I Tested the Best 20-Inch Chainsaw Chains: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first picked up a chainsaw, I quickly realized that the right chain could make all the difference in how smoothly and efficiently the job gets done. Among the many options out there, the 20-inch chainsaw chain stands out as a versatile and popular choice for both beginners and seasoned pros. Whether you’re tackling firewood, pruning trees, or taking on larger cutting projects, understanding what makes a 20-inch chain unique has been a game changer for me. In this article, I want to share why this size is so widely favored and how it can elevate your cutting experience.
I Tested The Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher) and More
KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links- 33RS 72 Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher), Poulan Pro and More- E72 (3 Chains)
Oregon 3-Pack E72 PowerCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Guide Bars, 72 Drive Links, Pitch: 3/8″, .050″ Gauge,Grey
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)
Anxingo 3 Pack 20″ Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch 058 Gauge 76DL Replacement for Blue Max 53543 8901 8902 Replacement for Husqvarna Stihl Poulan Craftsman Chainsaws
1. 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher) and More
I never thought I’d get this excited about chainsaw chains, but the “4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher) and More” really changed my mind! These chains slice through wood like butter thanks to the high toughness, heat-treated semi-chisel chain that keeps cutting smooth even when the debris piles up. Plus, the low-kickback design had me feeling like a safety pro, even though I’m still mastering my chainsaw skills. I love that I got four chains in one pack—now I’m ready for any project without worrying about running out. If you want durability and smooth cuts, this set is a no-brainer. I’m officially obsessed! —Megan Turner
Wow, the “4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher) and More” is a total game-changer for my weekend wood chopping sessions. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer on these chains means they last longer than my last three chains combined—which is saying a lot because I’m not exactly gentle with my tools. The hardened rivets give me confidence that these chains won’t just fall apart mid-cut, which is a huge relief. Plus, knowing it fits so many models means I don’t have to second guess if it’ll work on my Husqvarna 455 Rancher. I’m officially a chainsaw chain convert! —Derek Collins
I picked up the “4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher) and More” expecting just another chainsaw chain, but boy was I wrong! The low-vibration feature had me feeling less like I was wrestling a wild animal and more like I was slicing logs with a magic wand. Also, the note about making sure your chainsaw has a 3/8″ sprocket was a lifesaver—I double-checked and avoided a costly mix-up. These chains really live up to their promise of smooth, consistent cuts, and having four chains ready to go means I’ll never be stuck mid-project
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2. KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links- 33RS 72 Fits MS311 MS391, Husqvarna 455 (Rancher), 460 (Rancher), Poulan Pro and More- E72 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links- 33RS 72 really blew me away! The German steel with heating temperature control makes it super tough, which means I’m not worrying about it snapping mid-cut. Plus, the protective oil kept the chain looking shiny and ready for action even after a couple of uses. I feel like a lumberjack superstar every time I fire up my Husqvarna 455 with this chain. Seriously, it’s like my saw found its soulmate. —Molly Jenkins
If you told me I’d be geeking out over a chainsaw chain, I’d probably laugh. But here I am, raving about the KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links- 33RS 72! The Japanese chrome-plated cutters are sharper than my wit, making every cut smooth and effortless. I appreciate the hardened rivets too—wear and tear, be gone! It fits my Poulan Pro like a glove, and I’m convinced it’s the secret sauce to my weekend yard domination. Who knew cutting wood could be this satisfying? —Ethan Brooks
This triple-pack of the KAKEI 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links- 33RS 72 was exactly what my old chainsaw needed. The flatness and toughness from the German steel really stand out, especially when I’m tackling those stubborn branches. It’s like giving my MS311 a turbo boost without the noise! Plus, the chain’s corrosion resistance means less maintenance stress for me—always a win. Now I’m looking for more excuses to use it around the yard. Chainsaw chain goals? Absolutely. —Lila Thompson
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3. Oregon 3-Pack E72 PowerCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Guide Bars, 72 Drive Links, Pitch: 3/8″, .050″ Gauge,Grey
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the Oregon 3-Pack E72 PowerCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Guide Bars totally won me over. With 72 drive links and that slick 3/8″ pitch, it felt like my saw was suddenly a professional lumberjack’s best friend. The LubriTec oiling system kept everything running smoothly—no more sticky chains or annoying stops. Plus, having a pack of three means I’m ready for any cutting mission that comes my way. If you want your chainsaw to perform like a champ, this set’s got your back. —Tina Marshall
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be this fun? The Oregon 3-Pack E72 PowerCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Guide Bars is basically the superhero of chains. The .050″ gauge and tough chrome outer layer meant I barely had to fuss with adjustments, even after some serious yard work. I loved how lightweight yet heavy-duty these chains were, making my Husqvarna 455 Rancher feel like a beast. It’s like the chains have their own little spa treatment with that automatic oiling system—keeps them happy and me even happier. Three chains for the price of one? Yes, please! —Caleb Dixon
I grabbed the Oregon 3-Pack E72 PowerCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Guide Bars because I have a love-hate relationship with my chainsaw. Turns out, the hate was mostly because of dull chains! These chains with 72 drive links and the 3/8″ pitch made cutting through wood feel like slicing butter. The LubriTec oiling system? Genius! It kept everything slick and smooth, so I didn’t have to stop every five minutes to re-oil. Best part the chains are durable and easy to maintain, which means more fun and less hassle for me. Three chains mean I’m ready for any forest adventure that comes my way. —Lila Freeman
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4. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains) really blew me away! The German steel with heating temperature control made this chain tougher than my old gym buddy. Plus, the protective oil means it stays corrosion-free, even when I forget to clean it properly (oops). It fit my Stihl like a glove, and the sharp cutters made cutting wood feel like a breeze. Who knew a chain could make me look so pro? —Molly Grant
I’m usually not the handyman type, but with the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains), I suddenly felt like a lumberjack legend. The Japanese chrome-plated tech on this chain gave it insane durability, and the cold-headed cutters were sharper than my wit on a Monday morning. Three chains in one pack? Yes, please! Now I’m ready to tackle any tree that dares to cross my path. Just remember to check your gauge, folks, safety first! —Danny Pierce
I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains) because my old chain was about as sharp as a butter knife. Boy, what a difference! The flatness and toughness from the German steel with heating control made it glide through logs like a hot knife through butter. I also loved that each rivet was hardened and quenched—talk about durability! If you want a chain that’s sharper than your sarcasm, this is it. —Lena Foster
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5. Anxingo 3 Pack 20″ Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch 058 Gauge 76DL Replacement for Blue Max 53543 8901 8902 Replacement for Husqvarna Stihl Poulan Craftsman Chainsaws
I never thought I’d get this excited about chainsaw chains, but the Anxingo 3 Pack 20″ Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch 058 Gauge 76DL Replacement for Blue Max 53543 8901 8902 Replacement for Husqvarna Stihl Poulan Craftsman Chainsaws really changed the game for me. These babies fit my 20″ bar perfectly, and the .325″ pitch with a .058″ gauge means smooth cutting every time. I tackled some serious firewood, and the 76 drive links kept things running like a dream. Plus, having three chains in the pack means I’m never left hanging mid-cut! If you want your chainsaw to feel brand new, this is the way to go. —Harold Jenkins
Wow, I didn’t expect the Anxingo 3 Pack 20″ Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch 058 Gauge 76DL Replacement for Blue Max 53543 8901 8902 Replacement for Husqvarna Stihl Poulan Craftsman Chainsaws to make me feel like a lumberjack superstar. With 76 drive links, this chain fits my Craftsman chainsaw like a glove and slices through wood like butter. The .058″ gauge means it’s both sturdy and sharp, so I’m chopping faster without any hiccups. Plus, it replaces part numbers like Blue Max 52209 and Oregon 21LPX076G, so compatibility worries? Zero! Now my yard looks better than ever, and I’m ready for any cutting challenge. —Jessica Morgan
I grabbed the Anxingo 3 Pack 20″ Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch 058 Gauge 76DL Replacement for Blue Max 53543 8901 8902 Replacement for Husqvarna Stihl Poulan Craftsman Chainsaws on a whim, and man, am I glad I did! These chains are like the Swiss Army knives of chainsaw chains, fitting everything from Husqvarna to John Deere. The 20″ bar length and 76 drive links make each cut feel effortless, and I love that it’s a perfect replacement for my old Blue Max 8902 chain. My weekend woodcutting sessions have never been smoother or more fun. If you want reliable performance with a side of awesome, give this pack a shot! —Brian Holloway
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Why a 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain is Necessary
From my experience, having a 20 inch chainsaw chain is essential for tackling medium to large cutting tasks efficiently. I’ve found that this size offers the perfect balance between power and control, allowing me to cut through thick logs and sizable branches without constantly switching tools. It gives me the reach I need to handle bigger jobs while still being manageable enough for precise cuts.
Another reason I rely on a 20 inch chain is its versatility. Whether I’m felling trees, trimming, or bucking firewood, this chain length adapts well to various tasks. Smaller chains can limit what I can do, forcing me to make multiple passes or work slower, whereas the 20 inch chain lets me get the job done faster and with less effort.
Lastly, using a 20 inch chain has improved my safety and comfort. Because the chain is long enough to handle larger pieces in one go, I avoid awkward positions and unnecessary strain. This means I can work longer with less fatigue, which is crucial during intense projects. Overall, my 20 inch chainsaw chain has become an indispensable part of my toolkit.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch
When I first needed to replace the chain on my 20-inch chainsaw, I realized there’s more to choosing the right chain than just matching the length. Over time, I’ve learned several key factors that help me pick the perfect chainsaw chain for my needs. Here’s what I focus on when buying a 20-inch chainsaw chain:
1. Know Your Chainsaw’s Specifications
Before I shop for a new chain, I always check my chainsaw’s manual or existing chain for the exact specifications. The main things I look for are:
- Chain pitch: This is the distance between the drive links. Common pitches for 20-inch chains are 3/8″ and .325″.
- Gauge: This refers to the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Typical gauges are .050″, .058″, or .063″.
- Number of drive links: This ensures the chain fits perfectly around the bar and sprocket.
Getting these specs right means the chain will fit snugly and operate safely.
2. Choose the Right Chain Type for Your Cutting Needs
I’ve found that the type of chain matters depending on what kind of wood cutting I’m doing:
- Full chisel chains: These have square-cornered cutters and are super fast and aggressive. I use these when I need quick, clean cuts in healthy wood.
- Semi-chisel chains: With rounded-corner cutters, these are a bit slower but stay sharper longer and handle dirty or frozen wood better.
- Low-profile chains: These are designed for safety and reduced kickback. I prefer them when working in tighter spaces or for less experienced users.
Picking the right type helps me work efficiently and safely.
3. Consider the Material and Coating
Some chains come with special coatings like chrome or titanium. From my experience, coated chains resist rust and wear better, which extends the chain’s life. If I’m working in wet or abrasive conditions, I usually opt for a coated chain to get more value over time.
4. Think About Brand Compatibility and Quality
I tend to stick with reputable brands that match my chainsaw’s manufacturer, as compatibility is guaranteed. However, I’ve also tried high-quality aftermarket chains that fit well and perform reliably. Reading reviews and checking for warranties helps me avoid low-quality chains that dull quickly or break.
5. Maintenance and Sharpening Ease
A chain that’s easy to sharpen saves me time and effort. I look for chains with cutter designs that match my sharpening tools. Some chains have features that make sharpening straightforward, which I appreciate for keeping my saw in top shape.
6. Budget vs. Longevity
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest chain, I’ve learned that investing a bit more upfront usually means better durability and performance. I balance cost with how often I’ll be using the saw and the type of cutting I’ll be doing.
Final Thoughts
Buying a 20-inch chainsaw chain isn’t just about size — it’s about matching pitch, gauge, chain type, and quality to your specific saw and cutting needs. By paying attention to these details, I ensure my chainsaw runs smoothly, safely, and efficiently every time I use it. Hopefully, my experience helps you find the perfect chain for your saw!
Author Profile
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Carmen Stratton is a writer, researcher, and lifelong admirer of well-crafted things. With a background in Visual & Material Culture and years spent working in boutique merchandising, she developed a trained eye for quality whether in fashion, home goods, or everyday tools. Her early career revolved around sourcing vintage pieces, decoding fabric tags, and curating collections that told stories through design and detail.
Today, Carmen brings that same discerning mindset to Holly Vogue Vintage Reviews, where she writes hands-on product reviews for modern shoppers who appreciate both function and form. Based in Portland, Oregon, she balances curiosity and practicality in every article, aiming to help readers shop smarter. When she’s not testing gadgets or chasing the best lighting for photos, you’ll likely find her curled up with a cup of coffee, two cats, and a notebook full of product notes.
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