Chains for your chainsaw - what must be considered?

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right saw chain for your chainsaw. Since this is not always easy due to the variety of chains for gasoline and electric chainsaws, we would like to explain the structure and the differences between saw chains so that you can gain a step-by-step insight and determine the right saw chain for your chainsaw.


On this page you will find information on the following topics:

>> How is a saw chain constructed

>> How do the variants of the cutting teeth on saw chains differ

>> What is the difference between saw chains with and without a safety drive link

>> Catene, barre, accessori >> Catene, barre, accessori

How is a saw chain constructed and what are the components of a chain?

The structure of saw chains is always the same in principle and only shows differences in the versions with and without a safety drive link. The other components of a saw chain are always identical. Every saw chain has cutting teeth, drive links, connecting links, depth gauges and rivets. Saw chain components look similar but are not interchangeable. 
Never use used parts or components from different manufacturers to repair or assemble saw chains. Always use the correct spare parts from the saw chain manufacturer for your saw chain.
Treibglied Treibglied
Schneidezahn Schneidezahn
Verbindungsglied Verbindungsglied
Tiefenbegrenzer Tiefenbegrenzer
Niet Niet

What is the chain pitch and how can I determine it?

The chain pitch indicates the actual size of the chain. The larger the chain pitch (measured in thousandths of an inch), the larger the saw chain. To determine the chain pitch, the distance between the centres of one and the next rivet is measured and the result is halved. 

For a saw chain with a chain pitch of 3/8 "(0.375") this distance is 3/4 "(0.750").

Kettenteilung Kettenteilung

What does drive link thickness mean?

The chain width (drive link thickness) corresponds to the strength of the drive links guided in the blade groove (recess in the guide rail also called blade) and is also measured in thousandths of an inch. Saw chains for hand chain saws are offered in four standard widths: 

0.043“ = 1,1 mm

0.050“ = 1,3 mm

0.058“ = 1,5 mm

0.063“ = 1,6 mm

The chain pitch of the saw chain must match the pitch of the drive pinion and, if necessary, the pinion nose of the blade (guide bar). The width of the saw chain must match the width of the blade. Using of chainsaw parts that do not match will lead to the premature failure of the saw chain, blade or drive pinion.

Kettenbreite Kettenbreite

What do you mean when you talk about cutting width?

The cutting width is the width of the cutting kerf that the saw chain creates in the wood. The cutting width is measured from the outside edge of the left to the outside edge of the right cutting link.

Schnittbreite Schnittbreite

What is the difference between saw chains with half-chisels or full chisels?

The size, shape and leading edge of the cutting teeth determine the performance and durability of the saw chain. The half-chisel chain has a tapered tooth roof and a bevelled side cutting edge, as well as a leading edge with a smaller radius. This leads to a significantly higher cutting performance without a significant reduction in durability. The full chisel chain with an acute-angled leading edge is designed for maximum cutting performance. The flat cutting edge of the full chisel chain cuts considerably faster because it cuts through all wood fibres over the entire cutting width in one line. Here, the actual leading edge of the tip does most of the cutting work and is therefore easily damaged under harsh operating conditions.

For this reason, the full chisel chain is best suited for clean, standing wood. You can achieve optimum cutting performance with a saw chain that is suitable for the respective working conditions. The full chisel chain is used very often and is suitable for tough working conditions. It is designed for professional use since the leading edge tip is more easily damaged if used improperly. The half-chisel chain is the best compromise between speed and durability.

>> Hier geht es zu unseren Halbmeißelketten >> Hier geht es zu unseren Halbmeißelketten
>> Hier geht es zu unseren Vollmeißelketten >> Hier geht es zu unseren Vollmeißelketten

What is the difference between a saw chain with a safety drive and a saw chain without?

All chains have drive links that drive the chain via the sprocket in the guide rail. The length of saw chains is measured in terms of the number of drive links (also known as drive links, TG or DL). If you do not know the number of drive links, you can use our practical chain dimension table with item no. 171-106 to help you determine the length; otherwise, you have no choice but to count the drive links. A distinction is made between two versions.
Chains with and without a safety drive link. Saw chains with a safety drive link ensure low kickback work. This means that the chain goes through the wood more gently. In the case of saw chains without a safety drive link, the chain has a more aggressive cutting behaviour and is therefore particularly more popular by professional users.
>> Hier geht es zu den Ketten OHNE Sicherheitstreibglied >> Hier geht es zu den Ketten OHNE Sicherheitstreibglied
>> Hier geht es zu den Ketten MIT Sicherheitstreibglied >> Hier geht es zu den Ketten MIT Sicherheitstreibglied

How does a saw chain cut?

A saw chain always cuts with a rocking motion. The movement of the cutting links is similar to that of a swimming dolphin. When the cutting link hits the wood, the leading edge (1) grips, causing the cutting link to tilt backwards as far as the depth limit allows (2). The cutting link is now in the attack position. The cutting link jumps out of the blade groove and into the wood (3).
The cutting link is pulled out of the wood again by the tension of the saw chain and the force of the saw, whereby the severed chip is flung out on the underside of the cutting link (4). The cutting link then returns to its starting position (5). Any disruption of this fluid and efficient rocking movement will affect the durability, function and cutting performance of the saw chain.

What is the depth gauge on saw chains?

Depth gauges are sometimes referred to as rakes because some believe that they “rake” the cut chips out of the cutting kerf. In fact, the depth gauges go into the wood as they cut, but their real function is to determine how deep the cutting links can go into the wood.
The clearance angle of the cutting link is the reason why the saw chain can cut with an efficient rocking movement. The top of the teeth is lower at the back than at the front. This allows the cutting link to tip forward again and exit the wood cleanly.
Tiefenbegrenzer Tiefenbegrenzer

What does kickback mean when working with a chainsaw?

Kickback is a sudden, violent upward and/or backward movement of the chain saw that can occur if the running saw chain comes into contact with an object such as a trunk or branch in the upper area of the blade tip (guide bar) or is jammed in the cutting kerf. Always be careful and avoid movements that can cause a kickback reaction.
Always pay attention to the position of your blade tip. Special saw chain models are available for most applications. Use the saw chain that is suitable for your task and has the least tendency to kickback.

Here are some safety precautions that can help you to work safely with the chainsaw ...


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Always hold the chainsaw from the right-handed grip: the right hand on the throttle lever and the left hand on the front handle. NEVER work with one hand!
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Keep your left arm straight for better control.
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Hold the chainsaw firmly in both hands. Grasp the front handle with your thumb.
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Stand next to the chainsaw, never behind it.
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Run the engine at full throttle.
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If possible, always use a saw chain and a blade with a low tendency to kickback.
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Regularly maintain the chainsaw, saw chain, blade and drive pinion.
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Make sure you have a firm footing and keep your balance.
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Only use the chainsaw for cutting wood. Do not cut other materials.
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Keep the escape route free to protect against falling trunks and branches.
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Carefully inspect the work area. Before cutting, check the area for possible hazards such as branches, power lines, dead trees, etc. Calculate the direction in which the clippings will fall. Determine if the movement of the clippings can cause the chainsaw to suddenly jump. If possible, stand in a safe place away from the natural slope of the tree to avoid injury.
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Never cut above shoulder height.
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Never cut while standing in a tree or on a ladder.
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Keep bystanders at least two tree lengths away from the work area.
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Do not allow other people to hold the wood while cutting.
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Do not use the chainsaw if you are tired or unwell.
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Attach the appropriate blade guard to transport the chainsaw.