Best Ripping Chainsaw Blades for Faster Wood Cutting
When choosing a ripping chainsaw blade, the goal is to maximize efficiency while maintaining safety and compatibility with your saw. This guide highlights five top ripping chain options ideal for rapid through-cutting, milling, and heavy-duty work. Each product is evaluated on drive links, pitch, gauge, and overall ripping performance to help you compare options quickly.
| Product | Drive Links | Pitch | Gauge | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8TEN Ripping Chain 20″ .063 .325 81DL (Stihl) | 81 | .325″ | .063″ | 20″ |
| 8TEN Ripping Chain 20″ .050 3/8 72DL (Husqvarna) | 72 | 3/8″ | .050″ | 20″ |
| 8TEN Ripping Chain 20″ .063 .325 81DL (2 Pack) | 81 | .325″ | .063″ | 20″ |
| NEO-TEC 28″ Ripping Chain .063 Gauge 3/8″ Pitch | 92 | 3/8″ | .063″ | 28″ |
| KAKEI 36″ Ripping Chain 3/8″ Pitch .063″ Gauge | 114 | 3/8″ | .063″ | 36″ |
8TEN Ripping Chain 20 Inch .063 .325 81DL for Stihl
The 20 inch chain features a .325 inch pitch and .063 inch gauge with 81 drive links. It is designed as a ripping chain, optimizing material removal on large-stroke cuts. Compatibility notes suggest verifying fitment with your Stihl saw model, including MS-260 and MS-270 families. Materials are listed as 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets, providing robust wear resistance for repeated use in ripping tasks.
Key points: ripping geometry for aggressive wood removal, suitable for Stihl platforms, and a recommended fit check prior to installation. As a high-drive-link configuration, it targets longer bar applications and milling-style cuts.
8TEN Ripping Chain 20 Inch .050 3/8 72DL for Husqvarna
This 20 inch ripping chain uses a .050 gauge and 3/8 pitch with 72 drive links, designed to optimize ripping performance on Husqvarna models. Rivets are GCr15 steel, and chain material is 68CrNiMo33 steel, offering strong wear resistance. It notes compatibility with multiple Husqvarna OEM part numbers and a selection of Stihl and Oregon references for broader compatibility. Ideal for deep-through cuts and slabbing work where rapid material removal matters.
Considerations include verifying bar length and model compatibility, given the wide range of Husqvarna sequences and Stihl cross-compatibility notes. Ripping chains with deeper gullets and longer teeth can improve debris clearance and cutting speed in rip-focused tasks.
8TEN Ripping Chain 20 Inch .063 .325 81DL (2 Pack)
This 2-pack option repeats the .325 inch pitch and .063 inch gauge with 81 drive links per chain, optimized for ripping tasks on compatible Stihl models. The packaging accommodates two chains, increasing on-hand replacement efficiency for heavy use. Rivet material is GCr15 steel, and chain material is 68CrNiMo33 steel, offering consistent wear resistance for milling-style cuts.
Users should confirm fitment for Stihl MS-260 and MS-271 families and review OEM part number overlays to ensure seamless installation with your bar. The two-pack format supports extended ripping sessions without downtime for tool changes.
NEO-TEC 28 Inch Ripping Chain .063 Gauge 3/8″ Pitch
The NEO-TEC offering provides 28 inches of ripping chain with a .063 gauge and 3/8 inch pitch, totaling 92 drive links. The chain is UL approved and ANSI compliant, designed for saw sizes in the 50-100cc range. Ripping chains here feature longer teeth and deeper gullets, intended to speed wood removal and debris clearance during milling or heavy ripping tasks. Fitment should be validated against guide bars and model specifications prior to use.
Considerations include bar compatibility (length and pitch), ensuring the chain’s geometry aligns with milling-oriented tasks and the saw’s safety features. The UL and ANSI references indicate a focus on safety and standardization for demanding ripping operations.
KAKEI 36 Inch Ripping Chain 3/8″ Pitch .063″ Gauge
KAKEI’s 36-inch ripping chain uses a 3/8 inch pitch and .063 inch gauge with 114 drive links. The manufacturer emphasizes German steel and a heating-temperature control process to enhance toughness and flatness, along with hardened rivets for wear resistance. The chain is explicitly positioned for ripping, not cross-cutting firewood, and requires verification against bar length, pitch, and gauge to ensure proper fit. This option is suited for longer bars and milling-oriented projects that demand aggressive ripping performance.
Purchase considerations include confirming the guide bar length and the saw’s capacity for a 36-inch chain, as longer chains require appropriate bar and chain alignment along with adequate chain tensioning. The note about ripping not being suitable for all tasks helps ensure you select the right chain for your intended work.
Buying Guide: Key Factors In Choosing a Ripping Chainsaw Blade
When selecting a ripping chainsaw chain, consider the following factors to ensure optimal performance and compatibility with your saw and tasks.
- Bar length and chain pitch: Choose a chain whose length matches your bar, and ensure the pitch and gauge align with your chainbr einer bar and drive sprocket. Mismatched pitch or gauge reduces cutting efficiency and safety.
- Ripping geometry: Ripping chains feature longer teeth, deeper gullets, and flat cutting surfaces to optimize speed for ripping and milling tasks. This geometry improves debris clearance but may slow cross-cutting tasks.
- Saw size and compatibility: Many listings specify compatible saw models or OEM part numbers. Verify your saw’s make, model, and engine displacement to avoid fitment issues.
- Material and rivet quality: Chains listed with high-grade steel (e.g., 68CrNiMo33) and hardened rivets (GCr15) offer better wear resistance and longer service life under ripping use.
- Safety and standards: Some chains mention UL or ANSI compliance. While not a substitute for safe operation, these indicators reflect build quality and consistency with recognized standards.
- Replacement cadence: Ripping work increases wear rates. Consider multi-pack options if you perform frequent heavy-duty cuts to minimize downtime.
- Intended use: Ripping chains are not ideal for all cutting tasks—use them for milling, slab work, and heavy ripping where faster material removal is required. For general felling or cross-cutting, consider standard chains.
In practice, verify fitment with your specific model, bar length, and OEM part numbers listed by the seller. Always follow manufacturer guidance for installation and tensioning, and inspect the chain for wear or damage before use. For best results, match your chain’s length to your bar and ensure the drive links, pitch, and gauge meet your saw’s specifications.