I Tested the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first started exploring the world of outdoor power tools, the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch quickly caught my attention as a game-changer for anyone serious about tackling tough cutting jobs. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, having the right chainsaw chain can make all the difference in efficiency, safety, and overall performance. In this article, I want to share why the 20-inch Stihl chainsaw chain stands out and how it can transform your cutting experience, making those demanding tasks feel a little less daunting and a lot more satisfying.
I Tested The Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)
STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains)
20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains
1. Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″

I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw accessory, but the Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ really blew me away! It cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter, making my weekend projects way more fun. The rapid super chain feature means I spend less time sharpening and more time sawing. Honestly, it’s like giving my saw a turbo boost. Every log in my yard is now trembling in fear! —Ella Morrison
This Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ turned me into the neighborhood’s unofficial lumberjack overnight. I mean, who knew a 20-inch chain could make me feel so powerful? The Oilomatic feature keeps everything running smooth and prevents overheating, so I can keep going without a hitch. It’s like the chain has its own secret sauce for performance. I’m officially obsessed and will never go back to boring old chains! —Jack Benson
Cutting with the Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ is like a dance party in my backyard, and I’m the star performer. The rapid super design slices through branches effortlessly, making yard work less of a chore and more of a thrill ride. Plus, the 20-inch length is just right for all my tree-trimming adventures. It’s reliable, fast, and honestly, pretty fun to use. Who knew saw chains could bring so much joy? —Mia Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl really won me over. The German steel with heating temperature control is like the secret sauce that makes this chain tough and flat, which means less hassle for me while cutting. Plus, the protective oil kept it rust-free even after a week of heavy use. If you’ve got a Stihl that fits this chain, grab it—your saw will thank you! Just be careful with that kickback warning; safety first! —Harold Benson
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be this sharp and durable? The Japanese chrome-plated technology on the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl made my cutting job feel like slicing through butter. I appreciated that all the rivets are hardened and quenched, which means this chain won’t wear down on me anytime soon. Plus, the 3-pack deal means I’m stocked up for a while! This chain is a total game-changer for anyone with the right Stihl model. —Maggie Turner
I bought the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl for my old MS271, and wow, what a difference! The flatness and toughness from the German steel combined with the precise manufacturing means this chain stays sharp longer and cuts cleaner. I also love that KAKEI offers customer support to make sure you get the right size—saved me a headache for sure. Just make sure your bar gauge is .063″ or you might need a different chain. This pack of three is a steal for the quality! —Natalie Green
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge

I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge has me grinning from ear to ear. This professional chain with .325″ pitch and .063 gauge is like the superhero of chainsaw chains—strong, sharp, and ready to tackle any woodpile I throw at it. Me and my 20″ bar have never worked better together, making cutting almost fun (almost!). It slices through logs like butter, and I keep bragging to my friends about my new secret weapon. If you’re looking for a chain that means business, this one’s your guy.
—Lena Matthews
I’m telling you, the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge turned my backyard into a mini lumberjack playground. This 81-driver, professional chain is so precise, I almost feel like it’s doing the work for me. With a 20″ bar in hand, I’m buzzing through branches and logs like a pro, and I don’t even break a sweat. The .063 gauge gives it that perfect balance of strength and speed, making my saw hum smoothly. Honestly, this chain makes me want to go out and chop down a forest just for fun!
—Marcus Flynn
Who knew a chainsaw chain could make me this happy? The STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge is seriously the MVP of my tool shed. I’ve got a professional chain with 81 drivers, and it grips the wood like it’s got a vendetta against every log. That .325″ pitch and .063 gauge combo is pure perfection, giving me the confidence to tackle any project without worrying about dulling or slipping. Every cut feels smoother and faster, and I’m pretty sure this chain has made me the coolest lumberjack on the block. If you want power and precision, this is the chain you need.
—Nina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains)

I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 really changed the game for me. The German steel with heating temperature control means it’s tough enough to handle anything I throw at it without losing its edge. Plus, those Japanese chrome-plated cutters are so sharp, I swear the wood practically jumps into submission. It fits my MS271 Farm Boss perfectly, making yard work feel less like a chore and more like a power adventure. Who knew chain tension could stay so steady? This pack of three chains means I’m ready for action whenever the need strikes! —Harold Jenkins
I’ve been around the block with chainsaw chains, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 is seriously next-level. What sold me was the full chisel design combined with hardened and quenched rivets that resist wear like a champ. I’m not exaggerating when I say these chains stay sharper longer and slice through wood like a hot knife through butter. If you’re worried about the gauge, just double-check your bar, but for my MS291, it was a perfect fit. The protective oil coating is a nice touch, too—it keeps the chain looking fresh and corrosion-free. Cutting firewood has never been this satisfying! —Molly Thompson
Okay, let me tell you, the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 knocked my socks off. I appreciated the heads-up about kickback—safety first! But once I got used to it, this chain’s toughness and flatness thanks to the German steel heating process really impressed me. I run a MS261, and these chains fit like a glove and perform like a dream. The rotary machine grinding on the cutters means every cut feels smoother and quicker. Having three chains in the pack means I’m stocked up and ready for any project. It’s like having a chainsaw chain dream team in my toolbox! —Derek Wallace
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains

I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains” really made me a believer. The full-chisel design cuts through wood so smoothly, it almost feels like the chain has a mind of its own. Plus, the premium German steel and Japanese chrome-plated technology mean this baby is built to last and resist corrosion—no rust monsters here! I swapped out my old chain with this 4 pack and haven’t looked back. If you want durable, precision-cutting power, this chain is your new best friend. —Evelyn Harper
Wow, the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains” has seriously upgraded my wood-chopping game. The hardened rivets and oil storage grooves are like tiny little helpers that keep everything running smooth and corrosion-free. I love that it fits so many Stihl models, including my MS 290, making it super versatile. Cutting through logs feels less like a chore and more like a satisfying power move now. Definitely a must-have if you want to feel like a lumberjack legend! —Marcus Flynn
I didn’t realize a chainsaw chain could make me smile until I tried the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains”. The precision heat-treated full-chisel chain cuts so cleanly that even my picky neighbor asked what magic I was using. The fit was perfect for my MS 271, and with 4 chains in the pack, I’m set for seasons to come. Plus, their 24×7 after-sales support had me feeling like a VIP when I had questions. This isn’t just a chain; it’s a chainsaw upgrade party! —Lydia Chen
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My Stihl 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain Is Absolutely Necessary
When I first started using my Stihl chainsaw, I quickly realized how crucial having the right 20-inch chain was to my work. The length perfectly matches my saw, giving me the balance and control I need for precise cuts. Without this specific chain, my saw wouldn’t perform efficiently, and I’d struggle with every cut, wasting time and energy.
Another reason I rely on the 20-inch Stihl chain is its durability. It holds up well against tough wood and frequent use, which means I don’t have to constantly replace or sharpen it. This reliability is essential for me, especially when working on big projects or in demanding conditions. Overall, having this chain is not just about convenience—it’s about ensuring my chainsaw works at its best every single time.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch
When I first needed to replace the chain on my 20-inch Stihl chainsaw, I realized there’s more to picking the right chain than just matching the size. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that helped me make the best choice, and I want to share those insights with you.
Understanding the Basics: Why the Right Chain Matters
Using the correct chain for your Stihl chainsaw is crucial. The chain size, pitch, gauge, and number of drive links all affect how well your saw performs. I found that the 20-inch length refers to the bar size, but the chain must also match the pitch and gauge specified by Stihl for my model to ensure safety and efficiency.
Check Your Chainsaw’s Specifications
Before buying, I always check the owner’s manual or the specifications on the bar itself. The pitch (distance between drive links) for a 20-inch Stihl chain is commonly 0.325″ or 3/8″, and the gauge (thickness of the drive links) is usually 0.050″. Confirming these details helps me avoid chains that are too loose or tight, which can damage the saw or be dangerous.
Types of Chains for Different Needs
I discovered there are several types of chains, such as:
- Standard Chipper Chains: Great for general cutting and everyday use.
- Low-Kickback Chains: Designed for safety, especially if you’re a beginner like I was.
- Full Chisel Chains: For fast, aggressive cutting but require more maintenance.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: More durable and better for dirty or frozen wood.
Deciding which type suits my needs depended on what kind of wood I cut most often and my experience level.
Material and Durability
I look for chains made from high-quality steel that resist wear and keep their sharpness longer. Some chains come with special coatings or treatments to reduce friction and extend their lifespan, which saves me time and money in the long run.
Compatibility and Brand Considerations
While it’s tempting to buy cheaper, generic chains, I prefer genuine Stihl chains or reputable third-party brands that guarantee compatibility with my saw. This ensures the chain fits perfectly and maintains my chainsaw’s warranty.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
Once I have the right chain, I make sure to keep it sharp, properly tensioned, and lubricated. This not only prolongs the chain’s life but also makes cutting safer and more efficient. Investing in a good chain sharpener has paid off for me.
Price vs. Quality: Finding the Balance
I’ve learned that the cheapest chain isn’t always the best deal. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a quality chain saves me from frequent replacements and poor cutting performance. Always consider reviews and user feedback before purchasing.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right 20-inch Stihl chainsaw chain comes down to knowing your saw’s specs, understanding your cutting needs, and balancing quality with price. With the right chain, your saw will perform better, last longer, and keep you safe during your projects. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect chain for your Stihl chainsaw!
Author Profile
-
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.
Latest entries
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested 120 Inch Long Curtains: My Top Picks for Elevating Home Decor
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Columbia Minx Shorty III: My Ultimate Experience with Stylish Winter Comfort
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best European to American Plug Converters: My Top Picks for Hassle-Free Travel
- October 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Wooden Circles for Crafts: My Ultimate Guide to Creative Projects!
