A chainsaw chain is an integral part of any chainsaw. It is the component that does the actual cutting, and without it, a chainsaw would be useless. The chain is made up of several links that are connected together, forming a loop that fits around the guide bar of the chainsaw. The chain is driven by the motor of the chainsaw, and it spins around the guide bar at high speeds, cutting through wood and other materials with ease.

Chainsaw chains come in a variety of sizes and types, each designed for a specific type of cutting task. Some chains are designed for cutting through softwood, while others are designed for hardwood. There are also chains designed for specific tasks, such as pruning trees or cutting firewood. The type of chain you choose will depend on the type of cutting you plan to do.

Understanding the different types of chainsaw chains and their features is crucial for anyone who uses a chainsaw. The right chain can make your work easier and more efficient, while the wrong chain can make your work harder and potentially damage your chainsaw. In this article, we will explore the different types of chainsaw chains, their features, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Our Top Chainsaw Chain Picks

The Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch H30-72 (95VP) Pixel Saw Chain is engineered for optimal cutting performance with its full chisel design. This 18-inch saw chain features a 0.33-inch pitch, ensuring smooth cuts with minimal kickback. The lightweight chain weighs only 1 pound, and its compact package dimensions (10.39 x 7.44 x 2.32 inches) make it easy to store and transport. Designed for professional use, it offers a high-quality cutting experience.

The Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is a low-profile chain designed for reduced kickback and vibration, making it ideal for extended use with less user fatigue. The 16-inch chain features 56 drive links and is compatible with chainsaws that run a 3/8-inch pitch and 0.050-inch (1.3mm) gauge. Its tough chrome outer layer and hardened rivets ensure long-lasting durability, reducing wear and the need for frequent adjustments. The Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system ensures that the chain stays lubricated, extending its life and minimizing maintenance.

The Oregon S40 AdvanceCut Chainsaw/Pole Saw Chain is a semi-chisel chain designed for reduced kickback and vibration, helping to minimize user fatigue during extended use. The 10-inch chain features 40 drive links and fits chainsaws and pole saws with a 3/8-inch pitch and 0.050-inch (1.3mm) gauge. Its precision, heat-treated semi-chisel teeth provide smooth cutting with a higher tolerance for debris, making it suitable for various cutting tasks. The Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system ensures long-lasting durability by reducing friction and wear, while the chrome outer layer and hardened rivets minimize the need for frequent adjustments.

The Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is a 14-inch semi-chisel chain designed for low-kickback and low-vibration performance, reducing user fatigue during extended use. It fits various chainsaws with a 3/8-inch pitch and 0.050-inch gauge. Featuring a Lubri-Tec oiling system for longer chain life, it ensures smooth cutting with fewer adjustments. The chrome outer layer and hardened rivets provide durability, making it ideal for everyday tasks.

The Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain is a high-performance 24-inch low-profile chain, designed to optimize your chainsaw for efficient cutting. With 84 drive links, it provides smooth and precise cuts for a variety of tasks, from pruning and limbing to cutting firewood. Engineered for durability, this chain enhances your chainsaw’s performance, ensuring reliability for any job you tackle.

Understanding the Importance of the Right Chainsaw Chain

The importance of choosing the right chainsaw chain cannot be overstated. The right chain will cut through wood smoothly and efficiently, making your work easier and faster. On the other hand, the wrong chain can make your work harder, take longer, and potentially damage your chainsaw.

Choosing the right chainsaw chain is not just about efficiency, though. It’s also about safety. A dull or damaged chain can cause the chainsaw to kick back, which can lead to serious injuries. A chain that is too big or too small for your chainsaw can also cause problems, as it may not fit properly on the guide bar and could come off during use.

Finally, choosing the right chainsaw chain is also about the longevity of your chainsaw. Using the wrong chain can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your chainsaw, shortening its lifespan. By choosing the right chain, you can ensure that your chainsaw lasts for many years to come.

Different Types of Chainsaw Chains

There are several different types of chainsaw chains, each designed for a specific type of cutting task. The most common types are the full chisel, semi-chisel, and low-profile chains.

The full chisel chain is designed for professional use and is ideal for cutting hardwood. It has square-cornered teeth, which make it more aggressive and faster cutting. However, it also dulls more quickly and is more prone to kickback.

The semi-chisel chain is less aggressive than the full chisel chain, making it safer and more durable. It is ideal for cutting softwood and for general use. The low-profile chain is the least aggressive of the three and is designed for light-duty use. It is the safest and easiest to use, making it ideal for beginners.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Chainsaw Chain

When buying a chainsaw chain, there are several key features to consider. The first is the size of the chain, which must match the size of your chainsaw’s guide bar. The size of the chain is determined by the number of drive links it has, the pitch of the chain, and the gauge of the chain.

The type of chain is another important feature to consider. As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of chains, each designed for a specific type of cutting task. The type of chain you choose will depend on the type of cutting you plan to do.

Other features to consider include the chain’s sharpness, the material it’s made from, and the brand. A sharp chain will cut more efficiently, while a chain made from high-quality material will last longer. The brand can also be an indicator of quality, as well-known brands tend to produce high-quality chains.

The Role of Chain Pitch in Chainsaw Performance

Chain pitch is a key factor in chainsaw performance. It refers to the distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two. The pitch determines the size of the chain and affects how smoothly and quickly the chainsaw cuts through wood.

A chain with a larger pitch will cut more aggressively, but it will also be more prone to kickback. On the other hand, a chain with a smaller pitch will cut less aggressively, but it will be safer and easier to control. Therefore, choosing the right pitch is a balance between performance and safety.

It’s also important to note that the pitch of the chain must match the pitch of the chainsaw’s drive sprocket. If they don’t match, the chain won’t fit properly on the chainsaw, which can lead to problems.

The Significance of Chain Gauge in Chainsaw Chains

Chain gauge is another important factor to consider when choosing a chainsaw chain. It refers to the thickness of the drive links and determines how well the chain fits in the guide bar’s groove.

A chain with a larger gauge will be thicker and will fit more snugly in the guide bar’s groove. This can make the chainsaw more stable and reduce the risk of kickback. However, it can also make the chainsaw harder to control and slower to cut.

On the other hand, a chain with a smaller gauge will be thinner and will fit less snugly in the guide bar’s groove. This can make the chainsaw less stable and more prone to kickback, but it can also make it easier to control and faster to cut. Therefore, choosing the right gauge is a balance between stability and speed.

Drive Links: What They Are and Why They Matter

Drive links are an important part of a chainsaw chain. They are the part of the chain that fits into the guide bar and drives the chain around the bar. The number of drive links on a chain determines the length of the chain, and it must match the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar.

Drive links also play a role in the performance of the chainsaw. A chain with more drive links will have a larger contact area with the wood, which can make the chainsaw cut more smoothly and efficiently. However, it can also make the chainsaw harder to control and slower to cut.

On the other hand, a chain with fewer drive links will have a smaller contact area with the wood, which can make the chainsaw less smooth and efficient. However, it can also make the chainsaw easier to control and faster to cut. Therefore, choosing the right number of drive links is a balance between efficiency and control.

The Impact of Chain Length on Chainsaw Functionality

Chain length is a crucial factor in chainsaw functionality. The length of the chain must match the length of the chainsaw’s guide bar. If the chain is too long, it won’t fit properly on the guide bar and could come off during use. If the chain is too short, it won’t reach around the guide bar and won’t be able to cut.

Chain length also affects the performance of the chainsaw. A longer chain will have more cutting teeth and will cut more aggressively, but it will also be harder to control and more prone to kickback. On the other hand, a shorter chain will have fewer cutting teeth and will cut less aggressively, but it will be easier to control and less prone to kickback.

Therefore, choosing the right chain length is a balance between performance and safety. It’s also important to note that the length of the chain can be adjusted by adding or removing drive links, but this should only be done by a professional.

How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Chain for Your Needs

Choosing the right chainsaw chain for your needs involves considering several factors. The first is the type of cutting you plan to do. If you’re cutting hardwood, you’ll need a more aggressive chain, such as a full chisel chain. If you’re cutting softwood or doing general cutting, a less aggressive chain, such as a semi-chisel or low-profile chain, would be more suitable.

The size of the chain is another important factor. The size of the chain must match the size of your chainsaw’s guide bar. The size of the chain is determined by the number of drive links it has, the pitch of the chain, and the gauge of the chain.

Other factors to consider include the chain’s sharpness, the material it’s made from, and the brand. A sharp chain will cut more efficiently, while a chain made from high-quality material will last longer. The brand can also be an indicator of quality, as well-known brands tend to produce high-quality chains.

Safety Considerations When Buying and Using Chainsaw Chains

Safety should always be a top priority when buying and using chainsaw chains. One of the most important safety considerations is the type of chain. More aggressive chains, such as full chisel chains, are more prone to kickback, which can lead to serious injuries. Therefore, less experienced users should opt for less aggressive chains, such as semi-chisel or low-profile chains.

The size of the chain is another important safety consideration. The chain must fit properly on the chainsaw’s guide bar. If it’s too big or too small, it could come off during use, which could lead to injuries.

Finally, it’s important to always use the chainsaw properly and to maintain it regularly. This includes keeping the chain sharp, as a dull chain can cause the chainsaw to kick back. It also includes checking the chain regularly for damage and replacing it if necessary.

The Importance of Chainsaw Chain Maintenance

Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your chainsaw chain in good working condition. This includes cleaning the chain regularly to remove any dirt or debris that could affect its performance. It also includes checking the chain for damage and replacing it if necessary.

Keeping the chain sharp is another important part of maintenance. A dull chain will not cut efficiently and can cause the chainsaw to kick back, which can lead to injuries. Therefore, it’s important to sharpen the chain regularly. This can be done with a chainsaw file or with a chainsaw sharpener.

Finally, it’s important to lubricate the chain regularly to reduce friction and wear. This can be done with chainsaw oil, which should be applied to the chain before each use. Regular maintenance will not only improve the performance of your chainsaw, but it will also extend the lifespan of the chain and the chainsaw itself.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Chainsaw Chains

There are several common mistakes that people make when buying chainsaw chains. One of the most common is buying the wrong size chain. The size of the chain must match the size of the chainsaw’s guide bar. If the chain is too big or too small, it won’t fit properly and could come off during use.

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong type of chain. As mentioned earlier, there are several different types of chains, each designed for a specific type of cutting task. Choosing the wrong type of chain can make your work harder and potentially damage your chainsaw.

Finally, many people neglect to consider the quality of the chain. A cheap, low-quality chain may seem like a good deal, but it will likely dull quickly and may not perform as well as a higher-quality chain. Therefore, it’s worth investing in a high-quality chain from a reputable brand.

How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain: A Basic Guide

Replacing a chainsaw chain is a relatively simple process, but it should be done with care. The first step is to remove the old chain. This can be done by loosening the tension on the chain and then removing the guide bar. Once the guide bar is removed, the chain can be slipped off.

The next step is to install the new chain. The chain should be placed on the guide bar, making sure that the cutting teeth are facing in the right direction. The guide bar can then be reattached to the chainsaw, and the chain can be adjusted to the correct tension.

Finally, it’s important to test the new chain to make sure it’s installed correctly. This can be done by running the chainsaw and checking that the chain is moving smoothly and cutting efficiently. If the chain is not working properly, it may need to be adjusted or replaced.

The Environmental Impact of Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw chains, like all tools, have an environmental impact. The production of chainsaw chains involves the use of natural resources, such as metal and oil, and the emission of greenhouse gases. The use of chainsaw chains also contributes to deforestation, which is a major environmental issue.

However, there are ways to reduce the environmental impact of chainsaw chains. One way is to choose chains made from recycled or sustainable materials. Another way is to maintain your chainsaw chain properly, as a well-maintained chain will last longer and reduce the need for replacement.

Finally, it’s important to use your chainsaw responsibly. This includes using it only when necessary and cutting in a way that minimizes waste. By taking these steps, you can help reduce the environmental impact of your chainsaw chain.

Conclusion: Making the Right Chainsaw Chain Purchase Decision

Choosing the right chainsaw chain is crucial for the performance and longevity of your chainsaw. It’s important to consider the type of cutting you plan to do, the size of your chainsaw’s guide bar, and the quality of the chain. By taking these factors into account, you can choose a chain that will make your work easier and more efficient, and that will last for many years to come.

Safety should also be a top priority when choosing a chainsaw chain. Choosing a less aggressive chain, ensuring that the chain fits properly on the guide bar, and maintaining the chain regularly can all help reduce the risk of injuries.

Finally, it’s important to consider the environmental impact of your chainsaw chain. Choosing a chain made from sustainable materials, maintaining your chain properly, and using your chainsaw responsibly can all help reduce the environmental impact of your chainsaw chain.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chainsaw Chains

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

The frequency of replacement depends on how often you use your chainsaw and the type of cutting you do. However, a good rule of thumb is to replace the chain when it becomes dull and can’t be sharpened anymore, or when it becomes damaged.

How do I know if my chainsaw chain is dull?

Signs of a dull chainsaw chain include difficulty cutting, uneven cuts, and excessive sawdust. If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely time to sharpen or replace your chain.

Can I use any type of chainsaw chain on my chainsaw?

No, the type and size of the chain must match the specifications of your chainsaw. Using the wrong type or size of chain can damage your chainsaw and lead to safety issues.