Chainsaw Chain For Hardwood: The Best Chainsaws To Use on the Your Jobsite

When cutting your long pieces of wood, you want a simple and perfect way to make them.  That is where chainsaws come in. A chainsaw chain for hardwood is a popular tool because it can quickly and efficiently take down large trees into smaller, more manageable pieces. It’s a necessary tool if you work in the construction industry or do any type of logging at home.

One of the most important parts of your chainsaw is its chain, and it’s an essential part to keep on hand because, without it, you’re going to be looking for a lot more time to cut through all that wood.

You must have the right saw chain so that it doesn’t overheat or wear out too soon.

I know that when you’re cutting hardwood, your saw is going to need a new chain sooner or later. I’m not sure about the frequency of your chainsaw use, but if it’s more than once a year, you should be looking into getting some new chainsaw chains for that task.

This article will provide information on the best chainsaw chain available out there so that you can make an informed decision when buying one.

Top Seven Best Chainsaw Chains For Hardwood

The following are our top seven recommendations for the best chainsaw chain for cutting hardwood available today.

Oregon R34 Micro-Lite Chainsaw Chain

Chain Length: 16 Inches
Gauge: 0.43 
Pitch: 3/8 Inches
 

Oregon R45 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain

Chain Drive: 12 inches
Gauge:  .043 Inches
Pitch: 3/8 Inches
 

SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain

Chain Length: 18 Inches
Gauge: .050″ Inches
Pitch:  3/8″ Inches
 

Tallox 3 Pack 14″ Chainsaw Chains

Chain Length: 14 Inches
Gauge: .050
Pitch: 3/8
 

Oregon S56 Semi Chisel Chain Saw

Chain Length: 16 Inches
Gauge: 0.43 
Pitch: 3/8 Inches
 

Maxpower Replacement Chains

Chain Length: 16 Inches
Gauge: 0.050
Pitch: 3/8  Inches
 

Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain

Chain Length:  18 Inch
Gauge: 0.050
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1

Oregon R34 Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain

Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Chain, for Pole Saws & Chain Saw Tools, 8″ Guide Bar, 34 Drive Links, Pitch: 3/8″ Low Profile, .043″ Gauge (R34)
oregon r34 micro lite chainsaw chain

The Oregon R34 Micro Lite chainsaw chain makes easy work of tough jobs. This chainsaw chain is engineered to cut fast, clean, and smooth jobs. The R34 MicroLite chainsaw chain is designed to provide the lowest vibration and longest life of any other chain.

This hardwood chainsaw chain is a UL-classified low-kickback saw chain. It is the lightest and fastest saw chain that Oregon produces. It’s made with a special alloy that makes it harder than standard saw chains, which means it will stay sharper longer.

The Oregon chainsaw is a great choice for light-duty cutting applications. This Oregon chain saw chain features hardened rivets that resist breakage and extend the life of your chain.

Oregon’s exclusive Lubri-Lite Oiling System delivers the lubrication your chain needs to run at its best. The Lubri-Lite Oiler is built right into the side plates, so you don’t have to worry about messy oil cans or over-oiling.

Specifications

Chain Length8 Inches
Weight0.26 Pounds
Pitch3/8″ Inches
Oregon R34 Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain
9.1
Oregon R34 Micro Lite Chainsaw Chain
Pros
  • Sharp chrome-plated cutters
  • Reduced Vibration
  • Affordable price
  • Safe to use
Cons
  • Not for intense and heavy-duty use
  • Only best for small woods
2
oregon r45 advancecut chainsaw chain

The Oregon R45 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is a link-style chain that delivers fast, smooth cutting performance on all types of trees. The thicker gauge and hard chrome plating make it ideal for work on oak, ash, and other tough hardwoods. It’s considerable out of all Oregon saw chains.

It has an aggressive tooth design for fast cutting and long life, plus a low-kickback head with a kickback reduction system (KBS) to help reduce kickback forces.

Oregon’s R45 low-profile chain saw chains are the perfect choice for demanding users who need to cut through hardwoods and hard and abrasive materials. The R45 features X-TensionTM technology that extends the life of your chain by reducing vibration and increasing tension as you use it.

The narrow kerf of this chain also increases the speed of cut by as much as 20 percent over standard chains. It means you can get more done in less time without having to break out your bar oiler or clean up after every job.

Specifications

Chain Drive12 inches
Gauge.043 Inches
Pitch3/8 Inches
Oregon R45 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
9.1
Oregon R45 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
Pros
  • nice and sharp 
  • Fits perfectly
  • Affordable Price
  • Perfect for Dewalt Saw
Cons
  • Not fit for Makita saw
3

SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain

SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain SG-S62, – 3/8″ LP Pitch – .050″ Gauge – 62 Drive Links, Compatible with Craftsman, Ryobi, Homelite, Poulan
SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain

This chainsaw chain comes in a 3-pack to save you money and make your cutting experience more efficient. Whether you’re cutting firewood or clearing brush, this best-cutting chainsaw chain will help get the job done quicker.

The saw chain’s high-performance steel construction features specially designed teeth to cut through wood quickly and easily. Each of these chains has a 3/8″ pitch length for use on any log.

This fast-cut chainsaw chain features semi-chisel cutters that provide the user with better cutting performance. The SUNGATOR 18″ Chainsaw Chain is a replacement chain for Craftsman, Poulan, Homelite, and Ryobi models.

SUNGATOR Chainsaw Chain is a semi-chisel design chainsaw chain. It has a premium surface treatment to provide long life and durability. This fastest chainsaw works for professional users.

This replacement chain for the chainsaw is ideal for pruning or cutting firewood. It features a.050-gauge thickness that reduces vibration compared to other chains in its class. Its superior durability makes it an excellent choice for professional use and the occasional user who needs great value.

Specifications

Chain Length18 Inches
Gauge.050″ Inches
Pitch3/8″ Inches
SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain
8.9
SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Pros
  • Budget-Friendly
  • Rust-Free Coating
  • Semi-chisel chain design
  • Reduced Vibration
Cons
  • Not good at cutting large pieces
4
tallox 3 pack 14 chainsaw chains

The chainsaw cutting chain features an innovative tooth design that reduces friction and extends the life of the chain. It also has a patented “no pinch” nose that will not pinch or bind when cutting through wood.

Tallox features a 14-inch chainsaw chain designed for professional users, offering ultimate performance and durability. The chains feature a bi-metal design with hardened steel cutting teeth welded to high-quality alloy steel backplates. The unique tooth design ensures fast, clean cuts, while the special heat treatment process gives them superior strength and a long life.

The Tallox TRX-14 is a chainsaw replacement chain for Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, and Poulan chainsaws. Each chain is individually tested to ensure that it meets our exacting standards before leaving the factory.

Specifications

Chain Length14 Inches
Gauge.050
Pitch3/8
Tallox 3 Pack 14 Chainsaw Chains
8.6
Tallox 3 Pack 14″ Chainsaw Chains
Pros
  • Full-chisel designing
  • Affordable pricing
  • Long life and durability
  • Sharp and high-quality chain
Cons
  • Slow cutting, unlike original chain
5
oregon s56 semi chisel chain saw

Oregon S56 Chain Saw Chain – The Oregon 16-inch chain is a top-quality chain with low kickback performance, designed for users of 16″ and larger saws. Constructed from precision-ground alloy steel, it features a notched bumper drive link to reduce the risk of kickback.

It has the latest technology to give you better performance and a longer life. The Oregon S56 Chain Saw Chain will fit your chainsaw models like Husqvarna, Poulan, Ryobi, and Greenworks.

This chain also has an advanced tooth design that provides excellent cutting performance in both softwood and hardwood applications.

Oregon’s 56 chain is made for the professional logger. This chain features a four-way symmetrical tie strap, which provides maximum holding power in any log or stump. It also has an extra-thick case and pins that are stronger than most other brands. Oregon’s chains are designed to last longer and provide more cutting-edge power than competitor brands.

Specifications

Chain Length16 Inches
Gauge0.43 
Pitch3/8 Inches
Oregon S56 Semi Chisel Chain Saw
9.1
Oregon S56 Semi Chisel Chain Saw 
Pros
  • Long Bar length
  • Low kickback
  • Safe chisel chain
  • It fits various chainsaws.
Cons
  • High Priced
6

Maxpower Replacement Chains

2 Pack Replacement Chains for 16 Inch Craftsman, Echo, Homelite, Poulan and Other saws S56
maxpower replacement chains

Maxpower replacement chains for chainsaws. Maxpower replacement chains are made of high-quality steel and are designed to fit the most popular brands of gas-powered chain saws. Each pack contains two chainsaw chains.

These chains feature precision cutters and welded construction for maximum performance, durability, and safety. The Maxpower replacement chain is equipped with an R-clip for quick and easy removal when necessary. With 56 drive links, this chain is ideal for cutting wood in your yard, around the house, or on your property.

Maxpower 0.050-inch semi-chisel chainsaw chain is for the professional who demands a rugged, durable, and reliable chain that will take on any job with ease.

The Maxpower Replacement Chains come with a manufacturer’s limited lifetime warranty against defects in materials and quality. This replacement will last you through years of use and abuse, making it one of the best chainsaws available today.

Specifications

Chain Length16 Inches
Gauge0.050
Pitch3/8  Inches
Maxpower Replacement Chains
8.2
Maxpower Replacement Chains
Prons
  • Price Affordability
  • Long Chain bar
  • Sharp Teeth
  • Easy to handle
Cons
  • Not for intensive work
7

Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain

Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch H30-72 (95VP) Pixel Saw Chain.325-Inch by .050-Inch
husqvarna h30-72 pixel saw chain

The Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain is designed for use with a variety of saws. It features an 18-inch length and a.325 pitch. The chain features three cutting edges specially hardened to cut through hard materials like wood, metal, plastic, and more. This chain is meant to be used on high-powered saws.

The Husqvarna chain saw chain is an excellent choice for a variety of cutting applications. The chain features a low vibration level that will reduce the operator’s fatigue, and the tooth design provides efficient cutting performance.

The Husqvarna saw chain is the right saw chain for efficient and accurate cutting. It’s compatible with professional users in demanding conditions, like landscapers, arborists, tree surgeons, and farmers. The saw chain has a high-quality steel construction that provides long-lasting performance.

Specifications

Chain Length18 Inch
Gauge0.050
Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain
9.2
Husqvarna H30-72 Pixel Saw Chain
Prons
  • Long-chain bar
  • Low kickback 
  • High-quality and sharp teeth
Cons
  • Limited to a few chainsaws

Buying Guide For Chainsaw Chains

I have a feeling you’re here because your chain saw blade has been dulling, and you need to replace it. If that’s the case, then let me tell you what to look for when buying a chain for your chainsaw. 

Major Types of Chains

Here are some major types of chains to replace your chainsaw.

Semi-chisel chain

The most popular chain type on a saw is called a semi-chisel chain because it has chisel teeth and regular teeth on the side. This design allows you to cut through dense materials like logs with ease without damaging the blade or wearing it down quickly due to its extra sharpness.

Full Chisel Chain

A full-chisel chain is a type of chain that has alternating wide and narrow links. The width of the links varies along the length of the chain, which distinguishes it from other types. It’s also known as an all-in-one link or a one-piece link in some circles.

Read About Cleaning process of Chainsaw Carburetor

For example, full-chisel chains are most often seen on heavy equipment such as bulldozers because they can withstand very high-stress loads without breaking.

Safety Chisel Chain

A safety chisel chain for chainsaws is a special kind of saw chain that has been designed to reduce kickback. A safety chisel chain is characterized by small teeth and deep cutting edges, which allow the saw to cut through wood without causing it to bind up when contacting knots or other tight areas.

It is usually added as one of two other chains to a standard bar and chain cutter assembly for maximum protection. The other type is called an anti-kickback pawl, which stops kickbacks before they happen.

Main Parts of a Chain

Here are some of the main parts of the chain:

Gauge

The gauge in a chain is an important measurement for buying or selling chains and determining the quality of the chain.

To check the gauge, measure the thickness of your chain with a ruler by counting the number of millimeters between two consecutive links on either side. This total should not include any space between pins and sockets.

Precision calibers are used to measure the gauge of a chain. The ideal gauge for a narrow kerf chain can be 0.050, 0.058, or 0.063.

Pitch

Chainsaw chains are sharpened with an angle of the teeth. The PITCH is the distance, measured in inches or millimeters, between two successive points on a tooth when viewed from above.

Low-profile cutters typically have a lower pitch than regular chainsaws, which means they produce less power but are more lightweight. It makes them ideal for long periods of use or cutting in hard-to-reach places like underneath branches and trees.

Drive Lengths

The drive length of a chain is determined by the number of teeth on the sprocket that drives it. This length determines how tight a chain is and how well it cuts through wood. It also determines whether or not your saw will be able to cut through logs as thick as you want.

The drive length should be about 1″ longer than what you need for cutting through logs up to 20″ in diameter, or 2″ longer if you plan on cutting logs larger than 20″ in diameter.

Chain Length

A chain is a link between the blade and the sprocket on a chainsaw. Chains are classified by their length, which typically ranges from 12 inches to 16 inches. The longer your chain, the more power you will need to operate it effectively.

You must know what type of woodworking project you’ll be undertaking before purchasing a saw so that you can buy one with an appropriate length for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should you replace your chainsaw chain?

A few signs indicate it’s time to replace your chainsaw chain: the saw is becoming increasingly sluggish and unable to cut through logs, the bar doesn’t have enough torque for a straight cut, or when trying to buck logs, the saw starts throwing sparks everywhere.

Do all chains fit all chainsaws?

Chains come in varying sizes, from 5/8″ to 1-1/4″. The size of the chain is determined by how tightly it fits around the bar. It means that a smaller chain will be tighter and more difficult to use on a larger saw. It’s important to match chains with your saw for optimal performance.

What Is the Most Aggressive Chainsaw Chain?

One of the most popular chainsaw chains on the market is the Oregon S56. This company offers various chain types, so it’s easy to find one that meets your needs. For example, if you’re looking for an aggressive chain that can cut through dense wood with ease, then their X-53 will be perfect for you.

CONCLUSION

Chainsaws are an essential tool for any woodworker, but they need to be maintained and serviced regularly, as with most power tools. Chainsaw chains can deteriorate quickly, depending on the type of wood you cut or how often you use your saw.

As you can see, there are several considerations to take into account when choosing the best chainsaw chain for your needs. We have provided all of this information in one place, so you can make an informed decision about which chain will work best for you. We hope that our guide has helped.

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