Types of Chainsaw Chains

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Chainsaw chains are classified based on their cutter shape, arrangement, and intended use. The most common types include:


1. Full Chisel Chains

Description: These chains feature square-cornered cutting teeth designed for fast cutting.
Best for: Cutting hardwood, firewood, and professional logging.
Pros: Very efficient and aggressive, providing fast cutting speeds.
Cons: Dulls quickly, requires frequent sharpening, and is prone to kickback.


2. Semi-Chisel Chains

Description: These have rounded-corner teeth that cut slightly slower than full chisel chains but stay sharper longer.
Best for: Cutting softwood, dirty wood, frozen wood, and general-purpose use.
Pros: More durable, maintains sharpness longer, and is less prone to kickback.
Cons: Somewhat slower cutting than full chisel but safer and easier to maintain.


3. Micro-Chisel Chains (A variation of semi-chisel)

Description: Similar to semi-chisel chains but with smaller teeth for reduced kickback risk.
Best for: Casual users, homeowners, and moderate cutting tasks.
Pros: Safer, maintains sharpness well, and easier to handle.
Cons: Slower than full chisel chains.


4. Low-Profile Chains (Often referred to as Low-Kickback Chains)

Description: Designed with extra safety features, such as safety ramps on drive links, to reduce kickback.
Best for: Beginners, homeowners, and lightweight cutting jobs.
Pros: Increased safety, less kickback risk, and easier handling.
Cons: Cutting speed and efficiency are slightly reduced compared to standard chains.


5. Skip Tooth Chains (Skip Chain or Full Skip Chain)

Description: Has fewer cutters, leaving more space between teeth. This reduces drag and prevents clogging with long cuts.
Best for: Professionals using long guide bars (24” and above) on powerful chainsaws.
Pros: Requires less power, stays sharper longer, and reduces resistance while cutting.
Cons: Produces rougher cuts and requires greater control due to the increased spacing.


6. Semi-Skip Chains (Partial Skip Chain)

Description: A hybrid between standard and skip-tooth chains; has alternating full and skipped teeth.
Best for: Users who need efficiency but also want reduced drag when using large guide bars.
Pros: A balance between smooth cuts and reduced drag.
Cons: Cutting speed is moderate—not as fast as skip-tooth but not as smooth as full chisel.


7. Ripping Chains

Description: Specially designed for cutting along the wood grain (ripping) rather than across it. The cutting angle is typically 10 degrees (instead of 25-30 degrees for standard chains).
Best for: Milling lumber with chainsaw mills.
Pros: Produces smoother cuts and reduces sawdust waste.
Cons: Not effective for standard cross-cutting applications.


8. Square-Ground Chains (Square-Filing Chains)

Description: A specialized form of full chisel chains with square-ground cutters, used for professional logging applications.
Best for: High-speed cutting in large-scale logging operations.
Pros: Very fast cutting speed for professionals.
Cons: Requires expert sharpening techniques; difficult for casual users to maintain.