Answering the common question, these ripping chains are designed to pull through boards and thick wood quickly with straight, flat cuts. Each option suits different bar lengths, saw brands, and workstyles. Choose based on your bar size, typical wood, and whether you need hand-held portability or mill-ready performance. The top picks below are ideal for professional arborists, woodworkers, and serious DIY users who want efficient, straight-rinished cuts.
| Product | Bar Length | Pitch/Gauge | Drive Links | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch | 24 Inch | 3/8″ / .050″ | 84 DL | Large boards, yard work, heavy-duty ripping |
| OREGON 72RD084G 84 Drive Link | Not specified (mid-length compatible) | 3/8″ / .050″ | 84 DL | Chain-type sawmills, precision ripping |
| 8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch | 18 Inch | 0.325″ / .050″ | 72 DL | Portable ripping with mid-length bars |
| 8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch | 20 Inch | 0.325″ / .063″ | 81 DL | Medium-length bars, Stihl/Oregon compatibility |
| 8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 36 Inch | 36 Inch | 0.063″ / 3/8″ | 115 DL | Long bars, milling applications |
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch
Product overview: 24 Inch chain with 84 drive links, Pitch 3/8″, Gauge .050″. It’s a ripping chain built from 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets. Compatible with multiple Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, Dolmar, and other OEM parts that share the listed specs. This makes it a strong choice for large-diameter ripping on long bars. Best for users who need aggressive stock removal on big boards and frequent dimensional lumber work.
Who it’s best for: professional lumber teams, woodworkers with long bars, and contractors who run Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, or similar equipment and require reliable ripping performance on large stock. Choose this if you work with long bars and need consistent, straight cuts through thick material.
Caution: Verify bar length compatibility and chain fitment for your exact saw model before purchasing. This is a high-performance chain; improper use can impact cutting efficiency.
OREGON 72RD084G 84 Drive Link
Product overview: 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge, 84 drive links. Uses standard cutter parts with a specific cutter grind designed for chain-type sawmills. Not recommended for handheld use. This makes it a solid choice for milling setups where boards are fed through a mill rather than hand-held ripping.
Who it’s best for: operators with portable or stationary sawmills, or those who need dedicated milling chain performance rather than handheld ripping. It’s less suited for casual, hand-held cutting tasks.
Limitation: Not ideal for regular handheld ripping due to the intended mill-specific design. Ensure your setup matches the product’s intended use.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch
Product overview: 18 Inch length, 72 drive links, Pitch .325″, Gauge .050″. Ripping chain using 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets. Compatible with a wide range of OEM part numbers across Oregon, Echo, Husqvarna, Stihl, and TriLink variants. Best for mid-sized bars and portable ripping tasks on medium stock.
Who it’s best for: users with 18-inch bars seeking reliable ripping performance in a portable format. Choose this if your saw uses 18″ bars and you want a consistent ripping action for mid-sized projects.
Caution: Confirm bar compatibility and that the chain’s drive-link count matches your bar’s groove count to avoid installation issues.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch
Product overview: 20 Inch chain, 81 drive links, Pitch .325″, Gauge .063″. Ripping chain with 68CrNiMo33 steel and GCr15 rivets. Compatible with multiple OEM part numbers across Oregon, Husqvarna, Stihl, and TriLink variants. Best for medium-to-large bars on versatile saws that require strong removal and straight cuts.
Who it’s best for: contractors and serious DIY users who run 20-inch bars and need dependable ripping performance with broad brand compatibility. Choose this for balanced ripping and portability across common saws.
Caution: Ensure bar and chain are compatible in both drive-link count and pitch/gauge to avoid fitment problems.
8TEN Ripping Chainsaw Chain 36 Inch
Product overview: 36 Inch, 115 drive links, 3/8″ pitch, .063″ gauge. Ripping chain with 68CrNiMo33 steel and GCr15 rivets. Compatible with multiple OEM part numbers including Oregon, Husqvarna, Stihl, Shindaiwa, and Makita models. Best for milling setups requiring long bars and aggressive stock removal on large timbers.
Who it’s best for: professionals and serious hobbyists using long bars or mills that demand extended ripping capability. This is the best pick for high-volume, wide-cut milling applications.
Caution: The long bar design requires steady control and appropriate safety measures during operation. Ensure the saw is configured for a 36-inch chain and bar.
Buying Guide
What should I look for in a ripping chainsaw chain?
Key factors include bar length compatibility, drive-link count, pitch, and gauge. A higher drive-link count generally matches longer bars, and the right pitch/gauge ensures smooth, safe tracking on the bar.
Which chains are best for milling vs. hand-held ripping?
Milling chains often emphasize stability and wide kerf with consistent grinding. Hand-held ripping chains prioritize maneuverability and fast stock removal on portable saws. Check the product notes for intended use.
How important is steel type and rivet construction?
68CrNiMo33 steel and robust rivets like GCr15 contribute to durability and performance under heavy ripping. While not all products spell out performance tests, these materials are commonly chosen for strength and long life in ripping chains.
What safety considerations should I follow?
Always wear appropriate PPE, maintain the correct tension, and ensure the chain is sharp and properly seated. For long-bar or high-volume ripping, ensure steady handling and secure workpieces to reduce kickback risks.
How do I choose among the five options?
Choose based on your bar length and saw model. For long bars and milling tasks, the 36-inch option offers maximum reach. For portable ripping on smaller projects, the 18- or 20-inch options balance performance and maneuverability. If you work mainly with chainsaw mills or fixed setups, the 24-inch or Oregon 84-link chain provides a robust choice for straight, flat cuts.
Comparison snapshot
- Best for long bars: 36 Inch (115 DL) ripping chain.
- Best overall balance for portable use: 20 Inch (81 DL) ripping chain.
- Best for milling setups: Oregon 72RD084G 84 DL.
- Best for large-board ripping: 24 Inch (84 DL) ripping chain.
- Best for mid-length bars: 18 Inch (72 DL) ripping chain.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use a ripping chain on any saw? A: Not always. Check pitch, gauge, drive links, and bar length to ensure compatibility with your saw model.
- Q: Do ripping chains wear faster? A: They can wear differently due to aggressive kerf design; proper tensioning and sharp routing help extend life.
- Q: Are all ripping chains suitable for hand-held use? A: Some are mill-specific. Refer to product notes for intended use and avoid handheld milling with chains not designed for it.
- Q: What safety gear should I use? A: Eye protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves, chainsaw chaps, and sturdy footwear are recommended for ripping work.
- Q: How do I verify compatibility with my bar? A: Compare bar length, drive-link count, pitch, and gauge with the chain specification, and confirm model compatibility if listed.
- Q: Where can I buy replacement ripping chains? A: Reputable marketplaces and manufacturer listings offer compatible options—verify drive links and compatibility notes before ordering.