Can You Use A Non-Stihl Chain On A Stihl Chainsaw?

There comes a time in every Stihl chainsaw user's life when they have to change the chain. While it's possible to sharpen a chainsaw chain, eventually installing a replacement will be the only option to keep the chainsaw running. Naturally, Stihl sells replacement chains, but you can install non-Stihl chains if you're looking to save some money. There have been plenty of owners who've used non-Stihl chains on their Stihl chainsaws without issue, though most agree Stihl is the way to go if you want a long-lasting chain. Brands that users have recommended include Archer, Carlton, and Oregon, the latter of which specifically advertises Stihl-compatible chains.

No matter which brand you choose, getting a chain that's compatible with your chainsaw is the most important thing. You'll want to consider several factors, including the chain's length and pitch, or the space between rivets; otherwise, it'll be incompatible with the guide bar and sprocket. The thickness of the drive link needs to match that of the guide bar as well, so you don't run the risk of the chain coming off the bar.

So long as you keep these attributes in mind, you can make any chain work with your Stihl chainsaw. Of course, some chain types are better for certain jobs than others, so you should also use the right kind for your cutting goals.

Chainsaw chains come with varying blade designs that make each type better suited for certain cutting situations than others. One option is the full chisel chain, which has cutters with sharp corners and is especially good at cutting through soft wood quickly and effectively. However, they're not as fast as the square chisel chain, which plows through soft, clean wood at an even quicker rate — albeit at the cost of a cutting edge that dulls quickly and requires frequent sharpening.

Semi-chisel chains have more rounded cutters, making them a preferred option for prolonged cutting in conditions that would rapidly wear out square or full chisel chains. Chipper chains take this rounded design up a notch, providing users with another option for the most extreme cutting environments where a finer edge would fail in short order, at the cost of cutting time. In any case, you want to ensure that your replacement will fit your Stihl unit and suits whatever cutting tasks you plan to undertake. It's also worth keeping your chain of choice clean to ensure its longevity.

So long as it fits your Stihl machine, a non-Stihl chain should get the job done if it's intended for those specific circumstances. But is going with a non-Stihl chain the right move?

Generally speaking, of the several common problems with Stihl chainsaws, issues arising from pairing a Stihl chainsaw with a non-Stihl chain aren't one of them. That said, there are considerations to keep in mind if you don't want to go for a Stihl chain. As some users have reported, cheaper, lower-quality chains are likely to wear out faster. They may seem a smart money-saving alternative in the short term, but you may be better off paying a bit more for a Stihl product if longevity is your goal. Many claim these feel more substantial and are likely to last longer.

At the same time, there's also the matter of Stihl's limited warranty and what could ultimately void it if you're not careful. Per the warranty's terms, the company only covers issues arising from shortcomings in its workmanship. Therefore, if a non-Stihl chain damages your chainsaw, it's not Stihl's responsibility. Of course, any damage to non-Stihl products, in this case the chain, is not covered by the company either.

There are some things to consider before attaching a non-Stihl chain to your Stihl chainsaw, but the brand isn't the biggest concern. If it's the right size, it'll work. Whether a third-party chain is the best choice is something only you can decide.