How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Chain for Your Saw

Putting the wrong chain on your chainsaw is more than a performance issue — it can damage your saw, wear out your bar prematurely, and create a genuine safety hazard. This guide explains exactly how to identify the right chainsaw chain for your saw, covering the three key measurements every farmer needs to know.

Farm & Acre Co stocks a comprehensive range of chainsaw chains suited to Australian conditions — from standard low-kickback chains for occasional use to professional-grade full-chisel chains built for heavy daily cutting.

The Three Numbers That Matter: Pitch, Gauge, Drive Links

Every chainsaw chain is defined by three measurements. Get these right and the chain will fit your bar perfectly. Get them wrong and you'll have an expensive problem on your hands.

1. Pitch

Pitch is the spacing between drive links — measured by taking the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain and dividing by two. Common pitch sizes in Australia are:

3/8" (0.375 inch / 9.52mm) — the most common pitch for mid-to-large chainsaws. Suited for saws with engines above 40cc.

.325" (8.25mm) — used on smaller to mid-range saws. Offers a smoother cut but less aggressive performance than 3/8".

3/8" LP (Low Profile / Picco) — designed for small, lightweight electric or battery saws and smaller petrol saws under 40cc.

.404" — found on professional-grade large chainsaws, harvester bars, and some farm use applications.

The pitch is usually stamped on your chainsaw bar, near the mount end. It's also listed in your saw's owner manual.

2. Gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive links — the part of the chain that rides in the groove of the bar. It must match the bar groove width exactly. Common gauges are:

.043" (1.1mm) — used on small electric and battery-powered saws

.050" (1.3mm) — common on mid-range saws

.058" (1.5mm) — standard for most Husqvarna and similar mid-to-large saws

.063" (1.6mm) — used on Stihl mid-to-large saws (MS230–MS661 range)

The gauge is stamped on the bar and listed in your owner manual. You can also measure it with a calliper if unsure.

3. Drive Link Count

The drive link count (DL) is the total number of drive links on the chain. This determines the length of the chain — it must match the length of your bar. The drive link count is stamped on the bar (usually near the gauge), listed in your manual, or printed on the box your last chain came in.

A simple way to estimate drive link count: count all the cutting teeth on your old chain and double that number. Most chains come in even numbers; an occasional odd-numbered count is created by an extra joiner link.

Common Saw-to-Chain Matchups — Quick Reference

Chain Types: Full Chisel, Semi-Chisel, and Carbide

Once you know your chain dimensions, the next choice is the type of cutting tooth:

Full chisel: Square-cornered cutting teeth. Extremely fast and aggressive in clean, dry hardwood. Common for professional and farm use. Dulls faster in dirty or sandy conditions.

Semi-chisel: Rounded cutting teeth. Stays sharper longer in dirty conditions or when cutting near the ground. Slightly slower than full chisel in clean wood.

Carbide-tipped: Tungsten carbide tips that resist dulling far longer than standard steel. Ideal for cutting very abrasive wood (silica-rich timber, old timber with embedded dirt or grit), reclaimed timber, or in dusty/sandy farm environments where regular chains dull rapidly.

For most Australian farm applications — fence post removal, firewood, storm cleanup, brush clearing — a quality semi-chisel or carbide-tipped chain offers the best combination of performance and durability.

Low Kickback vs Standard Chains

Kickback is the most common cause of chainsaw injury. Low kickback chains have features like tie strap guards and rounded tooth profiles that reduce the risk of the bar nose catching and rotating violently back toward the operator. Most chains sold for consumer use in Australia are low kickback (LK) design.

Professional/standard chains do not have these features and are faster-cutting but require greater operator skill and care.