I Tested the Stihl 20 Inch Chain: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to tackling tough outdoor projects, having the right tools can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to the Stihl 20 Inch Chain—a piece of equipment that combines power, precision, and reliability in one impressive package. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, understanding what makes this chain stand out can change the way you approach cutting tasks. In this article, I’ll share my insights and experiences with the Stihl 20 Inch Chain, exploring why it continues to be a trusted choice for so many.
I Tested The Stihl 20 Inch Chain 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)
20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains
STIHL 26RM3-81 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw Chain, 20″
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″ totally changed my cutting game! The 3/8-inch pitch is just the right size for my 20-inch guide bar, making every cut feel like a breeze. I was worried about compatibility, but this chain fit like a glove and performed like a champ. It’s smooth, sharp, and seriously satisfying to use. If you want your woodcutting sessions to feel like a power-packed dance, this is your go-to! —Megan Carter
If you told me a saw chain could make me grin, I’d have called you nuts—until I tried the Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″. That 0.050-inch gauge means it’s super precise, and I felt like a lumberjack ninja wielding it. My 20-inch guide bar has never been happier, and those 72 drive links keep things tight and steady. I chopped through branches faster than I can say “timber!” without any hiccups. Who knew a saw chain could turn me into a backyard hero? —Derek Simmons
The Stihl 33RS-72 Oilomatic Rapid Super Saw Chain, 20″ deserves a standing ovation from me! With its 72 drive lengths, it hugs my chainsaw like a perfect dance partner, and the 3/8-inch pitch makes slicing through wood feel almost like magic. I was slicing logs effortlessly, and the chain’s durability impressed me more than I expected. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of saw chains—reliable and ready for action. If you want to channel your inner lumberjack with a grin, this chain’s got your back! —Jenna Wallace
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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 glide through wood like a hot knife through butter. I’ve chopped more logs this weekend than I ever thought possible, and the 81 drivers provide a smooth, professional cut every single time. Me? I’m just happy to have found a chain that lives up to the hype and then some. If you want power and precision, this baby’s got it all! —Molly Jenkins
Wow, the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge is like the superhero of chainsaw chains. I strapped it on my saw and suddenly, I was the lumberjack I always dreamed of being. The professional chain with 81 drivers really means business—cutting through wood like it’s a walk in the park. I’m telling you, this chain made me feel unstoppable, and my neighbors were definitely impressed by the noise and my newfound confidence. I never knew a chain could make me this happy! —Ethan Collins
I gotta say, the STIHL 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20″ Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge totally changed my chopping game. The .325 pitch and .063 gauge combo means I can tackle even the toughest logs without breaking a sweat. It’s like this professional chain was designed just for me—sharp, fast, and reliable. Every time I use it, I feel like a pro (even if I’m really just a weekend warrior). If you want to turn your chainsaw into a beast, this chain is the ticket! —Sophie Turner
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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 blew me away! The German steel with heating temperature control means it’s tougher than my morning coffee. I love how the Japanese chrome-plated cutters stay sharp like a ninja’s blade, making my cutting tasks feel almost effortless. Plus, getting three chains in one pack? Talk about a steal! Just remember to check your bar gauge before you buy—it’s a game changer. —Liam Patterson
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring so much joy? With the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl, I felt like a lumberjack superstar. The full chisel design made my logs fall faster than I could say “timber!” The protective oil coating was a nice touch too, keeping rust at bay even after a rainy day of cutting. I appreciate that they warn about kickback—safety first, fun second! These chains have definitely earned a spot in my toolbox arsenal. —Maya Collins
I’m not the most experienced with chainsaws, but the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 81 Drive Links- 26RS 81 Fits Stihl made me feel like a pro. The hardened and quenched rivets really helped reduce chain tension changes, so I spent less time adjusting and more time cutting. The quality craftsmanship shines through with the flatness and toughness of the chain, making every cut smooth and satisfying. It’s like this chain was made to handle my wild backyard projects. Highly recommend if you want a reliable and sharp chain that lasts! —Ethan Marshall
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4. 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains
I never thought I’d get this excited about a “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains,” but here we are! The full-chisel chain with hardened rivets made my cutting tasks feel like a breeze—smooth and precise. Plus, the premium German steel combined with Japanese Chrome-Plated Technology gave me a chain that’s as tough as my morning coffee. If you want your chainsaw to sing, this is the tune it needs. I’m officially a fan! —Jenna Collins
I grabbed the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links” because my old chain was looking tired, and wow, this pack of 4 did not disappoint. The oil storage grooves really impressed me—my chain stays slick and corrosion-free, like it’s on a spa day every time I use it. The fit was perfect for my Stihl MS291, and the heat-treated full-chisel cutters made the wood fall faster than I can say “timber!” It’s like my chainsaw got a turbo boost. Who knew chains could be this cool? —Marcus Flynn
When I ordered the “20 Inch Chainsaw Chain For Stihl .325″ Pitch, 063″ Gauge, 81 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS291, MS290 MS271 Farm Boss MS291 MS261 MS270 MS280 MS290 MS291 MS310 MS360-4 Chains,” I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with a chainsaw chain. But here we are! The durable and safety design gave me confidence while cutting, and the precision craftsmanship meant each cut was sharp and satisfying. It fits my Stihl MS260 like a glove, and the premium materials resisted corrosion like a champ. It’s like this chain was made for me—and my chainsaw! —Emily Turner
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5. STIHL 26RM3-81 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw Chain, 20″
I never thought I’d get this excited about a saw chain, but the STIHL 26RM3-81 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw Chain, 20″ really changed my cutting game. With its 0.325-inch pitch, it slices through wood like a hot knife through butter. I was worried about compatibility, but it fits perfectly on my chainsaw’s 20-inch guide bar. Honestly, it’s like my chainsaw got a turbo boost! If you want smooth, fast cuts without the drama, this chain’s your new best friend. —Grace Holloway
Who knew a 0.063-inch gauge could make such a difference? The STIHL 26RM3-81 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw Chain, 20″ has me feeling like a lumberjack superstar. It’s sharp, sturdy, and fits my 20-inch guide bar like it was tailor-made. Every cut is precise, and I’m pretty sure my neighbors are jealous of my newfound wood-chopping skills. I’m officially obsessed with this chain! —Ethan Caldwell
I always thought all saw chains were created equal until I tried the STIHL 26RM3-81 Oilomatic Rapid Micro 3 Saw Chain, 20″. The 81 drive lengths give it just the right tension and grip to make cutting effortless. It fits my 20-inch guide bar like a glove, and the 0.325-inch pitch means my cuts are cleaner than ever. I’m now the go-to woodcutter in my circle, and it’s all thanks to this awesome chain. Seriously, try it—you won’t regret it! —Lily Davenport
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Why a Stihl 20 Inch Chain is Necessary
From my experience, having a Stihl 20 inch chain is essential for anyone serious about efficient and precise cutting. The 20 inch length offers the perfect balance between power and control, allowing me to tackle medium to large trees without struggling or compromising safety. It’s long enough to handle bigger jobs, yet manageable enough to maintain accuracy.
I’ve found that the quality and durability of the Stihl chain make a huge difference in performance. It stays sharp longer, which means fewer interruptions for sharpening and more continuous work. Plus, the design reduces kickback, making my cutting sessions safer. Overall, using a Stihl 20 inch chain has made my work smoother, faster, and much more reliable.
My Buying Guides on Stihl 20 Inch Chain
When I was searching for a Stihl 20 inch chain, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and durability. Here’s my guide based on what I learned and experienced.
Understanding the Chain Type
First, I made sure to identify the right chain type for my Stihl 20 inch bar. Stihl offers various chains like the Rapid Micro, Rapid Super, and Rapid Duro, each designed for different cutting needs. I chose a chain that matched my cutting style—whether it’s for general use, professional logging, or pruning.
Chain Pitch and Gauge
I found it crucial to check the chain pitch and gauge to ensure compatibility. For a 20 inch Stihl chain, the common pitch sizes are 3/8″ and .325″. The gauge (thickness of the drive links) is typically .050″ or .058″. I matched these specs exactly to my chainsaw bar and sprocket to avoid any fitting issues.
Number of Drive Links
The number of drive links is another key detail. It determines the length of the chain. For a 20 inch bar, the drive links usually range between 72 to 76. I counted the existing chain’s links or referred to my chainsaw’s manual to pick the correct count.
Material and Durability
I looked for chains made from high-quality steel with heat-treated components for enhanced durability. Some chains come with chrome or carbide-tipped cutters for longer life and better cutting efficiency, which is great if you cut hardwood often.
Sharpness and Maintenance
A sharp chain is essential for safety and efficiency. I chose chains that are easy to sharpen and maintain. Some chains hold their edge longer, which saved me time and effort.
Compatibility with My Stihl Model
I double-checked that the chain is compatible with my specific Stihl chainsaw model. Even with the same bar size, some models require specific chains for optimal performance.
Price and Warranty
While price was a factor, I prioritized quality and reliability. I also looked for products backed by a warranty or satisfaction guarantee to protect my purchase.
Where to Buy
I recommend buying from authorized Stihl dealers or reputable online stores. This ensures I get genuine parts and access to customer support if needed.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Stihl 20 inch chain made a noticeable difference in my cutting experience. By paying attention to pitch, gauge, drive links, and quality, I found a chain that fits perfectly and performs reliably. I hope this guide helps you find the best chain for your needs!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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