What is the Best Brand of Chainsaw Chain?
- Low vibration design
- Low kickback
- One year warranty
- Cuts through a range of materials
- Always remains sharp
- Compatible with lots of models
- Automatic oiling system
- Meets all UL requirements
- ANSI low kickback
- Made from industrial grade chrome
- Low kickback design
- Very few vibrations
- Compatible with various models
- High level of performance
- Suited to smaller chainsaws
A question that is often asked by many chainsaw users is what is the best chainsaw chain that they can use on their power tool. After all, if you have spent a large amount of money purchasing a top of the range chainsaw models, then you want to ensure that the chain that you are using on it is equally as good and produces the quality of finish that you require. However, with their being so many different options and models that boast various features, it can be difficult to know which one of them that you should purchase.
For that very reason, we have conducted an in depth review of the best chainsaw chains that are currently available on the market for purchase. After narrowing the competition down to the top four, we then took a look at what features they each have and what their pros and cons are.
Based on this, we made our own personal recommendation as to which one of them was our favorite, and thus the one that you should purchase. We also answered some FAQs about chainsaw chains in general.
The Best Chainsaw Chains: Our Top Picks
#1 Dewalt DWO1DT608 8 in. Pole Saw Replacement Chain
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Low vibration design
- Low kickback
- One year warranty
This is a highly durable chain that has been purposefully designed to fit a bar that is 8 inches in length. It works best cutting on the Dewalt DCPS620 Cordless 20V MAX Pole Saw. Because it has a low vibration design, the Dewalt DWO1DT608 8 in. Pole Saw Replacment Chain can not only cut through a range of materials really fast but also leaves a very smooth finish, with very little kickback.
This is thanks to the depth gauges that are ramped and so meet all of the requirements for it to be considered an ANSI low kickback chain.
Because the sharpness of the chain is maintained throughout its life span, it can be used as both a semi chisel chain and a full chisel chain. In each of the drive links drive links on the chain there is a channel that has been specially designed so that it picks up oil from the bar and then distributes it to all of the rivets so that the amount of friction is reduced and, thus, the overall life span of the power tool is increased.
Coming with a one year warranty, the chain is well protected should anything ever happen to it.
PROS
- Low vibration design
- Low kickback
- One year warranty
CONS
- Only suitable for pole saws
#2 Husqvarna 531 30 04-41 20” Replacement Chain
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Very few vibrations
- Minimizes kickback
- Compatible with various models
Made in the United States of America, the Husqvarna 531 30 04-41 20” Replacement Chain has a high amount of performance and produces very few vibrations. It also works to minimize the amount of kickback that is experienced.
The chain is suitable for a whole host of Husqvarna’s lightweight chainsaw models, including the 55 Rancher, 257, 261, 262 XP, 359, 460, 460 Rancher, 555, and, the best selling chainsaw, 455 Rancher. The only downside is that the product is not covered by a manufacturer’s warranty like many others are.
PROS
- Very few vibrations
- Minimizes kickback
- Compatible with various models
CONS
- No warranty included
#3 Husqvarna 531 30 04-39 18” Replacement Chain
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Low kickback design
- Very few vibrations
- Compatible with various models
The Husqvarna 531 30 04-39 18” Replacement Chainsaw Chain has been specifically designed with the intention of fully optimizing your chainsaw so that it is able to achieve the highest levels of performance available, regardless of what type of cutting or boring job that it is being used for.
Other benefits of this model include the facts that it has a low kickback design and produces very few vibrations in order to meet all of the needs of a lightweight chainsaw. This makes the chain well suited for anyone from occasional users, professional arborists, and even commercial cutters.
With the Husqvarna 531 30 04-39 18” Replacement being well suited to smaller sized chainsaws within high production environments, it can be used on the following Husqvarna models – the 450e, 450, 440e, 440, 435, 353, 351, 350, 346XP, 345, and the 340.
Unfortunately, this model of chain does not come with a manufacturer’s warranty, so should you ever experience any issues with it or if it breaks immediately after purchase, then you can not have it fixed or replaced.
PROS
- Low kickback design
- Very few vibrations
- Compatible with various models
CONS
- No warranty included
#4 Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
NOTABLE FEATURES
- Compatible with lots of models
- Automatic oiling system
- Meets all UL requirements
Coming in either a 1 pack, 2 pack, 3 pack, 4 pack, or 5 pack option, you can purchase enough of the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain to keep you covered for a number of years. Because it is a highly versatile product, it can be used on a number of different makes and models of chainsaw, including the Craftsman CMECS600, 38.38170, 358.38170, 358.38070, 358.35514, 358.35170, 358.35161, and 358.34116.
It also works with the Homelite UT43123 and UT43122.
In addition to these models, the chain is also compatible with the Greenworks 2002802, 2000800, and 20152; the Ryobi RY43154 and RY3716; the Poulan WildThing, 3516, 2150, and 260; the Echo CS-370, CS-355T, CS-352, and CS-310; the Husqvarna T540XP, T435, 335T, and 334T.
Because it is suitable for a range of different tough jobs that can be found around the yard, such as clearing away trees that are storm damaged, it is the ideal chain for use by occasional chainsaw users.
With the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain being a semi chisel type, it cuts super smoothly and is highly tolerant of dust and debris. Having been engineered with the safety of the user in mind, it meets all of the necessary ANSI low kickback and UL requirements. The LubriTec automatic oiling system that it has is specifically designed to keep the chain drive links well lubricated at all times, thus allowing you to work smarter, whilst also increasing the overall life span of the chain itself.
Thanks to this system, the chain also stays sharper for a much longer period of time. With the outer layer of the chain being made from industrial grade chrome, it results in a surface that is super hard.
Because of this, it can also be used as a semi chisel, a precision cutting, a heat treated, and a hard chromed cutter chain also. The advanced technology that has been used in the design and construction in this particular model ensure that it is tough and sharp so that it leaves a good quality cut finish.
PROS
- Compatible with lots of models
- Automatic oiling system
- Meets all UL requirements
CONS
- No warranty included
FAQS – A Buyer’s Guide
For any individuals who at this point are still unsure as to which chainsaw chain is the right one for them and, thus, the one that they should purchase, then this part should be of a real help as we answer some of the Internet’s most frequently asked questions about chainsaw chains in general. By doing this, you will be provided with even more information, which should work to aid your purchasing decision.
Of course, there are many more questions that we could have answered but these are the top four ones.
To help us with the task of answering these questions, we have enlisted the help of a number industry experts and experienced chainsaw users. By doing this, we have ensured that all of the information that we have provided you with here in response to the questions is accurate, up to date, and follows the latest good practice.
You should not despair if by the end of this you are still unsure which one to purchase, as we make our own recommendation on which of the above models you should purchase.
Are Oregon chains as good as Stihl?
Founded in 1947, the Oregon Saw Chain Manufacturing Corporation started off with a single product and just four employees. Fast forward almost 75 years and the company is now owned by the Blount Inc. Corporation.
This is a company that has thousands of different products and employs over 3,000 individuals. They are now considered the number one name in the world of chainsaw chains and forestry accessories, sprockets, and general outdoor type equipment.
Stihl, with now over 90 years of experience in manufacturing garden power tools, such as chainsaws and their accessories, are widely considered as one of the leading companies in setting the standard for how these types of products should work and function. This is because their products combine good quality design along with the latest engineering techniques.
The company then match this with a great level of customer service that keeps people coming back. That is why their products currently sell in more than 160 countries.
Other than the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain that featured in the list of Our Top Picks, the best chain that the company do is the Oregon PowerSharp 3/8 45cm Chainsaw Chain. What is great about this product is that is has sharpening cutters on the top that feature depth gauge tie straps, along with guidance drive links drive links that work to minimize the amount of kickback that is produced.
It comes with a sharpening stone that attaches to the chainsaw, allowing for an on board sharpening system.
The best chainsaw of Stihl’s chains is the 3/8″ .050 Picco Super 3616-000-0050 Chainsaw chain. It features the company’s innovative design that means that it is the first ever 3/8” Picco full chisel tooth chain that has ever been manufactured. Thanks to this, the product delivers an exception cutting performance, whilst still being quiet and producing very few vibrations.
Because it has a low amount of feed force, it is the ideal choice for use by professional arborists or for use commercially.
Deciding on which one of these two product and giants of power tool manufacturing is the best is a difficult choice. As you can see, both produce a good quality chainsaw chain that can be used on various models in order to produce good quality cuts, all whilst keeping you safe while doing so.
However, when getting the chain out of the box that it comes in, it is much sharper than the Oregon and also holds the edge much longer in comparison. For most people, they will be happy with chainsaw chains from either company.
What is the best chainsaw chain for hardwood?
When cutting through hardwood, such as Ash, American White Oak, and Beech, with a chainsaw it is important that you use a specialist new chain for this task and not simply use the one that came with the power tool as standard.
This is because they are not designed to tackle such materials and will very likely break. It is important to remember that the correct type of chain should be coupled with an aggressive chainsaw that has the power required to cut through these types of wood.
The best chainsaw chain for cutting through hardwood is the Oregon Eco Homelite Chainsaw Chain. It can cut through all hardwoods without even breaking into a sweat. This means that you can quickly and easily clear away those storm damaged trees that have come down in your yard without worrying about the chain not being strong or robust enough.
It does all of this without ever generating any vibrations and is super smooth thanks to the LubriTec Oiling System that it features.
In addition to this chain, there are a number of other ones that are worthy of a mention. The first of these is the Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain. Made by a highly reputable brand, this product is suitable for any chainsaw that has an 18 inch long bar.
Not only is it highly impressive when it comes to performance but it also has a good amount of stability. Because of this, it can be used for variety of different type jobs where the cutting or hardwoods is required.
The Stihl 26RS68 Chainsaw Chains is another great chain for cutting through hardwood. Thanks to its design, it produces cuts that are both highly accurate and super smooth. Because of this, you are able to work much faster, thus getting the job done quicker.
It is compatible with any of the company’s regular chainsaws, as well as with any of their long stick pole saw chain also. Even after many hours of use, the chain for chainsaw remains in good condition and all of the teeth very sharp.
What is the fastest cutting chainsaw chain?
There are a number of different models of chainsaw chain out there that are really fast at cutting. These include the likes of the Oregon D70 20-Inch Vanguard, the Husqvarna 531300439 18Inch Pixel Chain, the STIHL 26RS Chainsaw Chains, the Husqvarna H4684 24-Inch Saw Chain, and the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain.
All of these chains work to cut through all varieties of wood very fast and produce a good quality finish. Therefore, picking any one of them is OK.
However, are favorite from these is the STIHL 26RS Chainsaw Chain. Made in Switzerland, this chain is capable of handling tough and demanding conditions and comes with a whole host of different professional grade features.
One of these is the slots for the automatic oiling system that it has. This works by funnelling the oil directly into the rivets so that it reduces the amount of wear that the chain experiences. Because it comes already stretched, it does not need adjusting when you receive it.
It does produce very few vibrations, although it has no particular kickback features. For these very reasons, it is the perfect choice for use by professional arborists within a commercial setting.
What is the most aggressive chainsaw chain?
When you are in need of an aggressive chainsaw chains, then there is only one company that you should seriously consider, and that is Stihl. Although their chains for chainsaw generally cost more than the ones produced by their competitors, they do tend to last much longer and so make a better investment in the long run.
However, with the company producing so many different types of chains for a chainsaw, it can be difficult to know which one is the best for the type of aggressive job that you are doing.
For example, the Picco Micro Mini Comfort 3 chain that they produce is great for producing very little kickback, delivering a good quality cut, and being aggressive also. Similarly, the Picco Micro Comfort 3 is a product that is for those individuals who need an aggressive chain for chainsaws but also require some comfort at the same time.
The Picco Duro is a low profile quality chainsaw chain that is tipped with carbide so it is able to aggressively make light work of most materials that come its way.
Suitable for wood carvers and arborists alike, the Rapid Micro Special offers a good cutting performance and because the top plate is shortened, it means that you do not need to push down when plunging into a piece of wood.
The Rapid Micro is good for aggressive forestry and construction work thanks to the fact that it provides excellent control and a good cutting performance. Similarly, the Rapid Micro Comfort can be used on any make or model of chain for performing aggressive work.
Other types of chainsaw chains made by Stihl that are great for aggressive work include the Rapid Duro R, the Rapid Duro, the Rapid Super Comfort 3, the Rapid Super Comfort, and the Rapid Super. All of these are made using the highest quality materials and utilizing the latest engineering techniques in order to provide an overall finished product that is not only aggressive, but provides a good quality finish.
This chainsaw chain comes in varying price ranges in order to suit all budgets, so simply choose the one that works for you best.
The Best Chainsaw Chain of Them All
Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
Now that we have looked at each of the above chainsaw chains in great detail, we are now able to make our own recommendation as to which one of them is the best chainsaw chain and, thus, the one that you should purchase.
However, before we disclose this information, we must state that this was a difficult decision, as all of the chains that featured in the above list of Our Top Picks is a good quality one that is capable of doing most cutting type jobs that you would ever need it to do.
That being said, we can state that our favorite from these is the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain. This is because it can be used on a large number of different makes and models of chainsaw chainsaw, it features an automatic oiling system that works to prolong its life span, and it has been designed with user safety at the front of mind and so it meets all of the requirements of a UL certified product.
The only slight downside to it is that there is no warranty included with it, meaning it is not covered should it ever stop working or break.