Chainsaw Chain Types: Professional Advice for a Top Pick

If you have a question about “How to choose the best among different chainsaw chain types?” then you should read the following article. Chainsaw chains are classified according to the width of their drive link. These different types of chainsaw chains include standard chains, low-profile chains, and carbide chains. The most common type of saw chain is the standard full-skip chain. The standard full-skip chain has a 1/4-inch pitch and full-size drive links. It is used on most saws.

Chainsaw Chain Types

The type of chain you will need for your chainsaw depends on the kind of work you intend to do. Each different type of chain is designed for a certain type of cutting. The three most common types of chainsaw chains are standard, low kickback, and low-profile.

Understanding Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw chains come in various types, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types are standard, low-profile, and full-skip. Standard chains are the most common type of chainsaw chain. They are designed for general purpose use and can be used on a variety of different types of wood.

Low-profile chains are designed for use on smaller, more compact chainsaws. They are shorter and have fewer teeth than standard chains, making them the best chainsaw chains for cutting through smaller pieces of wood.

Full-skip chains are designed for use on larger, more powerful chainsaws. They have more teeth than standard chains and are designed for cutting through larger pieces of wood.

Chain Gauge

Chainsaw chain near the chainsaw

The gauge of a chainsaw chain is the thickness of the drive link. The most common gauge types of chainsaw chains are .050”, .058”, and .063”.

.050” gauge chains are the most common type of chainsaw chain. They are designed for use on small to medium-sized chainsaws and can be used on a variety of different types of wood.

.058” gauge chains are designed for use on medium to large-sized chainsaws. They are thicker than .050” gauge chains and are designed for cutting through larger pieces of wood.

.063” gauge chains are the thickest type of chainsaw chain. They are designed for use on large, powerful chainsaws and are designed for cutting through very large pieces of wood.

Chain Pitch

The chain pitch is the size of the link and is defined as the distance between any three consecutive rivets divided by two. For example, on a 3/8” pitch chain, the distance between three consecutive rivets is 1/2”.

This distance is standardized to simplify compatibility between saws and chains. The most common sizes are 3/8”, .325”, and 3/4”, but other sizes are available. The pitch of a chainsaw chain is the distance between the centers of the drive links. The most common pitches are .325”, .404”, and .455”.

Chain Length

Chainsaw lying on a tree

The different chainsaw chains come in various lengths, depending on the size of the chainsaw. The most common lengths are 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, and 24 inches. It is important to choose a chain that is the correct length for your chainsaw.

The length of the chain is determined by the size of the bar, which is the part of the chainsaw that the chain runs around. The bar length is usually listed in inches. For example, a 16-inch chain will fit on a chainsaw with a 16-inch bar.

When choosing a chainsaw chain, it is important to choose one that is the correct length for your chainsaw. If the chain is too short, it will not be able to reach around the bar and will not work correctly. If the chain is too long, it will be able to reach around the bar but will be more likely to fall off during use.

Chainsaw Teeth

Checking chainsaw teeth

Chainsaw teeth come in various sizes and shapes, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types are standard, skip, and chipper. Standard teeth are the most common type of chainsaw tooth. They are designed for general purpose use and can be used on a variety of different types of wood.

The teeth on a chainsaw chain are what actually do the cutting. The number of teeth on a chain will determine how fast it can cut through wood. The most common tooth counts are 24, 36, and 40.

Skip teeth are designed for use on smaller, more compact chainsaws. They are shorter and have fewer teeth than standard teeth, making them ideal for cutting through smaller pieces of wood.
Chipper teeth are designed for use on larger, more powerful chainsaws. They have more teeth than standard teeth and are designed for cutting through larger pieces of wood.

Types of Chainsaws

The most common type of chainsaw is the gas-powered chainsaw. These chainsaw chain cutter types are typically used for larger projects, such as tree removal or cutting firewood. Gas chainsaws are more powerful than electric chainsaws and can be used for a longer period of time without needing to be recharged.

Electric chainsaws are typically used for smaller projects, such as trimming trees or cutting small pieces of wood. Electric chainsaws are not as powerful as gas chainsaws, but they are easier to use and maintain.

Cordless chainsaws are the most convenient type of chainsaw, as they do not need to be plugged into an outlet to operate. Cordless chainsaws are typically used for smaller projects, such as trimming trees or cutting small pieces of wood.

Also, consider the size of the chain. The most common sizes are 16”, 18”, and 20”. A larger chain will allow you to cut through larger pieces of wood, but it will also be more difficult to control. A smaller chain will be easier to control but will not be able to cut through larger pieces of wood.

Chain Arrangement

The chain on a chainsaw is arranged in a specific order. The drive link is the part of the chain that fits into the groove of the sprocket nose, and the depth gauges are the parts of the chain that control the depth of the cut. The tie straps hold the chain together.

The chain arrangement is as follows:

Drive link → Depth gauge → Tie strap → Depth gauge → Drive link → Depth gauge → Tie strap → Depth gauge → Drive link

The most common chainsaw chain types explained arrangements are:

  • 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge
  • 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge
  • 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge → 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge
  • 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge
  • 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge
  • 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge → 4.0 mm pitch, 1.3 mm gauge

Different Types Of Chainsaw Chain

Types Of Chainsaw Chain

Chainsaw chains come in various types, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common types are:

1. Standard Chainsaw Chain

This is the most common type of chain and is designed for general purpose use. It is a good all-purpose chain that can be used for various tasks.

2. Low-Kickback Chainsaw Chain

This type of chain is designed to reduce the risk of kickback, which is a dangerous condition that can occur when the chain catches on something and is suddenly jerked backward. Low-kickback chains are a good choice for beginners or those who are not experienced in using a chainsaw.

3. Carbide Chainsaw Chain

This chain type is designed for use on hard, abrasive materials, such as concrete or stone. Carbide chains are more expensive than standard chains, but they will last much longer and are less likely to dull.

4. Chipper Chainsaw Chain

This type of chain is designed for use with a chainsaw chipper attachment. Chipper chains are very strong and can handle the tough task of chipping away at tree branches and other heavy brushes.

5. Skip-Tooth Chainsaw Chain

This type of chain has fewer teeth than a standard chain, which makes it ideal for use on soft materials, such as wood. Skip-tooth chains are also less likely to cause kickback.

Full Chisel Vs. Semi Chisel Chains

Full chisel chains have teeth that are all the same size and shape, while semi chisel chains have teeth that are slightly different sizes and shapes. Full chisel chains are designed for use on softwoods, while semi chisel chains are designed for use on hardwoods.

The main difference between these two types of chains is the amount of cutting power they have. Full chisel chains have more cutting power than semi-chisel chains, making them better suited for softwood use. Semi chisel chains, on the other hand, have less cutting power than full chisel chains and are better suited for use on hardwoods.

Round Ground Vs. Square Ground

Round ground chainsaw chain is more common and is used on most saws. It is also easier to sharpen. A square ground chain is less common and is used on some older saws. It is more difficult to sharpen.
The main difference between the two types of chains is the shape of the cutters. The round ground chain has round cutters, while the square ground chain has square cutters.

Standard Chains Vs. Safety Chains

Chainsaws come with two different types of chains: standard chains and safety chains. Standard chains are the more common and typically used for general-purpose cutting. Safety chains are designed for use with chainsaws that have a built-in safety feature, such as a kickback brake or chain brake. Safety chains are less likely to break than standard chains and are less likely to cause injuries if they do break.

FAQ

What are the different types of chains for chainsaws?

The most common types of chainsaw chains are standard chains, skip tooth chains, and full chisel chains. It is also important to know the pitch and gauge of your saw before selecting a chain.

What chainsaw chain cuts the fastest?

The fastest-cutting chainsaw chain is typically a full chisel chain with small-sized cutters. It is important to note, however, that the speed of the chain is also determined by the speed of the saw’s engine.

How long do chainsaw chains last?

Chainsaw chains typically last for about two or three years with regular use. However, if you use your chainsaw regularly for heavy-duty tasks, the chain may only be about for one year.

Man holding a chainsaw in the hand

How do I identify my chainsaw chain?

Chainsaw chains can be identified by the number of teeth on the chain, the pitch of the chain, and the gauge of the chain. The number of teeth on the chain is determined by the size of the bar on the chainsaw. The chain’s pitch is the distance between the centers of three adjacent teeth, and the gauge is the width of the chain.

Also read:

Conclusion

Chainsaw chains are the cutting tools of your chainsaw that make it such a powerful and useful woodworking tool. If you take care of your chainsaw chains, they will last for years and will be easy to change when they get dull. You should always carry a spare chain with you to the job site in case your chain gets damaged or dull. With a little bit of care and regular maintenance, your chainsaw will continue to work like new for years to come.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experience, please leave a comment below.

Sean Chapman
Sean Chapman

“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”

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