The Different Types of Chainsaw Chains: Which One Should You Use?

Chainsaws are versatile tools used in various applications, from tree felling to pruning and cutting lumber. But choosing the right chainsaw chain can be a daunting task for beginners, as there are several types of chainsaw chains available in the market. Each type of chainsaw chain is designed for a specific purpose, and using the wrong chain can be dangerous and result in poor performance. In this blog post, we’ll explore the different types of chainsaw chains and help you choose the right one for your needs.

1. Standard Chainsaw Chain

The standard chainsaw chain is the most commonly used chain type, and it’s suitable for general-purpose cutting. This chain has a semi-chisel cutter, which means it’s a hybrid between a full chisel and a round cutter. The semi-chisel cutter has rounded edges, which makes it less prone to dulling and chipping than a full chisel cutter.

The standard chainsaw chain is suitable for cutting softwood, hardwood, and frozen wood. It’s also ideal for cutting dirty wood or wood with embedded objects like rocks or nails. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

2. Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain

The full chisel chainsaw chain is designed for high-performance cutting and is suitable for professional loggers and arborists. This chain has a square-shaped cutter with sharp, pointed edges that cut through wood with minimal effort. The full chisel chain is faster and more aggressive than the semi-chisel chain, but it’s also more prone to dulling and chipping.

The full chisel chain is suitable for cutting clean wood, such as hardwoods and softwoods. It’s not recommended for cutting dirty wood or wood with embedded objects, as this can damage the chain and dull the cutter quickly. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

3. Low Profile Chainsaw Chain

The low-profile chainsaw chain is designed for smaller, lightweight chainsaws and is ideal for pruning and light-duty cutting. This chain has a narrow profile, which reduces the weight and size of the chain, making it easier to handle and maneuver. The low-profile chain has a round cutter with curved edges, which makes it less prone to kickback and vibration.

The low-profile chainsaw chain is suitable for cutting small trees, shrubs, and branches. It’s not recommended for cutting large, thick wood as it lacks the cutting power of standard and full chisel chains. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

4. Rip Chainsaw Chain

The rip chainsaw chain is designed for cutting with the grain or parallel to the wood’s fibers. This chain has a flat-top cutter with a square-shaped tooth that cuts through the wood’s fibers cleanly and efficiently. The rip chain is not suitable for cross-cutting or cutting across the wood’s fibers, as it can cause kickback and vibration.

The rip chainsaw chain is suitable for cutting lumber and beams, and it’s commonly used in sawmills and woodworking shops. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

5. Carbide Chainsaw Chain

The carbide chainsaw chain is designed for cutting abrasive materials, such as concrete, masonry, and fiberglass. This chain has carbide-tipped cutters that are incredibly durable and resistant to wear and tear. The carbide chain is also suitable for cutting hardwoods, frozen wood, and dirty wood, but it’s not recommended for cutting softwoods or clean wood, as it can quickly dull the chain.

The carbide chainsaw chain is suitable for cutting in harsh environments where other chains would quickly wear out, such as construction sites or demolition projects. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

6. Safety Chainsaw Chain

The safety chainsaw chain is designed to reduce the risk of kickback and minimize the impact of kickback when it occurs. This chain has special safety features, such as bumpers, depth gauges, and reduced kickback cutters, that work together to prevent kickbacks and reduce the risk of injury.

The safety chainsaw chain is suitable for beginners and inexperienced users who may not have the skills or experience to control the chainsaw effectively. It’s also suitable for cutting in areas where there are people or objects nearby, such as residential areas or urban environments. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

7. Square Ground Chainsaw Chain

The square ground chainsaw chain is designed for professional loggers and arborists who require high-performance cutting. This chain has a square-shaped cutter with a straight edge that cuts through wood with minimal effort. The square ground chain is sharper and more aggressive than the semi-chisel chain, but it’s also more prone to dulling and chipping.

The square ground chainsaw chain is suitable for cutting clean wood, such as hardwoods and softwoods. It’s not recommended for cutting dirty wood or wood with embedded objects, as this can damage the chain and dull the cutter quickly. This chain type is available in various pitches, gauges, and lengths, so it’s essential to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket.

Conclusion

Choosing the right chainsaw chain is essential for achieving optimal performance and ensuring your safety. Each type of chainsaw chain is designed for a specific purpose, and using the wrong chain can result in poor performance or even lead to injury. When choosing a chainsaw chain, consider the type of cutting you’ll be doing, the type of wood you’ll be cutting, and the environment you’ll be working in. Make sure to choose the right size that matches your chainsaw’s bar and sprocket, and always follows the manufacturer’s recommendations for chain maintenance and replacement. By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to choose the right chainsaw chain for your needs and achieve optimal performance and safety.