5 Best Chainsaw Chain Reviews and Buyer’s Guide 2017
We may not agree on so much but, you’ll agree with us on this:
Sharpening a chainsaw chain whenever it becomes blunt is tiring and well, however much efforts you throw in, the chain won’t be as efficient as it was after you bought it; right?
Having gone through the hassle of buying chainsaw chain sharpeners and looking around for the best price saw chains, we had to enlighten you. Finding the RIGHT chain for your chainsaw is incredibly difficult.
However, with our unbiased review, which took us hours as we scoured the internet, we have a list of the five best chainsaw chains which you can order today.
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Contents
- 2017’s Reviews of The Best Chainsaw Chains
- Chainsaw Chain Reviews at a glance
- #1 – Oregon S56 16-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain Fits Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, and Remington
- #2 – Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch – (Great Cut and Good Price)
- #3 – Black & Decker RC800 – Best Price
- #4 – GreenWorks 29072 – Compatible with all GreenWorks Pole saw bar 29062
- #5 – Oregon S62 18-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain Fits Craftsman, Homelite, and Poulan
- Reviews and Comparisons of The Best Chainsaw Chains
- How Do You Buy the Best Chainsaw Chain?
- Conclusion
2017’s Reviews of The Best Chainsaw Chains
Product
Weights
Our Rating
Oregon S56 (Editor’s Choice)
0.4 Pounds
0.35 Pounds
0.6 Pounds
0.4 Pounds
0.3 Pounds
Chainsaw Chain Reviews at a glance
Oregon S56 is compatible with Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Remington, and Husqvarna chainsaws. It also has a low kick back and cuts fast and smoothly.
Oregon S62 is compatible with Poulan Pro as well and a look at it reveals a low weight and a high-performance chain.
Husqvarna 531300439 works well for Husqvarna chainsaws and a perfect chainsaw chain replacement. Unfortunately, it may come off when working under high heat.
Black & Decker RC800 is easy to store and carry around and it is the perfect replacement chain for black & Decker pole chainsaw.
GreenWorks 29072 is compatible with most 8-inch chainsaws around. It works perfectly for corded and cordless electric chainsaws.
#1 – Oregon S56 16-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain Fits Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, and Remington
Whether you consider yourself an economist or not, you just know that when buying a chainsaw chain, it has to fit at least one chainsaw brand. As it turns out, my first mistake was picking a brand-specific chainsaw chain. Of course, we can all laugh at that now having learned from my mistake.
Moving forward, I had to find a chain that suits more than one chainsaw chain, and that is when I stumbled upon the Oregon S56 16-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain which fits Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, and Remington brands.
Besides the versatility, the chain is hard-treated, and it is a hard chromed cutter chain. This unique cutter design allows for precision cutting, and it cuts smoothly and fast. The other favorite feature of this chain is the fact that while allowing you to cut firewood quickly, the notched bumper drive link makes for a minimum kickback and good chip flow.
Its engineering adheres to high-performance, safety, and reliable quality. The high-performance results from the twin corners of this cutter. Thanks to technological advancements, you might also like the toughness and the sharpness of this cutter.
This S56 chain also has four symmetrical tie straps which simplify the joining of the chain loops.
What don’t we like about this chainsaw chain?
It doesn’t work with the WORX chainsaw.
What we like:
- The notched bumper drive link reduces kickback when sawing
- This Oregon semi chisel chainsaw chain is compatible with Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Husqvarna, Stihl, and Remington chainsaw chains
- It has a good chip flow and a smooth cutting action.
- This Oregon S56 16-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain meets the ANSI Standards as well as the Is UL Classified Standards.
What we don’t like:
- It is not compatible with the WORX chainsaw or the Poulan Model 966-051601.
#2 – Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch – (Great Cut and Good Price)
My yard requires a lot of work from moving to trimming the hedges and Husqvarna are my favorite. From their mowers to their chainsaws, you might join me in agreeing that their products are the best.
Their chainsaw chain is efficient and it is a perfect fit for 41, 45, 49, 51, 55, 336, 339XP, 340, 345, 346 XP, 350, 351, 353, 435, 440, 445 and 450e Husqvarna chainsaws.
This pixel chainsaw chain has a .325-inch and a .050-inch gauge making it an ideal chain for professional users with very demanding job conditions. This chain is also a low-vibration chain, and this enhances its performance. It is lightweight weighing a mere 9.6 ounces, and it is quickly set up.
Unfortunately, it seems like this chain doesn’t fit a 55 chainsaw as listed in the description. Also, the chain came off when the chainsaw heats up; this isn’t a personal favorite feature.
What we like:
- This saw is well-priced for Husqvarna equipment
- It is very sharp and cuts fast
- It is compatible with various Husqvarna chainsaws.
- It has a high-quality anti-kickback and a low vibration enhancing comfort when cutting.
What we don’t like:
- The chain may come off as the saw heats up when using it.
- Frequent use means that the chain wears and stretches prematurely. You may consider soaking it in gear oil before installing it.
#3 – Black & Decker RC800 – Best Price
Though this chainsaw chain isn’t compatible with other chainsaw brands, it is compatible with Black & Decker’s cordless chainsaw models CCS818 and NPP2018 models.
The chain measures 8.0 inches and weighs 3.0 pounds and is a favorite chain to replace a dull chain. It is compact and lightweight for easy storage. This chain effectively handles most of your yard cleanups as well as maintenance projects.
Unfortunately, this affordable chain doesn’t fit more chainsaw brands, and the battery runs out too fast.
What we like:
- The 8-inch length enhances its performance and makes the chain more durable.
- It is very affordable, and its purchase is more efficient compared to sharpening an old chain all the time.
- It is lightweight and easy to install on the Black & Decker Pole Saw
- It fits a 20-volt pole saw as well as the 18-volt pole saw.
What we don’t like:
- The battery runs out too fast
- It doesn’t fit other brands other than Black & Decker.
#4 – GreenWorks 29072 – Compatible with all GreenWorks Pole saw bar 29062
If you are looking for a GreenWorks compatible chainsaw chain, then this is your best product. It might be the most genuine replacement part on the market for GreenWorks. The 8-inch steel pole chainsaw chain is compatible with 20192, 20302, 20352, 20672 models. It is, therefore, the ideal match for GreenWorks electric corded and the cordless pole saws.
This chain weighs a mere 4.8 ounces and is my favorite chainsaw accessory for my patio, garden, and the lawn. The price could be lower though
What we like:
- Works well with the GreenWorks Pole chainsaw and has a low kickback
- It is compatible with most GreenWorks chainsaws, corded or cordless
- It is small and uncommon in the market
- It is sharp and cuts through timber easily.
- It works just like the original
What we don’t like:
- It becomes dull when cutting on areas with dirt
#5 – Oregon S62 18-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain Fits Craftsman, Homelite, and Poulan
The Oregon S62 18-Inch Semi Chisel Chain Saw Chain is a semi chisel chainsaw chain that allows for precision cutting. It is heat-treated, and it’s a hard chromed cutter chain uniquely designed to cut quickly and smoothly with a minimum kickback.
The low kickback results from its notched bumper drive link on this 91VG chainsaw chain as well as the ramp-shaped depth gauges. The gauges do not affect the performance of the chain. It comes with 18-inch drive links, a 62 pitch, a 3/8″ Gauge and 0.050-inch Chain Type fitting Homelite, Poulan, Poulan Pro, and Craftsman chainsaw brands.
The effectiveness of this chain is the result of the advanced grind geometry and its out-of-box sharpness. These features also lead to its high cutting speed. The bumper tie straps with slots that deliver low-kickback performance LubriLink tie straps that keep oil where it is needed.
The LubriWell oil holes carry oil throughout the length of the chain and the guide bars’ groove Vibe-Ban chassis design reducing vibrations by up to 25%. This low-kickback is the reason why the chain meets the performance requirements of the ANSI B175.1 (USA).
The bad thing with this replacement chainsaw chain is the fact that if it hits the dirt and you have to sharpen it, it loses its edge. You will have to replace it once it becomes blunt or once it calls for more frequent sharpening.
What we like:
- It has a low kickback from the notched bumper drive link as well as bumper tie straps.
- Relatively cheap meaning that replacement of the chain is better than sharpening it.
- It works well
- It is sharp and cuts quickly when new.
What we don’t like:
- It loses it sharpness after few uses
- The new chainsaw chain is rather specific to the chainsaw you use. Only works for Poulan, Craftsman, and Homelite when the chainsaw specifications match.
- Wears off unevenly
Reviews and Comparisons of The Best Chainsaw Chains
Rankings
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
Top Rated Best chainsaw chains Brand 2017
Name
Oregon S56
Oregon S62
Husqvarna 531300439
Black & Decker RC800
GreenWorks 29072
Pitch
3/8ths Inch Pitch
3/8ths Inch Pitch
0.325 Inch Pitch
3/8ths Inch Pitch
3/8ths Inch Pitch
Gauge
0.050 Inch Gauge
0.050 Inch Gauge
0.050 Inch Gauge
0.050 Inch Gauge
.5 Inch Gauge
Length
16-Inch
18-Inch
18-Inch
8-Inch
8-inch
Kickback
Low
Low
Low
Low
Low
Get It
How Do You Buy the Best Chainsaw Chain?
As mentioned above, with all the issues that surround some chains, you cannot trivialize the purchase requirements. As we searched for the best replacement chain for our chainsaw, we noted that the following factors required some thought.
Take a look:
The type of chain
There are four main types of chains including chisel, semi-chisel, skip chisel and chipper chains
Chisel chains
These have square cornered teeth, and they are the fastest in cutting. Among these four types of chains, chisel chains have the highest number of teeth making them the quickest saws with the smoothest cuts. Most domestic chainsaws have these chains.
Semi-chisel chains
These chains have rounded cornered teeth, but the number is less than that of teeth on a full chisel chain. While half of the teeth are close together, the other half is spread apart meaning that this chain will cut at a lower speed compared to the full chisel chainsaw. It’s 10 percent slower to be precise.
The upside of a semi-chisel chain is that it retains its sharpness for a longer duration. At the same time, they don’t become dull too fast when they hit dirt making them the best chains for cutting tree stumps, hardwood, and frozen wood.
Skip chisel chains
Compares to semi-chisel chains, skip chisel chains have the least number of teeth and are the perfect choice for making bigger cuts as they work well with the big bars. A skip chisel chain is suitable for tree felling because of the need for the chain to carry the wood chips over long distances before spitting them out.
The bigger spaces between the teeth make this possible. Even though they cut slowly, they retain their sharpness longer than other chisel chains, they are versatile, and they work well in the dirt. The other two downsides of the skip chisel chains are the high kick-back risks and the strong vibrations.
Chipper chains
They are almost similar to the semi-chisel chains save for the size of the radius at the working corner. In cross section, the chipper’s tooth looks like a question mark with a full radius over the whole cutting portion of the tooth.
Which one do you choose between these four types of chains? Well, it depends on the purpose. However, since we think that you are looking for a non-professional chain for your gardening, a chisel chain is advisable. Though it loses its sharpness and dulls fast, it works fast.
Performance
While we always consider the performance capabilities of the chainsaw, we often forget that the performance of the saw lies on the chain. This means that the new or the replacement chain must be of a high quality and capable of offering efficient performance.
A poor quality chain results in overheating, inefficiency in performance, production of more dust – even if the chainsaw has an efficient cleaning system, and finally, a bad chain labors and eventually destroys the chainsaw.
Safety
A good chainsaw doesn’t put your life in danger whether it is new or old. It should have a design that makes sure the chain fits perfectly whether it is a new one or a replacement chain. One way of abating danger when you feel like the chain is problematic is by sharpening the chain.
Unfortunately, this is often a temporary solution, and you’ll need to replace the chain sooner than you think.
Versatility
The best chains work for more than one chainsaw brand. Even though the chains come in different designs, today, brands look at satisfaction across the board. Therefore, you’ll come across various chainsaw chains which work well for more than the designer’s chainsaw brand.
The chain’s gauge
The gauge of the saw refers to the thickness of the chain’s drive links. Most gauges range from .05 inches to .063 inches. When looking at the gauge, ensure that it matches the gauge on the chainsaw’s guide bar. If the gauge is too thick, it will not fit and, if it is too thin, it will slip sideways out of the edge slot.
The length
This is the number of drive links. You’ll come across chains with 52, 55, 62 drive links, etc. In most cases, the drive links determine the chain’s and the chainsaw’s kickback.
The pitch
The pitch is the average distance between two rivets. No rivets have the same measurements or distance apart, and therefore, you calculate the pitch by measuring the distance between any three rivets then dividing that by 2. For most chains, the pitch ranges from .325, .404, or .375.
Desired smoothness
If you are looking for the smoothest cut surface, you may want to get a chainsaw chain with full chisel-shaped teeth. The closeness of the teeth also results in the production of an even cut with powder-fine sawdust.
That said, we already know that the chain will wear off after a few uses. However, how do you ensure that you get value for your money after purchase? In as much as it will need replacement, how do you extend the time between two chain replacements?
Sharpening
Sharpness is important, but it is lost fast depending on the kind of teeth on the chain. Full-chisel chains require sharpening much more frequently compared to skip chisel chains. You may, therefore, consider getting one of the best sharpening kits on the market.
Lubrication
Though important, it’s hard to maintain lubrication when the chain moves at high speed. You need to have chain oil which compensates the oil lost as you saw away. The chain oil compensates by the inclusion of a special additive which keeps oil on the chain despite the high sawing speed.
Use of chain covers
As long as the chain is sharp, or even when it isn’t, it can cause injuries even if it isn’t moving. You should consider getting a plastic scabbard to cover it when transporting it or when storing it.
Conclusion
As you’ll notice, there are many replacement chainsaw chains on the market, and the search can get confusing. However, with our review of the five best chainsaw chains, you should be in a position to make a decision.
Perhaps you are wondering – which is your favorite? Well, we shall oblige. The Oregon S56 is our best chain because it is compatible with other chainsaw brands such as Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan, Husqvarna, and Remington saw Brands.
Besides compatibility, this chain has a low kickback thanks to its notched bumperdrive link. Sawing with this chain leaves smooth cuts, it cuts quickly too. This chain is ANSI certified.
Which chainsaw chain will work best for your chain?