chain
- Sharp, long-lasting teeth cut through wood like butter
- Secure fit requires minimal adjustments
- Available in a 2 or 4-bundle pack and black or orange/gray
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Cuts slower when used with hardwoods like hickory and oak
- Might be a bit small for some Husqvarna models
- Designed for Husqvarna chainsaws only
10. Husqvarna 20-inch Chainsaw Chain
The Husqvarna 20-inch chainsaw chain is a great choice for commercial cutters, arborists, and people who have a large property to maintain.
This versatile low-profile 20-inch chain has a 3/8-inch pitch, a .050-inch gauge, and 72 drive links. It is very versatile and fits 9 different Husqvarna chainsaws such as the 55, 455, 460 and 460 Rancher.
Designed to optimize your chainsaw productivity, the Husqvarna chainsaw chain makes it so easy to cut through just about any type of wood. Using specially developed X-CUT technology, this chain offers you premium reliability, maximum efficiency, and output. Whether you need to trim tree branches or cut down a tree, the Husqvarna chain is ready when you are.
The chain is made from strong and durable carbide steel and its sharp teeth cut clean and fast. As the chain produces low kickback and low vibration, you can cut wood with complete ease.
Husqvarna offers a 90-day money-back guarantee on the chainsaw chain.
Pros
- High quality
- Great value for money
- Good price
- Ideal for commercial cutters, arborists, and large properties
- Optimizes chainsaw productivity
- Premium reliability
- Produces maximum efficiency and output
- Strong and durable carbide steel
- Sharp teeth cut clean and fast
- Low kickback and low-vibration
- 90-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Some complaints about the chain not fitting the Rancher 460 very well
- Can stretch over time
Our Top Pick for the Best Chainsaw Chain
Our top pick for the best chainsaw chain is the Oregon AdvanceCut 18-inch Chainsaw Chain.
This superb chainsaw chain from Oregon has been awarded the top prize of being the best chain for your chainsaw as it has all the necessary features you need to work smarter.
Whether you choose the 18-inch chain or another size from Oregon’s AdvanceCut range, you will experience the same reliability, durability and ground-breaking cutting performance that Oregon is famous for.
Check the price on Amazon
