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If you plan to cut longitudinally along the grain, a chainsaw chain designed for ripping makes the difference between coarse, tear-prone cuts and clean, straight boards. Choosing the right chainsaw chain for ripping affects cut quality, feed speed, and how often you need to sharpen in a real workshop or mill setup. This guide shortlists the top chainsaw chains for ripping and explains the practical tradeoffs like tooth geometry, durability, and compatibility with common bar and sprocket sizes. Read on for a concise evaluation of the features that matter when you need consistent rip cuts in dimensional lumber or milling work.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Best Overall The best all-around choice for most situations | Oregon RipCut Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch, 0.050 Gauge, 70 Drive Links |  |
| Best Quality Built to a higher standard if you want something more solid | Oregon 72RD084G Ripping Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .050 Gauge, 84 Drive Links |  |
| Highest Rated A top-rated pick with lots of positive feedback | Archer 36" Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch .058 Gauge, 115 Drive Links |  |
| Most Popular A crowd favorite that many people choose with confidence | 8TEN 36-inch Ripping Chainsaw Chain 3-Pack (.063 Gauge, 3/8" Pitch, 115 Drive Links) |  |
| Best Seller A high-volume bestseller chosen again and again | KAKEI 36-inch Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch .063" Gauge, 114 Drive Links (Semi-Chisel) |  |
Oregon RipCut Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch, 0.050 Gauge, 70 Drive Links
| Pitch | 0.38 inches |
|---|---|
| Chain Type | Ripping saw chain |
| Drive Link Count | 70 |
The Oregon RipCut ripping chain is engineered for ripping cuts—cuts made parallel to the grain—so it turns raw logs into smooth, dimensioned boards when used on a compatible 20 inch bar with 70 drive links. It uses Oregon's LubriTec oiling feature and a hardened OCS-01 steel to reduce friction and extend chain life during heavy, repetitive milling. In practice this chain produces cleaner faces on rip cuts than a standard crosscut chain, so less sanding and jointing is required afterward. Because it is not a low-kickback design it is intended for experienced operators working on sawmills or with professional ripping setups; operators should use proper safety practice and equipment. Expect durable performance for dedicated ripping work, but plan to reserve it for ripping tasks rather than general-purpose cutting where a different tooth geometry would be more versatile.
Best for: Woodworkers or sawmill operators who need a dedicated ripping chain to turn large timbers into dimensional lumber and value cleaner rip faces and longer chain life during repetitive ripping work.
Less Ideal for: Occasional users or homeowners who need a versatile chain for general cutting and crosscutting should choose a multi-purpose or low-kickback chain instead.
- Specialized ripping tooth grind produces smoother, straighter boards when cutting parallel to grain
- LubriTec feature helps keep chain and bar oiled to reduce friction and extend life
- OCS-01 steel construction improves durability under repetitive milling loads
- Made to fit standard 20 inch bars with 70 drive links for common sawmill setups
- Not a low-kickback chain and requires experienced handling and safety precautions
- Purpose-built for ripping so it is less suitable for crosscut or general-purpose chainsaw work
Verdict: Buy this chain if you need a durable, purpose-built ripping chain that produces cleaner boards when milling lumber with a 20 inch bar.
Oregon 72RD084G Ripping Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .050 Gauge, 84 Drive Links
| Pitch | 0.38 inches |
|---|---|
| Chain Type | Ripping Chain |
| Gauge | 0.05 |
| Drive Link Count | 84 |
The Oregon 72RD084G is a ripping chain made for chain-type sawmills where straight, smooth rip cuts are required. It uses a 3/8-inch pitch and .050-inch gauge with 84 drive links and the cutter grind is optimized for ripping rather than crosscutting. In practice this chain holds a consistent cutting angle for long, accurate rip cuts and the LubriLink tie straps help keep oil on the chain during extended milling runs. The Vibe-Ban chassis design also reduces vibration at the handles, which makes long sessions less fatiguing. This chain is built to accept standard chassis and cutter parts so replacement components are easy to source, but it is explicitly not recommended for hand-held felling or limbing. Expect excellent performance on a sawmill bar and a smoother feed through lumber, while accepting that its cutter geometry makes it specialized for ripping tasks rather than general-purpose cutting.
Best for: Buyers who run a chainsaw-type sawmill and prioritize straight, efficient rip cuts and reduced operator vibration during long milling sessions.
Less Ideal for: Casual homeowners or users who need a general-purpose chainsaw chain for felling, bucking, or hand-held work should choose a general cutting chain instead.
- Ripping-specific cutter grind for cleaner, straighter rip cuts
- LubriLink tie straps help retain oil on the chain during long milling runs
- Vibe-Ban chassis reduces vibration by about 25% at the handles
- Uses standard chassis and cutter parts for straightforward replacement
- Not recommended for hand-held chainsaw use so it is limited to sawmill applications
- Specialized cutter geometry reduces versatility for crosscutting or general tasks
Verdict: Choose this Oregon ripping chain when you need a sawmill-focused chain that produces straight, efficient rip cuts with lower vibration and improved oil retention.
Archer 36" Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch .058 Gauge, 115 Drive Links
| Pitch | 0.38 millimeters |
|---|---|
| Chain Type | Ripping Semi Chisel |
| Gauge | 58 |
| Drive Link Count | 115 |
This Archer 36" ripping chain is built for milling and other heavy ripping tasks where consistent, durable cutting is required. It uses a semi-chisel tooth profile with factory-set 10° top plate angles to slice grain when running a chainsaw mill, and the .058" gauge and 3/8" pitch match common bar and sprocket standards. Made from high-grade Japanese steel, the cutters are intended to stay sharper longer than full chisel teeth when encountering dirty or frozen wood, and the 115 drive links make it straightforward to match to a compatible 36" guide bar. Typical use is on a chainsaw equipped with a mill or for rough crosscutting, felling, bucking, and firewood where toughness matters more than razor-sharp finish cuts. Practical downsides are that it is a professional-style non-safety chain that requires correct sizing and routine sharpening with a 7/32" round file, and it is not aimed at users who want the fastest cutting speed on clean, finish lumber.
Best for: Buyers who prioritize reliable, long-lasting performance for chainsaw milling and heavy ripping tasks and who maintain their equipment regularly.
Less Ideal for: Casual users who want minimal maintenance or the fastest cutting on clean finish lumber should consider a different chain profile or a safety-style chain.
- Designed specifically for ripping with factory-set 10° top plate angles for cleaner milling cuts
- Semi-chisel cutters hold edge longer in dirty or frozen wood compared with full chisel teeth
- Constructed from high-grade Japanese steel for durability under heavy use
- Available in the common 3/8" pitch and .058 gauge with 115 drive links to fit 36" bars
- Requires manual sharpening with a 7/32" round file and regular maintenance to maintain performance
- Not a safety-style chain and intended for professional or experienced users rather than casual homeowners
Verdict: Choose this Archer 36" ripping chain when you need a durable, semi-chisel chain built to hold edge and perform reliably on chainsaw mills and tough rip cuts.
8TEN 36-inch Ripping Chainsaw Chain 3-Pack (.063 Gauge, 3/8" Pitch, 115 Drive Links)
| Pitch | 0.38 inches |
|---|---|
| Chain Type | Full Chisel Skip Tooth |
| Drive Link Count | 115 |
| Number of Packs | 3 |
This 8TEN three-pack supplies 36-inch full-chisel ripping chains built for straight ripping cuts through wood. Each chain is 115 drive links, 3/8 inch pitch and .063 gauge, materials listed as 68CrNiMo33 steel for the cutters and GCr15 for rivets. Typical use is converting a guide bar for ripping tasks like milling or cutting long boards where cutting speed and smooth, square cuts matter. The full-chisel skip-tooth pattern sheds chips well and cuts aggressively, which speeds through soft and some hardwoods when used by experienced operators. Selling points are the OEM-style fitment for many Husqvarna, Poulan and other saws plus receiving three identical chains so you can rotate or keep spares on hand. Important limitations are that full-chisel teeth demand more frequent sharpening and careful maintenance, they are less forgiving in dirty or abrasive conditions, and the aggressive design is best handled by users comfortable with chain setup and tensioning. Fitment must be confirmed against your saw and bar specifications before use.
Best for: Experienced woodworkers or pros doing ripping or milling with a 36" bar who prioritise fast, aggressive cutting and want ready spares to keep jobs moving.
Less Ideal for: Casual users who rarely rip lumber or who run saws in abrasive, dirty, or frozen conditions should consider semi-chisel or different chain types instead.
- Full-chisel skip-tooth design for fast, aggressive ripping cuts
- Supplied as a three-pack so you have spares or can rotate chains
- OEM-compatible drive link count and pitch for many Husqvarna and Poulan models
- Made from hardened steel alloys intended for durability in cutting applications
- Full-chisel cutters require more frequent sharpening and are sensitive to dirt and grit
- Not optimized for cutting heavily frozen, dirty, or highly abrasive wood
Verdict: Buy this if you need aggressive, OEM-fit ripping chains and want spare chains on hand for frequent 36-inch ripping work.
KAKEI 36-inch Ripping Chainsaw Chain, 3/8" Pitch .063" Gauge, 114 Drive Links (Semi-Chisel)
| Pitch | 0.38 inches |
|---|---|
| Chain Type | Semi-Chisel |
| Gauge | .063 inches |
| Drive Link Count | 114 |
This KAKEI 36-inch ripping chain is built specifically for ripping lumber and milling logs into boards rather than crosscutting firewood. It is a semi-chisel ripping chain with a 3/8" pitch, .063" gauge and 114 drive links, made from hardened German steel and finished with chrome-plated cutters for edge durability and corrosion resistance. In practice it gives smoother, straighter cuts when ripping along the grain and holds a good edge thanks to the heat-treated rivets and precision grinding. The chain comes coated with protective oil to limit surface rust before use. Important limitations are that it is not intended for crosscutting and it does not meet low-kickback performance criteria, so it should be used on the bar and saws specified and with appropriate safety technique. Buyers should check their guide bar stamp and owner manual to confirm pitch, gauge, and drive link count before ordering to ensure fit and safe operation.
Best for: Buyers who plan to mill logs or rip boards and prioritize a purpose-built ripping chain that holds an edge and produces smooth, straight rip cuts. Ideal for cautious users who verify fitment and follow proper ripping technique and safety practices.
Less Ideal for: Casual users who need an all-purpose or low-kickback chain for general firewood cutting or frequent crosscutting should consider other chain types. Do not use on saws or bars that do not match the listed pitch, gauge, and drive link count.
- Purpose-built for ripping and slab work, giving straighter cuts along the grain
- Hardened German steel and quenched rivets improve wear resistance and chain strength
- Chrome-plated, precision-ground cutters stay sharp longer and resist corrosion
- Protective oil coating reduces surface rust during storage and handling
- Not suitable for crosscutting applications such as firewood cutting
- Does not comply with low-kickback performance requirements
Verdict: Choose this chain if you need a robust, purpose-built ripping chain that delivers straighter, long‑lasting rip cuts when milling lumber.
Choosing the Right Chainsaw Chain for Ripping: Key Factors to Consider
Tooth Geometry and Cutting Angle
Ripping uses a different cutting action than crosscutting, so tooth geometry and the cutter top-plate angle are central to performance. Rip chains have low top-plate angles and flatter rake so they slice along fibers rather than chopping across them. That geometry reduces tear-out and produces straighter boards, but it can feel less aggressive when feeding.
When evaluating chains, look for explicit mention of rip-specific cutter angles or profiles. A properly matched geometry reduces heat buildup and keeps the chain tracking smoothly in the bar groove during long cuts.
Steel Grade and Edge Retention
Edge retention determines how long a chain will cut before you must sharpen it. Harder, heat-treated cutter steel and robust hardfacing on the teeth resist dulling when cutting abrasive or resinous wood. For ripping, edge retention affects how frequently you stop to resharpen, which in turn influences throughput and overall workflow.
Consider the tradeoff between harder steels that hold an edge and slightly softer steels that are easier to sharpen in the field. If you plan long, continuous rips, prioritize chains with proven hardness and solid rivet construction to avoid premature wear.
Compatibility with Bar and Drive Links
A ripping chain must match your bar pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. Mismatched pitch or gauge can cause poor track fit, increased wear, and unsafe operation. Some rip chains are available in multiple pitches and gauges, but you must confirm the chain dimension matches the bar and sprocket on your saw.
Also check the drive-link thickness and whether the chain is designed for full-skip, half-skip, or full complement arrangements. Proper fit ensures consistent cutting depth and smooth feed during long rip cuts.
Sharpening and Field Serviceability
Rip cutters are sharpened to a specific top-plate angle and depth gauge profile that differs from crosscut chains. Ease of sharpening affects how quickly you can restore performance between cuts. Chains that accept standard round or flat files and have clear grind angles printed or easy-to-measure guide geometry are more user-friendly.
If you work in the field or mill, choose a chain profile that you can resharpen reliably with your existing tools. Some rip chains require special guides or fixtures to get the correct angle, so consider your sharpening workflow when selecting a chain.
Chip Clearance and Depth Gauge Design
Ripping generates long, continuous chips that must evacuate the bar groove efficiently. Depth gauge settings and the shape of the gullets between teeth control chip flow and help prevent clogging. Chains with adequate chip clearance reduce heat and binding during long rips.
Pay attention to manufacturer-recommended depth gauge settings and whether the chain's gullet shape suits the species you cut. Denser woods and green lumber produce different chip characteristics than dry softwoods, so select a chain whose chip clearance matches your primary material.
Why Rip Chains Differ From Crosscut Chains
Rip chains are optimized to cut along the grain with a slicing action rather than the chopping action used in crosscutting. This shows up in a lower top-plate angle and shallower depth gauges that produce a cleaner, straighter kerf and less fiber tearing.
Because the geometry focuses on slicing, feed rate and user technique matter more. You generally feed at a steady, controlled pace and avoid aggressive kicking motions. The result is a smoother finish and more accurate dimensional cuts when milling or resawing logs and beams.
- Lower top-plate angle reduces tear-out
- Shallower depth gauges control chip load
- Slicing action feels less aggressive but yields straighter cuts
Matching Chain Pitch and Gauge to Your Saw
Before buying, confirm your bar pitch and gauge. Common pitches and gauges vary by saw size and intended use, and using the wrong combination can reduce cutting efficiency and increase wear. Many chains sold for ripping are offered in multiple pitches and gauges, but you should match the exact specification on your bar and sprocket.
If you plan to change bar size or convert a saw for milling, check the drive sprocket compatibility too. A simple measurement of pitch and gauge avoids fit issues that can be costly in downtime and maintenance.
- Measure pitch between rivets and the drive-link thickness
- Verify compatibility with the saw sprocket before purchase
- Consider full-skip chains for larger bars to reduce vibration
Sharpening Tips for Rip Chains
Sharpening rip cutters requires maintaining the specified top-plate angle and a consistent depth gauge height. Use the correct file diameter and guide to preserve the intended knife geometry. Small errors in angle can change cutting behavior and increase heat.
Frequently dress the depth gauges to keep chip load predictable. When resharpening in the field, keep a consistent sequence and check fit in the bar groove after a few cuts. Proper sharpening extends service life and keeps rips accurate.
- Use a sharpening guide matched to the rip top-plate angle
- File depth gauges regularly to maintain chip load
- Inspect cutters for chips or rolled edges that need a grinder
Material Considerations: Species and Moisture Content
Different woods affect ripping performance. Hard, abrasive species and wood with high silica content will dull teeth faster, while green or resinous woods may gum the chain differently. Factor in the typical species and moisture content you will cut when choosing a chain material.
For long rip sessions on dense woods, prioritize chains with stronger steel and robust heat treatment. For occasional rip work on softer woods, a chain that is easier to sharpen may be more practical.
- Dense hardwoods require better edge retention
- Green wood can produce long, stringy chips requiring good clearance
- Resinous species may need more frequent cleaning and maintenance
Safety Practices for Ripping Operations
Ripping introduces different kickback and binding dynamics compared with crosscutting. Maintain a secure setup, use bar supports when resawing long boards, and avoid twisting the saw in the cut. Proper bar and chain tension reduce the chance of derailment and binding.
Wear appropriate protection, maintain a clear chip path, and never attempt long rip cuts if the bar or chain is damaged. Regularly inspect depth gauges and rivets for wear that could compromise safe operation.
- Use bar supports or fences for stable, repeatable rips
- Keep a consistent feed rate to avoid binding
- Check chain tension and depth gauges before each long cut
How We Chose the Best Chainsaw Chain for Ripping
We focused on characteristics that matter when ripping lumber along the grain. Primary evaluation criteria included tooth geometry and cutter angle, which determine how cleanly a chain slices along fibers and how aggressively it feeds. We measured chain durability through available steel specifications, rivet construction, and recommended maintenance intervals. Compatibility and sizing were checked against common bar gauges, pitch, and drive-link requirements so a chain will fit without modifying equipment. Ease of sharpening and field serviceability were considered because ripping often dulls teeth differently than crosscutting. Finally, safety-related features such as depth gauge profile and chip clearance were included because ripping can generate long, continuous chips. We excluded chains with unclear tooth geometry or vague sizing information. Chains intended only for crosscut-style cutting were filtered out. The remaining candidates were judged on the concrete dimensions above rather than brand reputation alone, so our picks reflect practical fit, long-term edge life, and rip-specific cutting behavior.
FAQ
Can I use a rip chain for crosscutting?
Rip chains can make crosscuts but will not perform as efficiently as crosscut profiles. The flatter cutter angle used for ripping produces a different finish and may feel less aggressive on crosscuts, so many users keep separate chains for each task.
How often should I sharpen a chain used for ripping?
Sharpening frequency depends on wood species and cutting length, but rip chains often need resharpening sooner during long sessions because continuous chip contact blunts edges. Inspect teeth regularly and sharpen at the first signs of decreased feed or visible rounding.
Does chain pitch affect ripping quality?
Yes. Pitch and gauge determine how the chain engages the bar and sprocket, which influences stability and cut smoothness. Using the correct pitch for your bar ensures consistent depth control and cleaner rip cuts.
Are there special sharpening angles for ripping cutters?
Ripping cutters use a lower top-plate angle than crosscut cutters. Follow the manufacturer-recommended angle or a common rip angle specified for the chain profile, and use a guide to maintain consistency when filing.
How do chip flow and gullets affect ripping?
Chip flow is critical during rips because long chips can bind the bar groove. Chains with adequate gullet size and proper depth gauge settings evacuate chips more efficiently, reducing heat and the risk of binding.
Final Verdict
When choosing a chainsaw chain for ripping, prioritize tooth geometry and compatibility with your bar and sprocket. Good edge retention and clear chip clearance reduce downtime and improve cut quality during long longitudinal cuts. Expect a tradeoff between a chain that holds a harder edge and one that is easier to resharpen in the field. Select the profile that matches the species and working conditions you face, keep sharpening and depth gauge maintenance consistent, and use stable support for long rips to get the best, safest results.
