Chainsaws have made cutting wood easier and efficient. You can slice through tough wood cleanly and without taking too much time. Chainsaws have a sharp chain wrapped around a bar that cuts the wood according to the user’s requirements. The saw’s performance relies heavily on the quality of the chain so you need to choose one carefully. This article will help you choose the best chainsaw chain for your equipment so you can do the work efficiently and cleanly.
The Best Chainsaw Chains for Firewood and Hardwood
Finding a good quality chain for a reasonable cost can be challenging, especially for professionals who use the chains on a regular basis. Here’s a list of some of the best chains available in the market:
1. Rotatech Chain for Husqvarna (Full Chisel)
This collection has all the chains you need for Husqvarna chainsaws used to cut hardwood and firewood. There are nine types of chains ranging from 1.3mm gauge to 1.6mm gauge full chisel. The chains are designed precisely to fit several Husqvarna models like 1100, 133, 51, 55, 336, 339XP, etc. You can choose your chainsaw model number; enter the guide bar length, and the cutter type to get the chain you need.
These chains are designed to compete with more expensive and well-established brands. The teeth remain sharp and the chains can be used in all kinds of cutting conditions. As the chains are full-chisel, they’re ideal for hardwood and will cut at a faster rate.
2. Rotatech Chain for Husqvarna (Semi Chisel)
Most professionals prefer semi chisel chains because they’re reliable, versatile, and don’t lose their edge as quickly as full chisel chains do. Rotatech has a full range of semi chisel chainsaw chains. You can buy 3/8” pitch, 1.1mm gauge chain, 3/8”, 1.3mm gauge chain, or 0.325”, 1.3mm gauge chain for your chainsaws.
Semi chisel chains keep their edge well, but the quality of Rotatech chains takes it even further. You won’t need to replace them as often as you used to, even under heavy use.
3. Rotatech Chain for Stihl (Full Chisel)
Rotatech chains are ideal of Stihl saws. They are designed to fit in perfectly with all models, including 009, 010, 020T, etc. The chains are available in 10″, 12″, 13″, and 16″ lengths so they can fit onto guide bars of all sizes easily. Rotatech offers six types of full chisel chains ranging from 0.325 pitch and 1.3mm gauge to 3/8″ pitch and 1.6mm gauge. These full chisel chains are ideal for hardwood cutting and can hold their edge longer than most. All chains are made from high-quality steel and are capable of withstanding more wear.
4. Rotatech Chains for Stihl (Semi Chisel)
Semi chisel chains from Rotatech work well with Stihl saws and last even longer than full chisel chains from the same brand. This means you can get a lot of use out of these Stihl replacement chains before needing to replace them. The chains are available in 3/8” pitch and 1.1mm gauge, 3/8” and 1.3mm gauge, or 0.325” and 1.3mm gauge sizes so you can find a good fit for all your Stihl saws. They also come in different lengths ranging from 10” to 16”.
Rotatech also has chains for Alpina, Bosch, Echo, Dolmar, Efco, Jonsered, Makita, Mcculloch, Oregon, Ryobi and Titan chainsaw models.
How to Choose the Right Chainsaw?
Before you go chainsaw shopping, you need to know how to choose a good chainsaw. There’s no one size fits all solution here so you need to find a product that suits your particular chainsaw model well. Here’s a look at the different factors to consider while buying one:
1. Bar Length
This is one of the first factors to consider while buying chains. The bar length varies in different chainsaw models and the chain size must vary accordingly. Chains come in different lengths that can range from 10” to 24”. If the chain is too long, it won’t fit the saw’s bar tightly enough. If the chain is too small, it will be too snug or won’t go on the bar at all. Poor sizing is hazardous and can lead to injuries.
2. Gauge of The Chain
The chain’s guide links should fit the guide bar effectively for the system to work well. If the gauge is too thin, the chain won’t stay on the bar and will slip during operation. If it is too thick, it won’t fit the bar and will be useless. Most popular chainsaws require chains with gauge ranging from .050” to .063”. The gauge size is usually mentioned on the guide bar of your chainsaw.
3. Drive Links of the Chain
These links are located at the bottom of a chainsaw chain. They fit into the guide bar securely and must be accurate in size for the saw to function well. The measurement of these links is usually mentioned on the bar, but if you can’t find it, remove the chain and count the links carefully.
4. The Tooth Style
This is one of the most important factors to consider while shopping for a chainsaw because it influences the saw’s performance. There are three types of tool styles to consider and they are chirper, semi-chisel, and full chisel.
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- Chirper is ideal for branches and small wood cutting tasks. You can use them for pruning trees and clearing overgrowth.
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- Semi chisel can cut through soft and hardwood, which makes it very versatile. They’re durable and keep their edge for a long time. If you’re looking for chains that work on hardwood and firewood, semi chisel is the best option.
- Full chisel chains are specifically designed for hardwood and can cut through them quickly. However, their square-shaped teeth are known to lose their edge quickly.
If you’re looking for great chains for hardwood or firewood, experts recommend semi chisel or full chisel options.
All Rotatech chains and bars are made from high-quality materials. If you’re looking for reliable performers in different kinds of work conditions, the chains mentioned in this article will serve you well. Rotatech chains are manufactured to fit all leading brands of chainsaws, browse the full range of chainsaw chains to find yours.