Buying replacement chains specifically for cutting hardwood and ending up with faulty or weak ones can destroy your projects and put your safety at risk.
That is why our team of expert loggers has rounded up the best chainsaw chains for hardwood that they’ve relied on for intense cutting missions.
Reviews of the Top Chainsaw Chains for Hardwood
1. Stihl Chainsaw Chain (26RS68)
This Stihl 26RS68 Chain has a superior and distinctive layout. It features a clean shave, allowing quality cuts and excellent performance.
We can safely slice through rough and wooden materials without worrying about damage. This chain retains its sharp edge no matter how much time or effort is put into maintaining it.
This is perfect for cutting hardwood and softwood, making smooth and precise cuts and trims every time. However, this might not be the right chainsaw chain for beginners as it can be too aggressive. But overall, this is a must-have for any professional and household use.
What We Like
- Low kickback and low vibration chain
- 68 drive links
- Hard teeth
- Excellent cutting performance
- Semi-chisel cutter
What We Don't Like
- You need to oil and keep the chain sharp
- Multiple replacement chains needed
2. Husqvarna 18-Inch Chainsaw Chain
The design of this Husqvarna 18-inch chainsaw chain is what sets it apart from the competition, which features a .050″ thickness and a .325″ pitch.
Using the chain, you can accomplish just about anything– from light-cutting tasks to intense logging and woodworking. The chain is quite crisp and sharp, which we really like.
As we tested it on soft and hard wooden surfaces, it performed admirably in both cases. Each time, the incisions were clean, allowing a seamless cutting experience. Besides, it functions quietly with just a little kickback, but very manageable.
What We Like
- Narrow kerf chain
- High-quality chain
- Low maintenance
- Good for an 18-inch chainsaw bar
- For cutting hardwood or softwood
What We Don't Like
- It might not suit other chainsaw models
- Weight might not suit heavy-duty jobs
3. Oregon S56 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
Oregon S56 chains have a special construction that allows for clean cutting and minimal pushback and vibration. As with other chainsaws, this one is interchangeable.
These Oregon chains are compatible with various chainsaw brands, including McCulloch, Echo, and Homelite. They work great for routinely chopping hardwoods like firewood.
Because the chain is heat-treated, it’s extremely reliable and can survive extreme circumstances. Safety and security are further ensured by the Lubri-Tec system, which lubricates the chains, allowing a top working condition for an extended period of time. Overall, this cutting chain is comfortable and easy to use.
What We Like
- 16-inch chainsaw bar length
- Safer than other chains
- Compatible with many chainsaw models
- Heat-treated cutting chains
- Good cutting performance
What We Don't Like
- You may need another replacement chain
- High-maintenance
4. SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain (SG-S62)
The Sungator SG-S62 Chain is compatible with various chainsaws and is easy to use. It allows strong resilience to regular wear and tear and is not susceptible to chipping, breaking, or any other harsh conditions.
This chain is perfect if you’re into home improvement tasks. The excellent quality of its semi-chisel cutters impressed us with their accuracy– making working with hardwood seamless and reliable.
The Sungator chain is not just one of the best chainsaw chains available, but it goes the extra means, including the ANSI Standards, which means the gold level in the industry.
What We Like
- Semi-chisel teeth
- Anti-rust
- Best chain for home improvement tasks
- Versatile saw chains
- Compatible with most bar lengths
What We Don't Like
- Best for small wood-cutting tasks
- High-maintenance
5. Oregon S52 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
The Oregon S52 AdvanvedCut is ideal for modern homes since it is sharp and powerful enough to complete landscaping and gardening jobs.
There’s a LubriTec Oiling System included with every Homelite chain. You can expect 100 percent performance from this chain because of its excellent functionality. It guarantees a smooth cutting performance with minimal vibrations and less noise level.
To cap it all off, the chrome plating is a welcome addition. Because of the construction, these chains will retain their edge longer than others, which you can depend on for extended uses.
What We Like
- Chrome-plated cutters
- LubriTec Oiling system
- Low vibration
- Low kickback
- Affordable like most conventional chains
What We Don't Like
- Take extra caution when opening the packaging
- For smaller tasks
6. Husqvarna 531300441 H-80 Chainsaw Chain
This Husqvarna H-80 chainsaw chain is built with a 0.050-inch gauge and a 3/8-inch pitch to ensure its durability. This saw link is ideal for lightweight commercial chainsaws.
Along with its remarkable performance, it also does not generate any vibrations. This Husqvarna’s low-profile 20-inch chainsaw chain is ideal for serious woodcutters who want the best possible results.
It’s a great option for commercial use and arborists with expansive holdings to care for. You can utilize Husqvarna’s adaptability with various machines, including the 55 Ranchers. Lastly, there is a product guarantee of 90 days.
What We Like
- Low kickback and vibration
- Good for cutting firewood
- Fits most Husqvarna chainsaws
- Good for cutting firewood
What We Don't Like
- It might not be compatible with other brands
- It may not be the right chain for beginners
7. Oregon D70 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain
Oregon D70 is a special cutter design that’s 20 inches long and has a 0.050-inch gauge that is capable of easily cutting through any material. The extraordinary resilience of the cutting teeth makes it possible to utilize this chain in any weather.
With the help of the sharp chisel cutters, you can cut each piece of wood with pinpoint accuracy. As a result of careful planning, the design guarantees little kickback.
Oregon’s Lubri-Tec function ensures the guide bar is properly lubricated, preventing it from overheating and wearing out. Since then, we’ve had very little trouble with its durability as it’s crafted with OCS-01 steel, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
What We Like
- Low kickback
- LubriTec feature
- Chrome-plated cutters
- Best chains for frozen and dirty wood
What We Don't Like
- It may not be ideal for heavy use
- Needs sharpening
8. Oregon R34 AdvanceCut 8-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Chain
We added the Oregon R34 to the list because it is also the best chainsaw chain for hardwood in terms of affordability and works well with widely used brands like Poulan and Remington.
Since this saw chain incorporates cutting-edge technology, it is powerful and trustworthy, making this chain saw model popular among DIYers and professionals.
It has a 3/8-inch pitch, a low kerf chain with a 0.043-inch gauge, and an 8-inch bar length, all of which make it more efficient than regular chains while using less power.
What We Like
- LubriTec system
- Meets ANSI standards
- 34 drive links
- Low profile
- Unique chain design
What We Don't Like
- The length might be insufficient for other saws
- For light use only
Chainsaw Chain for Hardwood Buyer's Guide
Blade Style
Low-profile
Like semi-chisel chains, low profiles are spherical. They are well-suited for use by those with less experience in the woodworking trade due to their slow cutting speed and ability to handle various wood types. Their longevity is between that of a semi-chisel chain and a full-chisel chain.
Semi-chisel
When cutting dry or frozen wood with a round blade, a semi-chisel chain can be the top choice. Even though they’re not as fast as full-chisel chains, semi-chisel ones are effective at cutting through any wood.