What is the best chain for your chainsaw? We’ve got them lined up from 8 inch to 24 inch. Husqvarna and Oregon are of course the bigger players!
In this article, I have listed 9 of the best chainsaw chains to help you get smooth cuts through any type of wood.
Choosing the best chainsaw chain for your tool is detrimental. As the right choice will make your work effortless and boost the power tool’s efficiency.
If you want to know more about chainsaw chains or what to look for when tempted to buy one? Then head over to our buying guide at the bottom.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Main Features | Our Score | Check Latest Price |
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Editor’s Favorite  Husqvarna H-30-72 | Compatible with: Husqvarna 41, 45, 49, 51, 55, 340, 336, 339XP, 345, 346XP, 350, 351, 353, 435, 440, 445, or 450e.
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Best 16″ Chain  Oregon S56. | Compatible with: 16 inch bars from Oregon, Husqvarna, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Remington, or Poulan.
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Best 20″ Chain  Oregon D70 | Compatible with: Oregon, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Craftsman, and McCulloc
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Now that you’ve seen a quick comparison of our top pics it is time to dive a little deeper. Happy reading and let’s dive in!
Overall Best Chainsaw Chain: Husqvarna H72-30, 18 Inch Chain
Husqvarna has built a name for producing high-quality industrial power tools and accessories. It’s one of the reasons I’ve put the Husqvarna 460 Rancher on the top of our Best professional chainsaw review list.
Its chainsaw chains are no exception. The Husqvarna 18inch H3072 95vp Pixel Saw Chain is one of the best chainsaw chains for your 18″ chainsaw. It offers exceptional performance and reliability.
Features of Husqvarna chainsaw chain 18-Inch H3072 95VP
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What I liked about Husqvarna 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain
This 95vp pixel best chainsaw chain has a.325″ pitch and 0.050″ gauge, making it ideal for sawing through even the toughest jobs. It was created to keep its cutting edge for a long time, even after hours of heavy use. You won’t have to worry about excessive vibrations or backlash because it cuts smoothly and does not strain during operation.
The H30-72 is compatible with a variety of Husqvarna chainsaws. It’s one of the wisest investments you can make if you own a Husqvarna 41, 45, 49, 51, 55, 340, 336, 339XP, 345, 346XP, 350, 351, 353, 435, 440, 445, or 450e.
The H30-72 is intended to slice through branches and trees effortlessly. Its teeth will retain sharp after hours of hard use if you oil it periodically. It’s an outstanding value for homeowners and professionals. You get this best chainsaw chain for your 18″ Husqvarna chainsaw, coming in at just around $20.
What I didn’t like about Husqvarna 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain
The H30-72 slows down by a bit while cutting through extremely dense hardwoods. Although it still works effectively, it might take a bit more of your time than usual in this case.
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Who can use Husqvarna chainsaw chain 18-Inch .050 gauge .325 pitch low kickback low-vibration
It does an outstanding job over most small and medium-sized projects. It is ideal for many homeowners and professionals.
Semi-Chisel Best Chainsaw chain Oregon S56 16 inch
Looking over our list of the 10 best chainsaw chains for 2022, you will notice that Oregon appears a lot. The company is known for producing high-quality, high-performance lawn products and accessories. And the Oregon S56 16inch Semi-Chisel chain for chainsaw is without a doubt one of the top choices for your 16″ chainsaw.
Features of Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar
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What I liked about Oregon S56 16 inch Chainsaw chain
Heat-treated and hard-chromed, the Oregon S56 provides rapid, accurate cuts. It has reduced kickback and vibration. The 56 drive links in the 16″91VG low-profile chain provide remarkable performance, as do the twin cutting corners. It also has semi-chisel teeth. Thus, it makes it simple to work with hardwood while increasing durability and maintainability.
While some of the brand products on our list are only compatible with their models of chainsaws, Oregon chains are far more adaptable. This means you can get this cutter chain whether you have a 16-inch or a 20-inch cutter chainsaws. These can be from Oregon, Husqvarna, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Remington, or Poulan.
Oregon offers incredible value and durability when it comes to the best chainsaw chains, and the S56 is a shockingly good price at just over $10. Its semi-chisel teeth cut through soft or hardwood. The chain is exceptionally durable, retaining its sharpness even after hours of intense use.
What I did not like about Oregon S56 16 inch Chainsaw chain
Due to its semi-chisel design, the Oregon S56 cuts through hardwoods slightly slower than its counterparts. The company says this chain fits on other chainsaws. However, read and understand technical details before ordering this chain for non-Oregon chainsaws.
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Who can use Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
You can cut any size of tree with this chain, provided you sharpen it timely. The Oregon S56 is a fantastic pick for small house garden cutting and for professionals too. It excels at most little and medium-sized chores.
Use Husqvarna H4684 for 24 Inch Chainsaw Chain
A 24-inch chainsaw is a powerful wood-cutting tool, but if you want to get the most out of your tool, you will need the best chainsaw chain for it. Husqvarna H4684 24 inches Saw Chain gives you the cutting power you need for even the most difficult jobs.
Features of Husqvarna 531300624 H4684 Chainsaw Chain
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What I liked about Husqvarna H4684
It’s designed to cut through wood swiftly, with 84 drive links, so you can get the job done quickly. Also, you won’t have to pick up chips and debris afterward due to its clean-cut design. It cuts smoothly and quietly. This allows eliminating user fatigue and safety concerns with little backlash or vibration.
Anyone with a 24″ Husqvarna chainsaw can choose the H4684. This is one of the best chainsaw chains picks for you. You can have any one of the following:
288XP, 298, 357XP, 359, 362XP, 365, 371, 372XP, 380, 385XP, 394XP, 390XP, 395XP, 2100, 2101, 3120XP, 455 Rancher, 460, 460 Rancher, 560XP, 565XP,570, 575XP, or 576XP
This chain is one of the priciest on our list at barely under $30, but it is ideal for cutting even the toughest wood without losing its sharpness. Sharp teeth hold their cutting edge for a long period, decreasing the need for honing and allowing you to complete any task quickly.
What I did not like about Husqvarna H4684
Even though the Husqvarna H4684 is the most expensive chain on our list, it is still not compatible with other brands’ chainsaws.
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Who can use Husqvarna 531300624 H4684 Chainsaw Chain
It offers the highest efficiency required for professional work. Yet, it’s also ideal for novices due to its ability to cut smoothly and cleanly while requiring minimal maintenance.
Oregon S52 Chainsaw Chain For 14-inch Bar
Owning a 14-inch chainsaw does not mean sacrificing on performance. With the Oregon 14-inch chainsaw chain, your chainsaw can take on jobs that were previously only achievable with large chains. This best chainsaw chain produces clean, quick cuts with excellent chip flow, making it ideal for a wide range of trimming and cutting tasks.
I’ve made an article about the best small gas-powered chainsaws feel free to check them out.
Features of Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 14-Inch Bar
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What I liked about Oregon S52 chainsaw chain
With 52 driving links, a 3/8″ pitch, and a 0.050″ gauge, the Oregon 14 inch chainsaw chain is ideal for a range of wood-cutting tasks. It has chamfer chisel cutters, which are faster, more precise, and more durable than semi-chisel chains.
It’s heat-treated and hard-chromed for extra sturdiness and abrasion resistance. Furthermore, the double cutting corners of its chamfer chisel cutters provide remarkable performance.
This is one of the best chains you can buy if you have a 14-inch chain saw produced by Oregon, Craftsman, Homelite, Poulan, Echo, or Remington. It can make your smaller chainsaw perform as well as some of its larger competitors.
For anyone using a 14″ chainsaw, this chain is one of the best chainsaw chain deals available. It performs admirably, effortlessly slicing through softwoods and hardwood. Its teeth also stay sharper longer than some other options on the market because they’re made of hardened steel and chromium.
What I did not like about Oregon S52 chainsaw chain
While S52 is compatible with most 14-inch chainsaw models, you may need to remove one chain link for it to fit on certain models.
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- You might need to remove a chain link to fit certain models.
Who can use Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
This chain is great for casual chainsaw enthusiast or DIY enthusiast. If you’re in search of the right chain for your large-scale hardwood work the Oregon S52 could be the best.
Consider SUNGATOR SG-S40 Chainsaw Chain For 10-inch Chainsaw
SUNGATOR SG-S40 chainsaw chain has the double cutting corners of Chamfer Chisel cutters. It provides exceptional performance, durability, and ease of maintenance. Ramp-shaped depth gauges and bumper drive link reduces backlash while maintaining performance.
Also, the Vibe-Ban chassis design decreases vibration at the handles by 25% or more. This chainsaw chain is suitable for light-duty tree maintenance or cutting logs for firewood, whether you use a chainsaw, or a pole saw.
Features of SUNGATOR 3-Pack 10 Inch Chainsaw Chain SG-S40
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What I liked about SUNGATOR SG-S40 chainsaw chain
For brands like Remington, Craftsman, Poulan, WORX, Ryobi, and Greenworks models, the SUNGATOR chains are a great fit. However, due to their.050-inch gauge, 3/8 pitch, and 40 drive links, these chainsaw chains can be utilized with other saws of similar size. Simply ensure that your chainsaw has the same settings.
The chains are made of premium high-grade steel and provide superior cutting performance on various trees and wood kinds. The semi-chisel design resists dirt and dust and keeps its sharpness longer than other cutters. The chains have a minimal vibration design that eliminates 20% or more vibration, allowing you to work peacefully.
What I did not like about SUNGATOR SG-S40 chainsaw chain
This chainsaw chain does not work well with Ryobi models and has some noticeable kickbacks with certain dense woods.
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Who Can Use Sungator Sg-S40
SUNGATOR 3-Pack 10-inch chain is one of the best chainsaw chains for beginners and small-sized projects. It is not ideal for heavy professional use.
For 8-inch Chainsaws Use Oregon R34 Chain
A pole saw is versatile equipment, but you’ll need a good cutter to get the most out of it. The Oregon R34 8″ Micro Lite Chain can help with that. The chain provides the same level of service and quality that we’ve come to expect from Oregon. It’s one of the best for both homeowners and professionals.
Features of Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain
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What I liked about Oregon R34 Chainsaw Chain
The R34 8″ Micro Lite Pole Saw Chain is designed exclusively for portable chainsaws. And, it removes less wood fiber while working, thanks to its design.
Also, the 8″ chain has a low kerf 0.43″ gauge, which increases efficiency and consumes less saw power than typical chains on the market.
The R34 from Oregon works with some of the most well-known power tool brands on the market today. If you have an Oregon, Poulan, or Remington pole saw, this is one of the greatest upgrades you can do if you want to improve performance and efficiency.
Because of its improved design, this chain takes less power to cut the same length of material as typical cutting attachments. At under $10, it’s one of the best chainsaw chain deals around.
What I did not like about Oregon R34 Chainsaw Chain
Oregon R34 8″ Micro Lite Pole Saw Chain is limited to use with only a handful of brands and models compared to other chainsaw chains by Oregon. The chain was prone to problems due to its inability to tighten properly onto the saw, which could be a major safety risk.
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Who can use Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain
R34 is ideal for personal use and might not work well in a professional capacity. It also takes less wood fibers as it cuts, meaning it uses less power than other cutting tools that cut the same way.
20 inch Husqvarna 531300441 Chainsaw Chain
If you’re cutting wet or dry wood, The Husqvarna 531300441 20-Inch H80-72 saw chain is a sturdy chain. It cuts with smooth and smooth movement through the wood. Although the chain can handle some heavy-duty tasks, it doesn’t require regular sharpening.
Features of Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 Chainsaw Chain, Orange/Gray 20 inches
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What I liked about Husqvarna 531300441 Chainsaw Chain
This 3/8″ pitch,.050″ gauge chain effortlessly cuts through even the toughest timber. Furthermore, this high-performance chain produces low vibrations and minimum kickback. Thus, it promotes user safety while decreasing fatigue.
This cutting chain is designed for 20″ chainsaws and is intended for power and rapid cutting, making it ideal for large-diameter wood.
It has a large cutting depth, making it ideal for attacking heavy limbs and trees. And its razor-sharp teeth are suitable for speeding and powering through heavy-duty work. While it delivers the performance that the majority of professional users demand.
What I did not like about Husqvarna 531300441 Chainsaw Chain
A drawback observed in this chain is that it is only compatible with the Husqvarna chain. Also, you might have to adjust the chain frequently to maintain its tightness, but this may happen in non-Husqvarna chainsaws. So, if you want to use it on other brands, be cautious.
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Who can use Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 Chainsaw Chain
This high-performance chain is great for professionals. So, if you require an effective and durable chainsaw to perform well when working in harsh conditions, this one is for you. The Husqvarna 531300441 20-inch H80-72 comes with low-vibration technology. It helps reduce operators’ fatigue and increase longevity.
AdvanceCut Oregon D70 Chainsaw Chain
This chain by Oregon has a unique design that allows it to provide unmatched longevity, performance, and safety. This design prevents kickbacks, and it is up to expectations. I particularly like the sharpening guide markings on every tooth, and they take the uncertainty out of sharpening your teeth on the field. The chain was razor clean and ready to be taken from the box, and it does stretch out a lot when compared with other brands.
Features of Oregon D70 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar
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What I liked about Oregon D70 Chainsaw Chain
This low-vibration, complete chisel cutting chain give premium performance. It gives a smooth cutting experience due to its innovative bent-over depth gauge. This is a terrific alternative for arborists, commercial cutters, loggers, and farmers. It’s for them looking for high-performance and guaranteed safety in a 3/8″ pitch chain.
Most Oregon, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Craftsman, and McCulloch 20″ saws are compatible with this low-profile 20″ chain. It’s the best chainsaw chain to get your tool to operate like a professional.
What I did not like about Oregon D70 Chainsaw Chain
Due to its design, D70 can have a difficult time cutting hardwoods. It can get dull easily when cutting palm trees; also, it stretches more than other chainsaw chains.
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Who can use Oregon D70 AdvanceCut
Not the most knowledgeable chainsaw user? Or have you been using them for over 40 years. Either way. This chain will help you out.
ControlCut Oregon L68 Chainsaw Chain
This is the best chainsaw chain choice for anyone who needs a strong, precise cutting chain for occasional or regular commercial use. This Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain comes with auto lubrication, low-vibrations. The durable hard chrome surfaces prolong the life of the chain.
Features of Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar
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What I liked about Oregon L68 Chainsaw Chain
This chain’s low-vibration Micro Chisel cutters have tiny radius working corners. These deliver remarkable performance while being simple to maintain.
It comes with LubriTec, which keeps your chain and guide bar lubricated for less friction and longer life. Blued Cutters, in particular, are developed to provide exceptional corrosion resistance. This chain is made of OCS-01 steel for long-lasting sturdiness. The Top-Plate Filing Indicators allow you to sharpen it quickly and correctly.
What I did not like about Oregon L68 Chainsaw Chain
Most Oregon chains can be fitted on various models and brands. But, the L68 is only compatible with Oregon and Stihl chainsaws that are 18 inches long.
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Who can use Oregon L68 ControlCut
Oregon L68 18-inch ControlCut Saw Chain is great for personal and professional medium to heavy use. This is a fantastic option for anyone who wants to be more efficient and work for longer, and this is a great option for those who manage their own property.
My Verdict
There are a variety of types of chainsaw chains on the market. The best chainsaw chain is a matter of research and knowledge of the specifications of every chain.
I’ve selected a few chains that have different lengths in order to cover various sizes of chainsaws. You can pick any chainsaw chain with confidence.
But, Husqvarna 18 inch is our top pick since it’s an extremely durable chain. Moreover, it is perfect for those who are semi-professionals and occasional users.
The quality of construction for the chain is excellent and gives an easy-cutting experience when working on a harder surface. The installation process is straightforward and can be used with various chainsaw models. Installation takes only a few minutes.
Take note: The chain should be soaked for a few hours in gear oil to lessen its stiffness before installation. Also, the process of sharpening teeth is fairly simple and shouldn’t take much time.
Buying guide
A chainsaw is an important power tool for any household. You use it for gardening activities like cutting branches and trimming plants. Whether the model is an electric chainsaw or something else, the most important component of any good quality chainsaw is its chain. A chainsaw’s chain wears itself out with regular use over a long time. It would finally need replacing.
Before buying the next best chainsaw chain, it is better to understand its various aspects. This will help ensure that the chain you buy is an ideal fit. This would enable the chainsaw to give its best performance.
Types of Chainsaw Chains
Depending on the tooth type, there are several different types of chains.
a) A full-Chisel Chains (or Chipper Chain): This has angular, square-cornered teeth. These are better suited for tougher materials like softwood and hard surfaces. This type of teeth in the chain provides speed along with safety.
b) Semi-Chisel Chain: This has round-cornered teeth, and it is slower than the chisel chain but is great with sharpness. Best suited for sharp edges of hardwood and wood stumps.
c) Skip and Semi Skip Chain: Fewer teeth are present here. It can operate on lesser power and is often used in longer chainsaws greater than 24 inches.
Chain Length
This is the chainsaw’s bar length measured in inches. This size can range anywhere from 8 to 24 inches. Hence there is no one right size here. The size of the chain to buy will depend on the size of the chainsaw. The best chainsaw chain should neither be too snug nor too loose. Often, the required chain length for a particular chainsaw comes with the print on the chainsaw itself, and it might even be on its product manual. Some common chain lengths are 14, 16, 18, and 20 inches.
Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links
You should always familiarize yourself with these technical details when buying a chain. The chain pitch determines how close the links on a chain are. Generally, most of the pitches are either 1/4th or 3/8th of an inch. The chain gauge indicates the thickness of a chain’s drive links. The chain gauge helps with low vibration and low kickback. Low vibration ensures the cutting is smooth. The chainsaw must not shake much during functioning. Low kickback means your chainsaw is doing its job without getting stuck.
Finally, the drive links: These are present at the bottom of the chain, and they fit into the guide bar of the chainsaw. The purpose of the drive links is to provide a precise measure for a replacement chain. The required number of drive links comes printed on the guide bar in some models.
Cutter Types/Tooth Cutter Design
The cutting teeth in the chainsaw chain have different types of heads. These are classified into 4 types:
- Chipper (full chisel cutters).
- Semi-chisel cutters.
- Chamfer chisel.
- Micro-chisel chisel.
Some of these are round-shaped, and some are square-shaped. These cutting teeth help the chainsaw with smooth cuts at a faster rate.
Performance:
As an extension to the above, the cutting teeth of a chainsaw also determine its performance. A professional woodcutter will usually use chipper chains to cut tree branches. Semi chisel teeth are more versatile, and you can use them on both hardwood and softwood. These round teeth are more durable but take longer to complete the task. The square-shaped teeth of the full chisel chain are more durable and efficient and more suitable for hardwood.
Safety
When working with power tools, safety is of utmost importance. The two main factors in chainsaw safety are kickback and vibration.
Sometimes, the chainsaw gets stuck in wood shavings or chippings (debris). This happens while the chain is still in motion, generating a kickback. The sudden loss of movement can result in injuries. So it is advisable to look for an anti-kickback feature in chainsaw chains.
Secondly, the chainsaw should be low vibration. A lot of vibration will make it difficult to hold the device and cut it in a smooth, even line. Always look for chains with an anti-vibration mechanism.
Maintenance
The chains that you buy should be easy to maintain. Nowadays, chains come with self-sharpening mechanisms. Even otherwise, chainsaw sharpening tools are available in the market. Looking for chains that have a great lubrication system is a good idea. Another great way to take care of your chains is by oiling them at frequent intervals. Additionally, you need to sharpen the chain teeth at regular intervals.
All in all, the best chainsaw chains should not be too difficult or too costly to maintain.
Chainsaw Chain Material and Chain Arrangement
The material used in these chains is hard alloys, and these guarantee the long life of the chain. An alloy is a mixture of two or more metals. It is important to have high-quality materials in the blade teeth, which will ensure good performance and longer shelf life of the model. A chromium-plated alloy provides the chainsaw chain teeth with great power for cutting. Chromium is also low maintenance, and using alloy prevents rusting of the chainsaw chains too.
Price and Warranty
The chains come at a range of prices, from $10 to usually over $25 to $35. Buying a higher- or a lower-priced model is a personal choice, and it also depends on usage. A chainsaw with a not very costly chain will do fine for infrequent use. But professional users who would use the chainsaw often might consider a durable product and of good quality. The quality of your power tool is of importance in the long run.
A product with a manufacturer’s warranty is a safe bet, which indicates that the makers have full confidence in it. The longer the warranty period, the more long-lasting the model would be.
Durability and Reliability
You would always wish your product would not get damaged immediately after usage, right? Any equipment’s durability and long-lasting nature make it an asset in your collection. These also ensure you get good value out of your purchase. You can rely on a durable product. It is always better to check user ratings online and research the materials that go into your chain. Also, always look into the warranty situation before buying it.
Other Features.
Apart from the above, some other features make for an ideal chain for your chainsaw. For example, the ripping chains are made especially for professional users. They need to cut lengthy wood along its grain, and these kinds of chains need added expertise.
Then again, chains made of carbide material have enhanced durability. But these are costlier, and the material is more brittle too.
Final Words
To conclude, the above are some pointers on what factors to consider before buying a new chain for your chainsaw. Whether you use a Husqvarna chain or are looking to buy an Oregon chain, reading up on online reviews about these helps a lot. There are many chainsaw chain reviews available online to help you decide. Happy shopping!
Best Chainsaw Chain Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of chains for chainsaws?
Chainsaw chains are available in three different types. They are available as full chisel, semi-chisel, and low-profile; these are employed for various purposes. The chisel is the method by which the teeth are positioned onto the chain – which determines how the chain will cut through wood.
Are all chainsaw chains the same?
Chainsaw blades aren’t universal. Not every chain or bar will work with your machine, and Chainsaw chains must have the correct specifications to work on the bar. If you are using too short or narrow chains, they won’t fit. Combining chains from different brands isn’t a problem as long as they’re compatible.
What size chain is on my chainsaw?
To find the proper size, take 3 rivets from the chain and determine how far they are from their center points. Divide this number by half to calculate your chain size. In this case, three rivets measuring 1/2 inch wide divided by two will give you a pitch of 1/4 inch.
How long should a chainsaw chain last before sharpening?
A chainsaw could only have to be sharpened a few times a year if it’s not often utilized. However, any regularly used tool will require sharpening to ensure that the blade doesn’t become dull. On average, a chainsaw’s blade will maintain its sharpness for around 3 hours of cutting wood.
How tight should a chainsaw chain be?
A properly tensioned chainsaw chain will remain a bit lose on the guide bar. However, the chain must be sufficiently tight that you cannot take the drive link out of the bar’s nose.
