10 Best Chainsaw Chain For Cutting Firewood And Hardwood

The wood cutting might be ideal with the finest chainsaw chain! Sometimes, all we need is a good manufacturer and a reliable material to get that perfect cut. It is hard to find the best chainsaw chain for cutting firewood and hardwood because there is lots of options in the market.

For that reason, we need to choose smartly when it comes to chainsaw chains, and the criteria are numerous here. All the way from the vibration level to the oiling system, we need to pay attention to all the details.

In this case, we want the best cutting chainsaw chain brand that is able to provide the highest-quality and fastest cutting chainsaw chain. That’s why we are here. We will provide you with our newer settling chainsaw chain reviews, so you can see what makes the perfect saw chain on the market!

Best Professional Chainsaw Chains Comparison Table

Product Name (with Bar Length)Pitch (Inch)Gauge (Inch)Drive LinksCheck Price
Oregon S62 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain3/8.05062 Details
Oregon S56 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain3/8.05056 Details
Oregon S52 14-Inch Saw Chain3/8.05052 Details
Oregon S40 10-Inch Chainsaw Chain3/8.05040 Details
Husqvarna 18-Inch Saw Chain0.325.05072 Details
Husqvarna 20-Inch Chainsaw Replacement Chain3/8.05072 Details
Oregon R34 8-Inch Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain3/8.04334 Details
Husqvarna 16-Inch Saw Chain0.325.05066 Details
Oregon D70 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain3/8.05070 Details
STIHL 26RS 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain0.325.06381 Details

What is a Chainsaw Chain?

Basically, the chainsaw chain is the main part of every chainsaw. It is connected with steel parts that have sharp cutting teeth for better cutting. Teeth are on the outside, while the flat drive links are on the inside of the chain. This system provides the perfect circulation of the chainsaw chain.

Motor or engine gives power to the saw bar, which provides better rotation of the chain. The system is maintained with good practice of oiling and chainsaw chain replacements. If you want to have a long life of your chainsaw, it is best to replace the chain occasionally, especially if you use the saw on a regular basis.

Why Do You Need to Change the Chainsaw Chain?

In order to ensure safe cutting, you need to regularly change the chainsaw chain. A few things are important here. Consider all circumstances when deciding to change this element. You can save a lot of time and effort in this way.

Change the chainsaw chain if you notice that you need more pressure on the wood while cutting. It means that teeth are not as sharp as usual. Sometimes, you can sharpen the teeth, but the replacement is more effective.

In addition, if you notice missing teeth, that’s the perfect time to change the chainsaw chain. All these circumstances are contributing to the lower performance of the chainsaw chain, and that is why the replacement is needed.

The effect of the damaged chainsaw chain might be very dangerous because you can end up with the broken chain and possible injuries during the operation. In order to avoid that scenario, change the chainsaw chain regularly and ensure the long life of your chainsaw.

Best Chainsaw Chain For Cutting Firewood And Hardwood Reviews in 2021

In this chainsaw chain reviews article, we are trying to find the perfect chain for your finest chainsaw. Some of the products are simply better than others, and here, you can find out why. Take a look at our thorough reviews and find your ideal pick.

Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-inch Chainsaw Chain for Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman

Oregon S62 AdvanceCut 18-inch Chainsaw Chain for Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, CraftsmanWe all know the quality of Oregon chainsaw chains. These are extremely durable and reliable even in situations when we need some professional cutting.

In this case, we have a chainsaw chain with low kickback chain design that is ideal for maintaining your property’s trees.

In addition, we have chrome-plated cutters that stay sharp and reliable for long. Industrial hard chrome provides better resistance while delivering a harder surface.

This combination is ideal for more comfortable usage of the chainsaw, especially in situations when you need prolonged application.

A low vibration system will serve as a good basis for a comfortable cut since the system provides a 25% less vibration rate. This is very helpful on all occasions when we need a better cutting experience.

This advanced cut chain is able to deal with hardwood and firewood at great efficiency. This is one of the best chainsaw chain for hardwood works.

The chain fits Craftsman, Homelite and Poulan chainsaws. Check the size of the bar before buying the chain.

Key Features

  • 18” Bar Length
  • 62 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, McCulloch, Kobalt, Remington.

Pros

  • LubriTec oiling system for better maintaining
  • Chrome-plated cutters
  • Hardened rivets
  • Low vibration design

Cons

  • It becomes dull quickly, but after sharpening it will work better.

Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, and more

Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, and moreIn this case, we have hardened rivets that provide longer working saw chain with great characteristics. The surface of the rivets has improved strength and resistance, which are great features for overall safety.

You can use the chain for longer, without any signs of wear. The rivets and the teeth will remain perfectly placed. When you need additional safety, you can count on this heat-treated Oregon chainsaw chain, because it has a LubriTec oiling system that delivers the best lubrication to the chain.

This is very important for prolonged usage when you need good lubrication to maintain the system in the best condition. Cutting will be more comfortable, and the overall experience is much better. What else is important here?

This chain fits numerous brands like Echo, Homelite, McCulloch, and Poulan. You can find the absolute solution for your chainsaw, and that could be this Oregon chainsaw chain.

If you frequently deal with hardwood or cutting firewood and you need to change your saw chain, then this advance cut chainsaw chain can be the best option for you. If we compare all available models, no doubt this is the best 16 inch chainsaw chain in the market.

Key Features

  • 16” Bar Length
  • 56 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Ryobi, Greenworks, Craftsman.

Pros

  • Very good chip flow
  • Low kickback performance
  • Heat-treated chain cutters
  • Smooth cutting action

Cons

  • Short for some chainsaw models

Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chain for 14-Inch Bar fits Dolmar, Ryobi, Echo and more

Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chain for 14-Inch Bar fits Dolmar, Ryobi, Echo and moreThis is not another average chainsaw chain with standard characteristics. Here, we have the chain with four-way symmetrical tie straps for better performance.

You no longer need to think about the durability of the chain. With this feature, long usage is guaranteed.

Another good characteristic of the chain is a smooth cutting action that is ensured with the perfect arrangement of the teeth. Oregon S52 also features chamfer chisel cutters that offer the great speed and durability of the semi chisel chain types.

Each part is placed in a way to keep the necessary flow, which is exceptionally important when you want to use the saw for hardwood cutting. In this case, you’ll need a reliable chainsaw chain, and this one will be quite good.

If you are using Chicago, Echo or Homelite chainsaw, this chain will be ideal for you. Check the requirements on the package to decide which saw model is adequate.

You can also call Oregon Customer Care to check which Oregon chains fit your saw model. Dial 1-800-223-5168 and check the solutions.

Key Features

  • 14” Bar Length
  • 52 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits with Cub Cadet, Dolmar, Earthwise, Echo, Greenworks and more.

Pros

  • Very high precision in cutting
  • Hard-chromed materials used
  • Cuts fast with minimum kickback

Cons

  • Compatibility issue with some chainsaw models

Oregon S40 Semi Chisel Chainsaw Chain for 10-Inch Bar fits Echo, Greenworks, Poulan and more

Oregon S40 Semi Chisel Chainsaw Chain for 10-Inch Bar fits Echo, Greenworks, Poulan and moreThis cheap chainsaw chain is not only affordable. It is also a high-quality product designed to meet most criteria. All the way from building materials to the overall safety, everything is made to provide quality.

That is the primary intention of serious manufacturers like Oregon is.

Semi chisel teeth are ideal for hardwood and frozen wood, especially if you operate in hard conditions. No matter the level of difficulty, this chain will perform at its best.

Thanks to chrome-plated semi chisel cutters, each cutting is more effortless.

You just need to get used to the sharpness, because it is recommended to use the teeth while these are sharp enough to cut the wood properly. Once you feel the sharpness is not at the highest peak like before, you may consider the best replacement chainsaw chain.

In this case, Oregon has an option for you. With this chain, you can be sure that the performance is always exceptional.

Key Features

  • 10” Bar Length
  • 40 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits Earthwise, Echo, Greenworks, Poulan, Remington, Troy-Built, Worx.

Pros

  • Low vibration levels
  • Provides good chip flow
  • Long-lasting chrome outer layer

Cons

  • Not ideal for heavy works

Husqvarna 18-Inch low kickback low-vibration chainsaw chain

Husqvarna 18-Inch low kickback low-vibration chainsaw chainIf you are a professional user, you will find this chainsaw chain incredibly helpful. It is not only about the design, but also about the materials that make this chain outstanding.

Husqvarna made the chain with high durability and exceptional resistance to all possible conditions. You can use it in hard situations when dealing with hardwood, but still manageable if you have the right tool.

With this tool, the handling is more straightforward. You just need to find the right fitting with your chainsaw. If you are using Husqvarna models, this chain will probably fit. Always check the correct number of teeth and the overall bar size for the best fitting.

Once you try this chain, you will be sure that wood cutting gets another meaning. It is much easier and much more convenient.

Key Features

  • 18” Bar Length
  • 72 Drive Links
  • .325” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits many Husqvarna models.

Pros

  • High-performance design
  • Low vibration chain
  • Good for hard conditions

Cons

  • Limited compatibility

Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 20 inches Chainsaw Chain

Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 20 inches Chainsaw ChainHusqvarna products are made for exceptional yards. You can use this chain with many chainsaw varieties that support 20-inch chains. It is one of the best 20 inch chainsaw chain available in the market.

It is very simple to replace the chain, especially in demanding conditions when you cut many kinds of wood at once.

Some users took a few of these chains for big projects, and the results were outstanding. Fast cutting is guaranteed here. With sharp teeth and fast motor power, you can make miracles in your yard.

Husqvarna is here to make the wood cutting easier. Use this chain and find out why so many users believe in the quality of this product.

Some key features are made to provide excellent cutting, especially if you need a chain with high durability. That’s what we all want, right? Use this chain for some great projects you plan to make. Husqvarna makes the best chainsaw chain for milling.

Key Features

  • 20” Bar Length
  • 72 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits most Husqvarna chainsaws.

Pros

  • Low kickback and low-vibration chain
  • Ideal for larger yard projects
  • High-quality steel is used in the production of teeth

Cons

  • Not fits well other than Husqvarna

Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Micro Lite saw Chain Fits Poulan, Remington

Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Micro Lite saw Chain Fits Poulan, RemingtonIf you are looking for the best replacement chainsaw chain for your small chainsaw, this is the best option. You can enjoy the great functionality of this chainsaw chain.

Possibilities are numerous here, especially if you own a small chainsaw.

Sometimes, 8-inch chains are not reliable enough, because of the smaller dimensions of the cutters. But, in this case, you get exceptional quality.

The .043″ gauge is there to increase efficiency since the chain requires less power to operate.

Even in lower power circumstances, the effectiveness is very good, thanks to quality cutters that are arranged well.

Not many chainsaw chains provide comfort like this product provides to all users. You can finally have the full functionality of that small chainsaw, so each of your projects can be done perfectly.

Key Features

  • 8” Bar Length
  • 34 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .043” Gauge
  • Fits Black & Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi, Remington, Troy-Built.

Pros

  • Advanced technology for tough and sharp cut
  • A system with increased efficiency
  • Ideal for small and strong chainsaws that require less power

Cons

  • Not ideal for hardwood

Husqvarna 531300437 H-30 16″ Chainsaw Chain

Husqvarna 531300437 H-30 16" Chainsaw ChainSome users believe that you can use this chain on a 15–inch bar, but you cannot. This chainsaw chain is made for 16-inch bars that provide enough power from the motor. It will work best in this kind of bar, and no exceptions are possible here.

Use it on your chainsaw bar with complete confidence, and be sure that every cut is perfectly made.

If you are using other Husqvarna products, you already know the quality of their crafts. It is the same thing with this chainsaw chain. It is made to last for long while providing exceptional quality.

A low vibration chain will be ideal for your cutting project, as you can simply hold the chainsaw without worries of excessive vibration. The system protects the user in the best manner.

Key Features

  • 16” Bar Length
  • 66 Drive Links
  • .325” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits with different Husqvarna chainsaw models.

Pros

  • Good cutting performance and bore cut
  • Ideal for cutting hardwood
  • Easy maintenance thanks to quality chain arrangements

Cons

  • Not recommended for other brands chainsaw

Oregon D70 AdvanceCut saw Chain for 20-Inch Bar

Oregon D70 AdvanceCut saw Chain for 20-Inch BarCutter design might be the most important part of the saw chain. In this case, you have a cutter design that is made to provide excellent results.

You can cut even hardwood in extreme conditions, and that is all possible due to the visible durability of the chain teeth. This is a great advantage of this chainsaw chain.

Everything is made to give you excellent quality, especially if you are passionate about wood cutting. With this chain, the technology is improved to provide both safety and performance.

Sharp chisel cutters are there to cut each piece of wood with extreme precision. You can rely on this saw chain, no matter how intense your conditions are. This is considered as the best chainsaw chain for dry wood job site.

Key Features

  • 20” Bar Length
  • 70 Drive Links
  • 3/8” Pitch
  • .050” Gauge
  • Fits with Echo, Homelite, Poulan, McCulloch.

Pros

  • Hard-chromed cutter chain
  • Unique cutter design for smooth cutting
  • Minimum kickback chain during a cutting process

Cons

  • Frequent sharpening is needed

STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super 20″ Chainsaw Chain

STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super 20" Chainsaw ChainThis is not a cheap chain model, but it is one of the best on the market. The reasons for this statement are numerous. Stihl makes the chains with the highest quality, and most of their products are reasonably priced.

Therefore, you will spend some more bucks, but having something very durable in return.

In this case, we have a chain that is suitable for 20-inch bars. These bars are corresponding to bigger chainsaws where more power provides better performance.

You need some good chainsaw chain to support this kind of devices, and this product might be the best choice. Go for Stihl chains if you want very good quality and long-lasting durability.

The chain is suitable for many Stihl chainsaws.

Key Features

  • 20” Bar Length
  • 81 Drive Links
  • .325” Pitch
  • .063” Gauge
  • Fits with most of the Stihl chainsaws.

Pros

  • Fast cutting is ensured due to quality cutter design
  • Can be applied for hardwood and frozen wood
  • Very comfortable because of less vibration rate

Cons

  • Some user complained about the original quality of the Stihl brand

What Are the Most Popular Chainsaw Chain Brands?

In this wordy piece, we have multiple brands to talk about, and all of them are here for certain reasons. These brands are simply the best at the moment, so you can have full insight into what they have to offer.

Oregon

The advanced technology in chainsaw chain production is exceptional here. Oregon pays attention to all the details, starting from hard-chromed cutter chains to tough and sharp cutter technology that ensures high-quality wood bite.

Husqvarna

One of the best professional chainsaw chain brands on the market is definitely Husqvarna. Chainsaw chains are adequate for professional users, as well as lawn and garden owners.

Technology is very useful, and it provides a quality movement of each tooth. As a result, we have effective chains that are powerful and long-lasting.

Stihl

If you are looking for chains that are suitable for any kind of application, go for Stihl chainsaw chains. These chains are made for different power classes, and diverse chainsaw makes. These multipurpose applications make Stihl products very versatile in everyday usage.

Factors to Consider While Shopping the Best Cutting Chainsaw Chain

You must consider a few factors before making the right choice when you buy chainsaw chains. The fastest cutting chain is good to get, but you must be aware of all factors. Consider each element before you buy the saw chain.

Gauge

Chain gauge is the key element of the drive link’s thickness, and that is the part where the gauge fits into the bar groove. In order to get the perfect chain, you must know that the gauge of the chain must fit perfectly the gauge of the bar.

Pitch

If you wonder what the pitch is, the answer is straightforward. It is the distance between drive links, and it is determined when you measure three consecutive drive links. The number you get is divided by two, and that is the ideal pitch number you get at the end of the measurement.

To know more about the gauge and pitch, please read this article.

Length

When deciding the right length of the chain, you need to consider the bar size. According to that measurement, you usually have 16, 18 and 20 inches bars that correspond to the right length of the chainsaw chain.

Tooth Type

The most relevant tooth types are divided into three categories. Therefore, we have full-chisel teeth, semi-chisel teeth and skip and semi-skip chains. Pay attention to the type of teeth you need, since the cutting methods are different with various teeth.

Does It Fit for Your Chainsaw Brand

One of the most salient features of the chainsaw chains is definitely fitting with the right brand. Pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendation and see if the saw chain you want to buy fits your saw. This information is usually available from the saw chain producer.

Main Parts of a Chainsaw Chain

When it comes to the main parts of a chainsaw chain, we need to mention sharp metal teeth and drive links. These are essential parts that give the needed structure to the main operation of the chainsaw. Find out more about these elements below.

Sharp Metal Teeth

On most occasions, sharp metal teeth are made from the high-quality chromium-plated steel alloy. This material provides an additional fraction, and it preserves the durability of the chain. These teeth serve as a cutting edge in woodcutting, and its sharpness is crucial in the procedure.

Drive Links

Something needs to connect all those metal teeth along the chainsaw chain. For this purpose, drive links are essential. These links provide a needed connection between the parts, especially in the circular motion of the chain, when the motor is turned on.

Types of Chainsaw Chain Teeth

When we take a look at different chainsaw chains, we notice different teeth arrangements. These are full-chisel teeth, semi-chisel teeth, and the most sophisticated skip and semi-skip chains. Here is the description of each of them.

Full-Chisel Teeth

In this case, we have square-cornered teeth on the chain. These are ideal for clean softwood in semi-pro and professional cutting. Full-chisel teeth are splitting the wood fibers in an easy way, but these chains are more sensitive because safety chain elements are missing.

Semi-Chisel Teeth

If you are looking for the perfect choice when it comes to hard and frozen wood, go for semi-chisel teeth. These teeth are rounded in corners and form a radius between the plates. This makes them ideal for dry wood where the additional sharpness is needed.

Skip And Semi-Skip Chain

Skip chain is usually perfect for long bars (24″+) when the better clearance requires less power to operate. In addition, the semi-skip chain has one or two drive links between the cutters, which is ideal for the performance between skip arrangements and full complement.

How to Change the Old Chain?

If you are replacing the chainsaw chain for the first time, you’ll need some guidance in order to do the job correctly. Here are the necessary steps.

Remove The Existing Chainsaw Chain

In the beginning, you need to remove the existing chain. The guide bar side panel is what you need to remove from the sides. Two different nuts most likely hold these. Unscrew the nuts and access the chain.

You’ll need to remove the plates. Sometimes, the brake is attached to the brake, and you need to unlock it before removing the chain.

Release The Tension of The Chain And Remove The Chain

Once the sprocket plate is off, you can pull the nose of the bar away so that you can release it from the bar. Now, you can remove the old chain. Pull out the drive links and slip the chain from the chainsaw bar.

Loosen the Screw

There is a tensioning screw on the inside of the bar, and you need to loosen it a little bit. It will make the installation easier. Use the screwdriver and loosen this crew in slight motions.

Put the New Chain on the Bar

Thread the new chain around the bar, and make sure that each drive link engages in each sprocket. Put the drive links along the bar and place them firmly. Align the guide bar with some tension, while pulling on the nose away from the chainsaw. This will put the chain properly along the guide bar.

Replace the Side Plate

It is time to put the side plates back. When the guide bar is properly positioned, put the plates and the nuts back into the position. Make sure that you do not tighten the nuts yet. You’ll need to move the bar a little before the chain is completely tightened.

Tighten the Chain And the Side Plate Nuts

Adjust the tension of the chain by using the tensioning screw on the side of the bar. Finish tightening of the side plate nuts and that is the last move you need to make. Now, you have correctly replaced your chainsaw chain that can operate immediately.

Maintenance of the Best Chainsaw Chain

In order to ensure the long life of your saw chain, you inevitably need to apply proper maintenance techniques. Some of them are very simple, and these might save you a lot of time and money in the future.

Use Chain Covers

Chain covers will protect your chain and bar from the damage. These covers are usually made from plastic that can slip over the chain easily. It is the first choice of all professionals as well as homeowners. Chain covers will protect your chain from snags and damages.

Lubricate Regularly

For more detailed maintenance, you might consider occasional lubrication. Most professionals use petroleum-based oil that has a protective feature. It will keep the chain lubricated, so the operation is much more comfortable.

Some users apply vegetable oil, but it is only an alternative method to more recommended petroleum-based oil.

Which oil should you use? Don’t worry! Read this article.

Routined Sharpening

Sharpening is the best method to prolong the life of your chainsaw chain. Routined sharpening is necessary if you want to ensure the better effectiveness of the chain, especially in long cuttings when you need to use the chainsaw regularly.

Above this, you need to operate the chainsaw perfectly to get the most effective performance from the chainsaw.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are chainsaw chains universal?

Going beyond some popular beliefs, chainsaw chains are actually not universal. This is because, the chain measurement varies to the cutting needs, types, and size of the chainsaw you use.

For example, gas chainsaws can work for a diversity of purposes with their longer and wider saw bar. Gas chainsaws have a powerful motor to handle almost all things from bushes to wide trees. On the other hand, electric chainsaws are less powerful and generally used for lightweight works as they have smaller bars than gas saws.

So if you are using any gas-powered model then you need to choose the unscathed robust types of chains. And if you are using an electric model then you may go for the lighter chain models.

Chains on chainsaws differ in size, structure, and length. You wouldn’t be able to cut a variety of materials with the same chain because they have a different number of teeth or drive links.

Think simple! You’re not going to use the same chain to cut the hardwood and fine-wood obviously. As the cutting attitude differs, the chain should differ too.

Are Oregon chains as good as Stihl: Which one to choose?

Both Oregon and Stihl chainsaw chains are good and you can get a perfect edge on both. But some users say, Stihl chain is a little harder and doesn’t stretch as much as Oregon.

Again, Stihl sometimes seems sharper out of the box. These are not any vital differentiating parameters. New chains are not ever actual sharp out of the box, a little sharpen up will make them cut like they’re supposed to.

Experts recommend finding matched brand name chains with your chainsaw as every brand has its own set of features. Moreover, if only the price matters as you use more than five to six chains per year, then you will choose Oregon over the added price of Stihl.

Does a ripping chain cut faster?

Ripping chains are the types of semi chisel chain. Unlike standard chains, ripping chains limits your cutting angle. This chain is designed for specific purposes like milling where flatter wood tops are required.

Though ripping chains produce smoother finish cuts, they cut slower than other standard types of saw chains available in the market. This is because the finer cutting process and the flatter surface takes more time to cut the wood than regular cutting.

How much does a chain for a chainsaw cost?

The price of a chain for a chainsaw depends on the chain size and also on the brand value. If you need any 8-inches chainsaw chain then it may cost you almost only $8. Again, if you need a chain for your 20-inches chainsaw it may cost you around $30 to $50.

The average price of a chain for a chainsaw is from $10 to $70 that varies from size to size and from brand to brand.

What type of chainsaw chain cuts the fastest?

This is the most interesting and critical argument that what type of chain cuts fastest. In a word, we say Full Chisel Chains cut fastest than other types. But there are several points we miss!

Full chisel chains have the least teeth amount thus need usually a larger bar to fit on. The amount and the size of the teeth make such an arrangement that allows each teeth to take larger lumps out of the wood, which means that they can do the very fastest cutting. But this is not always true at all!

Full chisel chains produce rough cuts. These chains are ideal for cutting hardwoods if the smoothness of the cut is not compulsory such as cutting down tree limbs, firewood, etc. This kind of chains are not as durable as they are used for dirty robust cuts, but they are easy to sharpen.

If you need to produce finer cut along with great speed then you may go for the full house standard saw chain. Moreover, if durability is your priority then go for the semi skip chains that produce smoother cuts compared to the full chisel chains.

So, in short, full chisel chains cut fastest in dirty conditions, semi chisel in mid conditions, and standard chains in fine clean conditions.

How Long Does a Chainsaw Chain Last?

The chainsaw chain life expectancy is variable because it can be measured from different aspects of use such as:

  • Cutting hardwood will cause faster damage than cutting softwood.
  • Light cutting like pruning small trees causes less wear and tear to the chain.
  • Generally, semi chisel chains last longer than full chisel chains.
  • Routine sharpening increases the life expectancy of the chain.
  • Proper lubrication restrains corrosion to the chain etc.

A standard quality chain can last for more than five years if frequently used as long as you ensure the proper maintenance. The life expectancy of a chainsaw chain depends on how you use it, how you do maintain, how long you use etc. but not depends on any pre-determined timeline or expiration date.

It may last less long when frequently deal with heavy duty stumpwork.

When you ensure proper oiling to the bar and chain while cutting through heavy wood, it will prevent too much friction and heat accumulation thus extending the life of your chain. You should ensure proper and regular sharpening to your chainsaw chain when needed.

Avoid hitting dirt or rocks, any kind of striking solid objects, nails, ice, etc. to prevent any kind of permanent damage to your saw chain. Also, clean the bar and chain regularly and while storing, cover the bar/chain with a covering case to prevent from being rusted.

Is It Essential to Use a Separate Chain for Hardwood Cutting?

The answer is yes!

You should use a separate type of chain while you will deal with hardwoods like large tree trunks, sawing tree limbs. This is because to cut hardwoods the chain must be capable of making aggressive cuts and also the teeth of the chain must be hard.

We recommend using full chisel chains to cut hardwoods as they have such an arrangement of least amount of teeth on the chain so that each single teeth can cut a larger portion of the wood.

What is the most aggressive chainsaw chain?

Chisel chain types are the most aggressive chainsaw chain available in the market. Aggressive chains are needed when you work with hardwoods and where the fine cut is not any compulsory.

Chisel chains have square-cornered teeth cut a full width kerf with every pass thus makes it more aggressive and fast to cut through the wood.

According to the user experiences, some agrees that Stihl chains are most aggressive and made of great steel. But keep in mind that, if the chain is not well fit for your chainsaw or the chain is not well sharpened it may result in poor cutting experiences.

There are also so many well-known brands like Oregon, Husqvarna is also producing aggressive durable fastest cutting chainsaw chains.

However, due to the aggressiveness of the chain, it is also risker than other types and recommends to use only if you are a professional chainsaw handler.

Why does my chainsaw chain get dull so fast?

This is annoying, right? You have just sharpened your saw chain and just after only a few cuts, it gets dull again! There may be several reasons why your chain becomes dull so fast.

  • Maybe you are placing too steep of an angle on the cutters, or possibly your rakers are too far down.
  • Somehow the tip of the bar is touching the ground.
  • Maybe you are using the wrong file to sharpen your saw chain.
  • The wood might have dirt in it.
  • Perhaps the wood you are cutting has a light layer of sand on the bark.
  • It might because you accidentally touch any rocks or any kind of solid object.
  • It likely because you are at the end of your chain life expectancy period.

Instead of keep reading, keep concentrating on your work and your chainsaw. You should observe how you are using your chainsaw to identify the exact problem. Once you find the problem, you can either buy a new chain for you, or you can sharpen it properly or you may consider how you work.

What size chainsaw chain do I need?

To measure the right size chain length for your chainsaw is crucial. It is not just you know the bar length of your chainsaw as there are three different measuring parts on a chainsaw chain.

First of all, you have to find Pitch measurement that is the distance between the links on the chain. To measure the pitch, note the distance between any three links on the chain and divide the figure by two.

Second, find the Gauge measurement of the chain. It is the width of the chain drive links that is also referred to as the inner tooth’s estimated depth. This is the part of the chain that holds the chain on the saw guide bar.

And lastly, simply count the number of Drive Links on the chain. But be ensure that you haven’t missed a link or lose the place where you have started.

All these measurements generally displayed on the guide bar of your saw or you will find it on the new chain packet.

Do drive links matter to pick a chain for a chainsaw?

Yes of course!

To know the drive link is essential to measure the gauge of the chain. Drive links are the number of links on a chain that is simply can be called as chain teeth.

Drive links fit the chain on the saw guide bar. If this can’t be counted properly the chain may result useless to your chainsaw. In short, the chain is secured on a chainsaw with the drive links.

Overall length (i.e. a “2 or 3-foot chain”) is not helpful to choose the right chain for your chainsaw because it is the combination of pitch and drive links measurement.

Bottom Line

In the above chainsaw chain reviews, we tried to show you the best chainsaw chains you can find on the market. You have a wide selection to choose from, and we are sure you’ll find the best fit.

Consider all the recommendations we offered to you because finding the perfect chain will make a huge difference in your wood cutting project. You can finally get that perfect cut in your yard, so every piece of wood can be easily managed.

One more thing! Please don’t forget to use safety apparels while operating your chainsaw.

And finally, enjoy your project with the chain that perfectly fits your favorite chainsaw.

2 thoughts on “10 Best Chainsaw Chain For Cutting Firewood And Hardwood”

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.