If you’re ripping logs with a chainsaw, you need a chain designed for straight, long cuts rather than fast cross-cutting. These ripping chains prioritize stable chip removal and feed efficiency for lumber production. The following products are selected for their compatibility with popular models, cut edge geometry, and drive-link counts that suit longer bars. This guide helps buyers choose the right chain for felling and ripping workflows, whether you work in a small mill, home shop, or timber yard.
Product comparison at a glance: the table below shows key specs to help you compare quickly.
| Product | Bar Length | Drive Links | Pitch | Gauge | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8TEN 20″ Ripping Chain | 20 Inch | 72 | 3/8″ | .050″ | Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Stihl MS 270, general ripping |
| 8TEN 24″ Ripping Chain | 24 Inch | 84 | 3/8″ | .050″ | Longer bars, thicker logs, heavy ripping |
| 8TEN 18″ Ripping Chain | 18 Inch | 74 | .325″ | .063″ | Stihl MS260/MS390 style milling |
| 8TEN 24″ Ripping Chain (84DL) | 24 Inch | 84 | 3/8″ | .050″ | Husqvarna Echo Stihl compatibility for ripping |
| Hitommy 20″ Ripping Chain | 20 Inch | 76 | — | — | Sawmill compatibility for 62CC class |
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .050 3/8 72DL
This 20-inch ripping chain uses a .050 gauge with a 3/8 pitch and 72 drive links. It’s designed to maximize lengthwise cutting efficiency on bars around 20 inches. The chain is built from 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets, offering durability for continuous ripping work. Best for owners of Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Stihl MS 270, or similar mid-size models who routinely bore long, straight cuts in logs.
Who should buy: woodworkers and small mill operators needing a dependable 20-inch ripping chain for consistent, straight cuts. Why selected: balanced geometry and compatible OEM fitments make it a solid all-around option for ripping tasks.
Caution: verify fitment with your specific bar and sprocket configuration to ensure compatibility with your machine model numbers listed in the description.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch .050 3/8 84DL For Husqvarna 455 Rancher
Specifically built for longer bars, this 24-inch chain features 84 drive links with a .050 gauge and 3/8 pitch. Compatible with a broad range of Husqvarna and Echo models, including the 455 Rancher line and CS-590 series, it’s designed for robust ripping performance in longer-length setups. This makes it ideal for users who frequently work with larger diameter logs and need smoother feed with reduced kerf wandering.
Best for: operators with 24-inch bars who rip large logs and require steady cutting progress. Better for: those with compatible Husqvarna or Echo saws as listed in the compatibility notes. Caution: ensure your bar length and chain alignment match the 84DL specification to avoid mismatches.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 74DL For Stihl MS260 MS390
This 18-inch ripping chain has 74 drive links, with a .325 pitch and .063 gauge. It’s designed for Stihl MS260 and MS390 guidance, including several compatible Oregon and TriLink configurations. The construction uses 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets, aiming to deliver reliable steel-to-bar durability in ripping operations. Best for: Stihl users who need a compact ripping option for 18-inch bars. Choose this if you operate smaller saws but still need consistent longitudinal cutting performance.
Limitation: verify compatibility with your exact Stihl model and drive-link count to ensure proper alignment and safe operation.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch .050 3/8 84DL For Husqvarna 455 Rancher
This 24-inch chain features 84 drive links, a .050 gauge, and a 3/8 pitch, designed for ripping along long bars with compatibility across multiple Husqvarna and Echo models. It uses high-strength steel and rivets intended to endure long ripping sessions. Best for: bar lengths around 24 inches, especially Husqvarna 455 Rancher users seeking reliable, long-length ripping performance. Better for: saws that support 84DL configurations. Limitation: confirm exact OEM part compatibility before purchase to avoid misfit.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 28 Inch .063 3/8 92DL For Stihl 44 56
With 92 drive links on a 28-inch bar, this chain uses a .063 gauge and 3/8 pitch to provide stable, straight ripping action for Stihl and Husqvarna lines. It’s suited for long-rip sessions on large-diameter logs and is compatible with several Oregon and TriLink drive-link sets. Best for: those needing a longer ripping chain for heavy-duty milling tasks. Choose this if you require extended bar length and robust cutting performance. Caution: verify Stihl or Husqvarna compatibility for your model family.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .050 .325 72DL for Echo
This 18-inch chain uses a .325 pitch with a .050 gauge and 72 drive links, tailored for Echo and Husqvarna combos. It’s built for ripping while maintaining compatibility with common 50-series bar configurations. Best for: small-to-mid-size saws performing long, straight cuts. Better for: saws that operate under 20 inches but still require ripping efficiency. Limitation: always confirm exact model compatibility to avoid misfit with non-listed parts.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Bar length and drive links: Match the chain to your bar length and drive-link count to ensure proper alignment and tensioning.
- Pitch and gauge: Use 3/8″ pitch with .050″ gauge for many ripping chains, but verify your bar and sprocket compatibility first.
- Ripping vs cross-cut: Choose a ripping chain for long, straight cuts; use cross-cut chains for general, non-ripping tasks.
- Steel quality: Chains made from high-grade alloys (e.g., 68CrNiMo33) with robust rivets tend to endure longer ripping sessions.
- Fitment verification: The product descriptions highlight compatibility with various OEMs. Always verify against your specific model, year, and bar configuration before ordering.
FAQ
What is ripping chainsaw chain best used for?
Ripping chains are designed for lengthwise cuts along logs, producing straight, wide boards with efficient material removal.
How do I know my bar length matches a ripping chain?
Check the bar length and the chain’s drive-link count. Most product pages list drive links and bar compatibility; match these to your saw’s specifications.
Is a higher drive-link count always better?
Not necessarily. Drive-link count should match your bar length; otherwise, the chain won’t fit or will cut poorly.
Can I use a ripping chain on a small commercial saw?
Yes, provided the bar length and drive-link count align with the saw model and the chain’s geometry is compatible with the saw’s bar and sprocket.
What maintenance is required for ripping chains?
Keep the chain sharp, lubricated, and properly tensioned. Inspect rivets and steel quality to prevent premature wear during heavy ripping.