☝Best brands of chainsaw chains for 2020

Owners of chainsaws eventually face the problem of finding and replacing a chain, because with long-term operation of such garden equipment, even in the case of its careful operation, the saw equipment begins to wear out and requires replacement. A large assortment of chains is presented on the domestic market, differing from each other in such indicators as pitch, link configuration, etc. It is worth noting that it is preferable for the device to select such equipment, which is indicated in the step-by-step operating instructions for the chainsaw.

Guide bars as well as saw chains are interchangeable equipment, so even owners of inexpensive and budget gasoline saws can increase the level of performance of their machines by purchasing wear-resistant as well as durable saw sets. The editors of the site "bestx.htgetrid.com/en/" have prepared for you, after having studied the recommendations, reviews, as well as advice from a large number of users, the rating of the most popular and most common models of chains for chainsaws as of 2020.

Saw chain pitch characteristics

The saw set to be purchased must meet criteria such as the length of the guide bar used, and also be suitable for the structural features of its design. The main parameter to consider when choosing a chain for your saw is the pitch, measured in inches.

Pitch is an intermediate distance between three rivets that are placed next to each other. For the cutting set of garden equipment belonging to the household class, as a rule, chains are purchased with a pitch of 3 / 8₺ (9.53 mm) or 0.325₺ (8.25 mm), which have a smooth ride and are safe when working on sawing wood ...

For expensive, professional-grade gasoline saws that have a high level of power as well as performance, as a rule, chains are purchased with a pitch of 0.404 inches. It is worth noting that such equipment for the operation of household models of gasoline saws is practically not used due to their relatively low power, when compared with devices of a professional level.

Comparison table for using chains with different pitches:

Chain pitch (measured in inches)	On what devices it is advisable to use (application features)
0.325	They are used on household-class chainsaws, the power of which does not exceed 3 hp.
0.375	Suitable for household appliances with power levels ranging from 4 HP.
0.404	Used in professional grade machines. It is best to buy equipment with such a pitch for saws with a power of at least 5 hp.
0.75	A headset of this size is rare. As a rule, it is used on high-power saws that are used on large farms or enterprises.

Advantages of coarse pitch chains:

Advantages of small step rigging:

Shank parameters

When choosing a chain, you must pay attention to the thickness of its shank. This indicator can vary in the range from 1.1 to 2 mm inclusive. In inch terms, shank sizes are represented as: 0.043 / 0.04 / 0.05 / 0.058 / 0.063 / 0.08 inches.

For simple and light models of gasoline saws that do not have high power ratings, it is recommended to buy chains with a small shank thickness. For devices belonging to the household, as well as semi-professional class, as a rule, equipment is purchased, the thickness of the shank of which varies within 1.3-1.6 mm.

This is due to the fact that such a set has good resistance to both constant and variable loads that occur when cutting wood. For professional equipment, it is recommended to purchase reinforced chains with a shank thickness of 2 mm.

Design features

The cutting links of the chains, which belong to the middle and high price segment, are equipped with 2 shanks, which, accordingly, affects their cost. A cheaper headset is of the throughput and half-through type.

In through-type specimens, all additional elements are located after the cutting parts. In saw chains, which are of the semi-through type, the connecting elements are located after 2 pairs of links.

In standard models of the through-through or semi-through type, the total number of saw links reaches 50.40, as well as 37.5%. Thanks to this simplified design, this headset is much cheaper than models that have a pair of shanks for each individual link. However, due to the simplified design, on cheap chains, when cutting wood, the load directly on the link itself increases. As a result, such a headset needs to be sharpened frequently.

Length

This indicator depends directly on the total number of links. Most domestic and foreign manufacturers indicate in the documents for their products such parameters as the length and the total number of links.

When choosing a chain, both parameters must be taken into account.

Professional grade chain design

The saw headset, which belongs to the professional class, is divided into two types according to the configuration of the cutting link:

1. Chisel.
2. Chippernaya.

With a chisel configuration, the links are cut like a 7. This profile design ensures high productivity even during difficult tree cutting operations.

The disadvantage of chisel models is that it is difficult to sharpen them manually with a file, because even with a slight deviation of the sharpening angle, all the advantages of the seven-fold profiles are reduced to zero.

In chipper models, the link is made in the shape of a sickle. Thanks to this shape, the contact area between the chain and the wood is significantly increased, which ultimately increases the additional load on the engine. Chipper saws have a good performance level. They perform their work stably even with severe surface contamination.

Material from which they are made

High quality and durable chromium-nickel steel is used in the manufacture of standard saw chains. For cutting frozen wood or wood with a high density, it is recommended to purchase a tooling with a carbide link, in the manufacture of which it is used.

Pobedit is a hard alloy that has a good safety margin. This alloy is often used in the manufacture of glass cutters and turning tools. The win can be applied to the saw chain.This alloy is soldered to the links themselves and acts as a cutting edge.

Reference! The disadvantage of victorious soldered carbide chains is that they are too expensive, so they are usually used when performing work of increased complexity, as well as when carrying out emergency rescue operations when it becomes necessary to cut plain or reinforced concrete.

Review of the best manufacturers

A large number of chains for gasoline and electric saws from Russian, Chinese and other popular foreign manufacturers are presented on the domestic market. The best companies that are engaged in the production of saw attachments for gasoline saws are:

1. Oregon. A popular, and also one of the most recognizable by domestic buyers, brand under which high quality chains for gasoline and electric saws are produced. In the manufacture of products, a special alloy is used, which is distinguished by its durability and strength. Tooling manufactured under this brand, as a rule, has a special chrome coating, which significantly increases its service life.
2. Stihl. A world-famous German company that produces construction equipment and tools. The company's product list also includes chainsaws, tires and chains. The brand's products have a good margin of safety and reliability.
3. Husqvarna. It does not belong to the world leaders who are engaged in the production of chains, but supplies the domestic market with a high quality saw headset.
4. Bison. A popular Russian manufacturer of reliable and budget models of chains for garden equipment. The manufacturer's products have increased durability. As a rule, they are more suitable for use in household or semi-professional class devices.

The best chainsaw brands for 2020

In terms of quality and durability, budget models are much inferior to premium ones. Most owners of inexpensive household-class chainsaws prefer to use the saw headset of popular world manufacturers Oregon and Shtil.

Recently, among domestic consumers, due to their availability, chains of Russian and also Chinese production began to enjoy increased demand. The vast majority of consumers order Chinese products online.

When choosing a carved element (chain), you should consider such criteria as:

• link type;
• step;
• the material from which the carved element is made;
• groove design;
• length;
• thickness of the saw headset.

For gasoline saws, the headset must be selected taking into account its technical characteristics. Otherwise, due to incorrectly selected kits, the overall level of tool performance is significantly reduced. Improperly selected equipment can also cause various malfunctions of the gasoline saw.

Review of the best and most budget models of saw chains

CHAMPION A050-VS-50E 3 / 8₺

This is an inexpensive budget novelty made in China, which is analogous to the Oregon 91VS. It is suitable for use in medium and small chainsaws belonging to the household and semi-professional segment.

Users note that this product has satisfactory cutting ability and technical parameters, does not make noise during operation and provides a smooth ride when cutting trees. The number of links is 50, the pitch is 3/8, and the total groove width is 1.3 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

DDE 249-358 14₺

This is an affordable model recommended for use in chainsaws with an engine capacity of less than 45 cubic centimeters. It is suitable for tires up to 45 cm in length. This model also has an increased length of the cutting edges of the teeth.

The design possibilities allow the DDE 249-358 14₺ to be sharpened a large number of times with a file. Sharpening does not affect its performance in any way, since wear-resistant and high-quality alloy steel was used in the manufacture of teeth. Thanks to its special design, this model is protected from strong kickbacks.

The number of links is 52. The chain pitch is 3/8 and the groove width is 1.3 mm. The chain fits 14 '' (35.6 cm) tires.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

BISON 70302-40 16₺

This is an inexpensive equipment of a popular domestic manufacturer, which is suitable for saws with an internal combustion engine up to 40-55 cubic centimeters. This model is perfect for a variety of sawing jobs in the garden, backyard or country house. It has a high level of performance, and the specific shape of the teeth provides good anti-vibration characteristics.

The ZUBR 70302-40 model ideally combines such qualities as accuracy, productivity, service life and cost. In its manufacture, strong and high-quality steel was used, thanks to which ZUBR 70302-40 can be used even for complex tasks of sawing thick wood. This product can withstand about 1,000 cuts up to 1 sharpening.

This model has 66 links. It fits 16 "(40.6 cm) tires. The pitch is 0.325 inches and the groove width is 1.5 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Rating of the best chains in the middle price segment

Husqvarna X-Cut S93G 5854042-52 14₺

This is a reliable and high-quality branded saw headset of the mid-price category, which is presented on the domestic market by one of the world's most popular manufacturers. The Husqvarna X-Cut S93G is manufactured in Sweden. The chain ensures smooth cutting of wood and also has a good factory sharpening. Thanks to its special tine design, the Husqvarna X-Cut S93G minimizes the possibility of kickbacks when cutting wood.

During the manufacture of the Husqvarna X-Cut S93G, a so-called pre-tensioning procedure is performed in the factory. This significantly reduces chain elongation during work, and also prevents premature wear of the components during prolonged operation.

The Husqvarna X-Cut S93G has 52 links. It fits 14 "(35 cm) tires. The pitch is 3/8 inch and the slot width is 1.3 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Hammerflex 401-926 0.325₺

This popular model is perfect for use on household and semi-professional gasoline saws, as it withstands increased loads. It is suitable for the joint use of saw fittings (tires) from other companies. The chain has low vibration and good performance. It is equipped with special cut-off depth stops, which are wedge-shaped. Thanks to this, the cutters do not get stuck in the wood and sidewalls at the cut.

The pitch of the Hammerflex 401-926 is 0.325 inches. The number of links is 64, and the groove width is 1.5 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

BISON EXPERT 70303-50 20₺

This model belongs to a professional cutting tool that can be actively used to perform complex wood harvesting work.

It has good performance because of the ultra-strong steel used in the cutting teeth. Thanks to the specially developed tooth geometry and this tooling, the user can make soft, clean and even cuts in the wood.

Additionally, this model is equipped with a special system that provides lubrication transfer, which significantly increases the tire life. According to the tests carried out, "ZUBR EXPERT" 70303-50 can withstand more than 1 thousand cuts before its sharpening. It is perfect both for harvesting a large amount of firewood and for fulfilling a variety of household needs.

The number of links in ZUBR EXPERT 70303-50 is 78 units. It is suitable for tires that are 20 inches (50.8 cm) long. The pitch is 0.325 inches and the slot width is 1.3 mm.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Rating of quality premium models

OREGON 20 LPX066E 0.325₺

It is a reliable, high-quality and high-performance chainsaw accessory produced by one of the world's most popular manufacturers. In its manufacture, special ultra-precise equipment and modern equipment were used. Due to this, OREGON 20 LPX066E 0.325₺ provides high quality wood cutting, and also has a high level of resistance to high temperatures and intense friction. It is perfect for professional use and harvesting a large amount of firewood.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Makita 531291656 16₺

 

This is a productive high-quality tooling of a popular global manufacturer of construction tools and accessories, whose products have good durability. High quality steel was used in its manufacture. The chain has a good sharpening and a long service life. It is suitable for long and tough harvesting of large quantities of wood. The chain is compatible with the UC 4020 and UC 4010 models.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Bison 70302-45 18₺

It is a reliable and durable accessory for gasoline saws with internal combustion engines of 40-55 cubic centimeters. It is perfect for performing professional work, collecting firewood and landscaping the backyard.

The model is made of quality materials and has a high performance. It provides a smooth ride when cutting wood, as well as a smooth and precise cut. The number of links is 72 pieces. The chain is suitable for tires that are 18 inches (45.7 cm) long.

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

Comparative table of the best brands of chains in different price categories

Name, description	Number of links (pieces)	Step (inches)	Groove width (mm)	Cost (in rubles)
CHAMPION A050-VS-50E 3 / 8₺	50	0.375	1.3	380
DDE 249-358 14₺	52	0.375	1.3	410
BISON 70302-40 16₺	66	0.325	1.5	459
Husqvarna X-Cut S93G 5854042-52 14₺	52	0.375	1.3	779
Hammerflex 401-926 0.325₺	64	0.325	1.5	989
BISON EXPERT 70303-50 20₺	78	0.325	1.3	739
OREGON 20 LPX066E 0.325₺	66	0.325	1.3	1052
Makita 531291656 16₺	56	0.375	1.1	1300
Bison 70302-45 18₺	72	0.325	1.5	1080

A large assortment of chains for garden equipment from various domestic and foreign manufacturers is presented on the domestic market. When choosing such equipment, it is necessary to clarify its dimensions, as well as compatibility with a tire and a chainsaw. Otherwise, with incorrectly selected equipment, the chain will be difficult to install on the bar, and its pitch will not coincide with the pitch of the saw guide star.

If you are using one of the chains that were described in our article, or are using equipment from other manufacturers, please share your experience in the comments.