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If you’re in the market for a new chainsaw, it’s important you get the right one. A quality chainsaw can make all the difference in your workload, whether you’re felling trees or just doing some light pruning.
As an avid diyer with a special interest in tools, I have experience with forestry equipment. In this article, I’ll go over some of the best ripping chainsaw chains on the market today, so you can decide which one is best for you.
Let’s get Started!
Bottom Line Up Front
There is a wide range of ripping chains available on the market. I would suggest the Oregon 72RD114G 114 Drive Link 3/8-Inch Ripping Chain to anyone because of its robust chassis and cleanest finish.
OREGON 72, 73, 75RD specialty 3/8-Inch ripping chains feature a special factory grind for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers by -Inchripping-Inch (cutting parallel to the wood grain).
Pick at a Glance
- OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain – Best for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers
- Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain – Best for fast and easy performance.
- Archer 24″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain – Slightly better version of the Archer 20 ripping chainsaw chain.
- OREGON 72RD072G Ripping Saw Chain – Best for tearing bigger wood into boards and planks.
- Oregon 80 Drive Link Super 20 Chain – Best for high-quality saws.
What Is Ripping Chainsaw Chains
Before we start, let’s take a quick look at what ripping chainsaw chains are.
Ripping chainsaw chains are designed for cutting through thicker, tougher materials like logs and tree trunks. They’re typically more powerful than standard chainsaws, meaning they can handle bigger jobs. However, that power comes at a price: ripping chainsaw chains are a little bit more expensive than traditional chainsaw chains.
How Does Ripping Chainsaw Chains Work?
A ripping chain saw uses sharp teeth to cut through wood. The teeth are arranged in a “ripping” configuration, which means they’re angled to provide more cutting power. This makes them ideal for tougher materials like logs and tree trunks.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Ripping Chainsaw Chains
Now that you know a little more about ripping chainsaw chains let’s look at some of the factors you should consider when choosing one.
- Price – Price is one of the most important factors when choosing a chainsaw. Chainsaws can range in price from around $100 to over $1000, so it’s essential to find one that fits your budget. Ripping chainsaw chains are typically more expensive than standard chainsaw chains, but they’re also more powerful. If you’re looking for a quality chainsaw that can handle tougher jobs, you’ll need to be prepared to spend a little more.
- Size – Another essential factor to consider is size. Chainsaws come in various sizes, from small handheld models to larger gas-powered saws. Choosing a chainsaw that’s the right size for your job is important. If you’re only going to be doing light pruning, a small handheld model should suffice. But if you’re looking to fell trees, you’ll need a larger, more powerful saw.
- Power – As mentioned before, power is important when choosing a chainsaw. Ripping chainsaw chains are typically more powerful than standard chainsaw chains. If you’re looking for a saw that can handle tougher jobs, you’ll need to choose a more powerful model.
- Teeth – The teeth on a chainsaw are important for two reasons: they determine the saw’s cutting power, and they also affect its price. Ripping chainsaw chains have teeth that are arranged in a “ripping” configuration, which means they’re angled to provide more cutting power. This makes them ideal for tougher materials like logs and tree trunks.
5 Best Ripping Chainsaw Chains Reviewed
OREGON 84 Drive Link 3Ripping Saw Chain Standard Sequence
The OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain is the best for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers. It is designed specifically for ripping cuts and features a special factory grind that produces superior results. Also, with a recommended saw size of 3/8 inches, this Chain can handle even the toughest jobs.
You must be careful when using the OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain. It could cause severe injury to the operator or bystanders.
Features
This product offers the following features:
- For saws up to ⅜ inch – This Chain is designed for use with saws up to 3/8 inches in size, making it the perfect choice for more challenging jobs.
- Better result: This Chain produces superior results when ripping through boards and planks.
- Rip through dimensional boards and planks easily – The OREGON 72RD084G 84 Drive Link 3/8-Inch Ripping Saw Chain is specially designed for ripping cuts, making it easy to tear through dimensional boards and planks.
Who Should Buy It?
The OREGON 84 Ripping Saw Chain is ideal for anyone who needs to make dimensional boards or planks from larger timbers.
OREGON 72, 73, 75RD specialty 3/8-Inch ripping chains feature a special factory grind for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers by -Inchripping-Inch (cutting parallel to the wood grain).
Pros
- Rip through dimensional boards and planks with ease.
- A saw the size of just under half an inch can handle the tough jobs
Cons
- This Chain can potentially produce serious injury if not used correctly due to kickback.
Price
The OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain costs $40 on Amazon
Verdict
The OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain is a good deal. In terms of cutting through boards and planks, this Chain’s specific factory grind gives it an edge.
Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain
If you are looking to quickly and easily make your lumber for construction projects or other purposes, the Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain is just what you need. Its semi-chisel cutters chainsaw chain makes it ideal for easy sawing through thick logs and boards. It is also very efficient.
Best of all, it’s easy to sharpen with a standard 3/16″ round file, so you can keep it in top condition for years to come.
Features
- Highly Efficient – This ripping chainsaw chain is designed for maximum efficiency, making it the perfect tool to use when you need to cut through thick logs and boards. The semi-chisel cutters are specially designed for this purpose, so you can easily make your lumber.
- Durable – Ripping chainsaw chain is long-lasting and will provide years of service due to their high-quality material. Sharpening with a standard 3/16″ file is a simple “round file so that you can keep it in good condition for many years.
- Easy to use – Whether you’re a professional logger or just someone who likes to work with wood occasionally, this is the perfect Chainsaw chain.
Who Should Buy It?
The Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain is perfect for anyone who wants to make their lumber quickly and easily. It makes it easy to work with very thick logs and board.
This is (1) loop of Archer Chainsaw Ripping Chain, the chain is .325 pitch .063 gauge and has 81 drive links, this chain replaces K3C-RP-81E The semi-chisel cutters on this chain both left and right are in a standard sequence and have the top plate angle of each tooth set at the factory to 10 degrees for ripping wood.
Pros
- Highly efficient
- Durable and easy to sharpen
Cons
- The Chain leaves a rough cut.
Price
Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain costs $23 on Amazon
Final Verdict
Whether you’re a professional or occasional woodworker, this is the ideal Chainsaw chain.
Archer 24″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain
The Archer 24 inches 3/8-050-84DL Ripping Chainsaw Chain is a high-quality chain perfectly suitable for various tasks. The semi-chisel cutters on this Chain are in a primary placement and have the top plate curve of each tooth set at the factory to 10 degrees for ripping wood.
Features
- Stay sharp longer for cleaner cuts – The round cutter on this Chain will invariably stay sharp and extended when cutting wood that is not clean, making it an excellent choice for various applications.
- High quality – The Archer 24 inches Ripping Chainsaw Chain is a durable and reliable chain perfect for various tasks. This Chain can handle a wide range of applications with its semi-chisel and round cutter.
- Rip wood like a pro – This chainsaw chain has been factory set with a standard sequence and top plate angle for ripping lumber. With its durable construction and sharp cutters, this Chain will make quick work of any wood you need to rip.
- Versatile Chain – You can use the Archer 24 inches Ripping Chainsaw Chain for a variety of tasks, including chainsaw
Who Should Buy It?
The Archer 24″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain is best for the one who needs a durable and reliable chain for various tasks, as this Chain will make quick work of even the thickest logs and boards.
This is (1) loop of Archer Chainsaw Ripping Chain, the chain is 3/8 pitch .050 gauge and has 84 drive links, this chain replaces 72RD084G and A1EP-RP-84E. 
Pros
- Durable and reliable Chain
- Semi-chisel cutters for maximum efficiency
- Easy to sharpen with a standard file
- Ideal for a variety of tasks
Cons
- It gets dull very fast
Price
The Archer 24″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain costs $26 Amazon
Final Verdict
This chainsaw chain has been pre-set for tearing wood by the manufacturer. This chainsaw will tear through any wood in seconds, thanks to its sturdy structure and strong blades.
OREGON 80 Drive Link Super 20 Chain, 0.325-Inch, Black
The Oregon 80 Drive Link Super 20 Chain is the perfect saw chain for woodsmen and skilled forest laborers who use high-quality saws. Full chisel cutters power through timber with speed, efficiency, and precision, making this the ultimate saw chain for those who demand the best.
The PowerCut Saw Chain is fully functional in low-vibration, full chisel, and heavy-duty timber chains for larger saws, providing you with the versatility you need to tackle any job.
Features
- Hardened Rivets – The Oregon Drive Link Super 20 Chain features hardened rivets that resist wearing and tear, keeping your Chain in top condition for longer.
- Chrome-Plated Cutters – Full chisel cutters power through timber speed, efficiency, and precision.
- Low Vibration – This saw chain is available for larger saws in low-vibration and heavy-duty timber chains.
Who Should Buy It?
The Oregon 20LPX080G 80 Drive Link Super 20 Chain is an excellent saw chain for loggers and truly skilled forest laborers who use high-performance saws.
OREGON20LPX, 21LPX, 22LPX Super 20 Chain is a high-performance chain for professional woodcutters who use .325"-pitch saws.
Pros
- Hardened rivets for increased durability
- Chrome-plated cutters for speed and precision
- Low vibration for user comfort
Cons
- Requires frequent sharpening for optimum efficiency
Price
The Oregon 80 Drive Link Super 20 Chain costs $18 Amazon
Verdict
Chain is ideal for loggers and forest workers using high-performance saws. This Chain’s reinforced rivets and chrome-plated cutters can handle complicated wood.
OREGON 72RD072G Ripping Saw Chain
OREGON has created a ripping chain with 72 drive links. Its unique factory grind function is intended to execute precise trims along the wood grains. Their pitch is around 3/8-inch and is only ideal for ripping cuts.
The company has also installed special technologies to reduce kickback energy. However, I do not suggest it if you are a beginner since the Chain might cause serious harm due to the minimal kickback characteristics.
Features
- Precision cutting – With its factory grind function, this Ripping Saw Chain is designed to make precise trims along the wood grain.
- Reduced kickback energy – OREGON’s unique technologies help to reduce kickback energy, making it safer for beginners.
- Durable construction – The Chain features a classy chassis and cutter components.
Who Should Buy It?
The 72RD RipCutTM Saw Chain reel has a ripping chain (making cuts parallel to the wood grain). The 72 RD chain is specially ground for tearing bigger wood into boards and planks. This Chain is for chain-type sawmills and not handheld use.
OREGON 72, 73, 75RD specialty 3/8-Inch ripping chains feature a special factory grind for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers by -Inchripping-Inch (cutting parallel to the wood grain).
Pros
- Factory creak for dimensional boards and shafts from bigger woods.
- Ensures oil does not fall off the Chain due to centrifugal force.
- The chassis design reduces vibration by at least 25 percent at the handles.
Cons
- It can provide significant kickback when it’s dull.
- Not beginner friendly
Price
The 72RD RipCutTM Saw Chain costs $36 Amazon.
Verdict
The Chain has a durable chassis and cutters. OREGON’s innovative technology lessens kickback, making it safer for novices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What Makes a Chainsaw Chain a Ripping Chain?
Answer: Rips chains are semi-chisels with shallow-angle cutters that have cutting angles around 10°. In contrast to other options on the market, it cuts along the wood grain rather than across pores or veins.
Question: Does a ripping chain cut faster?
Answer: In general, ripping chains are slower. This is because the finer cut and surface take longer than regular cutting. However, there are some ripping chain brands that offer faster performance, like the Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain.
Question: Can I Use a Ripping Chain for Milling?
Answer: The answer is yes! Milling is recommended for most ripping chains. Milling becomes very efficient when you use the right tools, such as a ripping chain.
Question: Does a Ripping Chain Make a Difference?
Answer: As a general rule, ripped chains are typically cut much more quickly than crosscut chains. Cutting speed is affected by a wide range of factors and variables, though. the type of wood, the cut’s width, the chainsaw’s bar, and chain lengths.
Question: What is the Advantage of a Skip Tooth Chain?
Answer: Since a skip chain has fewer cutting teeth than a standard chain, you won’t be pulling as many teeth through the wood as you would with a conventional chain. Less chain drag means less force is required to cut through the log.
Question: What’s the difference between ripping and regular chains?
Answer: The main difference between these two is the cutters and how they cut. Ripping chain cutters have a lower cutting angle than standard chainsaw chain cutters, 10 degrees versus 30 degrees. Ripping chain cuts with the grain of the wood rather than against it. Ripping chain, on the other hand, removes smaller chunks of wood and is less aggressive.
Conclusion
When buying the best ripping chainsaw chains, you need to confirm that you know what you want. First, verify that you need a ripping chainsaw chain, then you can enter the market.
Different models focus on different categories. The OREGON 84 Drive Link Ripping Saw Chain is good for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers. While Archer 20″ Ripping Chainsaw Chain it’s excellent for people on a tight schedule. It makes working with thick wood fast and easy.
Depending on the intensity of your work, and how soon you want it done, you can choose the ripping chainsaw chain most suitable. In this article, I have included how to choose the best ripping chainsaw chain, and how to choose the best one for you.
OREGON 72, 73, 75RD specialty 3/8-Inch ripping chains feature a special factory grind for making dimensional boards and planks from larger timbers by -Inchripping-Inch (cutting parallel to the wood grain).