Oregon S52 Chainsaw Chain
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004RA88?
If you have a 14-inch chainsaw, it is true that it is relatively short; but you do not have to sacrifice the performance. Using this Oregon S52, you can easily tackle the toughest jobs, just like those with larger chainsaws. The chain rips through branches and logs smoothly, which makes it a perfect option for many trimming and cutting applications.
Like other top-rated Oregon chains, this chain is designed to deliver top performance no matter your cutting task. The chain is constructed with 52 drive links and a 0.050-inch gauge that makes it a perfect option for your cutting applications. Furthermore, the cutters have a chamfer chisel shape that helps to make the fast, precise, and durable.
The chain is also heat-treated and hard-chrome plated to make it tougher and resistant to corrosion. And this is not all. We were impressed by the chain’s ability to clear debris and chips, thereby reducing the danger of the guide bar getting stuck. The cuts are also smooth and free of kickbacks.
Specs
- Weight:4.2 ounces
- Gauge: 0.050″
- Bar length: 14″
- Drive links: 52
Pros
- The chain fits and works well with most 14-inch chainsaws out there
- Cuts smoothly with low vibrations and minimum kickbacks
- Made with tough materials that make it long-lasting
- Ideal for both professional and DIY tasks
- Light
Cons
- Not suitable for very tough cutting tasks
Husqvarna 531300372 H36-52
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UMLYJY?
Husqvarna makes our best chainsaw chain list again with its high-performance H36-52 model. We found it a perfect low-profile option, and it is ideal for those seeking optimal performance from their 14-inch chainsaws.
The chain has a unique chamfer chisel shape designed for top performance and durability. It is made with 52 drive links and a 3/8’’ pitch that make it a good option for any 40cc chainsaw.
When using chainsaws, one of the main issues is fatigue. So, Husqvarna thought about that and designed this chain to help minimize vibrations to reduce fatigue. To enhance the user safety, the chain also cuts with minimal kickbacks.
Whether you are a professional or a DIY person who have a lot of cutting tasks in the yard, this is one of the best chains for high-accuracy. With its bumper tie strap and ramped depth gauge, you are sure of two things: high accuracy and ease of use.
Another amazing thing about the chain is that it is long-lasting. The construction with tough materials does not just help to make the chain strong and maintain the edge, but it also ensures it can last over a long time.
Specs
- Weight: 8.0 ounces
- Chain length: 14″
- Gauge: 0.050″
- Number of drive links: 52
Pros
- A perfect pick for both professional and home use
- Strong and durable
- Designed for high-performance even in highly-demanding conditions
- Durable and easy to maintain
Cons
- Not suitable for chainsaws with guide bars of more than 14 inches
Oregon L68 Chainsaw Chain
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00407OQRC?
Do you have occasional property or regular cutting wok that require a high-performance and precision chain in your chainsaw? Well, look no further than this Oregon L68 chain. When we tested this chainsaw chain, the performance was satisfying.
This chainsaw is designed with low-vibration micro chisel cutters of small radium that help to deliver not just awe-inspiring performance, but also make maintenance ease. The chain is constructed with 68 drive links and 0.325-inch pitch that makes it a great option for handling even the tough cutting jobs fast and easily.
When you use this chain on your chainsaw, it uses Oregon’s advanced LubriTec system that helps keep both the chain and guide bar for less friction. Therefore, you are assured of less friction when cutting tough wood and corrosion protection, which guarantees a longer lifespan.
With a bar length of 18 inches, we liked the fact that it works perfectly well with Stihl and Oregon chainsaws. While it is true that the compatibility is indeed limited, the two brands, Oregon and Stihl, have many 18-inch chainsaws in the market. So, if you own one, it is time to grab this L68, and you will not be disappointed.
Specs
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Gauge: 0.063″
- Bar length: 18″
- Drive links: 68
Pros
- Works with low vibrations and minimum vibrations
- Comes with a micro-chisel for high-performance
- Great for both personal and professional use
Cons
- Only works with Oregon and Stihl chainsaws
Buying Guide
After reading through the nine chainsaw chain models above, you are now only a step away from identifying the model that will completely change your life. To further narrow down to the perfect one, here are the main considerations to factor:
The Chain Compatibility
One of the mistakes that you cannot afford to make is selecting a chain that is not compatible with your chainsaw. If you do, you are likely to get stuck with a chain that cannot work and incur huge losses. So, start by confirming that the selected chain can work with your chainsaw. But if you are still unsure, consider checking with your chainsaw manufacturer for the chains that are compatible.
Bar length
Chainsaws are designed with bar guides of varying sizes, from 10″ to 24″. This measurement is very important because there is no one-size-fits-all chain. If you choose a chain that is too loose or snug, it will not work well and could become a serious safety hazard.
If unsure about the guide bar length, simply pick a tape measure from the bar tip to the point where it starts protruding. Then round up the number you get to the next even number and boom! That is the number to guide you when looking for the perfect chainsaw chain.
Gauge
The gauge of a chainsaw chain refers to the thickness of the chain drive links. For the chain to be more efficient and safe, go for the model with a gauge that matches the guide bar. If the chain is too thin, there is a danger of slipping and cutting poorly. But if it is too thick, the chances are that it will not even fit in your chainsaw.
Today, most chains have 0.050 to 0.063″. This number is always printed on the guide bar of the chainsaw. You can also get it on the instruction manual.
Drive Links
Drive links are the lowest sections of a chainsaw chain that fit it into the chainsaw’s bar. When selecting the chain, you need to pick the one with the right number of links. Although some chainsaw models have the number of links printed on the guide bar, many are those that do not. So, simply take off the chain and count them. Then, select a chain that comes with similar numbers.
The Tooth/cutter Design
The type of teeth in a chain is another crucial factor that you must consider when looking for a replacement. Indeed, it has one of the most significant influences on your chainsaw’s performance. The cutter design comes in three main types:
- Chipper cutter design: Chains rocking this design are considered the ideal options for dirty tasks, and quickly pruning thin tree branches and limbs.
- Semi chisel cutters: Chains with these cutters are considered all-around models. Therefore, they are ideal for cutting both soft and hardwood.
- Full chisel cutters: These chains come with square-shaped teeth designed to rip through even the tough tree logs and firewood rapidly. Notably, these cutters require regular sharpening for greater efficiency.
Brand
As more brands release chainsaw chains into the market, identifying the right models is a serious challenge. We can report numerous cases of people who got poor-quality chains, although they were marketed as “the best” in different platforms. The sure way to get it right is sticking with the top brands, which have been in the market for years, and the quality of their brands proved beyond doubt. Good examples include Husqvarna, Oregon, and Stihl.
Final Thoughts
Getting the right chain for your chainsaw is the greatest determinant of the performance, durability, and safety that you can enjoy out if a chainsaw. Therefore, you cannot afford to get it wrong! Our reviews above have captured the leading chainsaw chain pieces in the market to help you pick the perfect one. They have remarkable designs and state-of-the-art features that make cutting hardwood easy, fast, and safe. So, no matter the budget you have for a chainsaw chain replacement, be sure of getting the perfect one in our list.
While all the nine chainsaw chains we reviewed above are the best (we enjoyed using them so much), the Oregon D70 was the most outstanding of all. It is strong and rocks semi-chiseled chrome plated cutters that make cutting, even the tough hardwood easy.