The 13 Best Chainsaw Chains for Cutting Firewood & Hardwood 2020 Reviews

UPDATED: Jan 03, 2020.

What is the best chainsaw chain on the market today? When you think about it, there are a lot of chainsaw chains that will offer you the service you desire.

However, it can be complicated if you are looking for the best chainsaw chains for cutting firewood and hardwood. This is why I have decided to look at the leading chains for cutting firewood and hardwood today.

At a Glance: Our Top Choices for Best Chainsaw Chains that Feature in This Guide:

• Oregon S62 Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman (Top Pick)
• Oregon S56 Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman (Top Rated)
• Oregon R34 Micro-Lite Chainsaw Chain Fits (Editor Choice)
• Oregon S45 Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman
• Husqvarna 531300439 Pixel Saw Chain
• Husqvarna 531300437 Pixel Saw Chain
• Husqvarna Set of 3 Chainsaw Chain
• STIHL 26RM3-68 Rapid Micro Chainsaw Chain
• STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 Saw Chain
• 8TEN Chainsaw Chain 16”
• BLACK+DECKER RC800 8” Saw Chain
• Rotary Replacement Oregon Chainsaw Chain
• Sun Hoe Replacement Oregon Chain

Editor’s Picks – Top 13 Chainsaw Chains for Cutting Firewood & Hardwood

Here are some chainsaw chains that will do magic when it comes to cutting firewood and hardwood.

Oregon Poulan S62 AdvaceCut 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman

The first chain on the review is the Oregon S62 AdvaceCut 8-Inch. The chain has undergone precision cutting, hard chrome plating, and heat treatment to become a sharp and durable product.  

Besides, the cutter features a unique design for smoother and quicker cuts while minimizing kickback, making it ideal for hardwood. The tool’s pitch is 3/8” long while the gauge is 0.050”. In terms of drive links, you will get 62 and they easily fit an18” bar.

Pros

• Good fit
• Releases good chunk of wood
• Cuts down wood quickly

Cons

• Needs immediate sharpening

Oregon S56 AdvanceCut 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman

Another Oregon chain I will look at is the Oregon S56 AdvanceCut 16-Inch. This chain doesn’t disappoint at all and bears all the great features of the S62.

It is able to fit chainsaws of 16”, both of Oregon brand as well as other companies. You should note that this one is a moderate performance chain when you compare it to the S62.

It is able to handle high-power levels effectively, has a pitch of 3/8” and gauge of 0.5”.

Pros

• Easy to maintain
• Precision cutting
• Withstand high-power

Cons

• Doesn’t fit all chainsaws listed on the package

Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Micro-Lite Chainsaw Chain Fits Poulan Remington

This chain is specifically made for small chainsaws. It comes with some great features which are incredible for such a chain and it fits Poulan cuts narrow kerfs.

One great thing about the chain is that it requires less power when operating. It also features low-kickback and low-vibration which meets the ANSI and CSA low-kickback requirements.

This model is ideal for both the homeowners and commercial users such as orchardists and arborists.

Pros

• Fit perfectly
• Easy installation
• User-friendly

Cons

• A bit noisy

Oregon S45 AdvanceCut 12-Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Craftsman

Oregon S45 AdvanceCut 12-Inch offers a pitch of 3/8” and a gauge of 0.50” to fit most chainsaws. With a drive count of 45, the tool is perfect for most chain brands and will fit saw sizes of 42 cc and below.

It comes with LubriTec that keeps the guide bar and chain oiled for longer life and less friction. Besides, this model fulfills the low-kickback standard set by ANSI.

Pros

• LubricTec for oiling
• Meets the low-kickback standard
• Low friction

Cons

• Not ideal for high-intensity use

Husqvarna 531300439 18-Inch H30-72 (95VP) Pixel Saw Chain

This is one of the most versatile chainsaw chains on this list. It acts as a superb replacement for chainsaw chain since it adjudges quite comfortably.

The model is super-easy to install and is durable, meaning that you will wait for long before you need to replace it. It weighs just 9.6 ounces – it won’t add much weight to your chainsaw.

The chain is highly recommended for professional users.

Pros

• Easy to maintain
• Fast and easy
• Versatile and powerful

Cons

• Often comes with the wrong size

Husqvarna 531300437 16-Inch H30-66 (95VP) Pixel Saw Chain

The Husqvarna 531300437 is a favorite of many and is mainly recommended for professional users. In fact, anyone with an Oregon chain can use this tool as a replacement chain.

This excellent chain comes when sharp and throws out chunks of wood when chopping, instead of tiny bits. It also weighs less to ensure that you get a light chainsaw for working with.

Low vibration and high-performance make this tool more popular with users.

Pros

• Easy to clean up
• Quick replacement
• Low vibration

Cons

• Not as advertised

Husqvarna Set of 3 18” Chainsaw Chain H30-72 95VP

The next chain is the Husqvarna Set of 3 and they are meant to be used on Husqvarna chainsaws – though you can use it on other tools. It was developed to fit the lightweight chain saw and cuts a narrow kerf.

The model uses less power when compared to most chains out there today. It offers a 0.50: gauge and .325” pitch, with micro chisel cutters. Another feature is the low kickback.

Pros

• Perfect for a novice
• Good performance
• Quite when operating

Cons

• Not for heavy duties

STIHL 26RM3-68 (3 Pack) Oilomatic Rapid Micro Chainsaw Chain 18”

If you are looking for a chain for STIHL, then you need to try the 24RM2-68 model. This is a 3-pack chain for chainsaws and they are made of high-quality material to ensure that they last for years.

The three chains come with a .063” gauge and .325” Pitch and offer 68 drive links. They are recommended for hard chores and won’t break with ease.

Pros

• Comes in a pack of 3
• High-quality construction
• Perfect for all chores

Cons

• No installation manual

STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12” Saw Chain 3670-005-0064

This chain easily fit 12” chainsaw and is ideal for all high demanding tasks. If you own a lawn or garden and you use your chainsaw regularly, then this chain is for you.

It is very easy to use and fits into your chainsaw. In fact, it is for people without prior experience and it will give you the best clean cutting.

Pros

• For professional and home use
• Cuts easily via large woods
• Perfect for high power machine

Cons

• Teeth need sharpening when new

8TEN Chainsaw Chain 16”

Are you looking for something that can replace most of the chainsaw brands on the market today? The 8TEN Chainsaw Chain is the right model for you. This is a 16 inches tool that was made with high-quality material to be durable.

It offers a gauge of 0.43” and a pitch of 3/8”. I would recommend you to use it on low profile saw of sizes 2.5 cubic inches and below.

Pros

• Great replacement chain
• Very affordable
• High-quality material

Cons

• Not for high-intensity use

BLACK+DECKER RC800 8” Saw Chain for NPP2018 and CCS818

Professionals really love the BLACK-DECKER RC800 for ripping chainsaw chain. They especially love it due to its lightweight nature and small size.

This model is compatible with CS818 and NPP2018 chainsaws and offers compact trait with the great comfort level.  It can handle all yard works including pruning, chopping, and cutting.

Pros

• Does most chores
• Compact design
• Flexible performance

Cons

• Shortens battery life

Rotary Replacement Oregon Chainsaw Chain for Black & Decker LC1240 40V Cordless Chainsaw

Narrow 0.43” gauge aids to reduce the weight of the chain as well as the chainsaw. It comes with LubriLink that helps to keep it oiled whenever you are working.

The chain also boasts of LubriWell oil holes that help to carry the oil around the chain. It is easy to sharpen due to witness mark top-plate features.

Pros

• Remain oiled
• Easy to install
• Great performance

Cons

• Only for LC1240 chainsaw

Sun Hoe Replacement Oregon Chain for Sun Hoe 10” Replacement Semi-Chisel Chain for SWJ803E/SWJ807E Pole Chain Saws

This is one of the top replacement chains on the market today that will offer many years of service. It is made of durable material to ensure that it lasts for years without showing any sign of wear and tear.

One thing, it is an affordable tool that you can afford even when you are on a budget. The tool is mainly used as a replacement chain.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Used for replacement purpose
• Can handle most jobs

Cons

• Cannot fit most chainsaws

Who Makes The Best Chainsaw Chain?

There are three main chainsaw chain brands that are worth looking at. These are:

STIHL Chainsaw Brand

This is a popular brand that sells its chain to arborists around the world. It is well-known for its professional-quality chainsaws, chains, and other accessories.

All its products are reliable, quality, and many people like to buy them.

Husqvarna Chainsaw Brand

This brand is just as famous as STIHL. It also sells its chains to arborists and offers great performance.

Its products are made under strict quality and will offer durability. Its chains are mainly made for Husqvarna chainsaws.

Oregon Chainsaw Brand

Oregon is yet another brand which is trusted by arborists. Its chainsaw chains are durable, reliable, and easy to use.

Many people prefer this brand for offering value for the money products.

Important Note: There are other brands that are doing well out there such as Rotary and BLACK+DECKER that you should consider when buying your chainsaw chain.

In Conclusion

Take your time and go through the review above to ensure that you get the best chainsaw chains for your need. Some models are made for specific chainsaws while others can be used in a variety of chainsaws.