Chainsaw Chains

About Chainsaw Chains

Chainsaw chains are critical consumable components that determine the cutting performance, safety and efficiency of your chainsaw. Whether you're a professional arborist, groundskeeper or DIY enthusiast, having the correct replacement chain for your saw is essential for maintaining productivity and ensuring safe operation. At Tooled Up, we stock a comprehensive range of chainsaw chains from trusted manufacturers including ALM, DeWalt, Bosch, Einhell, Black & Decker and Festool, suitable for both professional and consumer-grade chainsaws.

Understanding which chain fits your particular saw can seem complex at first, but most chainsaw chains are specified by three key measurements: pitch, gauge and the number of drive links. Additionally, the bar length of your chainsaw determines which chain you'll need. Our range includes standard cutting chains and low-kickback (Lo-Kick) chains designed for enhanced safety during operation. Many of our replacement chains clearly state compatible models in the product title, making it straightforward to identify the right chain for machines from manufacturers like Bosch AKE, Ikra and other popular brands.

Regular chain replacement is vital for maintaining cutting efficiency and preventing dangerous situations caused by worn or damaged chains. Even if your chain appears to have some life remaining, cutting performance will deteriorate over time. We also stock chainsaw sharpeners to help extend the life of serviceable chains, but eventually all chains will require replacement to ensure optimal performance and operator safety.

Jargon Buster

• Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two, typically measured in inches (e.g., 3/8"). This is one of the three critical measurements needed to identify the correct replacement chain.
• Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove, usually measured in inches or millimetres. Common gauges include 1.3mm, 1.5mm and 1.6mm. Using the incorrect gauge will result in poor fit and dangerous operation.
• Drive Links: The number of individual links that drive the chain around the guide bar. This number must match your original chain exactly and varies depending on bar length and chain pitch.
• Bar Length: The effective cutting length of your chainsaw's guide bar, typically measured in centimetres (e.g., 30cm, 35cm, 40cm) or inches. This helps determine which chain length you require.
• Lo-Kick / Low-Kickback Chain: Specially designed chains with additional safety features that reduce the risk of dangerous kickback situations. These chains have depth gauge and cutter configurations that minimise the grabbing effect that causes kickback.
• Cutter Teeth: The sharp cutting edges along the chain that do the actual cutting work. These require regular sharpening and will eventually wear down, necessitating chain replacement.

Who Uses Chainsaw Chains?

• Arborists and Tree Surgeons: Professional tree care specialists who rely on chainsaws daily and require regular chain replacements to maintain cutting performance
• Groundskeepers and Estate Managers: Professionals maintaining large properties, parks and estates who use chainsaws for tree maintenance and land management
• Landscapers: Garden and landscape professionals who regularly undertake tree work, hedge laying and site clearance
• Forestry Workers: Professionals working in commercial forestry operations requiring heavy-duty chains for demanding cutting applications
• Farmers and Agricultural Workers: Those managing woodland, hedgerows and general land maintenance on agricultural properties
• Local Authorities and Council Workers: Teams responsible for maintaining public spaces, parks and roadside vegetation
• DIY Enthusiasts and Homeowners: Garden owners who maintain their own trees, process firewood or undertake general property maintenance
• Wood Processing and Sawmill Operators: Those involved in timber processing who require reliable chain replacements for consistent production

How to Choose the Right Chainsaw Chains

Check Your Existing Chain Specifications: The easiest method is to examine your current chain for stamped markings indicating pitch and gauge, or consult your chainsaw's user manual for the correct specifications. Many chains have these details stamped on the depth gauge links.

Measure Drive Links: Count the number of drive links on your existing chain – this is the most accurate way to ensure you're ordering the correct replacement. Simply count each link that sits in the guide bar groove around the entire chain loop.

Confirm Bar Length: Measure your guide bar's effective cutting length (not including the section that sits inside the chainsaw body). Common lengths include 30cm, 35cm, 40cm and 45cm, and this measurement helps narrow down suitable replacement chains.

Match to Chainsaw Model: If you're unsure about specifications, look for chains that specifically list your chainsaw make and model in the product title or description. Our range includes many model-specific chains for popular brands like Bosch, DeWalt, Einhell and Black & Decker.

Consider Safety Features: Low-kickback chains provide additional safety, particularly valuable for less experienced users or when working in challenging positions. These Lo-Kick chains are designed to reduce the dangerous kickback effect that can occur during operation.

Choose Quality Brands: Brands like ALM manufacture high-quality aftermarket chains that deliver reliable performance at competitive prices, whilst original equipment manufacturer chains from DeWalt, Bosch and other power tool brands ensure perfect compatibility with their respective machines.

Keep Spare Chains: Professional users should always maintain spare chains to avoid downtime. Having a freshly sharpened chain ready to swap when one becomes dull maximises productivity on site.

Popular Accessories

• Chainsaw Sharpeners: Electric, manual file and bench-mounted sharpeners to restore cutting edges and extend chain life between replacements
• Chainsaw Bar Oil: Specialist lubricating oil essential for reducing friction and preventing premature wear on chains and guide bars
• Replacement Guide Bars: Worn guide bars should be replaced alongside chains to ensure optimal performance and safety
• Chainsaw Files and File Guides: Manual sharpening tools for maintaining chains in the field when electric sharpeners aren't available
• Chain Breakers and Riveters: Tools for repairing or customising chain lengths, particularly useful for professional users
• Depth Gauge Tools: Precision tools for correctly setting depth gauges to maintain proper cutting performance
• Chainsaw Cleaning Brushes: Specialist brushes for removing sawdust, resin and debris from chains and guide bars
• Protective Chainsaw Gloves: Cut-resistant gloves providing protection during chain changes and maintenance work
• Chainsaw Storage Cases: Protective cases for safely storing and transporting chainsaws with fitted chains

Safety Information

Chainsaw chains are sharp cutting implements that pose serious safety risks if handled or maintained incorrectly. Always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before performing any chain maintenance or replacement work. Wear appropriate protective gloves when handling chains, as the cutter teeth remain extremely sharp even when worn.

Only fit chains that match your chainsaw's exact specifications – incorrect pitch, gauge or drive link count can result in dangerous chain failure, derailment or kickback situations. Ensure chains are tensioned correctly according to the manufacturer's guidance; chains that are too loose can derail during operation, whilst overtightened chains cause excessive wear and potential breakage.

Regular inspection of your chain is essential for safe operation. Replace chains showing signs of damage including cracked or broken drive links, damaged tie straps, or cutter teeth worn beyond sharpening limits. Never attempt to repair damaged chains – always fit a new replacement.

When operating chainsaws fitted with new or sharpened chains, be aware that cutting performance will be significantly improved, requiring adjusted handling technique to maintain control. Always follow HSE guidance for chainsaw operation, and ensure you have received appropriate training before using chainsaws professionally. Suitable personal protective equipment including chainsaw trousers, safety boots, gloves, helmet, visor and hearing protection should always be worn during chainsaw operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?

This depends on usage intensity and cutting conditions. Professional users may replace chains weekly or even daily during heavy use, whilst occasional DIY users might only need annual replacement. Replace chains when cutter teeth are worn beyond effective sharpening, if drive links are damaged, or when cutting performance deteriorates significantly despite sharpening. As a general rule, most chains can be sharpened 3-5 times before replacement becomes necessary.

Can I use aftermarket chains instead of original manufacturer chains?

Yes, quality aftermarket chains from reputable manufacturers like ALM offer excellent performance and value when correctly matched to your chainsaw's specifications. The key is ensuring the pitch, gauge and drive link count are identical to your original chain. Many professional users prefer aftermarket chains for routine work, keeping original equipment manufacturer chains for demanding applications.

What's the difference between standard and low-kickback chains?

Low-kickback (Lo-Kick) chains feature modified cutter and depth gauge designs that reduce the grabbing effect responsible for dangerous kickback situations. These chains are particularly recommended for less experienced users, when working overhead or in awkward positions, or when using smaller domestic chainsaws. Whilst they offer enhanced safety, cutting speed may be slightly reduced compared to standard chains.

How do I know which chain size fits my chainsaw?

You'll need three measurements: pitch (distance between drive links), gauge (thickness of drive links) and the number of drive links. These are often stamped on the existing chain or listed in your chainsaw's manual. Alternatively, search for your specific chainsaw model in our product listings – many chains include compatible models in the title or description, making identification straightforward.

Should I buy multiple chains for my chainsaw?

For professional users, having at least two or three chains is highly recommended. This allows you to swap to a sharp chain immediately when one becomes dull, maintaining productivity rather than stopping work to sharpen. You can then sharpen multiple chains together at the end of the day. For DIY users, having one spare chain ensures you're never caught out mid-project when your chain becomes damaged or excessively worn.