I want to pick up a chain for a 20" bar and I'm wondering what brands do you guys like. It's going on an Echo 490 if that matters......thanks... 🙂
Chainsaw Chains
- Thread starter pontiacgp
- Start date
Yeah, but Oregons are cheap. I get them when they're on sale and wear those bastages out. I usually buy 2 at a time because of that. I don't have a need for a chainsaw very often anymore, so I can get by doing that.
If you chain saw every weekend or often, upgrade the chain. Oregon brands are cheap for a reason.
Stihl kicks *ss. But if you go spendy on the chains, then get a sharpener for the blades so you can keep them going for a while and get your money's worth.
There are only three makes of chainsaw chain in the entire world. Oregon, Carlton, and Stihl. Any other brands are one of the three above. Go to a local shop and have them make a chain for you. It's usually cheaper. You need to know what gauge, pitch, and how many drive links it has.
They sell them in different sizes.
X2 on the chain without anti kick back. They cut slow.
If you watch HF coupons you can catch there sharpener for $30. It ain't great, but will save a butt load over having someone else sharpen them!
What he said. I replaced all my chains and bars last year and the hardest thing was finding out what fit. First figure out what you have then match it up. I had no owner's manuals and had to find out from online sources. Lots of websites that describe chain technology. Once you are sure what you have you will find that your options are limited. In my case brand was not relevent as I was lucky to find anything that fit. Also you are not limited to what you have. Different length bars/chains may fit. Research is key.
I've been lucky. Everywhere I've lived I found a small-ish outdoor and power equipment shop to do my sharpening.
Trick is, ask for a price "if I leave you a couple to sharpen when you get the chance" ... highest I ever paid was $4, but one place said 2.50 each.
Either way, my time is worth more...
My Stihl saw takes a 063. They cost a little more, but last 2-3x longer than an Oregon. A local place has them buy 2, get 1 most of the time.
