Answering the common buyer need for reliable, easy-to-install chainsaw chains. This guide highlights five strong options, suitable for a range of popular saw models and bar lengths. Best for homeowners maintaining yard work, contractors needing durable replacements, and DIY enthusiasts seeking smoother cutting with lower kickback. The selections prioritize compatibility, build quality, and consistent performance across common 3/8″ LP and .325″ pitches.
Summary table of chosen products:
- KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ LP, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links — Best for versatile Poulan, Echo, Greenworks, and more.
- Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains, 3/8 LP, .050″ — Best for budget dual-pack buyers, fits multiple brands.
- KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ LP, .050″ Gauge, 56 Drive Links — Best for compact 16″ bar applications.
- FUNKYWOO 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 72 Drive Links — Best for higher-end 20″ bar setups.
- KAKEI 18 Inch .325″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 72 Drive Links — Best for saws needing .325″ pitch with solid kickback performance.
KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links
Reference: 3 Pack 18 Inch, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links, semi-chisel. Meets kickback performance requirements per ANSI B175.1-2012 and CSA Z62.3 standards. Germany steel with heat control and punching system enhances toughness and flatness. Rivets are hardened and quenched to resist wear and reduce tension changes. Best for: saw owners with Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and similar bars. Caution: kickback risk remains possible if used on sharp, debris-filled wood or improper technique.
Why selected: This KAKEI chain emphasizes durability and compatibility across several popular brands, with a focus on low kickback performance and consistent tension maintenance. It suits users needing reliable, mid-length chains for versatile home and light professional tasks.
Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains
Reference: 2 chains, 16-Inch bars, 3/8″ low profile pitch, .050″ gauge, 56 drive links. Made from high-quality steel with heat treatment for wear resistance and reduced elongation. Best for: budget-conscious buyers who need two dependable replacements for smaller 16″ bar saws, including Greenworks, Ryobi, Craftsman and more. Caution: ensure drive-link count and bar length match your saw’s specifications for proper fit.
Why selected: This option provides a practical dual-pack for 16″ bars, offering solid durability and broad compatibility with common entry-level and mid-range models, making it a great value pick for homeowners and small contractors.
KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links
Reference: 3 Pack 16 Inch, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 56 Drive Links, semi-chisel. ANSI B175.1-2012 kickback performance compliant; CSA Z62.3 compatible. Features Germany steel with heat-control and punching system for toughness and flatness. Best for: users with compact 16″ bars seeking reliable performance across Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, and Greenworks. Caution: shorter drive-link count may limit use on longer bar configurations.
Why selected: A solid middle-ground option for 16″ bar users needing dependable, semi-chisel cutting with robust wear resistance and straightforward compatibility.
4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge
Reference: 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links. Fits 20″ bar models like Husqvarna 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher; Stihl MS 290, MS 310, MS 391, among others. Caution: kickback may occur; proper training and technique recommended. Smooth cutting with high toughness and heat-treated semi-chisel design supports longer service life. Best for: larger-bar saw users who want a multi-pack option for frequent replacement on demanding jobs.
Why selected: This set targets users with 20″ bars seeking a high-drive-link option that provides stable cutting performance and compatibility with several popular brands, while acknowledging kickback risk and the need for careful operation.
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
Reference: 4 Pack 16 Inch, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .043″ Gauge, 55 Drive Links. Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180 C and other models within 3/8″ LP and .043″ gauge range. Semi-chisel design offers smooth cutting with tolerance to debris. Best for: users with lighter-duty 16″ saws looking for reliable replacements in multiple-pack format. Caution: ensure the gauge and pitch match your bar and chain compatibility before purchase.
Why selected: A practical option for smaller, lightweight saws, offering a compact drive-link count with a focus on smooth operation and reduced vibration in everyday yard tasks.
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links
Reference: 3 Pack 18 Inch, .325″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 72 Drive Links, semi-chisel. ANSI B175.1-2012 kickback performance compliant; CSA Z62.3 compatibility noted. Germany steel with heating temperature control and punching system improves toughness and flatness. Best for: saws requiring .325″ pitch with solid kickback performance and broad compatibility including Husqvarna, Echo, Jonsered models. Caution: .325″ pitch chains may not fit all bars designed for 3/8″ LP chains; verify bar stamping before purchase.
Why selected: This option covers users who need a slightly different pitch, offering durable construction and compatibility with mid-size to larger saws that accept .325″ chains, balancing performance with safety considerations.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing chains for a chainsaw?
- Pitch: Match your bar’s pitch to ensure proper seating and performance (3/8″ LP, .325″).
- Gauge: Select the correct gauge (.050″ or similar) to fit your bar’s groove and maintain chain tension.
- Drive links: Ensure the drive link count matches your bar length for a proper fit.
- Chain type: Semi-chisel chains offer smooth cuts and good debris tolerance; consider full-chisel for faster cutting where kickback is controlled.
- Kickback performance: Look for ANSI CSA certifications or similar standards noted by the retailer to gauge safety features.
- Compatibility: Check the brand, model, and bar length compatibility listed in product specs or owner manuals.
Format and safety considerations
- Always inspect chains for damage or missing drive links before use.
- Wear protective gear and follow manufacturer guidance to manage kickback risks.
- Replace chains in sets when using multi-pack purchases to ensure balanced wear.
How to compare options quickly
- Best for value: Dual-pack options for 16″ bars (Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack) or mixed packs that cover several brands.
- Best for larger bars: 20″ and 18″ packs with higher drive-link counts (FUNKYWOO and KAKEI 18″ variants).
- Best for safety-focused buyers: Chains with kickback performance certifications and low-kickback design emphasis (KAKEI options).
Quick FAQ
- Q: How do I know my chain pitch and gauge? A: Check the bar side stamp or the user manual for Pitch, Gauge, Length, and Drive Links.
- Q: Is a higher drive-link count always better? A: Not necessarily; it must match your bar length and chain pitch for proper fit.
- Q: Can I mix brands of chains and bars? A: It’s best to match pitch, gauge, and drive links to the bar and chain, even across brands.
- Q: What is kickback, and how is it reduced? A: Kickback is the upward jolt when the chain contacts hard wood or a knot. Low-kickback designs, proper chain tension, and safe cutting technique reduce risk.
- Q: Are these chains suitable for professional use? A: They are suitable for a range of tasks, but verify model compatibility and follow safety practices for heavy-duty work.
- Q: Do multi-pack chains require special installation steps? A: Install per manufacturer guidance; ensure proper tension and alignment after installation.