Garage & Workshop Buying Guide

Chainsaw Chain Buying Guide: Pitch & Gauge Decide the Fit

MT Mike Thompson · Updated Aug 2026 · 4 min read

The short answer

Choose a chainsaw chain by three numbers: pitch, gauge, and drive links. They must match your saw’s bar, not your preference. The pitch and gauge are printed on the old chain and on the bar; the drive-link count is the quick way to confirm fit. When in doubt, buy a bar-and-chain combo built for your saw model instead of guessing.

VEVOR 18 inch chainsaw guide bar and replacement chain

Pitch and gauge: the two numbers that decide fit

Pitch is the distance between drive links, and gauge is the thickness of the drive link that rides in the bar groove. For VEVOR gas chainsaws, the common match is .325-inch pitch with .058-inch gauge. A chain with the wrong pitch will not seat on the sprocket, and a chain with the wrong gauge will not ride in the bar slot—so check both before you buy.

The easiest way to confirm is to read the markings on your current chain, or match a chain to the saw model listed in the product title, like CN-52G, CN-58G, or CN-62G.

Bar length and drive links: match the bar, not the saw size

Drive links are the tooth-like projections under the chain that move it around the bar. The count must equal the bar’s sprocket and groove geometry: a 12-inch bar takes 45 drive links, an 18-inch bar takes 72, and a 20-inch bar takes 76 for the VEVOR range. Buying the right drive-link count is the fastest way to avoid a chain that is too long or too short.

Bar length	Pitch	Gauge	Drive links	Fits saws like
12 inch	3/8 in	3/8 in	45	CN-25
18 inch	.325 in	.058 in	72	CN-52G / CN-58G / CN-62G
20 inch	.325 in	.058 in	76	CN-52G / CN-58G / CN-62G

For a straight replacement of bar and chain together, the 18-inch bar and chain combo with 72 drive links is the most common VEVOR setup, and the 20-inch combo gives you more cutting length for bigger logs.

Single chains or bar-and-chain combos

If your bar is still good, buy chains alone. If the bar is worn, bent, or you are switching lengths, buy the combo. Chains also come in multi-packs, which make sense for anyone who cuts regularly: a spare chain means a dull chain stops work for minutes instead of half a day.

The 18-inch 3-pack is a solid value for the 18-inch saws, and the 20-inch 3-pack covers longer bars with two spares in the box.

Common mistakes to avoid

Buying by bar length alone: the same length can have different pitch, gauge, and drive links.
Mixing pitch and gauge: they must both match the bar; one correct number is not enough.
Running a chain past its sharpness: a dull chain forces the saw to work harder and wears the bar.
Keeping only one chain: on a long job, a spare chain is the cheapest downtime insurance.

Recommended chainsaw chains and combos

VEVOR 18-inch bar & chain combo – direct replacement for 18-inch VEVOR saws
VEVOR 20-inch bar & chain combo – longer reach for bigger logs
VEVOR 12-inch bar & chain combo – compact fit for the CN-25 saw
VEVOR 18-inch chain 3-pack – two spares for 18-inch saws
VEVOR 20-inch chain 3-pack – two spares for 20-inch saws

Browse the full gas chainsaw chains collection for more options.

What pitch and gauge do I need for a chainsaw chain?

Pitch and gauge are stamped on the bar and must match the chain exactly. Common pitches are 3/8 inch, .325 inch, and 1/4 inch; common gauges are .050, .058, and .063 inch. Check the bar stamp or the old chain before ordering.

How do I know my chainsaw bar length?

Measure the bar from the front of the saw body to the tip, or read the number stamped near the mounting hole. Bar length and drive-link count decide which chain fits, so match both to the bar, not to the saw brand or engine size.

Should I buy a single chain or a bar-and-chain combo?

A bar-and-chain combo is the easiest way to upgrade or replace worn parts because pitch, gauge, and drive links are matched for you. Buy single chains only when you already know your bar specifications exactly.

How many drive links does my chain need?

Count the links on your current chain, or match the drive-link count listed for your bar length. Too few links will not reach, and too many will not tension properly. Always confirm drive links before buying.

To pair the right chain with the right saw, the gas chainsaws buying guide covers engine size, bar length, and safety. For chainsaw work away from the workshop, the outdoor & camping buying guide is a useful next read.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which chainsaw chain fits?

Check three numbers: pitch, gauge, and drive links - all must match your bar, or the chain will not seat.

What chain fits a VEVOR 18-inch gas saw?

.325-inch pitch, .058-inch gauge, 72 drive links; the 3-pack is a good value with two spares.

Bar and chain combo or chain only?

Combo when the bar is worn or you change length; chain only when the bar is still good.

How often should I replace a chainsaw chain?

When sharpening no longer restores clean cutting or the chain stretches beyond the tensioner's range; keep a spare for long jobs.

Mike Thompson

Tools & workshop line editor

Mike Thompson has spent over a decade in garages, workshops, and around tow rigs - first working in the trades, then testing and reviewing the equipment shop owners and DIYers rely on. He writes the way he works: run the gear hard, check the numbers, and report what actually holds up. His guides focus on ventilation, storage, and towing gear that saves money without cutting corners. When he is not writing, he is usually reorganizing his own workshop or helping a neighbor install something properly the first time.

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