Chainsaw Chain 100 Foot Roll — When to Buy Bulk Chain in Australia

Chainsaw Chain 100 Foot Roll — When Does Bulk Chain Make Sense?

If you use a chainsaw seriously — whether that's professional forestry, a firewood business, or a large property — you've probably wondered about buying chainsaw chain by the roll. Is a 100 foot roll of chainsaw chain worth it? When does bulk chain make sense versus buying pre-looped chains?

This guide covers everything Australian chainsaw users need to know about roll chain.

What is 100 Foot Roll Chain?

Chainsaw chain sold in 100 foot (or 25 foot) rolls is exactly what it sounds like — a continuous reel of chain that you cut to length and join yourself using a chain breaker and spinner tool.

Roll chain is used by:

Chainsaw dealers and shops

Professional forestry operators

Firewood businesses with high chain turnover

Chainsaw rental companies

Anyone maintaining multiple saws

Roll Chain vs Pre-Looped Chain — Cost Comparison

Pre-Looped Chain

Pro: Ready to fit — no tools required

Pro: Factory-joined — consistent quality

Pro: Easy to stock common sizes

Con: Higher cost per metre

Con: Limited to common drive link counts

100 Foot Roll Chain

Pro: Lower cost per metre (especially for high-volume users)

Pro: Cut any drive link count you need

Pro: Stock one roll, make any loop

Con: Requires chain breaker and spinner tools

Con: Time to cut and join

Con: Requires skill to join correctly

When Does Bulk Roll Chain Make Sense?

Buy Roll Chain If:

✅ You run multiple chainsaws with different bar lengths ✅ You go through more than 10+ chains per year ✅ You're a chainsaw shop or forestry contractor ✅ You need unusual drive link counts not commonly stocked ✅ You already have chain breaking and joining equipment

Stick With Pre-Looped Chains If:

✅ You only run 1-2 chainsaws ✅ You use less than 5-10 chains per year ✅ You don't have chain breaking/joining equipment ✅ You prefer convenience over cost savings ✅ Your chain sizes are commonly available

What's Needed to Use Roll Chain?

To cut and join roll chain, you need:

Chain Breaker

A tool that punches out rivets to break the chain at the desired link count.

Chain Spinner (or Rivet Press)

A tool that installs and spins new rivets to close the chain loop.

Tie Straps and Pre-Set Rivets

The joining links that connect the two ends of the cut chain.

Skill and Knowledge

Incorrectly joined chain can break during use — a serious safety hazard. If you're not confident in chain joining, stick with pre-looped chain.

Tungsten Carbide Roll Chain — Is It Available?

Yes — tungsten carbide chainsaw chain is available in roll form for professional users. However:

It's significantly more expensive than standard roll chain

Not all pitches and gauges are available in roll form

For most users, pre-looped tungsten carbide chains are more practical

If you need bulk tungsten carbide chain, contact us to discuss availability in your pitch and gauge.

Roll Chain — Pitch and Gauge Availability

Roll chain is typically available in the most common configurations:

Pitch Gauge Common Uses
3/8 LP .043 Small saws (MS170, MS180)
3/8 LP .050 Small saws (various brands)
.325 .050 Mid-range saws
.325 .063 Mid-range Stihl
3/8 .050 Husqvarna mid-range
3/8 .058 Husqvarna professional
3/8 .063 Stihl professional
.404 .063 Large forestry saws

Our Recommendation for Most Users

For most Australian chainsaw users — from farmers to firewood cutters — pre-looped chains are the better option.

Why?

  • Convenience (ready to fit)
  • Factory quality (consistent rivets)
  • No equipment investment
  • No risk of incorrect joining

Tungsten carbide pre-looped chains deliver the extended sharpness you need without the complexity of roll chain.

If you're a professional forestry operator or chainsaw shop running through high volumes, contact us about bulk roll chain options.

Shop Chainsaw Chains & resources

Chainsaw Chains3/8 pitch chainsaw chain | 325 pitch chainsaw chain | 404 pitch chainsaw chainHow to sharpen a chainsaw chain | how to choose the right chainsaw chain  

Chainsaw Sharpening Wheels — Extend chain life Chainsaw Guide Hub

Need bulk roll chain? Call us: Aaron 0431 183 421

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