Are you a proud homeowner who likes to take matters in his own hands? Do you like to shape your yard using your own chainsaw? If so, then you have stumbled upon the right article. People who use a chainsaw for domestic purposes often find it hard to pick the right chainsaw chain.
So, to rid you of the dilemma, we have handpicked the 10 best chainsaw chains available on the market. These various models include different types of features that can make working on your garden less of a chore. Some of them can also make kickbacks and vibrations a thing of the past.
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Different Types of Chainsaw Chains
There are various types of chainsaw chains available on the market. Each chain is suitable for a particular type of task. To make sure you’re not making the wrong choice, pay attention to the different types of chainsaw chains described below.
Full Chisel
Full chisel cutters are equipped with square-shaped edges that are suitable for cutting hardwood trees at a rapid pace. They are sharp enough to saw through rough wood and can cut trees efficiently. These cutters leave a rough finish so don’t expect a smooth result.
They move fast and exert a lot of force. Hence, they are prone to strong and sudden kickbacks that can be hard to control if you’re an amateur.
Semi-Chisel
Semi-chisel cutters operate at a slower speed than full chisel cutters. Unlike the latter, the semi-chisel cutters have rounded edges. This makes them ideal for cutting softwood with a fine finish. They are also capable of cutting rough and dusty wood and don’t dull out that easily.
Due to the low speed of the semi-chisel cutter, kickbacks are less likely to happen. They are suitable for cutting different types of trees in any environment. These are also more long-lasting than full chisel cutters.
Low Profile
Low profile cutters are the most commonly found and easy to use cutters. These cutters are mostly suitable for beginners due to their safety features. They have the same round edges as semi-chisel cutters but are easier to use. Cutting different types of softwood trees is effortless with this cutter. However, always have your work gloves and chainsaw safety chaps put on while work.
They are also equipped with a special element that prevents kickbacks from happening. It’s the safest type of chainsaw chain out there.
10 Best Chainsaw Chain Reviews
We know how daunting it can be to pick a product like a chainsaw chain and not live to regret it. So, to help you clear your judgment, here are the 10 best chainsaw chains of 2020.
1. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut18-inch Chainsaw Chain
We start off this list of reviews with this 18-inch chainsaw chain that is suitable for DIY homeowners. This chainsaw chain is known for its utmost durability in harsh conditions. To make the chainsaw operation flawless, they have equipped it with the LubriTec oiling system.
This provides just the right amount of lubrication to the chainsaw chain, which makes the operation more fluid. No longer do you have to repeatedly apply lubricant to your chainsaw for it to work properly. This advanced technology saves both time and money. It also makes the chain last longer.
Due to this feature, you don’t have to worry about replacing the chain any time soon. It also makes the guide bar more durable and cuts the downtime by half. On top of that, the manufacturers have made sure this saw chain reduces vibration by 25%.
They have designed it in such a way that there is a small space between a saw chain and the guide bar. Thus, the vibration is evenly distributed by the saw chain. This makes the saw chain somewhat of a shock absorber. The vibration is significantly reduced and offers the user more comfort.
The saw chain prevents the vibration from reaching the guide bar and/or the user. For maximum precision, the saw chain is made of heat-treated chrome plate. This layer of hardened chrome keeps the chain sharper for longer. This further ensures more durability and precise cuts.
As it’s also wear-resistant, you don’t have to worry about grinding the saw chain for sharpness every now and then. These chainsaw chains are also built for safety of the user. Hardened rivets make sure the chainsaw can handle more load, and deliver quality performance.
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Cons
2. Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 18-inch
Next up is one of the best chainsaw chains on the market that comes at an unbelievably reasonable price. This saw chain was specifically built with user safety in mind. It is also one of the best saw chains if you’re looking for precision. The 18-inch chainsaw chain is perfect for small lightweight chainsaws.
It’s capable of working efficiently in high production areas and allows you to get the job done much quicker. Despite its efficiency, this saw chain has almost no kickback when operating. This enables the user to get more accurate cuts without worrying about any accidental injuries.
As we said earlier, this chainsaw chain was built for the safety of the customer. This is because the chain fits perfectly on certain chainsaws, and produces negligible vibration. Vibrations produced by your chainsaw can hinder the accuracy, and also cause sudden accidents.
Reduced vibration also increases the integrity of the product, and makes it more reliable. Besides that, the chainsaw chain is wear-resistant and easy to maintain. It’s made of a specialized material that makes it suitable for heavy-duty use. Even after regular use in harsh conditions, the chain doesn’t lose its shine.
It’s built to last longer without the need for regular sharpening. This feature gives you more time to maintain your yard without wasting any on chainsaw maintenance. Its compatibility with different types of chainsaws is what puts the cherry on top.
Lastly, it’s pretty astonishing that such a low-priced saw chain can perform so well. Don’t be fooled by the price as it can effortlessly cut through thick logs with extreme precision. Its strength and accuracy are what makes it perfect for professional woodcutters.
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3. EGO Power+ AC1400 14-inch Chainsaw Chain
This next chainsaw chain is arguably the best chainsaw chain for hardwood. This 14-inch saw chain comes with the promise of long-term durability and fluid performance. It is a perfect attachment for your chainsaw, which gives you more than satisfactory results.
Furthermore, thisunique saw chain model operates as smooth as butter and doesn’t even require much lubrication. It’s lightweight and easy to store. Installing this saw chain is as easy as pie. You don’t need to be a professional to attach this saw chain. Just get it out of the package, apply some oil and get to work.
What really impressed me was the remarkable sharpness of this saw chain. It has been designed in such a way that it swiftly cuts through hardwood materials without a fuss. The low vibration induced by the saw chain will help you get more accurate cuts.
It also ensures the safety of the user, especially if you’re an amateur. Speaking of safety, the low kickback not only makes the chainsaw safe but also efficient at maintaining your yard. What makes it even more appealing is that it requires very little maintenance to work at an optimum level.
The induced vibration is so low that it barely reaches the guide bar, and is almost inexistent to the user. This makes it suitable for repeated heavy-duty use on a regular basis. Moreover, the saw chain consumes a lot less battery power than other models.
This extends the battery life of your chainsaw and is therefore a cost-efficient saw chain. Despite the low power consumption, the saw chain can deliver immense amounts of power when cutting wood.
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4. BLACK+DECKER RC800 8-inch Saw Chain
The list of the best chainsaw chain reviews would be incomplete without this next model. You shouldn’t be deceived by its lightweight features as this product is capable of handling several types of yard maintenance projects. From pruning to sawing wood, it can take care of any job you throw at it efficiently.
This compact saw chain is suitable for replacing dull saw chains due to its sharp cutter design. The intense sharpness of this saw chain will help you cut through almost any type of wood flawlessly. The results are more accurate than you could ask for, and it doesn’t take much time either.
It’s a perfect choice if you’re a DIY homeowner who prefers to take matters in his own hands. This saw chain is incredibly easy to install and will let you get to work in no time. With proper lubrication, the saw chain remains in top-notch condition for a very long time.
It’s a perfect replacement saw chain to reduce the hassle of cleaning up your yard. The flawless efficiency will make yard maintenance feel less like a chore. Reliableperformance and durability are sure to impress if you are an occasional user. It has a simple design that allows more comfortable usage.
This particular saw chain is also made of a specialized material that can resist wear. It increases its durability and saves you the cost of replacing your saw chain any time soon. This also costs a lot less than regular saw chains and offers more high-quality performance.
As it weighs only 3.0 pounds it can easily be stored in any corner of your toolshed. Just make sure you apply some lubricant on it before storage.
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5. Sun Joe SWJ800E-63 Oregon 8-inch Replacement Semi-Chisel Chainsaw
As the next addition to this list, we bring you this semi-chisel chainsaw chain with a unique cutter design. This semi-chisel replacement saw chain is equipped with an advanced technology that makes the cutters sharper and more durable. The impeccable sharpness of the saw chain allows you to cut wood effortlessly.
The ultra-sharp cutter heat-treated and hardened for maximum strength and efficiency. This feature prolongs its lifespan to a massive extent and saves you the time and money of replacing a saw chain. They have also included a hard-chromed layer that protects it from wear due to regular usage.
Needless to say, this product has been made for heavy-duty usage for all kinds of maintenance needed to keep your yard as good as new. The unique cutter design enables your chainsaw to effectively cut through wood without any hindrance. It barely needs any manual effort as you can simply cut through the wood in no time.
This feature helps you achieve more precise cuts, whether you’re an amateur or a professional. However, this is most suitable for professional woodcutters who need to cut several thick logs every day. It is compatible with an 8-inch saw bar, which barely produces any kickbacks.
Due to this, the chainsaw operation is much more fluid than usual, and the vibrations are reduced as well. The saw chain absorbs most of the shock produced while cutting wood, so not much of it reaches the user. This increases the efficiency with which you maintain your yard.
The saw chain is made of hardened steel which increases its strength and makes it sturdy.
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6. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 26RS68 18-inch
What sets this next chainsaw chain apart from the others is the number of drive links it contains – 68. This 20-inch long chainsaw chain is perfect for professional woodcutters due to its superior performance. They have been built for heavy-duty usage, and are therefore very strong and dependable.
The cutter is designed exceptionally well to efficiently cut through hardwood. It makes the chainsaw operation so smooth that it feels like you’re cutting through butter. This is also due to the low kickback it generates when cutting wood. It reduces the risk of sudden accidents during work.
This saw chain is so effective that a professional can easily cut logs with his eyes closed (not that it’s recommended). The high performance saw chain model is compatible with several chainsaw models. This makes it suitable for different types of yard work. It rarely requires any maintenance and can last a lifetime.
The unique chainsaw chain has been made for high-pressure applications. Professionals will find it easy to use as it enhances the performance of your chainsaw. After you have installed this saw chain, you’d wonder why your chainsaw wasn’t equipped with it in the first place.
Also, the smooth and fluid operation and the minimized vibrations will help you get more precise cuts. Moreover, the chain maintains a tight grip on the chainsaw. There are rarely any kickbacks or vibrations, so the end result is accurate. On top of that, the chain is also easy to sharpen.
You barely need to waste any time on maintenance, and just focus on the job at hand.
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7. WORX WA0157 16-inch Replacement Chain
For the next addition to buying guide, we bring you this 16-inch chain for your chainsaw. This is an exceptional replacement tool that barely needs any additional sharpening. Once you have this installed you don’t need to worry about wasting any time on sharpening it.
It has been designed to retain its sharpness even after repeated use. This 16-inch replacement chain is also lightweight and compact. Thus, it doesn’t take up much of your energy to operate efficiently. Even if you have a petite build you can easily use your chainsaw to cut down large logs.
Although it’s not made for heavy-duty usage, it can be handy for carrying out basic yard maintenance jobs. The cleverly designed cutters provide you with enough sharpness for high-quality performance. Each cut is delivered with the same level of precision, and it barely requires any effort to do so.
Once you have this saw chain equipped, kickbacks and inaccuracy will be a thing of the past. The vibrations are also dispersed evenly across the chain. This helps you keep the chainsaw steady, so you can get that perfect cut of wood. The vibration barely reaches the user, so woodcutting is an absolute breeze.
This saw chain is also extremely versatile as it’s compatible with different models of chainsaws. It maintains a tight grip on your chainsaw to give you more efficient results. With this uniquely designed saw chain, you can shape your yard according to your desires.
It is made of an especially hardened material that will serve you through thick and thin, regardless of how much you use it.
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8. Homelite 901289001 Electric Pole Saw Chain
Coming in at number 8 is an electric pole saw chain that promises utmost performance and durability. Made of hardened steel, this is one of the most durable saw chains out there. With proper lubrication, this electric pole saw chain can run fluidly on different models of chainsaws.
It tightens itself around the chainsaw bar so well that it feels like a part of the chainsaw itself. This pole saw chain is suitable for newbies and experts alike. The immense cutting power generated by the saw chain makes it easy to cut through a log within a few minutes.
Further, it doesn’t require much manual effort to operate the chainsaw. The saw chain glides through the wood effortlessly giving you perfect cuts. Heat-treated cutters excel in strength and durability. You also have the option to tighten the chain if needed.
It’s a versatile saw chain that can withstand heavy-duty usage for a long time. The limited power consumption saves you more money in the long run. The saw chain is made of high-quality material that can resist wear. Thus, you don’t need to sharpen it much often or have to replace it.
For even more accurate cuts, the saw chain has been designed to decrease the vibrations induced by the chainsaw bar. Due to this, you can maintain a steady grip on the chainsaw, and cut wood with extreme precision. Kickbacks are also suppressed by the advanced technology implemented on this saw chain.
Moreover, they have made it easy to equip once you get it out of the package. For further convenience, they have also added an instruction manual for DIY homeowners.
On a side note, we have also reviewed top rated arrow saws.
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9. Trilink Saw Chain CL15062X2TL2 18-inch Twin Pack S62
The following saw chain has been designed for fast and smooth cutting. It’s one of the best chainsaw chain for hardwood. Hardwood is a tough material to cut with a regular blade. The jagged edges of this saw chain are sharp enough to cut through this material like it’s a piece of paper.
Moreover, the cutters are designed in such a way that it cuts through wood without any external force. Chainsaw operation becomes much more flawless than you have ever experienced. The pieces of wood are also evenly cut with no room for error. If you’re a DIY homeowner keen for perfection, this is certainly your type of tool.
Besides superior power, this saw chain also provides safety and stability. The manufacturers implemented modern technology to ensure their saw chain is most efficient. This saw chain is designed to absorb most of the shock while cutting, so much so that you don’t even feel the vibration.
The vibration is almost non-existent, and it doesn’t affect your precision at all. This is an expert’s dream tool. But if you are an aspiring woodworker, it can prove to be your ally as well. It’s easy to install and even easier to use. If you don’t want to spend money to hire a professional, you might like to use this saw chain.
What sets it apart from other models is the Centri-Lube self-lubricating drive links. This discards the hassle of manually lubricating the saw chain every day. It keeps the saw chain running smoothly, and also contributes to its lifespan. This chainsaw chain will serve for a very long time.
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10. Poulan 581562301 18 inches 3/8-inch Pitch Chainsaw Chain
As final the product on this list, we have for you this 18-inch pitch chainsaw chain. This is a very reasonable saw chain with a decent number of drive links, which also includes a notched bumper drive link. It’s a reasonably priced saw chain with several useful features.
Although it costs less than most saw chains, it has a durable design built to endure high-pressure applications. It works extraordinarily well under pressure and can help you shape your backyard as you please. They are equipped with semi-chisel cutters with admirable wood cutting capacity.
These semi-chisel cutters can slice through several logs of wood every day without showing any sign of wear. The intense sharpness of the saw chain makes your job fast and effortless. It also wraps tightly around the saw so it can cut through wood with more precision.
The semi-chisel cutter also come with twin corners for high-quality performance. This feature certainly comes in handy if you want some precision cutting. The high performance and durability of this saw chain are sure to amaze you, considering its low price. Unlike most cheap products, this will serve for a long duration.
Furthermore, you don’t need to go through the fuss of sharpening the saw chain on a regular basis. It will still give you the same level of performance as day one. Not only is this a reasonable purchase but it’s also low maintenance. If this saw chain isn’t worth the investment, I don’t know what is!
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Chainsaw Chain Buying Guide for Newbies
By now you have probably made a choice for a suitable chain for your chainsaw. But to determine what is the best chainsaw chain, there are certain factors you need to consider. This is to ensure you make the right choice, and get your money’s worth.
Gauge
To make sure the saw chain you chose is perfect for your chainsaw you need to inspect the size of the gauge. The gauge is the sizeof the holes located on the drive links. This is where the teeth of the drive sprocket go in. When you equip the saw chain, these holes help to keep the sprocket teeth in place.
This makes sure how tightly the chain fits on your chainsaw. It’s extremely important to never compromise on the tightness as it can determine how efficiently the saw can cut. Make sure that the drive sprocket teeth are the same size as the gauge. The tighter the chain is the lesser the chances of kickback.
Pitch
Another important feature to keep an eye on is the pitch of the saw chain you’re buying. The pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain divided by two. Calculate the pitch of the chain and also the chainsaw to make sure that they coincide with each other.
If they don’t then it might be wise to choose a different model. The drive sprocket located on the chainsaw’s guide is what pushes the chain when it’s running. If they don’t share the same pitch then the chain won’t fit properly and can move out of place. It can be extremely hazardous in some situations.
Whether or the chain will fit into the chainsaw’s driveshaft will be determined by the pitch. So, keep a close eye on it.
Drive Links
The chain lugs are also a crucial factor to consider when choosing a suitable saw chain. This determines how long the chain will be. The performance of the saw chain is defined by its length and the thickness of the drive links. Chainsaw parameters are measured in millimeters.
Additionally, the smoothness of the chainsaw depends on the length of the chain as well. The most common chains are fitted with 1.1 mm length drive links. These are domestic chainsaws used for curving and other basic tasks. They are not suitable for heavy-duty usage.
Those with the drive link thickness of 1.5 and 1.6 mm are chainsaws used for professional and commercial usage. These chainsaws provided high-quality performance under extreme pressure. The least used thickness is 2 mm. Chainsaws fitted with these drive links are made for powerful professional use.
They are rarely made.
Size
Needless to say, the size of the chain is the first thing you need to inspect before purchasing. You might know that chainsaws come with several different bar length, each with their individual purpose. The size of the chains must vary as well. If you don’t choose the right size of chains, they won’t fit your chainsaw.
You might need to make some tweaks to the chain to make it fit properly. Even then they run the risk of being damaged. So, instead of choosing on a guess, make sure you know what size your chainsaw is. The size of each chain is mentioned at the top of their packages.
Be sure to check if the size of the chain you’re buying is the same as your chainsaw. Otherwise, you might be putting your money down the drain.
Number of Drive Links
As we already know, the drive links of the chain go straight into the drive sprocket of your chainsaw. This is necessary to keep the chain perfectly attached to the chainsaw. Each type of saw chain has a different number of drive links. On the other hand, different chainsaws come with different numbers of drive sprockets.
The information about your chainsaw’s drive sprockets will be mentioned in the devices’ instruction manual. To check the number of drive links of a chainsaw chain you can check the information on its package. The number of sprockets must be the same as the drive links.
If you make a mistake, you might end up with a useless saw chain. Even though you can modify the chain to fit your chainsaw, it will eventually be damaged. This will reduce its durability and discard the safety features it came with.
Cutter Design
The sharpness and performance of the saw chain depend on the type of cutter it’s equipped with. Different saw chains come with different types of cutter designs. Some are equipped with a chisel and semi-chisel cutters while others are not. This determines how well your chainsaw can cut through wood.
Pay attention to the cutter design and make sure they are tough and durable for the type of task you wish to carry out. If they are not designed for a particular task, they might break beforehand. Some chains are equipped with chrome-hardened cutters that specialize at swiftly cutting through wood.
Ease of Maintenance
A saw chain that is easy to install and maintain is always recommended. The most ideal chains are the ones that can easily be sharpened by self-sharpening chainsaws. Some brands make their chains so tough that it becomes difficult to sharpen them. Always choose a chain that’s easy to sharpen.
Safety Features
Besides the performance of the saw chain, you also need to consider the safety features it comes with. This will reduce the risks of accidents that might occur during yard maintenance.
Anti-kickback – Sometimes while you’re cutting a tree, the cutter of your chainsaw can get stuck all of a sudden. At that instance, the force of the moving chain reacts with an outward force called a kickback. This can disorient the grip of the user and can catch them by surprise.
A kickback can be extremely hazardous for the user, and cause a fatal injury. However, some saw chains are equipped with an anti-kickback system that prevents this phenomenon from happening. If the cutters get stuck in the wood, this system tends to neutralize the force created by the kickback.
Anti-vibration – Those who have used a chainsaw before will know how disturbing it can be when a chainsaw vibrates during operation. This not only increases the risk of accidents but also disturbs the accuracy of the cuts. If a chainsaw is vibrating vigorously, it also affects the steadiness of your grip.
You won’t be able to make accurate cuts no matter how much you try. To spare yourself the frustration, you should try buying a saw chain dramatically reduces vibrations. With no vibrations, you’ll be able to make more accurate cuts regardless of the bar length.
How Tight Should a Chainsaw Chain Be?
The tightness of a chainsaw chain is a crucial factor to consider when you install it on your chainsaw. You need to know just the right amount of tightness for the corresponding bar length of your chainsaw. When it comes to tightening a chainsaw chain you might need to refer to a measurement called the gridlocks zone.
This is the point where the chain isn’t too tight or too loose. The chain can jump off your chainsaw if it’s loose. This can end up causing serious injury to the user and can lead to problematic situations. If the chain is too tight it can overwork the motor and eventually ruin your chainsaw.
Therefore, the answer to the question is your chain must be snap tight. It should be tight enough that when you pull on the chain to expose the drive links, it instantly snaps back into its original position. To check you can pull the chain away from the bar and then let it go.
If it falls perfectly back into place then the tension is preferable. If you can’t pull the chain far enough from the bar then the chain is too tight. On the other hand, if you pull the chain away and it goes limp after releasing then it’s too loose. You should adjust the tension of the chain as long as it doesn’t pass the snap test.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long should a chain on a chainsaw chain last?
The condition and quality of your chain have a crucial impact on the performance of your chainsaw. Some saw chains can get damaged due to rough and regular use. On the other hand, with regular sharpening and proper lubrication, a good chainsaw chain can last more than 5 years.
2. Why is my chainsaw not oiling the chain?
If your chainsaw is not oiling the chain automatically, then it means your guide bar isn’t lubricated enough. To fix that you need to turn off the chainsaw and release the brake. Afterward, tilt the chainsaw to a point where you can locate the oiling mechanism. You’ll notice a dial with a plus and minus sign.
3. Why does my chainsawdull so quickly?
There can be several reasons this is happening. Put your cutters at a steep angle can cause them to dull quickly. Ifyour rakers are too far down the chainsaw chain can dull faster. Cutting rough and/or dirty wood can also cause the chainsaw to dull prematurely.
4. What can I use instead of a bar and chain oil?
Motor oil and canola oil can be used as a suitable replacement for bar and chain oil. On the other hand, some vegetable oils can also be used as a lubricant for saw chains. These are also more affordable. Do checkout our reviews for the best chainsaw bar and chain oil.
5. Will dirt dull a chainsaw?
Yes, it certainly will. If you’re sawing in the dirt, the chainsaw will dull in a matter of seconds.
Final Words
If you’ve reached the end of this article, you are mentally equipped enough to pick the best chainsaw chain for you. Remember that each type of chainsaw chain is suitable for a particular task. Be well aware of the type of chainsaw you have, and inspect the chain you’re buying accordingly.
And don’t forget – safety is paramount when working with a chainsaw. Check our guide on How to Sharpen a Chainsaw Blade and Chian with a File Dremel, etc.
