Having the right chainsaw chain is crucial for effective and safe operation of your chainsaw. The wrong chain can lead to increased wear and tear, poor cutting performance, kickback injuries, and damage to your saw. This comprehensive guide will teach you how to select the ideal chain for your specific chainsaw model based on size, pitch, gauge, and other key factors.

How Chainsaw Chains Work

A chainsaw chain is made up of cutting links that are joined together by rivets and drive links which fit into the groove on the chainsaw bar. As the chain rotates around the bar, the cutting links shave away wood in their path to make a cut. The key components that determine chainsaw chain performance and compatibility include:

Size Dimensions

The chain must match the guide bar’s width and length specifications. Ill-fitting chains either won’t mount on the bar or won’t achieve maximum cutting potential.

Pitch

This refers to the distance between consecutive rivets. Pitch impacts how quickly the chain can cut. 3/8 inches and 0.325 inches are the most common pitches.

Gauge

The gauge measurement determines the thickness of drive links. Choices generally range from 0.043 inches to 0.063 inches. Heavier gauges cut slower but last longer.

Number of Drive Links

Chains have a standard number of drive links according to the chainsaw bar length. Count your chain’s drive links to ensure the new replacement chain has the same number.

How to Determine Your Chainsaw Chain Size

Figuring out the specifications of the chain you need involves just a few simple steps:

Step 1: Match the Bar Length

Turn off your chainsaw and locate the bar length etched into the side of the existing bar in inches. This number indicates the minimum bar length the replacement chain should be. Purchase a chain equal to or slightly longer than your current bar length.

Step 2: Identify the Chain Pitch

Look for pitch size markings on your existing chain. You may find “3/8” or “0.325” stamped into the metal drive links. If not indicated on the chain, check your saw’s user manual or manufacturer website for the recommended pitch.

Step 3: Select the Appropriate Gauge

The chain gauge suitable for your saw depends on the amount of power it produces. Consult your user manual for the best gauge range. Most homeowner saws use 0.043 inch gauge chains. More powerful models require thicker 0.050 or 0.063 inch gauge chains.

Step 4: Match the Number of Drive Links

Count all the drive links on your old chain, excluding the cutters. New chains are readily available in standard drive link counts to match various bar lengths.

How to Measure Your Chainsaw Bar

If your existing bar or chain is too damaged to determine the size, you can easily measure the bar to figure the correct replacement chain dimensions.

Things You’ll Need

Chainsaw
Tape measure/ruler

Steps

Make sure the chainsaw is turned off and not plugged in.
Locate the guide bar bolted underneath the saw. This is the long metal rod that supports and guides the chain.
Measure the exact cutting length of the bar in inches, starting from one end and excluding the rounded tip. This is your bar length.
Also measure the groove width the chain runs through. This is typically 0.325 inches or 0.375 inches. This is your chain pitch.
Refer to the saw’s manual or manufacturer’s website if you need help determining the gauge range and number of drive links compatible with the bar length and pitch.

How to Determine When You Need a New Chain

Chains naturally wear out over time and use. But how do you know precisely when it’s time to replace your existing chain? Here are key signs of chain dullness signaling the need for a new one:

Chainsaw Produces Dust, Not Chips

Dull cutters turn wood into fine sawdust instead of coarse chips and shards. This clogs the tip and indicates the chain is no longer sharp enough.

You Need Excessive Pressure to Cut

Having to force the saw to cut is dangerous and harmful. Sharp chains slice through wood smoothly and easily without much operator effort.

Cut Path Veers Off Course

Precise bar oil application and properly sharpened cutters are crucial for straight line cutting. Chains that curve and wander while cutting need replacement.

Visible Damage to Cutters

Inspect your chain for broken, bent, or visibly worn out cutting teeth. Damage spanning more than 4-5 consecutive cutters merits chain replacement.

Cut Quality and Speed Declines

Compare your chainsaw’s current performance to a new chain’s cutting time and neatness. If it takes significantly longer for messy cuts, the existing chain is likely very dull.

Replacing your chain as soon as these signs appear prevents extensive bar damage as well as personal injury from chainsaw kickback.

How to Select the Optimal Chainsaw Chain

While the size measurements must align with your saw, you also want a chain tailored to your specific cutting application for maximum safety and efficiency.

Chainsaw Type

The power output and kickback tendency of saw models like battery-electric, gas-powered, pole saws, and concrete saws impact ideal chain choice.

Typical Cutting Tasks

The thickness and type of material being cut regularly determines the best chain type. For example, ripping chains cut faster through bark and dirty wood.

Frequency of Use

Occasional users can utilize general purpose chains, while intensive commercial use requires robust, heavy-duty chains.

Professionals at your local hardware store can recommend the highest quality chainsaw chain brands and models suited for your needs once they understand your chainsaw specifications and usage.

Common Chainsaw Chain Types

While chain brands and models are abundant, these are the most common overarching types available:

Standard Chains

General purpose chains with all-around performance for most household cutting tasks. Easy to sharpen and economical choice.

Semi Chisel Chains

The beveled, angled side plate on each cutter creates a sharper cutting edge than standard chains, with smoother cutting action.

Full Chisel Chains

Aggressively angled cutters that slice fastest but are more prone to kickback. Recommended only for experienced chainsaw operators.

Skip Chisel Chains

Every other cutter link has no cutting surface, so sawdust ejects faster. Creates faster cuts but requires more sharpening.

Ripping Chains

Specialized for cutting along wood grains and logs. Aggressive rakers and optimal chip flow improve ripping efficiency.

Low Kickback Chains

Engineered to reduce dangerous kickback spikes through gradual depth gauges and guard link designs. Added safety measure.

How to Install a New Chainsaw Chain

Replacing your previous chain with a brand new one is a quick process if you follow proper procedure:

Supplies Needed

Replacement saw chain
Flathead screwdriver
Gloves
Chainsaw file and depth gauge tool

Step 1: Detach the Bar

The bar must be removed from the saw to access the chain. Loosen the side nuts with a screwdriver and gently slide the bar off.

Step 2: Remove Old Chain

Lift the lower section of the chain off the top bar sprocket. Slide the rest of the chain off the bar end.

Step 3: Install New Chain

Start by looping the chain over the tip of the bar. Ensure cutters face the right forward direction. Feed chain over the back sprocket and top bar sprocket correctly.

Step 4: Tighten Bar Nuts

Position the bar flush against saw and hand tighten side nuts. Adjust chain tension following manufacturer instructions.

Step 5: Inspect and Lubricate

Check lubrication holes and guides. Lubricate each link joint before use.

Step 6: Perform Test Cuts

Make a few test cuts on soft wood before heavy duty use to ensure smooth operation.

Be sure to tension, lubricate, and maintain your new chain according to the manufacturer’s guidelines for maximum working life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

A: With proper care and sharpening, chains last 3-6 months for occasional users, and 1-3 months for intensive commercial use. Replace when cutting efficiency declines beyond restoration through sharpening.

Q: Can I use a longer replacement chain than my existing bar length?

A: Yes, you can use a chain up to 2 inches longer to allow for future bar length increases. Ensure the chain has the correct pitch, gauge and drive links to match your bar groove width.

Q: Is it safe to use a chainsaw chain past its dullness point?

A: No, using an extremely dull or damaged chain is dangerous and can cause severe kickback and injuries. Replace the chain as soon as cutting efficiency drops or you spot damaged cutter links.

Q: Can I use vegetable oil to lubricate my chainsaw chain?

A: No. Chainsaw chains operate under high friction and need sticky, high-quality bar and chain oil with adhesive agents to lubricate correctly. Vegetable oils lack these properties and will gum up chain movement.

Q: What are some top chainsaw chain brands I should look for?

A: Oregon, Husqvarna, and Stihl manufacture excellent quality chainsaw chains that cut smoothly, resist wear, and have specialized options. Buy from authorized dealers to ensure genuine products.