Rating of the best chainsaw chain manufacturers for 2022

History of origin

Chainsaws were first discovered in 1920. The devices were equipped with targets with flat and straight teeth, which made them not very effective and the process too labor-intensive. 27 years later, Joseph Cox invented a new type of design, characterized by an L-shaped appearance, which significantly increased the productivity of the product and simplified the sharpening process.

Cox's invention removed all competitors from the market in a short time, and continues to hold a leading position to this day. Today, all popular models are equipped with just such systems. Their main feature is a crescent-shaped cutting profile, which allows them to cope with various types of wood.

It is worth noting that the concept developed by Joseph Cox was so successful that for many decades it has not undergone any fundamental changes. Only the lubrication system has been improved, the return flow has been improved and vibration has been minimized.

Comparative table of the best brands from different price categories

For greater clarity, all models of saw chains and their technical characteristics have been compiled into a single table.

A high-quality and reliable saw chain is the key to successful operation of a chainsaw. The correctness of its choice determines how quickly it will be possible to cut a tree or clear a personal plot of unwanted vegetation. We hope that after reading the article, everyone will understand which chain is best to buy for a chainsaw and why. And if you have already chosen a cutting set that fully meets your criteria, write about it. Your experience will be useful to other readers.

Source

What are there

Any saw chain for a chainsaw has three types of links:

The main one is considered to be the cutting link. They are made right- and left-handed. Incisors are divided into two types:

1. Chisel. They are distinguished by high productivity and excellent cutting speed. The configuration provides a smaller contact area with the wood, which helps reduce surface resistance. The main disadvantage is excessive sensitivity to abrasives, as well as difficulty in sharpening.
2. Chipper. It features an increased contact area, which reduces cutting efficiency. The main advantage is ease of maintenance. The main area of ​​use is cutting contaminated wood.

Types of saw chains depending on the type of cutting links

The working links are equipped with teeth that cut wood. The convenience of sharpening and productivity depend on their shape. Let's look at the two most common options.

Chisel chains

If you look at the link in cross-section, you will see a clear profile reminiscent of the number “7”. People call such a saw set “seven” . Due to the smooth end surface and sharp corners, quick cutting of wood is ensured. The cut is precise and uniform. This type of chain is used in professional chainsaws. But it is difficult to sharpen it - the slightest deviation from the plane leads to beveled corners.

Chisel cutting link.

Chains with chipper cutting links

Here, the cross-sectional shape of the link resembles a sickle, which is why people call this type of equipment . ” When driven into wood, the teeth contact the material in larger areas than a chisel type, which increases the load and slows down the cutting speed. But if the headset gets dirty, the performance characteristics are not reduced - it needs to be cleaned much less often. This type of chain is also easier to sharpen, since it does not require maintaining even angles.

Chipper cutting link.

How to choose the best option

Every owner of a chainsaw, no matter how carefully he worked with the tool, was faced with the need to replace the sawing device. Popular models differ in the configuration and thickness of the links, pitch, average price and other characteristics.

The chain and guide bar belong to the category of replaceable equipment, so when purchasing budget options, you can replace these elements with more wear-resistant and durable ones. Changing the headset to a longer one will help improve efficiency, but this will only work if you have sufficient engine power and the rotation element. To avoid mistakes when choosing, it is worth getting advice from specialized experts.

Material for making cutting links

When choosing accessories for a chainsaw, it is important to visually check the correct shape and sharpness of the teeth. But it also requires proper selection of the chain according to the material of manufacture, which affects its service life. There are two common types.

High alloy chromium-nickel steel

Most saw chains are made from this material. They are suitable for felling forests, harvesting firewood, artistic wood carving, building houses from logs or timber, etc. But when they come into contact with denser materials, they quickly become dull or even become unusable.

Saw chain made of high-alloy chromium-nickel steel.

Carbide tipped

When it is necessary to process heavily frozen materials, very hard or with increased contamination, chains with carbide tipped teeth are used. They have increased wear resistance, which extends the life of the equipment under heavy loads. The presence of special carbide tips on the chain is indicated by corresponding markings on each tooth.

Carbide-tipped saw chain.

Tire classification

Manufacturers produce products that differ in size. The main parameter of a saw chain is considered to be the number of links. The length of the product depends on this indicator. In addition, the systems have a specific step. Its indicator is the distance between links connected in series, divided in half. Let's look more specifically at each parameter.

Step by step

It is customary to distinguish the following classes:

1. 0.25 (1/4"). It's called a "small step". These designs are installed on one-handed chain saws with low power, but high accuracy and the ability to use in hard-to-reach places.
2. 0.325 (3/8"). The most common models. The lion's share of products are equipped with this type of headset.
3. 0.404 (3/4"). Powerful tools with high productivity are equipped, such as harvesting equipment, felling systems, and so on.

Shank thickness

The parameter must match the groove of the bar. This increases the reliability of the fit and prevents it from falling off during operation. In this case, the movement will be smooth, without excessive vibration and sudden movements. Branded products are produced with the following values:

Cutting depth, profile height, engine capacity

What should you pay special attention to when choosing a product? Precisely on this data. The height of the cutting edge varies, and therefore a distinction is made between low-profile and high-profile designs. The latter are distinguished by excellent performance, the former by an increased support area of ​​the cutting link, which has a positive effect on operational safety.

Cutting depth affects productivity. The larger it is, the stronger the vibration. To balance the performance of products with large pitches, they are equipped with cutting teeth with a shallow depth. The most popular gaps are 0.025" and 0.03". Designs with a value of 0.07” have found their use in felling timber on an industrial scale.

Engine size plays an important role when choosing the optimal unit. If you install a saw chain on a tool with significant power, then increased loads will soon damage it and you will have to buy a new one. Therefore, before purchasing a new headset, it is necessary to review the technical characteristics of the saw.

Material

The rating of quality products is always topped by representatives made from wear-resistant material. According to buyers, this is an important aspect when making a final decision, along with design features and functionality. Household and professional units use high-quality designs at a significant price and with a long service life. Which company is better depends on the preferences of the master. In specialized retail outlets you can see devices for cutting concrete. They are equipped with a wear-resistant diamond chain, which belongs to the category of emergency rescue products. They are not intended for gardening equipment.

The main selection criterion is not the brand and how much it costs, but the wear resistance of the carbide structure and its maintainability. There will be no need to constantly replace the product, provided that there is special equipment for sharpening it, which will significantly extend its service life. The carbide construction is used for sawing hard wood or light building materials.

If you use the device to work with aerated concrete or foam concrete blocks, then even the best models with additional functions will last two or three times less than the established period.

Cross and longitudinal cutting

If the sharpening angle of the links is 25 - 35 degrees, then they are used for transverse cutting of wood. This is the main range of manufactured goods, both Russian and foreign. Products for longitudinal sawing are quite rare. You can eliminate the deficiency by changing the sharpening angle yourself at home, making it standard from 5 to 15 degrees. In this case, the tire is operated without changing the structural elements. If difficulties arise, you can use step-by-step instructions.

When to sharpen

If the teeth are dull, the work will progress slowly. There will be increased vibration, reverse shocks as the headset enters the cut, too many small chips and a distinct smell of burnt wood.

If the tool comes with an installed manual sharpening device, a flat or cylindrical file, then there is no need to remove the element from the tire. Sharpening will occur automatically. If necessary, higher-quality sharpening can be performed in a specialized workshop, in which the action takes place on a stationary sharpening machine. Restoring the teeth's functionality is carried out quickly and efficiently, with a guarantee of the same angle. User reviews boil down to the need to resort to a professional sharpening method.

Lubrication

The tool will function reliably and efficiently if there is timely lubrication. For this purpose, an oil pump is provided, thanks to which oil is supplied to the cutting system through special holes. The oil is evenly distributed thanks to the shanks.

The lubricant is intended, first of all, to reduce friction and overheating of the unit, which allows to increase its operational life and maintain performance at the proper level. The lubrication process must be controlled. It is worth paying attention to the presence of an oil trace on the cutting line. Its absence indicates that the device is overheated, which can lead to dullness or complete failure.

To avoid negative consequences, manufacturers of rated products use an organic base when producing oils. Such new products are more expensive than their analogues, but at the same time the consumption of lubricant is significantly reduced, automatically increasing the service life.

Recoil and vibration

Regardless of the quality of the product, significant vibration and recoil occur under high loads. With light loads, such inconveniences cannot be avoided either, but their power and intensity can be reduced. To reduce vibration you should use:

• shock-absorbing protrusions on connectors and shanks;
• beveled cut stop;
• beveled or high heel of the incisor.

These actions can be carried out with your own hands, without the involvement of outside help. These design features will help minimize the risk of injury due to tool kickback.

How do saws differ in the thickness of the saw chain shank?

The saw set consists of three types of links: working (which directly cuts), connecting (for the bundle) and driving (shanks).

Saw chain device.

The latter are used to fit into the tire and move reliably on it without slipping. There is a counter groove on the bar that accepts the shank. The thickness of the drive link and the width of the groove must match, otherwise the equipment will either dangle or will not fit into the seat.

There are five standard shank thickness sizes:

From this sequence it is not difficult to notice a pattern: the thicker the shank, the higher the mass of the headset and the more power a gasoline tool is needed to turn, but the strength and resistance to loads also increase.

Recommendations from specialists for using the unit

In most cases, structural elements do not reach their full potential. This is due to:

1. Significant wear on the drive sprocket.
2. Ineffective lubrication or its complete absence.
3. The saw structure is too tight.
4. Use of low-quality oils.

Experts advise purchasing an additional set of devices and changing them as needed. It is worth constantly monitoring the condition of key products. If they are damaged, they must be rejected and replaced with a new one.

The use of low-quality components or those that have completely exhausted their service life is fraught with injury.

Criteria to consider when choosing

In order to optimally select the necessary saw chain for a chainsaw and not overpay, first of all, you need to decide on the frequency of use of the tool. If you use it infrequently for trimming knots and small branches in the garden, you can pay attention to an inexpensive chain. If you are constantly cutting firewood and felling trees, you should purchase an expensive chain from a well-known brand.

In addition, when choosing the required saw chain, it is necessary to take into account other parameters, among which it is worth highlighting:

Which is the best product to buy?

The question arises when there is a need to cut wood, but there is not enough experience and knowledge. Experts recommend following these tips:

1. Understand how much work needs to be done and what kind of material you will have to deal with. For cross cutting, a chisel tool is selected, for longitudinal cutting, a chipper tool is used.
2. Understand the characteristics of a chainsaw, especially bar length and pitch. There is no point in choosing a specific brand; this indicator is not fundamental.

Where to buy the unit, everyone chooses independently. It is best to visit specialized outlets, talk with a sales manager, decide on the package, hold the tool in your hands, and ask the price. There is an option to order products online in an online store. The main thing is not to encounter counterfeit. This is the advantage of a branded store, where there is a minimal likelihood of purchasing a low-quality Chinese product instead of a branded product.

Semi-skip and skip saw chains

The standard design of a saw chain alternates working links with conventional connecting links, and the elements with teeth differ on the side of the protrusion into right and left.

They are placed sequentially during installation, ensuring uniform cutting across the entire width of the cut. It is generally accepted that 64 driving links should have 32 saw teeth. This results in a 50/50% ratio. Such equipment cuts perfectly and wears out for a very long time.

Working links are more expensive because they are made of durable steel, and some are also soldered. Metal for connecting links is cheaper. To reduce the cost of the saw set, some produce chains with semi-pass and skip. Let's consider what it is and whether the savings are justified.

Half-pass chains

This is a type of saw equipment where an intermediate connecting link is installed between pairs of teeth (the left and right form a pair). As a result, the number of cutting elements is no longer 50%, but 40%.

Half-pass chain.

Chains with skip

In the structure of such chains, an additional “extra” link is installed between each left and right tooth. This further removes the working elements from each other and about 30% of them can remain on one headset.

Chain with pass.

Rationale

Although using 30-40% cutting elements instead of 50% makes the chain cheaper, reducing the teeth makes the saw more aggressive. It twitches more often in your hands and tears the wood, reducing the accuracy of the cut. The scattered arrangement of teeth increases the load on the sprocket, tire and motor, so these components and parts wear out faster.

Hence we conclude: the use of a headset with a pass and a semi-pass provides short-term savings now, but results in increased costs for repairs or the purchase of a new chainsaw in the future.

Rating of the best chainsaw chain manufacturers for 2022

Inexpensive models

MaxCut 91 LV – 52 E

Purchased by the owner of chain saws equipped with chains with a 35-centimeter bar. Thanks to the hardening of the links, it has a long service life. There are 52 links, pitch 9.3 mm, groove width - 1.3 mm.

High-quality Chinese goods are sold at a price of 399 rubles per unit.

chain MaxCut 91 LV – 52 E

Advantages:

• durability;
• stable tension;
• minimum vibration level;
• the presence of special holes for hanging on a vertical surface;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• not identified.

DDE 90 SG 3/8” – 44 249 – 235

Produced in the Middle Kingdom. The manufacturer provides a one-year warranty. The element is equipped with a saw with a gasoline engine, the volume of which is 35 cm3. It is distinguished by an elongated cutting edge of the tooth.

The average cost in retail markets is 410 rubles.

chain DDE 90 SG 3/8” – 44 249 – 235

Advantages:

• Wear-resistant alloy steel was used in the manufacture of teeth;
• special design reduces recoil force;
• high cutting speed;
• reliability;
• chisel teeth;
• long service life.

Flaws:

• not installed.

MaxCut 91 LV – 56 E

A good model from a Chinese manufacturer is suitable for both electric and gasoline saws. Guide rail 16 inches. There are 56 chisel links with 3/8 inch pitch.

The average cost is 420 rubles.

chain MaxCut 91 LV – 56 E

Advantages:

• durable consumable;
• repeated sharpening is possible;
• effective;
• The set includes packaging - a box;
• universal;
• inexpensive.

Flaws:

• none.

Oregon 91 PO 50 ER

The product is manufactured in China, but there are no complaints about the quality. Equipped with fifty links, it is operated in conjunction with a tire 35 centimeters long. Chisel teeth make it possible to use the device in professional activities if it is necessary to master a significant amount of work in a short period of time. The pitch of the links is 9.3 mm, the groove is 1.3 mm wide.

The average cost is 420 rubles.

chain Oregon 91 PO 50 ER

Advantages:

• reliable;
• durable;
• comfortable to use;
• low recoil;
• There is a convenient packaging for storage and carrying.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Sturm SC 38013 CRT – 52

A distinctive feature is high performance and low vibration levels. In the manufacture of the structure, high-quality metal was used that underwent preliminary heat treatment. An effective lubrication system makes it possible to optimally distribute it throughout the groove.

The product is sold at a price of 430 rubles.

chain Sturm SC 38013 CRT – 52

Advantages:

• wear resistance of the tire and chain;
• minimum fuel consumption;
• high performance;
• efficiency;
• ease of use;
• chipper tooth shape.

Flaws:

• none.

Patriot 91 VS – 45 E

The device is equipped with 45 links with a pitch of 9.3 mm. The groove is 1.3 mm wide. Suitable for 30 cm tires. Chipper teeth improve performance.

The price of the product is 440 rubles.

Patriot chain 91 VS – 45 E

Advantages:

• slight vibration;
• performance;
• ease of use;
• packaging in the form of a compact durable blister;
• excellent technical characteristics.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Mid-range models

Husqvarna H 42

The device is manufactured in Brazil. Belongs to the category of spare parts. Used to equip chain saws with a bar length of 45 cm. Produced exclusively for units of this brand. High-strength metal was used in production. Rectangular teeth allow you to work with wood of any hardness. There are 68 teeth, the groove width is 1.5 mm. LowVib technology was used in production.

The product is offered at a price of 1099 rubles.

Husqvarna H 42 chain

Advantages:

• reliability;
• high build quality;
• durability;
• performance;
• copes with any material;
• reduced vibration level;
• optimal combination of price/quality.

Flaws:

• Not suitable for equipping chainsaws from other manufacturers.

DDE 73 LP 3/8” – 92 249 – 884

The Chinese manufacturing company produces high-quality products, providing a one-year warranty. Widely used for chain saws with 100cc gasoline engines. Increased edge length. High quality alloy steel was used in the manufacture of the teeth. The uniqueness of the design lies in the fact that it allows for minimal recoil and high performance.

The average cost is 1199 rubles.

chain DDE 73 LP 3/8” – 92 249 – 884

Advantages:

• build quality;
• durability;
• strength;
• reliability;
• ease of use;
• excellent combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• none.

Bosch F 016800489

The product is manufactured in the United States of America. A replacement attribute for a Bosch chain saw with a small 20 cm bar. To increase the service life, the company used metal with additional heat treatment in the manufacture of teeth. Lubrication occurs through holes and recesses at the bottom of the driven link.

The average cost is 1199 rubles.

chain Bosch F 016800489

Advantages:

• quality;
• functionality;
• performance;
• excellent lubrication system;
• long service life;
• comfortable;
• minimum fuel consumption.

Flaws:

• none.

Makita 528086672

Products of excellent German quality at an affordable price. Alloy steel was used in manufacturing. Characterized by increased wear and resistance to deformation. There are 64 links with a pitch of 8.25 mm. The tire is 45 centimeters long. The work area has a special design that allows you to quickly and efficiently cut any wood.

The average price is 1850 rubles.

chain Makita 528086672

Advantages:

• no nicks;
• perfectly smooth cut;
• will handle wood of any hardness and quality;
• equipped with a tight box for easy transportation and storage;
• reliability;
• durability;
• high-quality assembly;
• ease of use.

Flaws:

• not identified.

Husqvarna H 64

Consumables for equipping professional-grade gasoline saws. Chisel teeth allow you to make precise and neat cuts. Features of the working design make it possible to effectively saw workpieces, making them without nicks or defects. Main characteristics:

• number of links in the chain – 84 pieces;
• pitch – 10.2 mm;
• groove width – 1.6 mm;
• tire length – 71 cm.

The price for such a product is on average 1999 rubles.

Husqvarna H 64 chain

Advantages:

• easy to use;
• reliable;
• long service life;
• The presence of a dense box in the kit allows you to conveniently store and transport the equipment;
• high-quality alloy steel alloy was used in manufacturing;
• wear resistance;
• is not subject to deformation.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Oregon PS 52 E

High-quality consumables are produced by a leading American company. It is purchased by both beginners and professional craftsmen in order to replace chains with the further possibility of sharpening. Universal model, suitable for use with devices from various manufacturers. The chain was manufactured using advanced PowerSharp technology. The kit includes a special sharpening stone. Some links have a diamond-coated cutter. Sharpening can be done without removing the cutting surface from the tire. There are 52 links, the groove width is 1.3 mm, suitable for equipment equipped with a 36 centimeter long tire.

Retailers offer products at a price of 2,550 rubles.

chain Oregon PS 52 E

Advantages:

• high build quality;
• durability;
• ease of use;
• comfort;
• uniqueness;
• versatility;
• ideal price-quality ratio;
• The company is a world-famous manufacturer.

Flaws:

• none.

Premium models

Husqvarna H 30 Pixel

The Canadian company has filled the market with high-quality products, but at a significant cost, which not every owner of a summer cottage can afford. Features of the device are low vibration and minimal rebound. A successful model, adapted to work with any lightweight Husqvarna H 30 Pixel chainsaw, and the length of the guide bar does not matter.

Using the tool results in a fine cut, no matter what power chainsaw you use. An ideal result is guaranteed in any case. The pitch of the links reaches 8.25 mm, the groove is 1.3 mm wide. Experts believe that the consumable material is optimally suited for working with chainsaws with an engine capacity of 35 - 55 cc. The chain is packed in a coil.

The average cost of products is 20,799 rubles.

Husqvarna H 30 Pixel chain

Advantages:

• high quality;
• long service life;
• reliability;
• efficiency;
• versatility;
• comfort;
• safety.

Flaws:

• significant price.

Rezer Super BPS – 8 – 1.5 – 1848

Despite the country of origin - China, professionals say that the product deserves attention and approval. Sold in a convenient bay. In the production of the tool, a reinforced steel alloy was used, thanks to which the service life is significantly extended without loss of original characteristics. How to attach the chain? The device is quite reliable and almost completely prevents the possibility of injury to a person.

The number of links is impressive - 1848 pieces, distinguished by sharp sharpening. The pitch between them is 8.25 mm, the width of the groove is 1.5 mm. The chisel design allows for neat and precise cuts. Moreover, the amount of vibration during operation is insignificant. The file itself has a diameter of 4.8 mm.

The product can be purchased at specialized outlets at a price of 12,999 rubles.

chain Rezer Super BPS – 8 – 1.5 – 1848

Advantages:

• convenient to use;
• high build quality;
• long service life;
• good combination of price and quality;
• comfort;
• performance;
• efficiency;
• versatility.

Flaws:

• none.

Sturm SC 38013 CRT – OL

The device is distinguished by its performance and quality of work. Minimal vibration impresses even experienced craftsmen. In manufacturing, high-quality metal is used, which is pre-heat-treated to increase the service life and increase strength and reliability. The links in the amount of 1635 pieces have a pitch of 9.5 mm. The groove is 0.050" wide. Chipper type teeth.

The average cost of the product is 17,799 rubles.

chain Sturm SC 38013 CRT – OL

Advantages:

• performance;
• accuracy and precision of cutting;
• practicality;
• versatility;
• functionality;
• wear resistance;
• excellent combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• not detected.

H 25 Husqvarna 5033055 – 01

Widely used with gasoline saws. It compares favorably with its analogues by its minimal vibration level and high cutting speed. Delivery is carried out in coils. To obtain the chain of the required length, you simply need to separate the rivets connecting the links. This can be done either manually or using special equipment, such as machines. The total length of the chain is 30 m.

Basic indicators:

• groove width – 1.5 mm;
• chain pitch - 0.325 inches;
• parameters – 250 x 200 x 190 mm;
• weight – 6.16 kg.

The product can be purchased at a price of 24,859 rubles.

chain H 25 Husqvarna 5033055 – 01

Advantages:

• long service life;
• high quality material;
• reliable;
• comfortable;
• universal;
• Swedish quality is worthy of attention and approval;
• functional;
• productive.

Flaws:

• none.

X – Cut C 85 Husqvarna 5816266 – 01

The Swedish company supplies the market with high quality products that are very popular among professionals. Manufactured to equip professional gasoline saws. Widely used for felling trees on an industrial scale. Has a low vibration level. Belongs to the category of professional equipment of the highest quality with enormous cutting speed. In order for the chain to work long and productively, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the lubrication.

The device has 1840 links with a pitch of 3/8 inches and a groove width of 1.5 mm. Delivery is carried out in a bay. Weighs 7.96 kg, main parameters: 250 x 200 x 190 mm.

The average cost of products is 25,939 rubles.

chain X – Cut C 85 Husqvarna 5816266 – 01

Advantages:

• ease of use;
• minimal vibration and recoil;
• reliability;
• wear resistance;
• optimal combination of price and quality.

Flaws:

• not installed.

Difference in the profile height of the cutting teeth of saw chains

The height of the chain profile affects the depth of cut. The higher the teeth, the faster the wood cuts through. But taller teeth contribute to increased vibration. The characteristics of the equipment are indicated in the documentation. Knowing it is necessary for the competent selection of saw accessories and proper sharpening.

Profile height.

There are two common types of profile heights.

Low profile chains (0.635mm or 0.025”)

Found on both professional and household chainsaws. It is small in size allowing for a slow and clean cut. Due to the low height, vibration is significantly lower. Having bought a chain with a high profile, you can convert it to a low one by grinding off the top ridge.

Low profile saw chain.

High profile chains (0.762mm or 0.03”)

High profile chains are developed only for professional gas-powered tools used in forest felling. The enlarged comb of the saw set facilitates quick “biting” of the equipment into the wood, but increases vibration and hand fatigue.

High profile saw chain.

Which profile is better?

It's worth clarifying a little here. Since the cutting speed depends on the chain pitch and profile height, different combinations of these parameters allow you to adjust the performance of the chainsaw and the load on the operator’s hands. The high profile and large 3/4" pitch provide increased load, so are only suitable for professional felling tools where speed is important but frequent breaks will be required.

For construction tasks, cutting firewood and other large-scale work, chains with a long pitch, but a low profile, or with a short pitch, but a higher profile, are used . It is difficult to say unequivocally which option is better, since the type of wood, the power of the chainsaw, and working conditions influence the result. Therefore, the optimal parameters are selected by trial.