How do I know what chainsaw chain to buy?

The right chainsaw chain depends on four key details: bar length, chain pitch, chain gauge and drive link count. If any of these are wrong, the chain may not fit the guide bar correctly or may not run safely on your chainsaw.

To make this easier, Gustharts has a dedicated STIHL chainsaw guide bar and chain selector designed to help customers find compatible chains for STIHL chainsaws without guessing.

You can also browse our full chainsaw chain collection, including a wide range of lengths from 4" through to 72".

Use our STIHL chainsaw chain selector

If you are unsure which chainsaw chain fits your STIHL saw, the easiest place to start is our online selector. It helps narrow down the correct guide bar and chain options for STIHL chainsaws, reducing the risk of ordering the wrong chain.

This is especially useful if you are replacing a worn chain, changing bar length, or buying chains for multiple STIHL machines used across domestic, landscaping, forestry or professional arborist work.

Chainsaw chain sizes explained: pitch, gauge and drive links

Chainsaw chains are not selected by bar length alone. A 16" chain for one saw may not fit another 16" bar if the pitch, gauge or drive link count is different.

Chain pitch

Pitch refers to the spacing between the chain rivets and must match the sprocket and guide bar. Common STIHL chain pitches include 1/4", .325" and 3/8" variants depending on the machine and bar setup.

Chain gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the drive link that sits inside the guide bar groove. The chain gauge must match the bar groove exactly for safe, smooth running.

Drive link count

Drive links determine the chain length. Even if the pitch and gauge are correct, the chain still needs the correct number of drive links for the guide bar.

If you are not sure, check the markings on your existing guide bar or use the STIHL bar and chain selector.

Which chainsaw chain is best: full chisel or semi chisel?

The best chainsaw chain depends on what you are cutting. Gustharts stocks both full chisel and semi chisel chains, giving users the choice between maximum cutting speed and better edge retention in rougher conditions.

For clean, freshly cut timber, full chisel is often the fastest choice. For firewood, storm-damaged branches, dirty bark or mixed domestic use, semi chisel may be the more practical option.

Which chainsaw chain stays sharp the longest?

Semi chisel chains usually stay sharp longer than full chisel chains when cutting dirty, dry or rough timber. Their rounded cutter profile is less aggressive, but it is also more resistant to dulling when the chain meets bark, grit or contaminated wood.

Full chisel chains cut faster in clean timber, but the sharper square-cornered cutters can lose their edge more quickly if they hit soil, stones, dirty bark or nails.

To keep any chainsaw chain sharper for longer:

• Avoid letting the chain contact soil, stone or metal
• Keep the chain properly tensioned
• Use quality chain oil
• Sharpen little and often
• Replace the chain when cutters become too short or damaged

For users cutting regularly, keeping several spare chainsaw chains ready to rotate can reduce downtime and improve cutting performance.

STIHL chainsaw cut kits: bar and chain kits for popular models

If you want an easier way to refresh your cutting setup, Gustharts stocks STIHL chainsaw cut kits for a wide range of popular STIHL models.

Cut kits are available for models including:

• STIHL GTA 26
• STIHL MS 170, MS 171, MS 180, MS 181 and MS 211
• STIHL MS 231, MS 151, MS 201, MS 201T and MS 261
• STIHL MSA 70, MSA 120, MSA 140, MSA 160, MSA 200 and MSA 300
• STIHL MSA 220T and MSA 2210

These kits are ideal when you want to replace compatible cutting components together rather than ordering a chain or bar separately.

Is it better to sharpen or replace a chainsaw chain?

In most cases, it is better to sharpen a chainsaw chain several times before replacing it. A dull chain can often be restored quickly with the correct file, guide or sharpening tool.

However, replacement is the better option when the chain is damaged, stretched, heavily worn or the cutters have become too short to sharpen safely.

Sharpen the chain if:

• The cutters are dull but still have plenty of length left
• The chain is cutting slowly but is not damaged
• The chain is producing dust rather than chips
• The chain pulls slightly to one side but can be corrected

Replace the chain if:

• Cutters are broken, cracked or heavily worn
• Drive links are damaged
• The chain has stretched excessively
• The chain will not hold tension
• The cutters are too short to sharpen safely

If you use your saw regularly, it is worth keeping spare chains available so you can continue working while another chain is being sharpened.