Best 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain Options for Outdoor Power Tools
Finding the right 20 inch chainsaw chain can improve cutting efficiency, reduce kickback risk, and extend bar life. This guide reviews five reliable 20 inch chainsaw chains from trusted brands, focusing on pitch, gauge, drive links, and compatibility. Each option emphasizes durability, sharpness retention, and compatibility with popular saws like Husqvarna, Stihl, and assorted Pro models. Read on to compare features and find the best match for your 20″ bar.
| Product | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain (3/8″, .050″ Gauge, 72 Links) – 3 Pack | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 | Full Chisel, compatible with MS311/MS391 and Husqvarna 455/460; includes safety considerations |
| Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch | .325″ | .050″ | 80 | Semi-Chisel, pre-stretched, high precision; fits several Husqvarna models |
| SawWorks 20 Inch Chain (3/25″ Pitch, .058″ Gauge, 76 Links) – 3 Pack | 3/25″ | .058″ | 76 | Full Chisel, versatile with many brands; smooth cutting, robust build |
| Husqvarna X-Cut S83G 20 Inch | .375″ | .050″ | 72 | S83G with precision design; semi-chisel, good dirt tolerance |
| KAKEI 20 Inch Chain (3/8″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, 81 Links) – 3 Pack | 3/8″ | .063″ | 81 | Full Chisel, compatibility notes for STIHL models; includes guidance on fit |
Note: Always verify your bar’s pitch, gauge, and drive link count before purchasing. Kickback awareness and correct fit are essential for safe operation. The chains listed here are designed for 20 inch bars and common professional saws, but individual compatibility with your model should be confirmed in the owner’s manual or bar stamps.
KAKEI 20 Inch Chain – 3 Pack (3/8″, .050″)
These KAKEI chains feature a Germany-made steel process with heating and punching to boost toughness. The package includes three 20 inch chains with 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 72 drive links, described as full chisel for aggressive cutting. Each chain emphasizes hardening of rivets to improve wear resistance and reduce tension changes. The listing notes that kickback may occur and warns users to operate only with appropriate training. To choose the right chain, compare your bar side stamp for pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, or contact KAKEI Support for assistance. This option fits several popular saws including MS311, MS391, and certain Husqvarna and Poulan Pro models.
Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chain
Designed for Husqvarna saws, SP33G 20 inch chains deliver precise cutting and improved maneuverability. The chain uses a semi-chisel profile for easier filing and longer edge retention, with 80 drive links, a 0.325″ pitch and 0.050″ gauge. It’s tailored to high-performance Husqvarna models such as the 450 Rancher, 445(E), 545(MII), and 550XP(MII). The SP33G aims to balance sharpness with durability, offering reliable performance in varied wood conditions, while its pre-stretched design reduces chain stretch under typical use.
SawWorks 20 Inch Chain – 3/25″ Pitch, .058″ Gauge
The SawWorks offering is a 3-pack chain with 20 inch reach, 0.325″ pitch, and a .058″ gauge, featuring 76 drive links. It’s marketed for compatibility with older and some current models that support 20 inch bars, including brands like Supmix, WEMARS, NEOTEC, and Blue Max lines. The chain is described as smooth-cutting with high toughness and heat-treated full-chisel construction. A safety note highlights the risk of kickback, stressing the need for user expertise and training to handle potential kickback scenarios.
FUNKYWOO 4 Pack 20 Inch Chain – 3/8″ Pitch
This 4-pack from FUNKYWOO provides multiple 20 inch chains for 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge with 72 drive links each. It targets compatibility with popular 20 inch bar setups, including Husqvarna 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher, as well as Stihl MS 290 to MS 391 series. The listing warns about kickback and stresses the importance of proper training. The chain is described as low-vibration and low-kickback to reduce fatigue while maintaining smooth cutting performance. Users should confirm bar compatibility (particularly 3/8″ sprockets) prior to installation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
To select the right 20 inch chainsaw chain, consider the following factors:
- Bar and chain compatibility: Confirm pitch, gauge, and drive link count by checking the saw’s manual or a stamped bar diagram. A mismatch can cause binding, increased wear, or safety hazards.
- Drive link compatibility: More drive links offer longer engagement with the bar. Ensure the chain length matches your bar length (20 inches) and drive link count.
- Chisel vs semi-chisel: Full chisel chains cut quickly in clean wood but can dull faster in dirty wood; semi-chisel chains stay sharper longer and are easier to file, with lower sensitivity to dirt.
- Kickback potential and safety: Some chains are labeled with kickback risk. Use appropriate training, PPE, and safe cutting techniques when operating high-tension chains.
- Durability and maintenance: Look for hardened rivets, heat-treated steel, and coatings that reduce wear. Periodic sharpening and proper tensioning extend chain life.
- Brand and compatibility notes: Reputable brands (Husqvarna, KAKEI, Oregon, etc.) provide model-specific guidance. Read product notes about fit with popular models (MS, 455 Rancher, 460 Rancher, etc.).
- Intended use and wood type: For heavy-duty or dirty wood, choose a chain with robust construction and good debris clearance. For clean timber, a sharper, faster-cutting chain may be preferred.
In summary, the five options reviewed offer a range of pitch and gauge configurations intending to cover common 20 inch bar setups across American consumer and professional saws. Always verify the exact bar stamp details and follow safety guidelines when installing and using any new chain.