A chainsaw is a versatile tool that, when combined with the perfect type of chain can work wonders for your various woodcutting jobs. There are different types of chains available that are of different sizes and offer different cutting capacities.
We have chosen Oregon S62 as the best chainsaw chain. You can get possession of this chain if you don’t have enough time to look through the whole piece of content. It is one of our tested chains to deal with hardwoods and firewood.

Finding the perfect chainsaw chain for hardwood cutting can be a tough nut to crack!. The reason is because there are numerous chains manufactured out there. You can end becoming dizzy when trying to get your hands on the right piece of equipment for yourself. But you need not worry anymore, because we’ve already prepared a solution to your problem.
In this article, we’ll make you go through all the preliminary information you need to have to choose the ideal chain. And in the end, there’s a buying guide as a bonus for you to steer clear of the most common mistakes that a lot of people make.
So, stick with us till the end, and we ensure you’ll end up being more educated about your concerned purchase!
Best 10 Chainsaw Chains
1. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain – Overall Best
If you’re looking for a durable and powerful chainsaw chain that is safe as well, then grab the Oregon S62 advance cut chainsaw chain.
It’s the best chainsaw chain for hardwood that you can find among a myriad of tools available in the market.
This heat-treated and hard-chromed cutter chain offers high precision and accuracy in the cuts. You’ll never feel under powered with its unique cutter design that makes smooth and speedy cuts.
The chain is highly adjustable and lasts long, thanks to the chrome plating and hardened rivets that it features.
It is compatible with different chainsaw models such as CRAFTSMAN/Sears 316.38090, 358.34118, 358.34190, Homelite 23AV, 3300, UT10580, UT10580, UT10588, UT10589, Kobalt KCS180B-06, McCulloch CS340, CS380 etc.
With this chainsaw chain, unlike other models that operate 3/8 inch pitch and 62 drive links, you get an extended work time without any tiredness. It offers high durability and low vibration operation that adds more to the user’s convenience.
Oregon S63 is made to meet your work expectations at its best. It features a built-in automatic lubrication system. It ensures that the oil is delivered to the parts of the chain when required. SO you don’t have to look after the maintenance and lubrication of the tool.
In addition to all the useful attributes, the chain isn’t left behind in offering great safety for users. Its unique design ensures safety by offering smooth cuts and the least kickbacks.
- Highly durable
- Anti-kickback feature
- Low vibration operation
- The kickback feature isn’t that efficient
Overall, it’s a reliable chain that is worth adding to our toolbox. You can never get bored of enjoying its seamless cuts offering high quality and performance.
2. Husqvarna chainsaw chain 18-Inch – Best For Cutting Firewood
Husqvarna is a renowned brand for manufacturing commercial-grade pieces of equipment. The brand’s 18-inch chain can work well for your chainsaw. It offers high longevity and impeccable cutting capacity.
This chain has 72 drive links with a design of 0.325 pitch and 0.050 gauge that is suitable to perform a number of cutting projects. It can cut through even from rough pieces of wood smoothly without affecting the surface of the chain.
It can be of great use for the tree surgeons who get to deal with high production tasks with smaller equipment.
You’ll feel this chain lacks nowhere in power delivery and performance because of its modern build design.
The chainsaw chain comes in two packs. You can make it effortlessly deal with your hardwood as well as softwood with this chainsaw chain.
Also Check How Tight Should The Chain Be On a Chainsaw
With Husqvarna’s chainsaw chain, you’ll face the least kickbacks and the quiet operation with its low vibration working.
Apart from all the great features that the chain offers, it has some adjustment issues. We went through most of the complaints about the wrong sized saw customers received. The company needs to take into account this issue.
- Seamless and smooth performance
- Deals with both softwood and hardwood
- Great value for money
- The kickback feature isn’t that efficient
Husqvarna 18 inch chainsaw chain is a highly preferred pick of both commercial arborists as well as hobbyists. You can make it in to work as the ideal chainsaw chain for cutting hardwood. Moreover, it offers great value to money.
3. SUNGATOR SG-S62 3-Pack Chain – Best Chainsaw Chain For Hardwood
SUNGATOR SG-S62 is another best chainsaw chain that you can count on for cutting through hardwood and firewood.
This 18 inch saw with 62 drive links and 3/8 inch LP Pitch is compatible with different bar lengths. The pack brings a set of three chainsaw chains that are equally good in quality and performance.
The chains are manufactured with anti-fracture German steel that is coated with industrial-grade chrome. In addition, you’ll get the rivet connections that are heat-treated making the chains a full package of high longevity and endurance.
In addition, the premium industrial hard chrome enables the chains to offer high wear resistance, which eventually adds to the high tolerance of the tool.
SUNGATOR is specialized in engineering chains with semi-chisel featured teeth that ensure it doesn’t wear down when treated for hardwoods.
Moreover, the cutter deals with dust without losing the sharpness and produces low kickbacks.
You might be wondering why 3 chains instead of one? Well, the fact that the chain starts losing its sleekness after dealing with a few hardwoods, it comes with a set of 3 so that it can be used for longer than usual to eliminate your hassle of finding a new chainsaw chain shortly.
You need to be a bit cautious when using the chains because of their high sharpness. It works wonders for hardwoods but can bring some injuries too if not handled properly.
- 3 German Steel chains
- Light on pocket
- Great cutting capacity
- The kickback feature isn’t that efficient
All-inclusive, it’s a great hardwood chainsaw chain set to get your hands on. It’s budget-friendly and offers great cutting performance.
4. Oregon S56 AdvanceCut 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain
Oregon has again made it to our list with its S56 advance cut chainsaw chain. You can count on this semi-chisel replacement chain to deal with hardwood and firewood.
This is the best chain that is compatible with most of the renowned chainsaws from brands like, Homelite, Craftsman, and Remington that are up to 42 CC in size.
It is a hard-chromed cutter chain that is heat-treated to offer high precision and accuracy in the cuts. It can effortlessly cut through different materials.
The modern cutter design and a bumper drive link offer fewer kickbacks, a smooth chip flow, and flawless cutting performance.
It features dual cut corners that make it deliver high-end execution when combined with saws having a 3/8 inch pitch chain. Furthermore, it has four-way symmetrical binding straps that are easily fastened with chain loops.
S56 chain offers low maintenance because of its lubrication system. In addition, the induction-hardened rivets add to the wear resistance of the chain, making it highly durable and tolerant against high-capacity tasks.
You May Also Like Best 20 Inch Chainsaw
Apart from all the longevity offering features, it still somehow fails to survive for long. You may experience that the chain wears off after a number of cuts.
It’s not so useful for the professionals that get to deal with some heavy-duty tasks. But can be of great use for most non-professional tear-off projects. Because it offers great safety and quality performance.
- Effective operation
- Best for beginners
- Good value to money
- Doesn’t last long
Overall, Oregon S56 is a reliable saw to get possession of, especially for beginners. It’s a reliable replacement chain to count on!
5. Poulan Pro 051338 Replacement Chain Saw Cutting Chain
Poulan Pro 051338 is another best chainsaw chain. It is quite similar in features to that of Husqvarna’s replacement saw. But, you’ll have to spend some extra bucks to get this.
The 18-inches saw has a 3/8 inch pitch and .050 gauge length. You cannot ideally use it for your projects requiring high-speed cuts. However, it can deliver quality cuts if you take care of the sharpening of teeth properly.
It’s manufactured of hard-chromed and heat-treated steel that makes it high in longevity and weather-resistant as well. You can make it use to deal with hardwoods effortlessly.
One downside of the chain is that you might face some compatibility issues when you’re fitting it to different models. To avoid that problem, we suggest you make sure it works with your chainsaw model.
You can go for purchasing it if your chainsaw is among these models. 2155, 2175, 2300, 2375, 2400, 2450, 2500, 2550, 2555, 2600, P260, P – 3818AV, 3818WT, 4018WT, 4018AV & 4018AVBH, PPB – 1838, 4018 & 4218, PP – 4018, 4018WTL, 4218AV, 4218AVX & 4218AVL & SM4218AV.
It can be a bit heavy of the pocket but you won’t have to compromise on the quality of performance with this chain.
- Extended longevity
- High performance
- weather-resistant
- A bit Expensive
This chain is worth adding to your toolbox. Get your hands on this perfect chainsaw chain to make the most out of your purchase.
6. Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 Chainsaw Chain
Husqvarna 531300441 is a 20 inches chainsaw chain that is designed to deal with high-capacity tasks. It offers a great cutting capacity along with bore cuts.
The chain with 0.050 gauge and .375 inch pitch offers extended life. You can utilize this 20 inch chainsaw chain for a highly productive environment.
It’s best suited for arborists who get to deal with some commercial projects and for occasional loggers. It offers great precision in cuts thus adding more worth to your work.
You’ll get a high convenience when working with this replaceable chain because of the low vibrations it produces. The same is the case with almost all the Husqvarna tools.
One drawback of the chainsaw chain is that its teeth need sharpening more often. They are fine in quality but aren’t that sharp when coming from the company.
This 20 inch chainsaw chain offers 90 days warranty. It means the manufacturer’s got your back in case you find any defect with the chain in the first three months of purchase.
- No vibrations operation
- Excellent cutting performance
- Long life
- Issues with teeth sharpening
You can get this hardwood chainsaw chain to make the most out of your trimming and pruning jobs.
7. Trilink 3/8 LP .050 Gauge 62 Drive Links Chainsaw Chain
If the best chainsaw chain with safety provision is your search, then Trilink 18 inch chain has got you covered.
The chain is engineered to offer high precision and accuracy in performance. You can make impeccable cuts through its advanced heat-treated and chrome-finished cutters.
It can accommodate you for a number of professional woodworking tasks. If you’re a professional arborist or logger, you can count on this chain to add more ease to cutting your jobs.
With its centri-lube mechanism, you need not worry about its maintenance, the oil is automatically distributed to parts of the chain. It helps to extend the life of the equipment.
This semi-chisel chainsaw chain features an anti-kickback facility. It’s a big plus for the user’s safety.
You’ll get 2 chains in the pack. Both are ensured by the manufacturers to provide premium performance for fieldwork.
You cannot make it to use for some low-capacity jobs and likewise, for some highly commercial tasks. These are greatly useful for moderate capacity projects for both professionals as well as DIYers, and apparently not for absolute beginners.
- Quality components
- Best suited for field jobs
- Smooth cuts
- Not for absolute beginners
In general, it’s an effective chainsaw chain for cutting firewood and hardwood. The price does justice with the number of features it offers.
8. SALEM MASTER 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains
We have made it to the end of the list with our final pick for the best chainsaw chain for cutting hardwood. Salem Master’s 16-inch semi-chisel replaceable chain offers smooth cuts.
It is constructed with German steel that provides excellent toughness and an anti-fracture structure. It can be utilized for rough job sites.
The chain has a plating of premium industrial hard chrome, that gives it the ability to gain better wear resistance making it the supreme chainsaw chain for cutting firewood and hardwood.
In addition, the chain is heat-treated and features quenched rivets that build a secure connection between the chain links.
This chainsaw chain is engineered in a way that gives high tolerance against dust and stays sharper for longer. You’ll deal with a low kickback when making this chain work that eventually ends up delivering smooth and fine cuts.
See Also, Best Chainsaw For Women
You’ll get different bar lengths on this chain. So in order to get the correct length, you need to check it thoroughly before ordering one for your piece of tool.
The surface of this semi-chisel chainsaw chain is coated with anti-rust oil. It ensures the longevity of the chain.
It enables you to enjoy a low vibration operation i.e, 20% vibration reduction than the previous models of the chain. The adds to the convenience and ease of handling the tool.
- Anti-fracture structure
- Anti-rust oil coated
- 20% fewer vibrations than its counterparts
- Compatibility issues
Salem Master chain is a versatile piece of equipment that is compatible with different brand chainsaws. For instance, Craftsman, Homelite, Poulan, Dolmar, etc. The models are specific, so you have to make sure that your chainsaw is compatible.
Types of Chainsaw Chains For Hardwood
There are mainly 4 types of chainsaw types that you can find available in the market. They differ according to models, features, and compatibility.
Full Chisel Chain
In a full chisel chain, you’ll see that there are a number of teeth that are very sharp and have squared corners. The benefit of this large number of teeth is that you can get finer cuts. These are high-quality steel blades that are designed to offer high longevity and impeccable cuts.
You can utilize this type of saw to deal with common cutting purposes. Furthermore, you’ll have to do frequent teeth sharpening to get the best out of this chain.
Semi-Chisel Chain
It features a number of teeth fewer than a full chisel saw. With its round-cornered teeth, you can get the same capacity cuts within a short time as that of a full chisel saw. This type of chain serves the user for longer, all are the benefits of those smaller teeth.
Also Check, Best Chainsaw Under 200
Skip Chisel Chain
This type of chain features the least number of teeth among all the other types of chains. This type is ideal to be used for cutting wood lumbers. It holds the wood for a while after making cuts, which ensures there’s less wood chipping. You’ll bear less wood wastage when using this type of chain.
Safety Chisel Chain
Safety chisel chain, as the name suggests, focuses more on user safety. With its anti-kickback mechanism, it reduced the ripped pieces that fall back from the upper part of a chain.
How To Pick The Best Chainsaw Chain
The performance of your chainsaw is dependent on the type and capacity of the chain you choose for it. We’ll highlight some of the important factors that you need to consider when you’re going to buy your next best chainsaw chain.
The gauge of the chain
Gauge is one of the significant factors to look for in a chainsaw chain. It is basically the ambit of the drive links that is vital for adjusting the chain to a chainsaw. Make sure that the gauge of the chainsaw has equal dimensions to that of the chainsaw bars for settings. Or else it may fail to give proper adjustments and cause malfunctioning.

You’ll find the gauge written on it most of the time but you can take measurements through precision caliper if it’s missing. The pre-written numbers that are found on the gauge are 0.043, 0.050, 0.058, and 0.063.
Pitch of the Chain
Pitch is another key attribute that indicates which capacity chainsaw chain you’re going to choose. Pitch is basically the distance between two rivets. The rule of thumb is that a bigger pitch denotes a larger and more powerful chain. You can get your pitch number from the guide bars or from your old chains link, you’ll see that already mentioned on it.
In case you can’t find the number, you can just measure the gap between your rivets and that will give you the exact number. That is the most suited size to deal with heavy-duty tasks such as cutting hardwoods, multiple firewood, and other types of sturdy materials.
Length of the chain
There are different lengths of chainsaw chains available in the market. Unlike the pitch size, you cannot say that the larger size will serve you best for different cutting purposes. A lot of people get issues with selecting the right size and end up buying the chain that doesn’t fit their chainsaw size.
To get the accurate length of the chain, you can take measurements of the number of pitch and drive links. If you have the measurement guide that comes along with most of the chainsaw models, you can pick the length from there as well. The commonly used chain lengths that can deal with multiple kinds of wood are 16 inch, 18 inch, and 20 inches long.
Lubrication
The in-built lubrication mechanism of the chain ensures durability and smooth operation of the chain. Most models are engineered now with having an automatic lubrication system that keeps the chain in working flow by dripping oil over it automatically. This way you don’t need to do the process manually to extend your chain’s life.
Kickbacks
Working with a chainsaw chain can bring a lot of danger along. Especially when you’re cutting through hardwood and firewood, it can cause a lot of kickbacks. This can cause injuries or maybe some unpleasant accidents.
To keep yourself on the safe side, search out for the saw that offers an anti-kickback mechanism. This will not only ensure your safety at the job site but will increase productivity as well.
Compatibility
We have seen a lot of chainsaw chain users complaining about the compatibility. You’ll see in the specifications or in the user’s manual mentioned the brands and models the chain is compatible with.
Before making your purchase, make sure your chainsaw model and company are mentioned over there, or else you’ll have to face some serious fitting issues. You may end up getting a shorter or a longer chain, which in both cases would be a waste for you.
FAQ’s-Best Chainsaw Chain
Who makes the best chainsaw chain?
Oregon is the brand that manufactures the best chainsaw chains. The models s62 advance cut and s56 advance cut are specially designed to offer high cutting capacity. These can effortlessly deal with multiple wood cutting tasks. Apart from the smooth cuts, these lack nowhere in delivering safety as well. The anti-kickback features ensure user safety while operations.
What is the best chainsaw chain?
The s62 advance cut model from the Oregon brand is the best chainsaw chain. With its low vibrations operation, you can work for long hours without experiencing any inconvenience. Its advanced cutting technology can serve you for a number of trimming and pruning projects. Moreover, it lacks nowhere when it comes to offering high durability.
What is the best chainsaw chain for hardwood?
Husqvarna 18-inches chainsaw chain is the best piece of chain that you can get to deal with hardwoods. It features 72 drive links and it’s one of the top picks of professional arborists and wood surgeons. It has a modern design which makes it easier for the saw to deliver smooth and impeccable performance.
What is the best angle to sharpen a chainsaw chain?
The ideal angles to sharpen a chainsaw chain at are 25 degrees and 35 degrees. The angle may vary according to the toughness of the wood you want to utilize the chain for. Whereas, if you get to deal with a grained surface, it’s recommended that you use a chain sharpened at a 10-degree angle.
Final Words On Best Chainsaw Chain For Hardwood
We hope that in this article, you learned some of the key and hidden facts that can facilitate your purchase of the best chainsaw chain that would be great for hardwood or cutting firewood. You can now easily pick the chain that meets all your work needs as well as fits your chainsaw properly. You can un-hesitantly pick from these top picks to make the most out of your purchase.
Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain is powerful as well and durable. It can serve you well for your high-capacity cutting jobs. You can achieve precise cuts without compromising on the basic safety features with this chain.
Husqvarna chainsaw chain is the perfect choice to serve for the rough logs. This two-pack chainsaw chain can cut through both softwoods as well as hardwood. With its low vibration operation, you can choose this considering the equipment offering a great value to money.
SUNGATOR SG-S62 is the recommended chainsaw chain for cutting firewood. You’ll get 3 sets of German steel chains in the pack. This makes the deal highly inexpensive and long-lasting as well.

I’m Thomas Steven with more than 12 years of experience in woodworking. It has always been my passion to become a successful woodworker. I have completed hundreds of successful projects. This blog is a way of sharing my woodworking experiences and what tools get the best results. I write about woodworking while being an associate with Amazon and I earn a little commission from every qualifying purchase.