Best Chainsaw Chain for Hardwood and Firewood

Top Quick Chainsaw Chain List By Expert

  • Oregon S62T AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar
  • Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch
  • Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar
  • Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 20-Inch
  • Stihl Chainsaw Chain 26RS68 18-Inch
  • Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 16-Inch
  • Stihl 26RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super for 18-Inch Bar

What does it take for the best chainsaw chain for your hardwood and even firewood jobs? Is it just all about the cutting performance? Yes, the cutting performance is important, but there is a lot more to go inside! For example, you need good bore cutting features, low kickback, low vibrations, and a lot more. The compatibility with your need and job also matters side-by-side.

Covering all those important aspects, today, I will take you over to the best chainsaw chain for the hardwood that you can get this year. My goal is to demystify it for you to make the process easy for you. So, let’s dive right into it!

Our Top 7 Picks of Chainsaw Chain For Hardwood & Firewood

There are tons of products available in the market for our subject but choosing the right one can be cumbersome. So, I have researched and found the most intriguing and well-suited ones for you and reviewed them as well to help you know that what kind of chain is the best for cutting hardwood and firewood. Let’s get into it!

1. Oregon S62T AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar

Oregon S62T AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar

  • Best for: Low kickbacks
  • The solution that it provides: For arm’s reach jobs
  • Targeted audience: Home Owners

Lastly, the automatic oiling feature is to provide you a long-lasting chain. Use a good quality lubricant and take care of this chain to achieve long-lasting results. The industrial chrome coating makes it the best chainsaw chain for hardwood because its hardened rivets offer higher quality, and the load-bearing feature prevents wearing as well.

Let’s get it on with my first choice; Oregon S62T AdvanceCut Chainsaw. If you own a chainsaw with a bar measurement of 18 inches, then this is the product for you. Not only fulfilling the needs of an eighteen inches bar measurement but also providing top-notch quality.

First off, this chainsaw is compatible with a lot of chainsaw models, and I mean it! If the bar is 18 inches of measurement, this chain will go with several models of Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Homelite, Remington, and Craftsman.

Secondly, it is easy to work with. You can DIY your home projects as it is ideal for home yard work and cutting storm-damaged trees.

Let’s dig deeper! This chain cuts very smoothly to give a good finish to the cut. Moreover, this semi-chisel chain is very tolerant to dust and dirt as well. Thus, it takes your experience to another level.

According to the standards of ANSI and UL, this product offers you low kickback requirements as well. It serves well and never compromises on the safety parameters at the same time.

Pros

  • For DIY yard projects.
  • Chrome coating makes it stronger and durable.
  • Automatic lubrication makes life easier.
  • Higher compatibility.

2. Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch

Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch

  • Best for: Low kickbacks and low-vibrations
  • The solution that it provides: lightweight bore cutting
  • Targeted audience: Arborists

On the second spot, there is another amazing product for you. The Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain of 18 inches measure fulfills all of your needs of a good chainsaw chain by providing the all necessary features.

For your lightweight chainsaw requirements, this product provides the solution. Providing low vibrations and low kick-back, this chain will take your chainsaw experience to another level.

Well, these were some ergonomic features, but there is more to it as well. The chainsaw chain also has the ultimate kind of blades to give a great cutting performance alongside an amazing bore cutting.

Adding more to it, if you are an arborist and use lightweight small-sized chainsaws, then this product is the right choice for high production environments. So, in the form of this product, you get the well-suited commercial cutter chain that will serve well for occasional purposes at the same time.

Lastly, I would add that this product has a great number of purchases and outclass customer feedback. Thus, you can buy this product confidently and enjoy its durability and features for a long.

Pros

  • Best for lightweight chainsaws.
  • Great for high production environments.
  • Good customer feedback.

3. Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar

Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar

  • Best for: Long-lasting sharpness
  • The solution that it provides: 16-inch bar small chainsaws
  • Targeted audience: Homeowners

Next on, I bring you another one by Oregon, but this time it is for the 16-inch bar. This product is amazingly compatible with many chainsaws, including Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Greenworks, Homelite, and many others. The things that I like about this product are below;

Firstly, it is well-suited for homeowner purposes. In the case of this scope, you would need small chainsaws with good quality and ergonomics. So, a good chain for that ergonomic chainsaw will simply enhance your experience and efficiency.

This chain and its blades are capable of handling tough jobs like storm-damaged trees and yardwork. Moreover, the semi-chisel chain is good for handling dust and dirt to give a good working environment.

Just like the previous product, this chain also meets the ANSI and UL standards to serve you the ultimate quality. The automatic oiling makes the work smoother, and the experience lasts for longer.

To top that off, the outer chrome layer on the chains makes it robust, and it becomes the best chainsaw chain for hardwood and firewood. The low wear, higher durability, and fewer tension adjustments make it ideal to use.

Lastly, get this chain for precision cutting and heat-treated environments, and it will provide an excellent experience at a good price. So, what else could you ask for?

Pros

  • Ergonomic design
  • The semi-chisel feature makes it dust handling.
  • It goes on the standards of ANSI and UL.
  • High precision owing to the design.

4. Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 20-Inch

Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 20-Inch

  • Best for: Low tension adjustments
  • The solution that it provides: lightweight bore cutting
  • Targeted audience: arborists

Here is another one by Husqvarna, but this time you have the option of 20 inches bar. So, your relatively bigger chainsaws become super amazing after using this chain.

This type of chain with great sharpness and a high chainsaw bar option is great for bigger jobs, and you can use them according to your needs as well. The eye-catching features include anti-vibration, a good cutter, low kick-backs, and good lubrication.

Thus, it is an advanced product for your advanced lightweight chainsaws. So, simply take your cutting experience to another level. The great cutting feature and ultimate bore cutting of this chain are undisputed.

If you are an arborist and prefer lightweight and small-sized chainsaws, then this chain is your product. To offer you a high production environment, this is the right product as well.

Lastly, Husqvarna is an expert manufacturer of commercial cutters and occasional users. So, if you are looking for a chain for your chainsaw that is best for hardwood and firewood and is in these features, then opt for it.

Pros

  • Low kickbacks.
  • Anti-vibration owing to the robust design.
  • Best for high production environments.

5. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 26RS68 18-Inch

Stihl Chainsaw Chain 26RS68 18-Inch

  • Best for better control
  • The solution that it provides: prevents pull-in
  • Targeted audience: heavy-duty and good cutters

This one is by STIHL that supports 18-inch bars and is amazing for heavy-duty jobs. The gauge and the bar should be taken care of for the drive gear when going for a chainsaw chain.

In this chain, you get very good control and reduced kick-back. At the same time, this chain fulfills the safety measures as well. Thus, it is a high-performance chain with heavy-duty and great cutting action at the same time.

Moreover, the product is robust and ergonomic. Because the blades and the chain are so designed to offer you an everlasting experience. The tension is good, and the cutting action is amazing.

All in all, this is an amazing product that will provide not only a good grip and tension but also low kick-backs, low vibrations, and a long-lasting experience.

Lastly, I would say that Stihl is a very good manufacturer of chainsaw chains and they provide reliable and durable products. Many people have tried and tested their products, and their experience has remained good. Let’s have a look at its pros as well.

Pros

  • Good cutting action.
  • Heavy-duty chain.
  • Robust design.
  • Durability and long-lasting action.

6. Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 16-Inch

Husqvarna Chainsaw Chain 16-Inch

Here comes another one by Husqvarna; it is H-30 0.05 gauge and 0.325 pitch. One thing that you have to make sure of is the right pitch and gauge for your chainsaw chain selection. Otherwise, you will regret your decision.

Like all the other products, this chainsaw chain will also provide you a good vibration control and very low kick-backs. The only difference that should be noticed is the bar length difference.

Mostly, people need chainsaws for their yard jobs. Like when the trees fall off, or you want to temper with your yards outlook, so you cut the wood. So, the best chainsaws in that scenario are those that are ergonomic and robust. And adding more to that, the chain is also important.

As we know that cutting depends on the chain design, cutters, and grip. All the factors play their roles.

To achieve greater cutting performance, good control, and amazing bore cutting, you would need a good chain like Husqvarna’s because it has all the necessary features in it for you.

Arborists usually use small-sized chainsaws, and at the same time, when you need a chainsaw and chain for high-production environments, this chain proves undisputed.

So, if you are an occasional user, or an arborist, or need a chain for commercial cutting purposes, this is the right chain for your chainsaw.

All in all, this was my last product by Husqvarna and a total of three, and I am pretty sure that this product is well-suited for the right job. If you need features like these, then go for it!

Pros

  • Best for low vibrations and low kick-backs.
  • High performance and cutting action.
  • Best for high production environments.
  • Great for arborists.

7. Stihl 26RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super for 18-Inch Bar

Stihl 26RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super for 18-Inch Bar

  • Best for better control
  • The solution that it provides: prevents pull-in
  • Targeted audience: heavy-duty and good cutters

Last but not least, this is another one by STIHL by comes in an 18-inch bar length range. As I mentioned before, Stihl provides you the heavy-duty products for the job. This is also a heavy-duty chain to perform ever-lastingly.

The pitch is 0.325, and the gauge is 0.63 in the case of this product. This product is best for greater control and provides a good cutting experience. At the same time, the chain prevents pull-in.

So, if you want a good cutting chain for your heavy-duty purposes and good cutters, then this is your product.

STIHL offers a great range of great chainsaws and other power tools. You do not have to worry about the durability, quality, and features when you go to buying this product.

This product cuts well and has sharp cutters to achieve good results as well. This chainsaw chain is an amazing chain for hardwood, and I think it will go for firewood as well, but I am not sure.

If you are looking for the best chainsaw chain for hardwood, then this product is also compatible with the job.

Lastly, look for all the desired features and opt for your product. But if you need a good chain for an 18-inch bar, then this is also a considerable product.

Pros

  • Heavy-duty purposes.
  • Good durability.
  • Ergonomic design.
  • Long-lasting results are owing to the great construction.

How To Choose The Right Chainsaw Chain for Hardwood and Firewood

If you are a beginner, then this portion is specially dedicated to you. Or, if you want to know more about the product, then going through the buyer’s guide will help a lot. So, let’s look into it as well.

Types of Chainsaw

The first thing to make sure about is the type of chainsaw and the compatibility. You have to recognize the right tool and then the right chain for it. Otherwise, you will regret your decision. For example, the chain is compatible with two or three specific brands/types, and your tool is of another type, then trust me, there will be a mess.

Bar Length

The next important thing that plays a vital role in it is the bar length. All the products (chains) are specific for some specified bar length. If you have a chainsaw with a bar length of 18-inches, then you have to find the chain for that length. The smaller chain will create more tightness, while the larger will create a loose fit, and you will no achieve the right tension.

Gauge

The gauge of your chain basically refers to the thickness of the drive links. It is the measure of the thickness that fits into the grooves.

Gauge is important! Different chainsaws have bars with different gauges according to which they will hold the right chain over them. If you use a chain with a different gauge against your tool, then you will regret your decision. The chainsaw won’t work properly or won’t work at all for that chain.

Pitch

The chain pitch is the size of the chain. More precisely, it is the distance between three consecutive rivets of the chain divided by two.

Pitch is as important as many other factors. Like, if the chain has a different pitch as compared to the chainsaw, then it will make your life difficult. Never rush while opting for a chainsaw, and keep a note of all the factors. So, when you go out looking for a chain for your chainsaw, make sure about the pitch compatibility to not regret it later.

Drive Link

As I have been iteratively speaking about specifics, drive links are important to make sure about. What you need is the most important aspect. What kind of drive links or what specs about the drive links should be clear in your mind, and then you should go choosing for it?

As it is of utmost importance to match the right chain gauge to the saw to have a good fit. At the same time, the drive links will play a role in order to have good tension and outcome. So, I will emphasize that you look for this aspect as well.

Anti-Vibration

A bad fit can cause vibrations. Many good-quality chains specify the anti-vibration factor. This is because that the chain is so designed in robustness and ergonomics to offer low vibrations.

If there are vibrations in your tool/chain while working, my friend, you aren’t going to enjoy your sawing. So, to have a good experience, opt for a chain that gives an anti-vibration feature.

Anti-kickback

The sudden upward motion caused by a chainsaw is called kickback. To avoid kickbacks, you have to choose a chain that has minimized kickbacks. Otherwise, you will neither have good cutting nor have good handling as well.

Thus, go for the chains that offer you an anti-kickback feature.

These aspects are to keep in mind if you want to have the best chainsaw chain.

FAQs

To clarify it further, I have mentioned some important frequently asked questions with useful answers as well.

Is It Essential to Use a Separate Chain for Hardwood Cutting?

I would say it is not necessary because if you opt for a chain that is robust and durable like main chrome-coated chains, then they will work efficiently on hardwoods as well.

But if you don’t have a robust chain and it only works on softwoods, then it is recommended that you buy a separate chain for hardwood cutting.

When to replace your chainsaw chains?

If you see that your chainsaw chain is worn out, then it is good to replace it ASAP. The following steps will help you do it:

There are usually bar adjustment screws or knobs on the chainsaw, depending on the chainsaw brand and type.

First, locate that control.

Now loosen that screw or knob to lighten the bar.

Now, you have to remove the chain out of the bar carefully.

In the same way that you use to remove the chain, mount the new chain over it and tighten.

This is an estimation of how it goes while changing the chainsaw chain, but to stay more specific, you should have a detailed search on it.

How long chainsaw chain last?

It all depends on the care and regular lubrication that you apply to your chainsaw chain. A chain can even serve you for more than five years, but the main thing is still maintenance and proper care that you should put in while using it.

How often do I have to sharpen a chainsaw chain?

It mostly depends on your job and works scope. If you are working on hardwood, then it might need to sharpen it frequently than normal. But, generally, before getting completely worn out, you can sharpen a chainsaw chain more than ten times.

Sharpening is a good thing as it provides good cutting and improves the experience as well.

Can you use the Stihl chain on Husqvarna?

It is not mostly about the brands but compatibility. Usually, it’s been seen that the Stihl bar doesn’t fit itself on the bar. The distance variations of sprockets and studs can play a role.

But still, if you want to use the Stihl chain on Husqvarna, you will have to focus on the bar that is specifically designed or is compatible with the chain. Mostly, it is hard to change the bar than the chain, in my view. So, you should go for a compatible chain.

Conclusion

There can be many chains like full-chisel, semi-chisel, with rounded cutting edge, or different. But the important thing is that you have to stick to the purpose. You should find the features in a good and affordable product and go for it.

I would say that you should not settle for something less. Despite I would recommend that you always settle for what you are comfortable with. So, buy some great chains for your chainsaw as rest it up to you.