Best 16-Inch Chainsaw Chains: Top 9 Picks (November 2026)

The best 16-inch chainsaw chains include the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP for Stihl 55-link saws, the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP for EGO 56-link saws, and the Savior 3PC 16Inch Chainsaw Chain for EGO for broad electric-saw fit.

On this page (6 sections)

1. The best 16-inch chainsaw chains by fit
2. How do you choose a 16-inch chainsaw chain?
3. What is the difference between .043 and .050 gauge?
4. Are EGO chainsaw blades 16 inch interchangeable?
5. How do you install and care for a replacement chain?
6. Which 16-inch chainsaw chain should you buy?

The best 16 inch chainsaw chain for most 3/8-inch low-profile, .043-inch saws is the KAKEI 55-drive-link 3-pack. If you are still choosing a saw rather than replacing its chain, compare cordless chainsaws with battery and charger.

Choose the 56-link KAKEI, Savior or Oregon option for a compatible EGO, DeWalt or other electric saw, and choose Husqvarna SP33G when your bar uses .325-inch pitch and .050-inch gauge.

A 16-inch bar length is only one part of the fit. Your replacement also has to match the pitch, gauge and drive-link count.

Those details matter more than the brand name printed on the package.

Use this chainsaw buying guide for bar and saw basics. If you're unsure which replacement fits, start with our guide to chainsaw chain pitch and gauge.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for Stihl 55-link saws

   KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for EGO 56-link saws

   KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for broad electric-saw fit

   Savior 3PC 16Inch Chainsaw Chain for EGO

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain

   Best for Husqvarna gas saws
   Check it
5. 5

   ANCKNE 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits

   Best for Stihl bulk replacement
   Check it
6. 6

   GSSHBR 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain

   Best for .050-inch bulk packs
   Check it
7. 7

   KUZA 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP

   Best for multi-brand .050-inch fit
   Check it
8. 8

   Oregon Chainsaw Chain for 16" Bar

   Best for known 56-link fit
   Check it
9. 9

   RAINHOL 16"Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP .050" Gauge

   Best for four-chain storage
   Check it

The best 16-inch chainsaw chains by fit

The best choice depends on your bar markings, not simply the fact that the bar measures 16 inches. These picks are ordered by score, with the highest-scoring option first.

Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

1. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP: Best for Stihl 55-link saws

1

KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP: Best for Stihl 55-link saws

9.6/10Our score

• 3 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .043 inch gauge
• 55 drive links
• Semi-chisel cutters

This 3-pack fits selected Stihl saws that use a 16-inch, 55-drive-link chain. Its semi-chisel design and German steel construction suit routine cutting and replacement needs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 3-chain pack
• Fits selected Stihl models
• Protective oil helps resist corrosion

Cons

• Only fits bars requiring 55 drive links
• Gauge must be verified

The KAKEI 55-link chain is the strongest match for selected Stihl saws that use a 16-inch bar, 3/8-inch low-profile pitch and .043-inch gauge. It fits models such as the MS170, MS171 and MS180C.

This is a 3-chain pack, so it suits homeowners who want replacement loops ready for future sharpening or wear.

The semi-chisel cutters are a practical choice for general maintenance because they are easier to file than full-chisel cutters. That matters when you want a chain that can stay in regular home use without a steep learning curve.

KAKEI uses German steel and hardened rivets in this chain. The cutters use a chrome-plated finish, and the chain comes with protective oil to resist corrosion.

Keep the spare loops clean and lightly oiled in storage, and wipe off any sap or grit before fitting one. Proper tension and lubrication during use will do more for its life than any coating alone.

The key limitation is fit. Some bars use .050-inch gauge or a different link count, so count your existing drive links and check the bar stamp first.

2. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP: Best for EGO 56-link saws

2

KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP: Best for EGO 56-link saws

9.5/10Our score

• 3 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .043 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• Semi-chisel cutters

This KAKEI 3-pack is aimed at selected EGO, DeWalt and Milwaukee saws needing 56 drive links, .043 inch gauge and 3/8 inch low-profile pitch.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 3-chain pack
• Fits selected EGO models
• Semi-chisel chain

Cons

• Not the same fit as the 55-link version
• Gauge and link count need checking

This KAKEI version is built around 56 drive links, .043-inch gauge and 3/8-inch low-profile pitch. Its listed fit includes selected EGO CS1613, DeWalt DCCS690 and Milwaukee M18 FUEL saws.

It includes three semi-chisel chains, which makes it useful when one replacement is not enough for a season of trimming and cutting. Having spares ready can save a wasted trip when a chain dulls mid job.

The German steel construction, hardened rivets and chrome-plated cutters are the main material details. Semi-chisel cutters suit mixed yard work because they hold an edge well and file more forgivingly than a full chisel edge.

Store unused loops away from damp ground and keep them coated with the protective oil they arrive with. A quick clean before fitting helps the new chain seat correctly in the groove.

The 56-link count separates it from the first KAKEI pick. They may both measure 16 inches, but they are not interchangeable when the bar requires 55 links.

For an EGO chainsaw blade 16 inch, verify the exact model and the .043-inch groove before ordering.

3. Savior 3PC 16Inch Chainsaw Chain for EGO: Best for broad electric-saw fit

3

Savior 3PC 16Inch Chainsaw Chain for EGO: Best for broad electric-saw fit

9.4/10Our score

• 3 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .043 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• Pair of XL gloves

Savior covers selected EGO, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Greenworks, Makita and Craftsman saws. The package includes 3 chains and a pair of XL gloves for installation work.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wide listed model coverage
• 3-chain pack
• Low-kickback semi-chisel design

Cons

• Gloves are not cut-resistant
• Only fits 56-link .043-inch bars

Savior is the broadest electric-saw option in this group. It uses 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .043-inch gauge and 56 drive links, with listed compatibility for selected EGO, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Greenworks, Makita and Craftsman models.

For a complete tool comparison, see Greenworks battery chainsaws.

The package includes 3 chains and a pair of XL gloves. The gloves can help keep lubricating oil off your hands during installation, but they are not cut-resistant.

Savior describes the chain as semi-chisel and low-kickback. Its stated fit list is useful if your saw is not an EGO model but shares the same 16-inch chain requirements.

That wide list is still a starting point, not a guarantee for every variant. Battery saws in the same family can ship with different bars over the years, so the bar stamp should win over a brand name.

Check the model number rather than relying on brand alone. A 56-link chain with the wrong gauge will not sit correctly in the guide-bar groove.

Wipe the chain clean after cutting dirty wood and check tension again after the first few cuts. A new loop often needs a small adjustment once it warms up.

4. Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain: Best for Husqvarna gas saws

4

Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain: Best for Husqvarna gas saws

9.3/10Our score

• 1 chain
• .325 inch pitch
• .050 inch gauge
• 66 drive links
• Pre-stretched

The SP33G is the clear match for selected Husqvarna 435, 440, 445, 450, 545 and 550XP models with a 16-inch bar. It uses a different pitch, gauge and link count from the low-profile chains.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Pre-stretched chain
• Fits selected Husqvarna models
• Semi-chisel cutters

Cons

• Single-chain pack
• Not interchangeable with 3/8-inch LP chains

The Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G is the right kind of pick for selected Husqvarna gas saws that use .325-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge and 66 drive links. It fits listed 435, 440, 445, 450, 545 and 550XP models with a 16-inch bar.

This chain is pre-stretched and uses semi-chisel cutters. Husqvarna also describes it as low-kickback, with lubrication channels in the links.

Pre-stretching can reduce early slack, which is helpful on a gas saw where you may be cutting away from the bench. It does not remove the need to check tension, especially after the chain heats up.

The semi-chisel profile suits general cutting because it stays sharp longer and files easier than a full chisel. That makes it a sensible choice for owners who do their own sharpening.

Unlike most chains in this roundup, SP33G is not a 3/8-inch low-profile chain. That makes it a useful reminder that 16-inch length does not define the complete replacement.

Choose it for a compatible Husqvarna bar, not for a generic 16-inch saw. If your saw uses 3/8-inch LP pitch, select one of the other chains instead.

5. ANCKNE 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits: Best for Stihl bulk replacement

5

ANCKNE 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits: Best for Stihl bulk replacement

9.1/10Our score

• 5 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .043 inch gauge
• 55 drive links
• Semi-chisel cutters

ANCKNE gives Stihl and McCulloch owners five replacement chains in the 55-drive-link size. It suits frequent replacement when your saw uses the stated .043-inch gauge.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Largest pack here
• Broad Stihl model coverage
• Fits selected pole saws

Cons

• 55-link fit only
• Compatibility must be checked by model and bar

ANCKNE is the bulk-pack choice for selected Stihl and McCulloch saws using 55 drive links, .043-inch gauge and 3/8-inch low-profile pitch. The five-chain pack suits frequent cutting or households that want several replacements stored at once.

Its compatibility list includes Stihl MS150, MS170, MS171, MS180, MS181, MS200, MS210, MS230, MS231, MS241 and MS250 models, along with selected pole saws.

The chain is semi-chisel. Its stated Oregon and Stihl reference numbers can help you cross-check the replacement against the chain already on your saw.

A five-pack makes most sense if you cut often enough to dull or damage chains through a year. It can also suit a household running more than one compatible saw, as long as every bar shares the same size.

Keep the loops separated and labelled by size in storage, since mixing them with other chains invites a fitting mistake later. A light coat of oil and a clean, dry spot will protect them between jobs.

The trade-off is the same as with the first KAKEI pick: it is for 55 links. Count before ordering, even if your bar is also 16 inches long.

6. GSSHBR 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain: Best for .050-inch bulk packs

6

GSSHBR 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain: Best for .050-inch bulk packs

8.9/10Our score

• 5 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .050 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• Low-vibration design

This five-pack is for 16-inch saws that need the thicker .050-inch gauge with 56 drive links. Its stated fit includes Greenworks, Echo, Poulan and Ryobi chainsaws.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Five-chain pack
• Low-kickback and low-vibration design
• Hardened rivets

Cons

• Not for .043-inch guide-bar grooves
• Exact model fit still needs checking

GSSHBR gives you five chains with 56 drive links, .050-inch gauge and 3/8-inch low-profile pitch. It lists compatibility with Greenworks, Echo, Poulan and Ryobi saws.

The thicker .050-inch gauge is the central reason to choose it over the .043-inch options above. It also uses a low-profile chain with low-kickback and low-vibration characteristics described for the product.

Hardened rivets and a hard-chrome outer layer are intended to support wear resistance and reduce adjustment needs. These details do not replace correct tension checks.

A five-pack suits steady users who prefer to rotate a fresh loop rather than stop to sharpen. That can keep a job moving, but each spare still needs proper tension and lubrication when fitted.

Gauge is not a close enough match to fudge. A .050-inch chain in a .043-inch groove will not seat or run as intended, and forcing it risks damage to the bar.

Choose GSSHBR when your bar stamp calls for .050 inch and 56 links. Do not substitute it for a .043-inch EGO chain simply because both are 16 inches.

7. KUZA 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP: Best for multi-brand .050-inch fit

7

KUZA 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP: Best for multi-brand .050-inch fit

8.6/10Our score

• 3 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .050 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• German steel

KUZA offers three .050-inch chains for selected Husqvarna, Greenworks, Craftsman, Poulan, Homelite, Makita, Jonsered, Echo, Ryobi, DeWalt and Stihl models.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• German steel
• 3-chain pack
• Broad brand coverage

Cons

• 56-link size only
• Compatibility list is model-specific

KUZA supplies three chains with 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .050-inch gauge and 56 drive links. Its listed brand coverage includes Husqvarna, Greenworks, Craftsman, Poulan, Homelite, Makita, Jonsered, Echo, Ryobi, DeWalt and Stihl.

The German steel construction and semi-chisel cutters suit buyers who want a multi-brand replacement option. KUZA also describes the chain as low-kickback and easy to install.

Easy fitting still depends on you following the bar direction and tension steps for your saw. Route the drive links fully into the groove and confirm the cutters face forward before closing the cover.

A three-chain pack gives you room to rotate loops through a season without buying another set too soon. That is handy if you do most of your cutting in a short window each year.

This chain is broader by brand than by size. The exact bar specifications still control the fit, especially because many 16-inch saws use .043-inch gauge instead.

It is a sensible option when you have a compatible .050-inch bar and want three replacements in storage.

8. Oregon Chainsaw Chain for 16" Bar: Best for known 56-link fit

8

Oregon Chainsaw Chain for 16" Bar: Best for known 56-link fit

8.4/10Our score

• 1 chain
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .043 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• Low-kickback design

Oregon's single replacement chain fits selected EGO, Makita, Greenworks, DeWalt, Milwaukee and Toro saws up to 42cc when the bar requires these specifications.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Established chain brand
• Broad electric-saw fit
• Low-kickback design

Cons

• Single-chain pack
• Must match the .043-inch gauge

Oregon's chain uses 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .043-inch gauge and 56 drive links. It fits selected EGO, Makita, Greenworks, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Toro and other saws, including models up to 42cc.

The package contains one Oregon AdvanceCut chain. That makes it better for a single planned replacement than for buyers building a larger spare supply.

Its bumper drive link and depth-gauge design support the stated low-kickback design. Oregon also identifies this as a semi-chisel chain.

A single chain is a cleaner buy when you already have a spare or only need one loop now. It also lowers the risk of paying for extra chains in a size you may not use often.

Keep it clean and oiled until fitting, and check tension after the first short cut. New chains often settle slightly once they reach working temperature.

Choose it when you want a single replacement from a well-known chain brand and your saw matches all four fit details.

9. RAINHOL 16"Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP .050" Gauge: Best for four-chain storage

9

RAINHOL 16"Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP .050" Gauge: Best for four-chain storage

8.1/10Our score

• 4 chains
• 3/8 inch LP pitch
• .050 inch gauge
• 56 drive links
• Individually sealed

RAINHOL supplies four individually sealed chains for selected Craftsman, Echo, Poulan and Greenworks saws. Its .050-inch gauge and 56-link count are the deciding fit points.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four-chain pack
• Individually sealed
• Chrome-plated cutters

Cons

• Lower score for narrower fit information
• Not for .043-inch bars

RAINHOL includes four individually sealed chains with 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .050-inch gauge and 56 drive links. Its listed fit includes selected Craftsman, Echo, Poulan and Greenworks saws.

The individually sealed packaging helps keep spare chains separated in storage. Chrome-plated cutters and heat-treated rivets are the stated construction details.

Sealed storage is useful if your spares sit in a shed for months between jobs. It keeps each loop apart and makes it easier to grab one clean chain when you need it.

RAINHOL describes the chain as low-kickback and low-vibration. Those terms describe the chain design, but safe cutting still depends on correct tension, lubrication and handling.

A four-pack suits owners who cut regularly and want a fresh loop ready without waiting on a delivery. Rotate the oldest spare first so none sits unused for too long.

Pick it when your bar needs .050 inch and 56 links and you want four spare chains. Choose a .043-inch option if your guide-bar groove is narrower.

How do you choose a 16-inch chainsaw chain?

Choose a 16-inch chain by matching bar length, pitch, gauge and drive-link count. The 16-inch measurement only describes the bar length, while the other three details determine whether the chain fits and runs correctly.

Pitch describes the spacing between drive links. Gauge describes the thickness of the drive links inside the guide-bar groove.

Drive-link count identifies the number of links that must travel around the bar.

All four numbers have to work together. A chain with the right length but the wrong pitch will not mesh with the sprocket, and the wrong gauge will not sit properly in the groove.

Write down all four details from the bar stamp or owner's manual. The stamp is usually near the base of the bar, though paint and sap can hide it over time.

If those markings are hard to read, compare the old chain and contact the chain brand with your saw and bar part numbers. Counting the drive links on the old chain is a useful double check.

Do not guess from the saw brand alone. Many brands sell several 16-inch saws with different bars, and a chain that fits one model may not fit another.

Also confirm the bar length itself, since a longer or shorter bar changes the link count you need. Measure from the saw body to the bar tip as your manual describes.

Once you have the four details, match them exactly before ordering. That simple check prevents returns and avoids forcing a chain that was never meant for your bar.

What is the difference between .043 and .050 gauge?

The .043-inch and .050-inch numbers describe different drive-link thicknesses. A .043-inch chain needs a bar groove made for that gauge, while a .050-inch chain needs the wider matching groove.

Several EGO replacement options here use .043 inch. GSSHBR, KUZA and RAINHOL use .050 inch, so their similar 16-inch length does not make them substitutes.

The difference is small on a ruler but it is not optional in use. The drive links have to ride in the groove with the right fit for tension and tracking.

A chain that is too thick will not enter the groove cleanly. A chain that is too thin will not be supported the way the bar was designed to support it.

Never force a chain into the groove. If it does not drop in and move freely, stop and recheck the gauge marking on the bar.

Pitch and link count still matter alongside gauge. A .050-inch chain with the wrong pitch or link count is just as wrong as a .043-inch one.

If you want a Stihl-specific comparison, see our guide to the best Stihl chainsaw chains.

When in doubt, measure the old drive link where it sits inside the groove. That measurement, plus the bar stamp, gives you a solid basis for the replacement.

Are EGO chainsaw blades 16 inch interchangeable?

EGO chainsaw blades 16 inch are interchangeable only when pitch, gauge and drive links match the saw and bar. The EGO-compatible choices here commonly use 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .043-inch gauge and 56 links, but confirm the exact saw model.

The KAKEI 56-link chain, Savior 3PC chain and Oregon chain all target that specification. The KAKEI 55-link chain is different, even though it has the same stated bar length.

That one-link difference is enough to stop a chain from fitting correctly. Count the links on your current chain rather than assuming every 16-inch EGO bar is the same.

Brand alone is not a safe shortcut either. EGO has sold multiple 16-inch configurations, and the bar on your saw decides the replacement.

For a smaller saw, compare the fit requirements in our best 12 inch chainsaw chain guide. For a larger bar, see the best chainsaw chains 18 inch roundup.

If you change bars, the chain size may change with them. Always match the chain to the bar currently fitted, not to a previous setup.

After fitting, set tension and lubrication before your first full cut. Check the chain again after a few minutes of work, since new loops can settle.

Interchangeable means identical in every fit detail, not just close. When all four details match, a replacement from another listed brand can work well on your saw.

How do you install and care for a replacement chain?

Install a replacement chain with the saw powered off, the chain brake engaged and the correct protective equipment in use. The cutters must face forward across the top of the bar, and the drive links must sit fully inside the groove.

After fitting the side cover, adjust tension so the chain sits in the groove but can still move around the bar by hand when the brake is released. Follow your saw manual for the exact tension check.

Lubrication reduces friction and supports smoother chain movement. Read How Often Should You Oil a Chainsaw Chain? for a maintenance schedule, then use the How to Replace a Chainsaw Chain? guide for the fitting sequence.

Which 16-inch chainsaw chain should you buy?

Pick KAKEI B0B7B9Q2CP if your Stihl saw needs 55 links, 3/8-inch LP pitch and .043-inch gauge. Pick KAKEI B0B7BD98S2, Savior or Oregon for a compatible 56-link .043-inch electric saw.

Choose Husqvarna SP33G for the stated .325-inch, .050-inch and 66-link Husqvarna fit. Choose ANCKNE for a five-chain 55-link Stihl pack, or GSSHBR, KUZA and RAINHOL when your 56-link bar needs .050 inch.

Pack size is worth weighing once fit is settled. A three to five chain pack suits frequent cutters, while a single Oregon chain suits a one off replacement.

Do not let a lower price or a larger pack override a mismatched specification. A chain that does not match your bar will not solve your problem, however good the deal looks.

The best 16 inch chainsaw chain is the one that matches every bar specification. Confirm those markings before you order, then keep the chain clean, lubricated and correctly tensioned.

Store spares in a clean, dry place and give them a light wipe of oil before long storage. That simple habit helps keep the next loop ready when you need it.

If your markings are unreadable, count the drive links on the old chain and check your manual. Those two steps will narrow the choice far more reliably than the saw brand alone.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for Stihl 55-link saws

   KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for EGO 56-link saws

   KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8" LP

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for broad electric-saw fit

   Savior 3PC 16Inch Chainsaw Chain for EGO

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What size chain fits a 16-inch chainsaw?

A 16-inch bar does not identify the complete chain size. Match the bar's pitch, gauge and drive-link count, then confirm the saw model in the manual or bar stamp.

The products here use either 3/8-inch low-profile pitch or .325-inch pitch, with different gauges and link counts.

What is the best 16 inch chainsaw chain for an EGO saw?

For selected EGO saws, the 56-drive-link .043-inch chains are the main options here. KAKEI, Savior and Oregon list EGO models that use 3/8-inch low-profile pitch and .043-inch gauge.

Confirm your exact model and bar markings before ordering.

Can I use an EGO chainsaw blade 16 inch on another saw?

Only when the other saw uses the same 16-inch length, pitch, gauge and drive-link count. An EGO chainsaw blade 16 inch may use 3/8-inch low-profile pitch, .043-inch gauge and 56 links, but the bar stamp and manual should decide the replacement.

How often should a chainsaw chain be replaced?

Replace a chain when its cutters cannot be sharpened safely, its drive links or rivets are damaged, or it no longer fits and tensions correctly. Frequent cutting in dirt or debris can shorten its useful life.

Keep the chain lubricated and check tension during work.