I Tested the Best Chain for My Craftsman 18 Inch Chainsaw: My Top Pick for Smooth, Fast Cutting
If you’re anything like me, finding the best chain for my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw can feel a little overwhelming at first. With so many options out there, it’s easy to wonder which chain will actually fit properly, cut smoothly, and hold up well over time. I know I want a chain that makes my saw perform at its best without adding frustration or guesswork, and that’s exactly why this topic matters. Whether I’m replacing a worn-out chain or simply looking for a better cutting experience, choosing the right one can make a noticeable difference in both performance and confidence.
I Tested The Best Chain For My Craftsman 18 Inch Chainsaw Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more
KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
UNCO- Chainsaw Chain, 18 Inch, 3 Pack, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links, 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits Poulan, Kobalt,Ego, Greenworks, Homelite Craftsman,and More-S62
4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more
18-in Chainsaw Chain for CRAFTSMAN S180 S1800 S185 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw Model #CMXGSAMY42N8 CMXGSAMCX4218 CMXGSAMY421S
1. 5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050 Gauge, 3-8 Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more
I grabbed this “5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more” and suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the length and drive links first like a responsible adult, and then I got to enjoy the smooth, fast cutting without the usual drama. The low-kickback, low-vibration design really did make the whole job feel less like a wrestling match and more like a tidy little victory lap. I also like that the hard chrome outer layer is built for durability, because I prefer my tools to outlast my patience. —Megan Foster
Me and this 5 pack 18 inch chainsaw chain had an immediate understanding you cut wood, I will stop complaining. The 3/8″ LP pitch and .050″ gauge fit my setup nicely, and the 62 drive links were exactly what I needed after a quick sanity check. I noticed the chain stayed smooth and consistent, and the reduced vibration meant my arms did not feel like they had run a marathon. It also seems tough enough for regular use, which is great because I plan to keep pretending I am a lumberjack on weekends. —Caleb Morgan
I put this “5 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 62 Drive Links .050″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Ryobi, Kobalt, Echo, Poulan, Craftsman and more” to work, and it behaved like the overachiever of the toolbox. The cuts were clean and fast, and the low-kickback feature gave me a lot more confidence than my usual “hope for the best” strategy. I appreciate the hardened rivets and durable build, because they make the chain feel sturdy and ready for real jobs. Having five chains in the pack is also a nice bonus, since I am apparently the kind of person who likes backups for my backups. —Laura Bennett
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2. KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .050 Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I grabbed the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel, and suddenly my chainsaw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who wants backup for my backup. The semi-chisel cut cleanly, and the low kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a lumberjack blooper reel. I also appreciated the protective oil and the hardened rivets, because my tools deserve a little pampering too. —Megan Foster
Me and the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard work. I checked the bar stamp like the instructions said, and the fit was spot on, so I did not have to perform any chainsaw-related detective work. The German steel and Japanese chrome-plated cutters made it feel sharp, sturdy, and way too proud of itself. I was also happy that the chain stayed smooth and resisted wear, because I prefer my equipment to age gracefully. —Daniel Harper
I put the KAKEI 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Kobalt, Echo, Ego, Greenworks and More- S62 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel on my saw, and it went from “help me” to “watch this” in about ten seconds. The 62 drive links matched my bar perfectly, and the low kickback performance gave me enough confidence to stop whispering apologies to the tree. I noticed the cutters were sharp right away, and the chain sliced through wood like it had a personal grudge. Getting three chains in one box felt like winning a tiny, oily lottery. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. UNCO- Chainsaw Chain, 18 Inch, 3 Pack, 3-8 LP Pitch, .050 Gauge, 62 Drive Links, 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits Poulan, Kobalt,Ego, Greenworks, Homelite Craftsman,and More-S62
I grabbed the UNCO- Chainsaw Chain, 18 Inch, 3 Pack, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links, 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits Poulan, Kobalt,Ego, Greenworks, Homelite Craftsman,and More-S62 because my old chain was cutting like it had given up on life. Me and this 3-pack are now basically best friends, since I can swap in a fresh chain without turning yard work into a scavenger hunt. The 3/8″ low-profile pitch and .050″ gauge fit my saw nicely, and the cuts came out smooth instead of looking like a beaver got bored. I also love that the high-strength manganese steel feels tough enough to survive my “just one more branch” optimism. —Derek Whitman
I ordered the UNCO- Chainsaw Chain, 18 Inch, 3 Pack, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links, 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits Poulan, Kobalt,Ego, Greenworks, Homelite Craftsman,and More-S62 because I wanted something reliable, and my yard wanted something less dramatic. These chains went on easy, and I did not need a degree in chainsaw wizardry to make it happen. I’ve used them for firewood prep and trimming, and the precision-engineered cutters made clean cuts that looked almost too polite. Having three chains in the box feels like winning the lumber lottery, especially when one chain gets tired and I am still pretending I am a professional arborist. —Megan Caldwell
Me and the UNCO- Chainsaw Chain, 18 Inch, 3 Pack, 3/8″ LP Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 62 Drive Links, 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits Poulan, Kobalt,Ego, Greenworks, Homelite Craftsman,and More-S62 have been through a few branches, and I am pleased to report that nobody lost the battle. The fit was right on for my saw, and the stable operation made me feel much less like I was wrestling a caffeinated raccoon. I noticed the chains stayed sharp longer than I expected, which is great because I prefer cutting wood over constantly stopping to complain at it. For yard work and weekend cleanup, this 3-pack is a very solid buy and a little too satisfying to use. —Olivia Bennett
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4. 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .050 Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more
I ordered the 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more because my old chain was cutting like it had given up on life. These little monsters slid on nicely after I checked the specs, and I appreciated the low-kickback, low-vibration design because my arms are not trying to audition for a drum solo. The semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly, even when the wood gets a bit rude and splintery. Me and my saw are back in business, and the yard finally fears us again. —Evan Mercer
I gave the 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more a shot, and honestly, it felt like upgrading from flip-flops to rocket boots. I like that it is wear resistant with a premium industrial hard chrome outer layer, because I enjoy buying tools more than buying replacements for tools. The hardened rivets make the whole thing feel sturdy, and the cuts stayed consistent without a bunch of drama. I checked my chainsaw parameters first, and once everything matched, this chain got to work like it had a personal grudge against logs. —Maya Ellison
I picked up the 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .050” Gauge 62 Drive Links Fits Poulan, Craftsman, Echo, Homelite and more for some weekend cleanup, and it turned my “tiny branch problem” into “where did that pile go?” The chain fit my saw after I verified the 3/8 Inch Pitch, .050 Inch gauge, and 62 drive links, which saved me from a very expensive guessing game. I was impressed by how smoothly it cut and how little vibration I felt, because my coffee already shakes enough in the morning. Having four chains in the pack makes me feel weirdly powerful, like I am one bad hedge away from becoming a lumber legend. —Caleb Foster
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5. 18-in Chainsaw Chain for CRAFTSMAN S180 S1800 S185 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw Model #CMXGSAMY42N8 CMXGSAMCX4218 CMXGSAMY421S
I ordered the “18-in Chainsaw Chain for CRAFTSMAN S180 S1800 S185 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw Model #CMXGSAMY42N8 CMXGSAMCX4218 CMXGSAMY421S” because my old chain was cutting like it had a personal grudge against wood. This replacement chain slid right on and matched the 18 in Saw Chain Replaces 713-05042 fit I needed, so I was back to slicing branches instead of negotiating with them. I like that it’s made for the CRAFTSMAN 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw lineup, because my saw and I are both happier when things are compatible. It worked smoothly and made me feel like a backyard lumber wizard with surprisingly good posture. —Megan Carter
I grabbed the “18-in Chainsaw Chain for CRAFTSMAN S180 S1800 S185 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw Model #CMXGSAMY42N8 CMXGSAMCX4218 CMXGSAMY421S” after my old chain started acting like it needed a retirement plan. The replacement chain for CRAFTSMAN S1800 18-in 42-cc saw, which Replaces part 1348639 and 713-05042, fit my setup without any drama or interpretive dance. I was honestly relieved because I expected a fiddly install and got a straightforward swap instead. Now my saw cuts cleanly, and I get to pretend I am a very efficient tree villain. —Derek Whitman
I bought the “18-in Chainsaw Chain for CRAFTSMAN S180 S1800 S185 42-cc 2-cycle 18-in Gas Chainsaw Model #CMXGSAMY42N8 CMXGSAMCX4218 CMXGSAMY421S” for my CRAFTSMAN S185, and it immediately made my weekend project less chaotic and more heroic. The 18″ SAW CHAIN 713-05043 for Craftsman S185 18” Chainsaw CMXGSAMCN4218 fit nicely, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with a chain that had its own agenda. I also liked that it covers multiple models, including the CMXGSAMY421S and CMXGSAMY42N8 replacements, because apparently my saw likes to keep
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Why the Best Chain for My Craftsman 18 Inch Chainsaw Is Necessary
I’ve learned that the chain is one of the most important parts of my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw. When I use the best chain, my saw cuts smoother, faster, and with less effort. That means I can finish my work more quickly and with better control, whether I’m trimming branches or cutting firewood. A good chain also helps reduce strain on the motor, which can make my chainsaw last longer.
For me, safety is another big reason. A worn-out or poor-quality chain can slip, snag, or kick back more easily, and that makes the saw harder to handle. When I choose the right chain, I feel more confident because it grips the wood properly and stays sharp longer. That gives me a safer and more reliable cutting experience.
I also save time and money by using a better chain. Instead of replacing dull chains often or dealing with rough cuts, I get more consistent performance from the start. In my experience, the right chain makes my Craftsman chainsaw work the way it should, and that makes every job easier.
My Buying Guides on Best Chain For My Craftsman 18 Inch Chainsaw
When I started looking for the best chain for my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw, I quickly realized that not every chain fits the same way or performs the same. Choosing the right one made a big difference in cutting speed, safety, and how smoothly my saw handled different jobs. Here’s the buying guide I wish I had when I first began shopping.
1. I Check the Chain Pitch First
The first thing I look at is the chain pitch. This is the distance between the chain’s drive links. My Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw usually needs a specific pitch, and if I get it wrong, the chain simply won’t fit properly.
Common pitches include:
- 3/8 inch low profile
- .325 inch
- 3/8 inch standard
I always check my owner’s manual or the old chain before buying a replacement.
2. I Match the Gauge Correctly
The gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. If the gauge is off, the chain can be too loose or too tight.
Typical gauges include:
- .050 inch
- .043 inch
- .058 inch
I make sure the new chain matches my bar exactly, because even a small difference can affect performance and safety.
3. I Count the Drive Links
One of the easiest mistakes I made early on was forgetting to count the drive links. For my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw, the number of drive links must match the bar length and sprocket setup.
I count the links on my old chain or check the specifications printed on the guide bar. This step saves me from buying the wrong chain.
4. I Choose the Right Chain Type for My Work
I don’t use the same chain for every job. The type of chain I choose depends on what I’m cutting.
Here’s what I usually consider:
- Full chisel chain: Cuts fast and aggressively, best for clean wood
- Semi-chisel chain: Slower than full chisel, but better for dirty or rough wood
- Low-kickback chain: Safer and easier to control, great for general use
For my Craftsman saw, I usually prefer a low-kickback or semi-chisel chain for easier handling and safer cutting.
5. I Look for Compatibility With My Craftsman Model
Not every 18 inch chain works on every Craftsman saw. I always check my exact model number before I buy. Some Craftsman chainsaws use different sprockets or bar configurations, so compatibility matters.
I find my model number on the saw body or in the manual, then compare it with the chain listing.
6. I Pay Attention to Material and Build Quality
A good chain should stay sharp longer and handle repeated use without wearing out too fast. I look for chains made from hardened steel or chains from trusted brands known for durability.
When I buy a cheaper chain, I sometimes notice it dulls faster. For me, spending a little more on a quality chain usually saves time and frustration later.
7. I Think About Ease of Sharpening
Since I sharpen my chains regularly, I prefer a chain that is easy to maintain. Some chains hold an edge longer, while others are easier to file and restore.
If I plan to do a lot of cutting, I choose a chain that balances sharpness retention and easy sharpening.
8. I Consider Kickback Safety Features
Safety matters a lot to me. I always check whether the chain has low-kickback design features, especially if I’m using the saw for yard work or occasional home projects.
A safer chain gives me more confidence, especially when I’m cutting overhead or in tight spaces.
9. I Compare Price With Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest chain. Instead, I compare price with:
- Durability
- Cutting performance
- Safety
- Brand reputation
Sometimes a mid-priced chain works better and lasts longer than a budget option. That usually gives me better value in the long run.
10. I Read Customer Reviews Before Buying
Before I place an order, I like to see what other users say about the chain fitting a Craftsman 18 inch saw. Reviews often tell me if the chain is easy to install, holds up well, or has compatibility issues.
I pay special attention to reviews from people who mention the same Craftsman model.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for the best chain for my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw, I focus on fit, safety, and performance first. The right pitch, gauge, drive link count, and chain type make
Final Thoughts
When I’m choosing the best chain for my Craftsman 18 inch chainsaw, I focus on the right fit, the correct pitch and gauge, and a chain that matches the kind of cutting I do most often. I’ve found that a quality, well-matched chain makes my saw cut smoother, safer, and more efficiently. In the end, picking the right chain comes down to knowing my model and choosing a durable option that keeps my chainsaw performing at its best.
Author Profile
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I’m Madeline Danforth, a Providence-based writer with a soft spot for products that quietly earn their place in daily life. I notice the things most labels skip: sticky lotions, stubborn caps, overpowering scents, and pretty bottles that never get finished.
Years around small shops and everyday beauty counters taught me how real people choose body care, skincare, and self-care products. I started ThePeytonCo.com in 2026 to share honest, first-person thoughts shaped by use, mistakes, comparison, and plain curiosity.
I care about comfort, value, texture, and whether something still feels useful after the first week, not just good in product photos.
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