BEST CHAINSAW CHAIN ON THE MARKET

Chainsaw Chain Buying Guide

Here we explain what a chainsaw chain is, how it works, who uses them, questions to ask when buying a chainsaw chain, factors to consider when choosing a chainsaw and other important information you need to know about these chains.

What is a Chainsaw Chain?

A chainsaw chain is a set of sharp teeth attached to a rotating metal chain connected to a guide bar. This is the component of a chainsaw that actually cuts through trees and branches. Usually, the main function of a chainsaw chain is to cut the wood as deeply and quickly as possible; however, it is an added advantage to you if each individual tooth of a saw chain does not cut too deeply into the tree or branch. If a chainsaw has a tooth that cuts too deeply, the chances of it getting stuck in the wood or striking you back during use are very high.

How Does a Chainsaw Chain Work?

The power head provides power which rotates the metal chain at a fast speed. When this chain is rotating at a speed, it effectively and efficiently cuts trees and branches, and accomplishes other tasks such as tree pruning, bucking and limbing.

Parts of a Saw Chain:

1. Sharp metal teeth-The sharp metal teeth are the most important part of a saw chain as they perform the actual cutting. They are usually made from high quality and durable chromium-plated steel alloy. Most chainsaw chains manufactured nowadays normally alternate between left and right facing teeth.
2. Drive links- This component of a chainsaw joins the metal teeth together. Their ultimate role is to carry a special lubricant around the tool’s guide bar and as well as to engage with the head power’s sprocket in order to transfer power from the engine’s motor to the metal cutting chain.

Types of Chainsaw Chain Teeth

The majority of chainsaw chains manufactured today come with one of the following two types of teeth.

1. Full chisel teeth: These teeth have sharp angled square corners. These corners can be sharpened to different edges to cut trees and branch fibers very easily and quickly.
2. Semi-chisel teeth: These have rounded corners. Their design makes them less sharp compared to full chisel teeth. However, these semi-chisel teeth can maintain the required level of sharpness even when splitting hard wood or cutting through frozen or dirty wood.

How to Choose a New Chainsaw Chain

Because chainsaw chains are available in different varieties with different features, it is important for you to consider all aspects before making a purchase decision. Some of the important aspects you need to consider include the type of wood you want to cut, the condition of the wood, the desired cutting result, dimensions of the chainsaw and the specs of the chainsaw chain itself.

Questions to Ask Yourself When Buying a Chainsaw Chain

1. Will the chain actually fit the chainsaw?

When purchasing a chain for your chainsaw, the first question to ask yourself is whether the chain will actually fit the chainsaw exactly. A chainsaw will only work with saw chains of a specific pitch, gauge, and length. For efficient operation and safety, the chainsaw chain gauge you choose must exactly match with the gauge of the guide bar. If your tool already has a chain, you need to purchase a replacement chain with the same pitch, gauge, and length as the original one.

2. What are the dimensions of the chainsaw chain?

The dimensions of the chainsaw chain also play an important role in choosing a tooth arrangement for your needs. If you are shopping for a full skip or semi-skip saw chain, make sure the chainsaw’s guide bar is at least 24 inches long. Many users prefer this type of chain because they can work on longer chainsaws and consume less power during operation.

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Chainsaw Chain for the Job

1. Gauge: The gauge is the thickness of the saw chain’s drive links. Don’t confuse this terminology with depth gauges, they mean two totally different things. Most chainsaw chains have gauges ranging from 0.05 inches to 0.063 inches. To ensure efficient operation and safety, the chainsaw chain gauge you choose must exactly match the gauge of the guide bar. If you choose a chain that is too thick, it will not fit on the chainsaw’s guide bar. On the other hand, if you choose a chain that is too thin, it will not fit tightly on the edges of your chainsaw.
2. Pitch: This is the average distance between any two rivets. In a chainsaw chain, all rivets don’t have the same distance. This chain’s pitch is therefore calculated by measuring the distance of three or more rivets and dividing the result by the number of rivets considered. In fact, most chainsaw chains on the market today have a pitch of 0.325, 0.375, or 0.404 inches. However, there are specialized brands with a pitch of 0.75 inches.
3. Length: The length of a chainsaw chain is measured by calculating the number of drive links. You need to choose a chainsaw chain with an appropriate length in order for it to fit perfectly on your chainsaw’s guide bar.
4. Tooth type: This is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing the best chain. Chains with full chisel teeth are a good choice for soft clean wood. They have sharp angled square corners which can be sharpened differently to cut trees and split wood fibers very effectively and quickly. Their only problem is that they tend to degrade quickly when used to split dry, frozen and hard wood. Semi-chisel teeth are a better choice for abrasive or very dirty tasks.
5. Tooth arrangement: The type of tooth arrangement to choose depends on the type of wood you want to cut. Full skip and semi-skip chains have a greater amount of space between teeth which allows debris and chips to clear out from the cutting area. They, therefore, work best when cutting through large trees or dirty tasks. Choose chains with fewer teeth or less space between teeth for tasks that requires less cleaning of chips and debris.
6. Type of wood to be cut: When you are shopping for the best chain for your chainsaw, it is also important to consider the type of wood to be cut and the desired smoothness of the cut. For fine sawdust and smooth cuts, chains with a full complement of teeth will work perfectly for you. On the other hand, if you want to leave rough edges and produce thick sawdust, semi-skip and full skip chains are a better choice.

Caring for a Chainsaw Chain

A chainsaw is potentially one of the most dangerous tools in your homestead. In fact, most of its dangers come from the rotating chain and the sawdust the tool produces. Accidental contact with the rotating chain can cause serious cuts or even death. Keeping the chain sharp, lubricated and clean maintains efficient performance and helps to prevent potential accidents.

1. Lubrication: Keeping the chain lubricated when the equipment is in operation can be a challenge because the lubricants fly off due to the high speed. To overcome this challenge, you need to mix the chain oil with a special adhesive. This adhesive ensures that the oil remains on the chain while the chain is rotating. If you don’t have enough money to invest in chain oil, ordinary motor oil can be used instead. The only problem when using motor oil is that it is watery and tends to fly off quickly. The oil must, therefore, be re-applied regularly for efficient operation.
2. Sharpening: It is very important to keep the chain’s teeth sharp at all times for efficient performance. If the teeth become too blunt, it will take more time to accomplish your task. Blunt teeth also increase the risk of dangerous kickback. Make sure you have a quality chainsaw sharpener or mechanical sharpening stone to sharpen the chains when they become blunt.
3. Chain covers: A sharp chain is likely to cause an injury even when the chainsaw is not in operation. It is therefore important to cover the chain with a special chain cover to prevent such injuries from occurring. A plastic scabbard is recommended during transportation or storage to prevent bodily injuries and keep the teeth sharp.

Note: Chainsaw chaps should always be worn when using a chainsaw.

Conclusion

Besides the engine, the second most important part of any chainsaw is the chain. When shopping for a replacement chain for your existing chainsaw, you need to factor in the type of wood to be cut, the desired smoothness and the dimensions of the guide bar. It is also important to consider the pitch, gauge, and length of the chain itself. Purchasing the right product for your equipment and that task you need to accomplish will maximize efficient performance and helps prevent potential accidents.