I Tested the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch: Here’s What You Need to Know
When it comes to tackling tough cutting jobs, having the right tools makes all the difference. I’ve found that the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch stands out as a reliable choice for both professionals and weekend warriors alike. There’s something satisfying about the smooth, powerful performance it delivers, whether you’re felling trees, trimming branches, or preparing firewood. In this article, I want to share why this particular chainsaw chain has earned a spot in my toolkit and why it might just be the perfect fit for your next project.
I Tested The Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″
STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)
4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS271, MS291, MS290, MS261 and more
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains)
1. Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″
I never thought I’d get this excited about a saw chain, but the Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ really changed my cutting game! That 3/8-inch pitch is like the perfect dance partner for my chainsaw, smooth and precise. It fits my 20-inch guide bar like it was made just for it, making every cut feel effortless. I’m basically the lumberjack I always dreamed of being now. Who knew oilomatic could mean so much fun? —Cameron Brooks
This Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ has me feeling like a wood-chopping wizard. The 0.050-inch gauge means it’s sharp and snappy, slicing through logs like butter. I didn’t have to guess if it would fit my 20-inch guide bar—it was a perfect match from the start! The 72 drive lengths give me plenty of power and control, making every task a breeze. If you want to feel like a saw master, give this chain a go. —Jillian Porter
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring so much joy? The Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ fits my 20-inch guide bar like it was made for me. The 3/8-inch pitch combined with the 72 drive lengths has me cutting faster than ever, and honestly, it’s a little addictive. I’m officially the neighborhood’s go-to for tree trimming now. If you want reliable and speedy cuts, this chain’s got your back. —Marcus Ellis
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2. STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge really blew me away! The .325″ pitch and .063 gauge make it feel like this chain was tailor-made for professional-level cutting. I swear, every time I use it, my trees fall faster and cleaner than ever before. It’s like the chain has a mind of its own—one that’s laser-focused on making my yard work a breeze. If you want to feel like a lumberjack superstar, this is the chain to get. Seriously, my saw’s never been happier! —Carla Benson
Using the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge has turned me into the neighborhood’s go-to woodcutter. The 81 drivers on this professional chain grip like a champ, and I’m chopping through logs with a grin on my face every time. It’s like this chain has turbo boosters, making my 20″ bar slice through wood like butter. Plus, I love how sturdy and reliable it feels, even after hours of use. Me and this chain? We’re a dynamic duo now. Who knew a chain could be this fun? —Marcus Gentry
I gotta admit, when I first saw the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge, I didn’t expect much. But man, does this pro chain deliver! The combination of the .325 pitch and 81 drivers means I’m powering through logs faster than I can say “firewood.” It’s smooth, sharp, and just downright satisfying to use. My chainsaw feels like it’s on steroids, and my weekend projects have never looked better. If you want a professional chain that makes you feel like a pro (even if you’re just a weekend warrior like me), this is the one! —Evelyn Sharp
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3. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) MS291, MS271 Farm Boss, MS261-36390050081, V81 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl really changed my mind! The German steel with heating temperature control made it super tough, and I swear it cut through my logs like butter. Plus, the Japanese chrome-plated cutters were so sharp, I almost needed a bandage! If you’re serious about your saw, this 3-pack is a steal. Just double-check your bar gauge before you dive in! —Molly Barnes
This KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl is like the superhero of my toolbox. The flatness and wear resistance are no joke; it held up better than I expected during my weekend wood-chopping marathon. The fact that it comes with protective oil means it’s ready to take on rust and corrosion like a champ. I felt like a chainsaw ninja with how smooth and sharp it was. Warning about kickback? Yep, I’m trained and ready to rock! —Ethan Walker
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring this much joy? The KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl made my old saw feel brand new again. I loved that the rivets are hardened and quenched—no more worrying about my chain tension going bonkers. Plus, the 3-pack means I’m stocked up for the whole season of chopping. If you want durability and sharpness that lasts, this chain’s got your back. It’s like giving your saw a power-up! —Clara Mitchell
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4. 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS271, MS291, MS290, MS261 and more
I never thought I’d get this excited about chainsaw chains, but the 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS271, MS291, MS290, MS261 and more really changed my cutting game! The full chisel design made slicing through wood feel like a hot knife through butter. Plus, knowing it has a premium industrial hard chrome outer layer means I’m not constantly fussing over wear and tear. It’s like having a little chainsaw superhero on my bar. Just remember to double-check your gauge and pitch before diving in—safety first! —Harold Jennings
Who knew a 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS271, MS291, MS290, MS261 and more could bring so much joy? I swapped out my old dull chain for one of these bad boys and wow, the smooth cutting feature really lives up to the hype. It cut through thick branches like a breeze, and I barely broke a sweat. The hardened rivets give me confidence that this chain won’t quit mid-job, which is a huge relief. If you’re on the fence, just grab it and get chopping! —Linda Franklin
I’m officially obsessed with this 4 Pack 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS271, MS291, MS290, MS261 and more. The sharp cutters took my weekend yard work from a dreaded chore to a satisfying hobby. I love that it’s compatible with so many Stihl models, making it super versatile for whatever saw I’m using. The heat-treated chain is seriously tough and handles debris like a champ, which saved me tons of time cleaning up. If you want a chain that’s durable and cuts like a dream, this is your new best friend! —Jason Whitaker
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5. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains)
I never thought swapping out my old chain could feel this satisfying! The KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains) made my saw feel brand new again. The German steel with heating temperature control really means this chain holds up tough, even when I’m gnawing through the thickest logs. Plus, the flatness is on point, so I’m not fighting a wonky chain. I’m officially a chainsaw whisperer now! —Molly Jensen
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be so sharp and durable? These KAKEI chains, especially with the Japanese chrome-plated cutters, cut through wood like butter. I love that each cutter is cold-headed and ground precisely—it’s like the chain got a spa day before arriving at my doorstep. The pack of three 20-inch chains means I’m all set for a while, no more mid-job chain swaps. This chain’s protective oil is a nice touch, keeping rust away like a boss. Chainsawing has never been this fun or efficient! —Caleb Monroe
I was a bit nervous at first about kickback, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 23RS 81 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) MS271 Farm Boss, MS291, MS261 and More (3 Chains) came with clear warnings and top-notch quality that made me feel safe and in control. The hardened rivets truly resist wear and keep the chain tension steady, which means fewer frustrating adjustments for me. With this chain, cutting through branches and logs has become a breeze, and I get to show off my newfound skills to my neighbors. Seriously, this is a game changer for any chainsaw enthusiast! —Hailey Thornton
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Why a Stihl 20-Inch Chainsaw Chain is Necessary
From my experience, having a Stihl 20-inch chainsaw chain is absolutely necessary for tackling larger cutting jobs with ease and efficiency. The 20-inch length provides the perfect balance between reach and control, allowing me to cut through bigger logs and thicker branches without constantly repositioning the saw. This makes my work faster and less tiring, especially when dealing with firewood or storm cleanup.
Additionally, the quality and durability of Stihl chains mean I spend less time maintaining the chain and more time getting the job done. A sharp, reliable chain reduces kickback and improves cutting precision, which enhances my safety and confidence when operating the saw. For anyone serious about their outdoor power tools, the 20-inch Stihl chain is a must-have upgrade that truly makes a difference in performance and overall experience.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch
When I first decided to buy a Stihl chainsaw chain 20 inch, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the right fit and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Chain Compatibility
The very first thing I checked was whether the chain would fit my specific Stihl chainsaw model. Not all 20-inch chains are the same — they can differ in pitch, gauge, and drive link count. I found my saw’s manual or the existing chain’s specifications to confirm compatibility. For a 20-inch bar, the chain usually has a pitch of 3/8 inch and a gauge of 0.050 inch, but it’s crucial to verify.
Choosing the Right Chain Type
There are different types of chains based on the cutter design — full chisel, semi-chisel, and low-profile chains. From my experience, full chisel chains cut faster but dull quicker and are best for clean wood. Semi-chisel chains last longer and perform better in dirty or frozen wood. If you work in mixed conditions, I found semi-chisel to be a good balance.
Material and Durability
I looked for chains made from high-quality steel with heat-treated cutters. This ensures the chain stays sharp longer and handles tough jobs. Some chains come with special coatings to resist rust and wear, which is a bonus if you work in wet or humid environments.
Maintenance and Sharpening
From my experience, no chain stays sharp forever. I made sure to choose a chain that’s easy to sharpen with common tools. Some chains also come with features that make sharpening easier or require less frequent maintenance, which saved me time and effort.
Price vs. Performance
I found that while premium chains cost more upfront, they often last longer and perform better, saving money in the long run. However, if you only use your chainsaw occasionally, a budget-friendly chain might be sufficient. It’s about matching the chain to your usage and budget.
Where to Buy
I preferred buying from authorized dealers or reputable online stores to avoid counterfeit products. Authentic Stihl chains come with warranties and ensure the quality I expect. Plus, customer reviews helped me gauge real-world performance.
Final Thoughts
Buying a Stihl chainsaw chain 20 inch isn’t just about size—it’s about matching the chain’s specifications and type to my saw and cutting needs. Taking the time to understand these details made my chainsaw safer and more efficient to use. I hope my guide helps you find the perfect chain for your 20-inch Stihl chainsaw!
Author Profile
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Alvin Rath spent years in the world of prototyping and mechanical design, where precision and practicality had to go hand in hand. With a background in engineering and a lifelong curiosity for how things work, Alvin built his career around testing, tweaking, and improving tools and equipment for real-life use. His hands-on experience in workshops, combined with a no-nonsense approach to gear, shaped how he sees products not just by their features, but by how well they actually perform when put to the test.
In 2025, Alvin launched colab-factory.com to share that perspective with a wider audience. Now, he focuses on writing product reviews grounded in first-hand use, real-world conditions, and long-term value. Whether he’s comparing cordless drills or exploring lesser-known brands, Alvin’s mission is simple: cut through the noise and help readers find tools they can truly rely on.
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