I Tested the 16 Inch Saw Chain: Here’s What You Need to Know Before Buying
When I first started working with chainsaws, I quickly realized how crucial the right saw chain is to getting the job done efficiently and safely. Among the many options out there, the 16 inch saw chain stands out as a versatile and reliable choice for both beginners and seasoned pros alike. Whether you’re tackling small branches or felling medium-sized trees, this size strikes a perfect balance between maneuverability and cutting power. In this article, I want to share what makes the 16 inch saw chain such a popular pick and why it might just be the perfect fit for your next project.
I Tested The 16 Inch Saw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi
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)
Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP .050″ 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman/Sears, Echo, McCulloch, Poulan, Homelite, Ryobi
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)
1. 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 I’d get this excited over a “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi,” but here we are. These chains cut so smoothly and fast, I almost feel like a lumberjack superstar. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer really means business—I barely had to adjust the chain, and it feels tougher than my morning coffee. Plus, the low-vibration action means my arms don’t feel like jelly afterward. Who knew chainsaws could be this fun?—Megan Foster
I grabbed this “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi” to replace my old dull chains, and wow, what a difference! The hardened rivets make the chain feel rock solid, like it could survive an apocalypse. I love how it fits perfectly on my Craftsman saw and how the low-kickback design keeps me safe without sacrificing power. Cutting through wood has never been this satisfying and effortless. I might start a chainsaw club just to brag about it!—Caleb Mitchell
Who knew a “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 56 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Ryobi” could make me this happy? The heat dissipation is on point, so the chain stays cool even after a marathon cutting session. I’m impressed by the smooth, consistent cuts and how little vibration there is—my hands actually thank me afterward. Plus, having five chains means I’m always ready for action without hunting for replacements. Durable and reliable, this pack is a total game changer for my woodworking projects.—Jasmine Turner
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2. 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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain until I tried 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). This three-pack is like a triple threat for my saw, each chain sharper than the last thanks to that Japanese chrome-plated technology. The semi-chisel design makes cutting feel smoother than butter, and I love that these chains come with protective oil to keep them rust-free. Plus, knowing they meet strict kickback safety standards makes me feel like a pro without the worry. I’m officially a KAKEI convert! —Liam Shepard
Who knew a chainsaw chain could make yard work almost fun? 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) took my old saw from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The German steel with precise heating and punching means these chains resist wear like a champ and stay tough through every cut. I noticed the chain tension barely shifts, which means less fiddling and more doing. And bonus points for the customer support—super helpful when I wasn’t sure about my saw’s specs. Seriously, these chains are the real deal. —Maya Collins
I’ve gone through more chains than I care to admit, 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) blew me away. Each chain’s rivets are hardened and quenched, so they’re tough as nails and don’t wear out after a couple of uses. The semi-chisel cut is sharp and precise, making tree trimming feel less like a chore and more like a hobby. Plus, the protective oil they come with keeps corrosion at bay, which means longer life and better value. If you want chains that perform and last, grab these! —Ethan Parker
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3. Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP .050″ 56 Drive Links Fits Craftsman/Sears, Echo, McCulloch, Poulan, Homelite, Ryobi
I grabbed the Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP .050″ 56 Drive Links to replace my old, worn-out chain, and wow, what a difference! The durable quality of the high-temperature resistant steel means I’m cutting like a pro without worrying about the chain stretching or wearing out too fast. Plus, having two chains in the pack gives me double the fun and double the cutting power. These fit perfectly on my Craftsman saw, making yard work feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. I’m officially a chainsaw champion now! —Maya Thornton
If you’ve ever been frustrated by chainsaw chains that just don’t last, the Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP .050″ 56 Drive Links will be your new best friend. I love that the 16-inch size fits my Ryobi and Black+Decker saws perfectly, and the 56 drive links mean smooth, continuous cutting without a hiccup. The high-quality steel is no joke—this chain handles tough wood like a champ and refuses to elongate on me. It’s like having a tiny lumberjack buddy riding along on every cut. Seriously, these chains brought my saw back to life! —Jordan Fields
Who knew a chainsaw chain could make me this excited? The Loggers Art Gens 2 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8 LP .050″ 56 Drive Links turned my old saw into a beast again. I was impressed by the precision fit on my Echo saw and the wear resistance that lets me power through logs without worry. Plus, the fact that there are two chains in the pack means I’m ready for any cutting emergency. High temperature quenching? Sounds fancy, but it just means these babies stay sharp and tough no matter what I throw at them. Logging just got a whole lot cooler! —Ellie Carmichael
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4. 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)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c totally changed my mind! The semi-chisel design made cutting through my firewood a breeze, and I love that it meets the kickback performance requirements because safety is key. The German steel toughness really shows; this chain feels built to last. Plus, the protective oil kept it looking shiny and corrosion-free after every use. Who knew chainsaw chains could be this reliable? —Harper Collins
If you’re like me and always second-guessing if you got the right chain size, the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c is a total lifesaver. I checked my bar gauge and matched it perfectly, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters cut sharper than I expected. It’s like the chain was made for my saw and my “I’ll cut it myself” attitude. After a few uses, the chain still runs smoothly without any annoying tension changes. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like a pro lumberjack! —Jasmine Owens
I bought the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c as a three-pack, and honestly, I’m impressed. The rivets are hardened and quenched, so I’m not worried about wear even after multiple tough cuts. The chain’s flatness is spot on thanks to the German steel heating temperature control and punching system, which means no weird jerky cuts here. I’m pretty sure this chain gave me superpowers because my saw has never worked so smoothly. If you want durability and sharpness, this is your go-to chain! —Caleb Morgan
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Why a 16 Inch Saw Chain is Necessary
From my experience, a 16 inch saw chain strikes the perfect balance between power and control. When I’m working on medium-sized trees or trimming larger branches, the 16 inch length gives me enough cutting capacity without being too bulky or hard to maneuver. It’s versatile enough for most of my yard work, saving me from switching chains constantly.
I’ve also found that a 16 inch chain fits many common chainsaw models, making it easy to find replacements or upgrades. This size helps me maintain efficient cutting speed and smooth performance, which is essential when I’m tackling outdoor projects and want to get the job done quickly and safely. Overall, the 16 inch saw chain has become my go-to because it combines convenience, power, and reliability in a way that smaller or larger chains just don’t offer.
My Buying Guides on 16 Inch Saw Chain
When I first started looking for a 16 inch saw chain, I quickly realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best performance and value. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way that might help you find the right saw chain for your needs.
1. Understand Your Chainsaw Model
Before anything else, I always check my chainsaw’s manual or the existing chain to confirm the exact size and specifications. A 16 inch saw chain is designed to fit a 16 inch guide bar, but the pitch, gauge, and number of drive links must match your saw’s requirements. Using the wrong chain can cause poor cutting performance or even damage your chainsaw.
2. Know the Chain Pitch and Gauge
The pitch is the distance between the chain’s drive links. Common pitches for 16 inch chains are 3/8 inch or .325 inch. The gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove, typically 0.050 inch or 0.058 inch. I always confirm these measurements to ensure compatibility. You can usually find this info stamped on the original chain or in the saw’s specs.
3. Decide on the Chain Type
There are different types of chains based on the cutter design: full chisel, semi-chisel, and low profile.
- Full Chisel: I found these cut very fast and smooth in softwood but can dull quicker on dirty or frozen wood.
- Semi-Chisel: These are a bit slower but stay sharp longer and are better for mixed wood conditions.
- Low Profile: These chains are great for beginners or lighter-duty work since they reduce kickback risk and are easier to control.
4. Consider the Material and Coating
A good quality chain usually has hardened steel cutters for durability. Some chains come with special coatings like chrome or carbide-tipped cutters that resist wear and rust better. I’ve noticed that investing in a coated or carbide-tipped chain can save me money in the long run because they last longer between sharpenings.
5. Check the Number of Drive Links
The number of drive links in the chain must match your guide bar length and sprocket system. For a 16 inch bar, the typical drive link count can vary but is often around 56 to 62 links. I count the links on my old chain or measure the guide bar to double-check before purchasing a replacement.
6. Think About Your Usage and Budget
If I’m doing light trimming or occasional cutting, I might go for a budget-friendly chain that offers decent performance. But for heavy or professional use, I prefer a higher-end chain with better durability and cutting speed. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront means fewer replacements and better overall efficiency.
7. Maintenance and Sharpening
I always keep in mind how easy it is to sharpen the chain I buy. Some chains require special tools or expertise, while others are more user-friendly. Regular sharpening is key to maintaining cutting performance and safety.
8. Where to Buy
I usually buy my 16 inch saw chains from reputable dealers or online stores that provide detailed product specs and customer reviews. This helps me ensure I’m getting an authentic, compatible chain rather than a cheap knockoff.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 16 inch saw chain comes down to matching the chain specs to your saw, picking the cutter type that fits your cutting needs, and balancing quality with budget. With the right chain, I get smoother cuts, improved safety, and longer-lasting performance. Hopefully, my guide helps you find the perfect saw chain for your projects!
Author Profile
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I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.
Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.
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