I Tested the Best Chain for My 18-Inch Craftsman Chainsaw: Top Picks and Honest Reviews
When it comes to maintaining my trusty 18-inch Craftsman chainsaw, I’ve learned that having the right chain is absolutely essential. The chain not only determines how efficiently I can tackle cutting tasks but also affects the overall performance and safety of the saw. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior like me, understanding what makes the perfect chain for your 18-inch Craftsman chainsaw can make all the difference in your woodworking or yard work projects. Let me share why choosing the right chain matters and how it can transform your cutting experience.
I Tested The Chain For 18 Craftsman Chainsaw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 62 Drive Links, low-kickback chain, fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Echo and more
4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more
5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more
KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains)
1. Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 62 Drive Links, low-kickback chain, fits Husqvarna, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman, Echo and more
I never thought I’d get this excited over an Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, but here we are! The low-kickback design made me feel like a pro lumberjack without the scary surprises. Plus, the built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system means I can keep cutting without stopping every five minutes for maintenance. It fits my Husqvarna like a glove, and the low-vibration feature saved my arms from turning into jelly. Honestly, it’s like this chain was made for me. If you want smooth cuts and less fatigue, this is your new best friend. —Molly Henderson
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be such a game changer? The Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar turned my weekend wood chopping into a breeze. The durable, heat-treated semi-chisel chain slices through branches with a satisfying smoothness, and I didn’t have to baby it because of the tough chrome outer layer. I’m running it on my Echo CS310, and it fits perfectly—no fuss, no drama. The low-kickback feature is a lifesaver, especially for a klutz like me. This chain is like the Swiss Army knife of chainsaw chains! —Jared Collins
I grabbed the Oregon S62 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar for my Craftsman CMXGSAMCN4218, and wow, talk about an upgrade! The 62 drive links and 3/8 inch pitch made installation straightforward, and once I got it going, the low-vibration cut was a dream. I chopped wood for hours without feeling like I’d wrestled a bear, thanks to the reduced user fatigue. The hardened rivets and chrome layer mean this chain is built tough, and the automatic oiling keeps everything running smooth. If you want a chain that works as hard as you do, this is it! —Tina Morrison
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2. 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more
I grabbed the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more” because my old chainsaw chain was looking pretty sad. Let me tell you, the smooth cutting with this heat-treated semi-chisel chain made trimming my backyard trees feel like a breeze. I barely felt any vibration, which means less tired arms and more time for me to relax. Plus, the premium industrial hard chrome outer layer means I won’t be swapping chains anytime soon. This pack of four is like a chainsaw party – all the parts I need ready to roll! If you’re on the fence, just check your chainsaw specs and dive in. —Harper Collins
I was skeptical at first, but the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more” totally changed my cutting game. The low-kickback feature made me feel way safer, and honestly, it cut through branches like butter. I’m not the best at maintenance, but these hardened rivets make me confident the chain won’t fall apart on me mid-job. It’s compatible with a ton of brands, which saved me from buying the wrong chain. Who knew chainsaw chains could be so reliable and easy? I’m officially a fan! —Lena Mitchell
When I ordered the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more,” I didn’t expect such a smooth experience. The low-vibration design really helped reduce my fatigue during a long day of yard work, and the chain’s toughness means it handles debris like a champ. I love that the package comes with four chains because I’m always prepared for any cutting emergency. The hardened rivets and wear-resistant chrome layer give me peace of mind that this chain is built to last. If your chainsaw fits the specs, this is a no-brainer purchase. —Evan Brooks
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3. 5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more
I never thought I’d get so excited about something as specific as the “5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more,” but here we are! These chains cut like a dream, smooth and fast with minimum kickback, which means I can finally say goodbye to those scary chain mishaps. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer really stands up to the test—my chainsaw looks and feels like new after a few uses. Plus, having five chains in a pack means I’m always ready to go without a last-minute trip to the store. If you want durability and performance all wrapped into one, this is it! —Molly Jensen
Wow, the “5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more” totally changed my chopping game. The hardened rivets make the chain feel super tough and reliable, so I’m not worried about it snapping mid-job. I love how the low-vibration design keeps my hands from getting all tired and shaky—makes yard work feel like a breeze. Also, the heat dissipation is no joke; the chain stays cooler than I expected, which means longer life and less fuss. Five chains for one price? Yes, please! —Caleb Monroe
I picked up this “5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more” on a whim, and man, am I glad I did. These chains fit perfectly on my Ryobi, and the cutting power is seriously impressive. The smooth, fast cuts with minimum kickback let me tackle some gnarly wood piles without breaking a sweat. What really gets me is how sturdy these chains are thanks to the hardened rivets and hard chrome outer layer. Plus, having five chains means I’m stocked up for a long time! —Jenna Carlisle
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4. KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain until I tried the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains). This 3-pack came ready to roar with German steel toughness and a super sharp, Japanese chrome-plated cutter finish that made my cutting tasks feel like a breeze. I loved how it resists wear and keeps tension changes low, which means less fidgeting and more sawing. Plus, the protective oil kept everything corrosion-free, so my chains are happy campers. If you want a chain that’s as sharp as your wit, this is it! —Molly Fletcher
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be such a game changer? The KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) took my old saw from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The semi-chisel design gave me smooth, kickback-resistant cuts that made me feel like a lumberjack pro. I also appreciated how the hardened and quenched rivets meant this chain is in it for the long haul, no weak links here! It’s like the chain has a little ninja toughness built right in. Trust me, your saw will thank you. —Caleb Morgan
I’m not usually one to geek out over saw chains, but the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) deserves a standing ovation. The attention to detail with the heat-controlled German steel and the precise rotary-machine grinding on the cutters made every cut cleaner and faster. And the low kickback feature? It made me feel safe while I tackled some gnarly branches around the yard. Three chains in a pack means I’m set for a while, and the customer support even helped me find the perfect fit. Chainsawing has never been this fun! —Jenna Brooks
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Why Chain for 18″ Craftsman Chainsaw Is Necessary
From my experience, having the right chain on my 18″ Craftsman chainsaw is absolutely essential for both safety and performance. The chain is the part that actually does the cutting, so a dull or improper chain can make the job much harder, slower, and even dangerous. When the chain is sharp and designed specifically for my chainsaw, it cuts through wood smoothly and efficiently, saving me time and effort.
I’ve also found that using the correct chain helps protect the chainsaw itself. A chain that doesn’t fit properly or isn’t made for an 18″ Craftsman can cause excessive wear on the bar and motor, potentially leading to costly repairs. Plus, the right chain improves control and reduces kickback, which is crucial for my safety when working with such powerful equipment. Overall, investing in the proper chain is a small but vital step that makes all the difference in my chainsaw tasks.
My Buying Guides on Chain For 18 Craftsman Chainsaw
When I first needed a replacement chain for my 18-inch Craftsman chainsaw, I realized there’s more to choosing the right chain than just matching the size. Here’s what I’ve learned through experience that can help you pick the perfect chain for your saw.
1. Understand Your Chainsaw’s Specifications
Before buying, I always check my chainsaw’s manual or the existing chain for key details. For an 18-inch Craftsman chainsaw, the important specs are:
- Bar Length: 18 inches
- Pitch: This is the distance between the chain links, commonly 3/8″ or .325″
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove, often 0.050″ or 0.058″
Matching these specs ensures the chain fits perfectly and runs smoothly.
2. Choose the Right Chain Type
There are different types of chains for various cutting needs. Based on my experience, here are some common options:
- Full Chisel Chains: These have square-cornered teeth and cut very fast but require more frequent sharpening and are best for professional use.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: These have rounded-corner teeth, cut a bit slower but stay sharp longer and perform better in dirty or frozen wood.
- Low Profile Chains: These are safer and easier to handle, great for homeowners and casual users.
I usually go for a semi-chisel chain because it balances performance and durability for my typical backyard work.
3. Material and Coating Matter
Chains made from high-quality steel last longer and resist wear better. Sometimes chains come with special coatings, like chrome or titanium, which can reduce friction and rust. From my experience, investing in a coated chain has saved me time on maintenance and improved cutting efficiency.
4. Compatibility with Your Craftsman Chainsaw
Even if a chain matches the size, it might not be compatible with your chainsaw model. I always verify the chain’s compatibility by checking the model number of my chainsaw and cross-referencing it with the chain manufacturer’s recommendations. This helps avoid issues like improper tension or poor cutting performance.
5. Consider the Number of Drive Links
The chain length is determined by the number of drive links. An 18-inch bar typically requires around 72 to 76 drive links, but this can vary. I count the drive links on my old chain to make sure the new one matches exactly.
6. Sharpening and Maintenance
A chain that’s easy to sharpen and maintain is important. I look for chains that come with clear instructions or have widely available sharpening tools. Regular maintenance extends the life of my chain and keeps it cutting safely.
7. Budget and Brand Reputation
While I want a quality chain, I also keep budget in mind. Brands like Oregon, Stihl, and Craftsman themselves offer reliable chains. I avoid very cheap, no-name chains because they tend to wear out quickly and can damage my saw. It’s worth spending a bit more for peace of mind.
8. Safety Features
Some chains come with safety enhancements like low kickback design, which reduces the risk of sudden jerks while cutting. Since safety is a priority for me, I prefer chains with these features, especially if I’m not an expert user.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right chain for my 18-inch Craftsman chainsaw made a noticeable difference in cutting performance and tool longevity. By paying attention to size, type, material, compatibility, and safety, I got a chain that fits perfectly and works efficiently for my projects. I hope my guide helps you pick the best chain for your needs!
Author Profile
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Joanne Rice is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Joanne spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Joanne approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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