Best Chainsaw Chain for Ripping Logs: 5 Milling Chains Compared

Finding the best chainsaw chain for ripping logs comes down to matching your guide bar length, drive link count, pitch and gauge to a dedicated ripping cutter profile. Unlike standard cross-cut chains that sever wood fibers across the grain for firewood, a ripping chain uses specialized cutter geometry to slice along the grain for milling smooth slabs and boards. This guide compares five chainsaw chains for ripping logs across 20-inch, 24-inch and 36-inch setups, evaluating drive link counts, steel specifications, stated vibration reduction and manufacturer warranty coverage.

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Compare the picks

Model	Woodlot Score	Bar / length	Drive links	Pitch and gauge	Cutter type	Warranty (stated)
Oregon 72RD084G	8.6/10	27.2 in (listed)	84	3/8 in, .050 in	Ripping chain	Not stated
8TEN 24″ Ripping	7.5/10	24 in	84	3/8 in, .050 in	Ripping (full chisel in table)	810 days
Oregon 72RD072G	7.5/10	20 in (1 in in table)	72	3/8 in, .050 in	Ripping chain	Not stated
KAKEI 36″ Ripping	7.5/10	36 in	114	3/8 in, .063 in	Semi-chisel ripping	Not stated
Archer 24″ Ripping	7.0/10	24 in	84	3/8 in, .050 in	Semi-chisel	Not stated

Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 9 October 2026. Weights and dimensions are as listed in product specifications. Only one of these listings states a concrete warranty term.

The picks

How we scored them

Each chain is scored out of 100 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. The weights are on our How We Pick page.

Product	Woodlot Score	Perf. /35	Build /25	Value /25	Safety /10	Warranty /5
Oregon 72RD084G	8.6	33	22	22	n/a	0
8TEN 24″ Ripping	7.5	28	16	20	n/a	3
Oregon 72RD072G	7.5	30	19	21	n/a	0
KAKEI 36″ Ripping	7.5	29	20	20	n/a	0
Archer 24″ Ripping	7.0	27	18	19	n/a	0

Scores run from 0 to 10. Safety counts only for powered gear or where the listing states safety features; where it does not apply, the score is taken over the remaining 90 points.

Buying guide: choosing the best chainsaw chain for ripping logs

Ripping chain vs cross-cut chain

A standard chainsaw chain is designed for cross-cutting, where cutter teeth sever wood fibers across the grain to buck firewood logs. Ripping cuts run parallel to the wood grain, slicing long ribbons of wood rather than small chips. Running a standard cross-cut chain in a chainsaw mill produces rough surfaces, bogs the powerhead and creates excessive heat. A dedicated ripping chain features modified cutter geometry designed specifically for chain-type sawmills, creating smoother boards with less strain on the saw.

Understanding pitch, gauge and drive links

Before ordering any replacement chain, you must verify three critical specifications stamped on your guide bar: pitch, gauge and drive link count. Pitch represents the spacing between drive links, with 3/8 in being the size shared across all five picks. Gauge measures the thickness of the drive link that rides inside the guide bar groove, listed as .050 in or .063 in on these models. The drive link count is the exact number of drive links that fit your bar length and drive sprocket, covering 72, 84 and 114 links among these models. A chain with an incorrect drive link count will not fit your guide bar safely.

Cutter profiles: standard sequence and semi-chisel

Ripping chains in this comparison feature either standard sequence chassis with factory ripping grinds or semi-chisel cutter profiles. Standard sequence ripping chains, like Oregon 72RD, use standard chassis components with cutters ground specifically for slabbing along the grain. Semi-chisel cutters feature rounded working corners that hold their edge longer when milling dirty or gritty bark. The choice depends on whether you value smooth planed surfaces or edge retention in tough logs.

Sawmill setup, bar length and power requirements

Ripping along the log grain requires substantially more sustained power than bucking firewood. Chainsaw milling puts continuous load on the engine, guide bar and chain. For 20 in and 24 in guide bars, mid-size to large powerheads are typically used, while massive 36 in setups require heavy-duty powerheads capable of pulling 114 drive links through wide logs. Auxiliary bar oilers or pressurized oil delivery are frequently added to chain sawmills to keep the chain cool during extended slabbing passes.

Milling safety and kickback awareness

Ripping chains do not comply with low kickback performance standards. Because cutter teeth are ground to slice wood parallel to the grain, the kickback zone at the bar nose presents significant risk. Manufacturers explicitly state that ripping chains are designed for chain-type sawmills and are not recommended for hand-held cutting. Always operate within an approved chainsaw mill frame. Essential protective equipment includes chainsaw chaps, a safety helmet with face screen and hearing protection, heavy-duty gloves and steel-toe boots. Never operate a chainsaw mill alone, and consult the OSHA logging safety guidelines for best practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is chainsaw chain pitch and gauge?

Pitch is the distance between the drive links of the chain, commonly 3/8 in for heavy-duty and milling chains. Gauge is the measured thickness of the drive link tang that rides inside the guide bar slot, such as .050 in or .063 in. Both numbers must match your chainsaw guide bar and drive sprocket precisely.

How to choose the correct chainsaw chain for ripping logs?

First, check the side stamp on your guide bar or consult your saw manual for the exact pitch, gauge and drive link count. Next, select a chain specifically labeled as a ripping chain or designed for chain-type sawmills. Standard cross-cut chains should not be used for slabbing lumber, as they produce rough finishes and excessive motor strain.

Why does my chainsaw chain keep loosening when milling?

Ripping logs generates continuous friction and heat along the entire guide bar, causing the metal chassis and drive links to expand. In addition, new chains experience rivet bedding during initial use. Always verify that your bar oiler is functioning properly, keep chain tension snug before starting a pass, and allow the chain to cool before readjusting tension.

How to replace a chainsaw chain on a milling bar?

Loosen the bar nuts and release the chain tensioner on your chainsaw powerhead. Remove the clutch cover, lift the old chain off the drive sprocket and guide bar, and clean sawdust from the bar groove. Loop the new ripping chain over the sprocket and around the bar nose, ensuring the cutter edges face forward along the top of the bar. Reinstall the clutch cover, adjust the tension screw until the tie straps touch the bottom of the bar rail, and torque the bar nuts securely.

Can you use a ripping chain for cross cutting firewood?

No. Ripping chains are specifically engineered for cutting parallel to the wood grain on sawmills. Using a ripping chain to cross-cut firewood results in very slow cutting speeds, rough cuts and increased kickback hazard. Keep dedicated cross-cut chains for bucking firewood rounds.

Related guides

Explore our complete coverage of cutting equipment on the chainsaw gear hub and the main chainsaws section, or browse high-powered gas chainsaws and the best heavy duty gas chainsaws for milling setups. To mount your ripping chain, read our guide to the best portable chainsaw lumber mills. Keep your cutters sharp between slabbing passes with the best chainsaw sharpener. If you need standard cross-cut chains for cutting firewood rounds rather than slabbing, see our roundups of the best chainsaw chains, the best chainsaw chain for hardwood, and the best chainsaw chain for professional use, as well as bar-specific picks including the best 18 inch chainsaw chain and the best 16 inch chainsaw chain.

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