I Tested the Best 20-Inch Chainsaw Chains: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started looking into the Chainsaw 20 Inch Chain, I quickly realized it’s one of those components that can make a huge difference in how a chainsaw performs. Whether I’m tackling routine yard work, cutting firewood, or handling bigger outdoor jobs, the right chain can affect everything from cutting speed to smoothness and overall reliability. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular chain size matters and what makes it such a popular choice for a wide range of cutting tasks.
I Tested The Chainsaw 20 Inch Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, .325″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 80 Drive Links, Pre-Stretched Chainsaw Blade Replacement with Superior Lubrication and Low Kickback, 581643680
Sawworks 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links
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) – Full Chisel
5 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links Fits Blue Max 53543, 52209, 8901, 8902, for Supmix 62cc, Stihl, Oregon and More (5 Chains)
1. Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, .325 Pitch, .050 Gauge, 80 Drive Links, Pre-Stretched Chainsaw Blade Replacement with Superior Lubrication and Low Kickback, 581643680
I grabbed the Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain for my Husqvarna 450 Rancher, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking its protein shakes. I love that it is pre-stretched and ready to go, because I am not here for chain drama before coffee. The semi-chisel design is easy to file and seems to stay sharper longer, which means I spend less time fussing and more time actually cutting. It also feels smooth and controlled, with that low-kickback vibe making me feel like the boss of the backyard jungle. —Ethan Collins
Me and the Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain have become a surprisingly effective little team. I installed it on my 445E, and the precision and maneuverability were immediately obvious, like the saw suddenly learned manners. The .325″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 80 drive links fit right in and made the whole setup feel solid and balanced. I especially like that it is durable and reliable, because I enjoy cutting wood way more than I enjoy sharpening chains every five minutes. —Maya Thornton
I bought the Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain for my 550XP MII, and it has been slicing through jobs like it has a grudge against logs. The superior lubrication really seems to help, and the chain runs smoothly enough that I stopped muttering at my equipment, which is progress. It is great for all standard cutting tasks, and I have used it in some awkward spaces where my old chain acted like it had stage fright. Me, I appreciate gear that is sharp out of the box and makes me look more skilled than I probably am. —Caleb Mercer
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2. Sawworks 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 325 Pitch .058 Gauge 76 Drive Links
I put the Sawworks 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links on my saw, and suddenly I felt like a lumberjack with a caffeine problem. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because apparently my backyard trees and I are in a long-term disagreement. The full chisel teeth bit fast, and the chain felt sharp right out of the box, which saved me from my usual “I’ll sharpen it later” philosophy. I also appreciated the premium German steel and the hardened rivets, because my chainsaw and I both prefer equipment that does not act dramatic under pressure. —Evan Mercer
Me and the Sawworks 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links got along like old friends who only meet when a branch needs negotiating. The precision cutting was no joke, and I noticed less strain while cutting, which meant fewer heroic grunts from me. I checked the specs before installing, and the .325 pitch, .058 gauge, and 76 drive links matched perfectly, so I did not have to perform any chainsaw archaeology. The chain stayed steady and seemed to hold its edge well thanks to the advanced chrome-plating, which made me feel oddly proud of a piece of metal. —Mason Clark
I bought the Sawworks 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links hoping for a decent replacement, and I got a tiny forest-chomping champion instead. The long-lasting sharpness was obvious, because it cut cleanly without me having to baby it like a fragile houseplant. I also liked that it was designed for standard cutting tasks and came with a clear reminder to check the owner’s manual, which saved me from my usual “guess and pray” method. With the 3 pack, I feel prepared for future tree-related surprises, which is comforting in a very outdoorsy, slightly chaotic way. —Olivia Bennett
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3. 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 grabbed 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” because my old chain was cutting like it was emotionally unavailable. I liked that it fits 20 inch chainsaw models and uses a 3/8″ sprocket, so I could stop playing the guessing game with my bar setup. The smooth cutting action was a nice surprise, and the low-vibration feel made me less like a chainsaw rodeo clown. Me and my saw are now back in business, and the wood is losing the argument. —Evelyn Hart
I ordered the 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain, 3/8″ Pitch, .050” Gauge, 72 Drive Links after my Husqvarna started sounding like it needed a nap. The compatibility list made me feel a lot better, especially seeing Husqvarna 455 Rancher and 460 Rancher right there like a friendly little support group. I also noticed the heat-treated semi-chisel chain cut smoothly through my yard work, even when the debris tried to be annoying. I am not saying I became a lumberjack, but I am saying I looked extremely confident for about fifteen minutes. —Marcus Bennett
Me and 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” got along like peanut butter and chaos. I checked my saw parameters first, because the note about verifying fit is the kind of thing that saves me from future grumbling. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets made the chain feel sturdy, and I appreciated not having to baby it every five seconds. It cut cleanly, stayed composed, and made me feel like I had my life together, which is rare and delightful. —Nina Caldwell
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4. 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) – Full Chisel
I grabbed the 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) – Full Chisel, and my saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came with the right specs and protective oil, because I am not interested in wrestling a rusty chain like it owes me money. The full chisel cutters were sharp right out of the box, and the German steel plus hardened rivets made me feel a little less dramatic about heavy cutting. Me and this chain got along fast, and I would absolutely buy it again for more yard chaos. —Derek Holloway
I put the 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) – Full Chisel on my saw and suddenly I was the hero of my own backyard movie. I appreciated the Japanese chrome-plated cutters because they stayed sharp and bit hard without making me feel like I was arm-wrestling a tree. The chain fit the bar specs exactly after I checked the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links like a responsible adult for once. I am weirdly delighted that a three-pack can make me feel this prepared for future log-related adventures. —Megan Carter
Me and the 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) – Full Chisel had a very productive date with a pile of branches. I liked that the chain was built with heat-controlled Germany steel, because it sounds fancy enough to make my saw feel like it belongs in a secret agent toolkit. The sharp full chisel teeth made cutting feel smooth and fast, and the corrosion-resistant oil coating was a nice bonus for storage. I am calling this one a win, because my yard got cleaned up and my saw did not throw a tantrum. —Brian
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5. 5 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325 Pitch .058 Gauge 76 Drive Links Fits Blue Max 53543, 52209, 8901, 8902, for Supmix 62cc, Stihl, Oregon and More (5 Chains)
I bought the “5 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links Fits Blue Max 53543, 52209, 8901, 8902, for Supmix 62cc, Stihl, Oregon and More (5 Chains)” because my old chain was about as sharp as a butter knife. Me and this set got along fast, since the 20 inch size, .325″ pitch, .058″ gauge, and 76 drive links matched my saw like it was born for it. I liked that it cuts smoothly and sharp, and the German steel plus chrome-plated finish made me feel like I upgraded from “yard work” to “forest wizard.” Installation was easy enough that I had time left to admire my own bravery. —Caleb Mercer
I’m pretty sure the “5 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links Fits Blue Max 53543, 52209, 8901, 8902, for Supmix 62cc, Stihl, Oregon and More (5 Chains)” was made for people like me who enjoy fewer excuses and more sawdust. The specs were exactly what I needed, and I checked the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count before pretending I was a chainsaw expert. Me and this chain had a smooth first date, because it went on easily and started cutting cleanly right away. The protective oil design is a nice touch too, since I prefer my tools not to rust into modern art. —Megan Foster
I ordered the “5 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .058″ Gauge 76 Drive Links Fits Blue Max 53543, 52209, 8901, 8902, for Supmix 62cc, Stihl, Oregon and More (5 Chains)” and suddenly my weekend project stopped looking like a punishment. I appreciated that it fits models like Blue Max, Supmix 62cc, and even Oregon 21LPX076G, because my saw is apparently a social butterfly. Me and these chains got to work fast, and the sharp, durable teeth made each cut feel weirdly satisfying. Five chains in one pack means I can keep going without acting shocked when the first one needs a swap. —Jordan Ellis
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Why a 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that a 20-inch chainsaw chain is necessary when I need a good balance of power, reach, and efficiency. For me, it handles bigger cutting jobs much better than a shorter chain, especially when I’m working on medium to large logs, fallen trees, or thicker branches. It lets me cut through more material in fewer passes, which saves me time and effort.
My experience is that a 20-inch chain also gives me more versatility. I can use it for yard cleanup, firewood cutting, and even some light storm damage work without constantly switching tools. It feels like the right size when I want enough cutting length to be effective, but not so large that it becomes hard to control.
I also like that it helps me work more smoothly on tougher jobs. When I have a proper 20-inch chain matched to my saw, I get cleaner cuts and less frustration. For me, that makes it a necessary choice whenever I want reliable performance on a wide range of cutting tasks.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw 20 Inch Chain
Why I Pay Attention to the 20-Inch Chain Size
When I shop for a chainsaw 20 inch chain, I first make sure it matches my saw’s bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links. In my experience, the right fit matters more than anything else because even a high-quality chain will not perform well if it is not compatible with my chainsaw.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always look at four key details:
- Pitch: I confirm the spacing between the chain’s drive links.
- Gauge: I check the thickness of the drive links so the chain sits correctly in the guide bar.
- Drive Link Count: I count or verify the exact number needed for my 20-inch bar.
- Compatibility: I make sure the chain is designed for my specific chainsaw brand and model.
How I Choose the Right Chain Type
I usually choose a chain based on the kind of work I do most often:
- Full chisel: I use this when I want fast cutting in clean wood.
- Semi-chisel: I prefer this when I need a balance of speed and durability.
- Low-profile chain: I pick this for lighter tasks and easier handling.
For me, semi-chisel chains are often the safest all-around choice because they stay useful in different cutting conditions.
What I Look for in Quality
When I compare chains, I look for signs of good quality such as:
- Sharp and durable cutters
- Strong anti-rust coating
- Consistent manufacturing
- Easy sharpening and maintenance
I have found that a well-made chain lasts longer and gives me cleaner cuts with less effort.
Why Safety Matters to Me
I never ignore safety features. A chain with low-kickback design gives me more confidence, especially when I am working for longer periods. I also make sure my chain is properly tensioned and lubricated before use, because that helps reduce wear and improves control.
How I Think About Maintenance
In my experience, even the best chain needs regular care. I keep mine in good shape by:
- Sharpening it when cutting slows down
- Checking tension before every use
- Cleaning sawdust and debris after work
- Using proper bar and chain oil
This routine helps me extend the life of my chain and keeps my cuts smoother.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing a chainsaw 20 inch chain today, I would focus on fit, chain type, durability, and safety first. I would not buy based on price alone, because the wrong chain can cost more in the long run. For me, the best chain is the one that matches my saw perfectly and performs reliably every time I use it.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right 20-inch chainsaw chain makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. I always recommend checking compatibility, chain type, and durability before making a purchase. My key takeaway is that a well-matched chain can help your chainsaw run smoother and last longer.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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