Best Low Kickback Chainsaw Chain (2026)

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Specifications are manufacturer rated, collected 21 October 2026. Only one of these listings states a warranty term.

How we scored them

Each chain is scored out of 10 on performance, build, value, safety and warranty, using only what the listing publishes. A stated ANSI kickback requirement earns full safety points; a stated low kickback design earns most of them.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.

What the listings tell you

We read four chainsaw chain listings. Two are Husqvarna OEM chains in .325 pitch, one 16 in semi-chisel and one 18 in low profile. One is a 2-pack of aftermarket 18 in chains in 3/8 LP pitch, and one is a 10 in Makita chain for small saws. Drive link counts run 39, 62, 66 and 72. All four are low kickback designs, one states an ANSI kickback performance requirement, and only one states a warranty term, 90 days. Listed weights run 2.08 oz for the 10 in Makita to 9.6 oz for the two Husqvarna chains.

Buying guide: the best low kickback chainsaw chain

Match pitch, gauge and drive links

A chain must match the bar on three numbers: pitch, gauge and drive link count. The two Husqvarna chains here are .325 pitch and .050 gauge, with 72 drive links on the 18 in chain and 66 on the 16 in. The Fifchall and Makita chains are 3/8 LP pitch and .050 gauge, with 62 and 39 drive links. Check the numbers stamped on your old chain or in the saw manual; a chain with the wrong pitch or gauge will not run right, and the wrong drive link count will not fit the bar at all. Gauge is the thickness of the drive links that ride in the bar groove: all four listings here are .050, the common homeowner gauge. Pitch is the spacing between cutters: .325 on the two Husqvarna chains, 3/8 LP on the Fifchall and Makita. These two families do not interchange, so buy the pitch your bar and sprocket are made for.

What low kickback means

Kickback happens when the cutters at the bar tip grab too aggressively. Low kickback chains add guard links and shaped depth gauges that limit how deep each cutter bites, so the chain feeds smoothly instead of grabbing. All four listings here are low kickback designs, and the Fifchall listing goes further, stating the chain met the kickback performance requirement of ANSI standards. That ANSI requirement is the industry kickback benchmark for chains. Low kickback reduces the risk; it does not remove it, so chaps, gloves, a helmet with face protection and good stance still matter. The bar tip is the kickback zone: keep it out of the wood when you can, and never cut with the tip buried unless you know bore cutting. A sharp chain also kicks less than a dull one, because you push less and the cutters bite evenly.

Semi-chisel vs low profile

Cutter shape decides how the chain cuts and how it sharpens. The Husqvarna 16 in chain is semi-chisel: rounded cutters that stay sharp longer and are easy to file, a good match for firewood with dirt and bark in it. The other three are low profile chains, slimmer cutters made for smaller saws that cut smoothly with less vibration. Full chisel chains cut fastest but dull quickly in dirty wood and kick harder; none of these are full chisel, which suits the safety-first brief. For firewood, semi-chisel is the easy recommendation: it tolerates bark, dirt and the occasional nail, and a round file brings it back quickly. Low profile chains suit smaller saws where smooth, low-vibration cutting matters more than raw speed.

Chain length and bar size

Chain length follows bar length: 18 in chains for 18 in bars, 16 for 16, 10 for 10. The Makita 10 in chain is made for small saws and pole saws, specifically the Makita EY401MP and EY2650H25H. Do not put a longer chain on a shorter bar or vice versa; the drive link count ties the two together, and the listings here give you 72, 66, 62 and 39 links to match. If you are buying a spare, match the chain already on the saw: same length, same pitch, same gauge, same drive link count. Keep the spare in the truck so a rocked chain does not end the workday.

OEM vs aftermarket chains

Two chains here are Husqvarna OEM, made for Husqvarna saws, and the Makita is OEM for two Makita models. The Fifchall 2-pack is aftermarket, listing compatibility across Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more. OEM chains cost more per chain but guarantee the fit; aftermarket packs like the Fifchall give you two chains and the strongest stated kickback credential here. Either way, verify the pitch, gauge and drive link count against your saw before ordering. A 2-pack like the Fifchall also means you always have a sharp spare ready, which matters on a cutting day far from the shop.

When to replace the chain

A dull chain makes dust instead of chips, needs pushing to cut, and pulls to one side. The Husqvarna 16 in listing notes its semi-chisel chain stays sharp longer and is easy to file, which postpones replacement. When the cutters are filed down to the witness marks or the chain has stretched past adjustment, replace it; a fresh low kickback chain is cheaper than a tired saw. Check tension before each session: a chain that sags off the bar or climbs the drive sprocket needs adjusting or replacing, and running it loose accelerates bar wear.

Keep chains sharp with the best chainsaw sharpener, and compare cutter styles in low profile vs standard chainsaw chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the safest chainsaw chain?

A low kickback chain on a saw with a working chain brake, used with chaps, gloves and a helmet. All four chains here are low kickback designs, and the Fifchall states it met the ANSI kickback performance requirement. No chain makes a saw safe by itself. Pair the chain with a sharp file routine: a sharp chain needs less pushing, and less pushing means less kickback.

Can I put a low kickback chain on any chainsaw?

If the pitch, gauge and drive link count match your bar, yes. The Husqvarna chains are .325 pitch for Husqvarna saws, while the Fifchall 3/8 LP chain lists compatibility with Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more. Check the saw manual before swapping.

Do low kickback chains cut slower?

A little. The guard links and depth gauges that tame kickback also limit the bite, so a low kickback chain feeds more gently than a full chisel chain. For firewood, the trade is worth it: smooth, controlled cutting with less fatigue.

How do I know my chain size?

Read the numbers off the old chain or the bar: pitch, gauge and drive link count. The listings here show the format: 18 in, .325 pitch, .050 gauge, 72 drive links. When in doubt, count the drive links and measure the pitch across three rivets.

How often should I sharpen a chainsaw chain?

Every tank of fuel or two for firewood cutting, or whenever the saw makes dust instead of chips. See our guide on how often to sharpen a chainsaw chain.

Can I sharpen a low kickback chain myself?

Yes. The Husqvarna 16 in listing notes its semi-chisel chain is easy to file and stays sharp longer. Use the file size your chain calls for, keep the angles consistent, and check the depth gauges as you go. A couple of strokes per cutter every tank of fuel keeps the chain cutting like new.

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