I Tested the Best 16-Inch Chainsaw Chains: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started working with chainsaws, I quickly realized that having the right chain can make all the difference in both performance and safety. That’s why I want to talk about the Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch — a size that strikes the perfect balance for many cutting tasks. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting your hands dirty with some weekend projects, understanding what makes a 16-inch chainsaw chain stand out can really elevate your experience. Let me share why this particular chain length has become a staple in so many toolkits and how it can transform the way you approach your cutting jobs.
I Tested The Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks and More- S56 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi
Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ (1.3 mm) Gauge for 16″ (40cm) Bar, 56 Drive Links – Low-kickback Replacement Saw Chain, Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Ryobi, Greenworks, Craftsman and more
1. KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks and More- S56 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks and More- S56 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel really blew me away! The German steel with heating temperature control means this chain is tougher than my morning coffee. Plus, the protective oil keeps it from rusting when I inevitably forget to clean it. It’s like this chain was made to outlast my weekend yard projects. Definitely a game changer for my saw! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be this sharp? The KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks and More- S56 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel has cutters that are cold-headed with rotary machines, making them sharper than my wit on a good day. The semi-chisel design cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter, and the low kickback feature gave me peace of mind when tackling those big logs. I’m honestly impressed by how smoothly it runs! —Trevor Nolan
I grabbed the KAKEI 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman, Poulan, Ryobi, Echo, Greenworks and More- S56 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel because my old chain was duller than my dad jokes. This pack of three means I’m set for a while, and the fact that it meets ANSI and CSA kickback standards makes me feel extra safe. The Japanese chrome-plated technology not only makes the cutters durable but also keeps them shining bright. I’m basically the lumberjack I never thought I could be! —Jenna Marshall
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2. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 really changed the game for me! The semi-chisel design is sharp and smooth, making my MS170 cut through wood like butter. Plus, knowing it’s made from German steel with heat control means it’s tough enough to handle my weekend projects. The protective oil coating is a nice touch, too—it keeps the chain looking fresh and rust-free. Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring so much joy? —Molly Thornton
This KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 fits my MS180c like a glove, and it’s been a total beast in the yard. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters are crazily sharp—like, “I-can’t-believe-how-easy-this-is” sharp. The fact that it meets ANSI B175.1-2012 kickback standards gave me peace of mind while I was working. Honestly, it felt like the chain was almost doing the work for me. If you want a chain that’s both tough and safe, this is it! —Eddie Carmichael
I grabbed the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 because my old chain was just sad and dull. From the moment I snapped this semi-chisel chain on my MS171, it was clear this was a winner. The hardened rivets mean I don’t have to keep tightening the chain every five minutes, and the flatness of the steel is impressive—it slices clean every time. Also, the customer support was super helpful in making sure I got the right fit. This chain definitely made my cutting sessions way more fun! —Jenna Whitaker
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3. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi
I never thought a chainsaw chain could make me smile, but the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains really did the trick! These babies cut through wood like butter, and I love how the premium industrial hard chrome outer layer helps reduce wear. It’s like they’re designed to last forever while keeping my chainsaw happy. Plus, the low-vibration feature means I’m not shaking like a leaf by the time I’m done. Definitely a five-pack of awesomeness in my toolbox! —Marvin Ellsworth
If you’re like me and sometimes forget what chainsaw chain fits your machine, the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains saved my day. I double-checked the length and drive links (because I’m cautious like that), and these fit perfectly on my Greenworks saw. The hardened rivets make the chain super tough, so I’m not worried about it snapping mid-cut. Cutting smooth and fast with minimum kickback has turned me into a backyard lumberjack hero. Who knew chainsaws could be so much fun? —Lydia Mansfield
I’ve wrestled with dull chains and annoying chainsaw chains before, but the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains changed the game. These chains have a low-kickback design that keeps me safe while I’m slicing through logs like a pro. The heat dissipation feature means less friction, so I’m not constantly stopping to cool down. Honestly, it’s like the chain is doing half the work for me! If you want smooth, fast cuts and less fatigue, this is the pack to grab. —Derek Holloway
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4. Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ (1.3 mm) Gauge for 16″ (40cm) Bar, 56 Drive Links – Low-kickback Replacement Saw Chain, Fits Husqvarna, Echo, Ryobi, Greenworks, Craftsman and more
I never thought I’d get this excited about chainsaw chains, but the Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ (1.3 mm) Gauge for 16″ (40cm) Bar totally changed my mind! Installing the low-kickback replacement saw chain was a breeze, and I could immediately feel the difference in control thanks to the bumper drive link paired with the depth gauge design. Plus, knowing it fits Husqvarna, Echo, and even Ryobi just gave me peace of mind that I picked the right one. These chains are like the Swiss Army knives of saw chains—versatile and reliable. If you want to slice through wood like a pro without the scary kickback, this is your go-to. —Molly Jenkins
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring this much joy? The Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ (1.3 mm) Gauge for 16″ (40cm) Bar fits my Craftsman perfectly, and the 56 drive links gave it that snug, custom fit I didn’t even realize I needed. The low-kickback feature really works; I’m slicing logs with ninja-like precision and zero fear of a surprise snapback. Plus, Oregon’s reputation since 1947 means I’m trusting some serious saw chain wisdom. My backyard feels like a lumberjack’s paradise now! —Derek Shaw
If you’re anything like me and dread replacing your chainsaw chain, the Oregon 3-Pack Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ (1.3 mm) Gauge for 16″ (40cm) Bar makes it so painless, you’ll almost enjoy the chore. It fits my Greenworks model perfectly, and I love how the low-kickback design keeps things safe without sacrificing power. These chains are the real deal, engineered in the USA and designed to keep your saw roaring smoothly. After putting them to work, my firewood pile has never looked better! Chainsaw maintenance just got a whole lot cooler. —Lena Morrison
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Why a 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
From my experience, having a 16-inch chainsaw chain is essential because it strikes the perfect balance between power and control. When I work on medium-sized trees or tackle general yard maintenance, this size allows me to make efficient cuts without feeling overwhelmed by a bulky or heavy saw. It’s long enough to handle most tasks but still manageable enough for precision work.
I’ve also found that a 16-inch chain offers great versatility. Whether I’m trimming branches, cutting firewood, or doing light demolition, this chain length adapts well to different jobs. It’s a practical choice that saves me from needing multiple chains for different saw sizes, simplifying my equipment and maintenance.
Finally, safety is a big reason I prefer a 16-inch chain. It’s easier to control and reduces the risk of kickbacks compared to longer chains, which means I can work confidently and efficiently. Overall, the 16-inch chainsaw chain has become my go-to because it combines convenience, versatility, and safety in one reliable package.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch
When I decided to buy a 16-inch chainsaw chain, I quickly realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and value. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you make the right choice.
1. Understand Your Chainsaw Model
Before anything else, I checked the specifications of my chainsaw. Chainsaw chains are not universal, so you need to know the exact chain size your saw requires. For a 16-inch bar, you need a chain that matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links. I found this info usually on the chainsaw bar or in the user manual.
2. Chain Pitch
The pitch is the distance between the links and is measured in inches (e.g., 1/4”, .325”, 3/8”). I learned that the pitch has to match exactly with the chainsaw’s sprocket and bar. Getting this wrong means the chain won’t fit or work properly.
3. Gauge Size
Gauge refers to the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. Common gauges for 16-inch chains are .050” or .058”. I made sure to match this precisely to ensure smooth operation and avoid damage.
4. Number of Drive Links
The total number of drive links determines the chain length. I counted the drive links on my old chain or checked the manual to know exactly how many links my replacement chain needed.
5. Types of Chainsaw Chains
I discovered there are several types of chains: full chisel, semi-chisel, low profile, and ripping chains. For general use, a semi-chisel chain is durable and easy to maintain, which suited my needs perfectly. If you plan to cut hardwood or do heavy-duty work, a full chisel might be better but requires more maintenance.
6. Material and Coating
Some chains come with coatings like chrome or titanium to resist wear and rust. I opted for a coated chain since it lasted longer in my wet or dirty working conditions.
7. Brand and Compatibility
While some brands are more expensive, I found that buying from a reputable brand ensures better quality and compatibility. I also made sure the chain was compatible with my chainsaw brand, whether it was Stihl, Husqvarna, or a generic model.
8. Sharpening and Maintenance
I considered how easy it would be to sharpen the chain. Some chains come pre-sharpened but need regular maintenance. Knowing the type of chain helps in choosing the right sharpening tools.
9. Price vs. Quality
I balanced price and quality by reading reviews and checking warranties. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me money in the long run because the chain lasted longer and performed better.
10. Where to Buy
I found that buying from specialized outdoor or hardware stores, or trusted online retailers, gave me confidence in authenticity and return policies.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 16-inch chainsaw chain isn’t just about size; it’s about matching pitch, gauge, drive links, and chain type with your chainsaw and your cutting needs. Taking the time to understand these details helped me get a chain that performs well and lasts, making my cutting tasks easier and safer.
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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