Finding the right replacement chainsaw chain at a competitive price doesn’t mean hunting through multiple retailers. In the UK, the best online stockists for chainsaw chains are Amazon, Screwfix, and Toolstation. All three offer quick delivery, and specialist dealers are still the place to go if you own a premium brand like Stihl or Husqvarna and want genuine OEM chains.
The key is knowing what you need: the pitch, gauge, and length of your current chain. Once you have those three measurements, you can order a replacement in minutes.
Best Online Retailers for Chainsaw Chains in the UK
Amazon UK — Widest Selection and Fast Delivery
Amazon carries the widest range of aftermarket and OEM chainsaw chains, with stock for everything from small domestic saws to large professional machines. Prices are competitive, and Prime delivery gets chains to you within 24 hours in most areas.
The advantage of Amazon is choice: Oregon chains (the most common aftermarket brand) come in every pitch and length imaginable, and you’ll find chains for brands like Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee battery saws. Customer reviews are usually honest and detailed, so you can see if a particular chain performs well.
Popular chainsaw chains on Amazon UK:
- Oregon 91PX (72 DL, .325 pitch .050 gauge) — the most popular small saw chain. Fits Stihl MS170, MS180, MS210, and most budget saws. Roughly £15–22.
- Oregon 95PX (72 DL, .325 pitch .050 gauge) — another bestseller for mid-size domestic saws. Around £18–26.
- Oregon VPX (various lengths, .325 pitch .050 gauge) — professional-grade low-vibration chain. £25–40.
- Stihl PICCO (.325 pitch .063 gauge) — OEM chains for Stihl battery saws and small models. Around £20–30.
- Makita replacement chains (OEM, various pitches) — genuine parts for Makita battery and corded saws. £18–28.
- Chain sharpening kits — files, guides, and holders. £12–25.
- Chainsaw bar oil (5 litres) — biodegradable and standard options. Around £8–15.
Pro tip: read the product Q&A section on Amazon. Buyers often clarify whether a chain fits their specific saw model, so you can verify compatibility before ordering.
Screwfix — Click and Collect Within an Hour
Screwfix stocks a range of Oregon chains and some OEM chains for popular saw brands. The biggest advantage is Click and Collect — order online and pick up from your nearest store within an hour. This is perfect if you need a chain quickly and don’t want to wait for delivery.
Stock is usually good for common chains (.325 pitch, 72 DL), but if you need an unusual size or length, online ordering with delivery is more reliable.
Browse chainsaw chains at Screwfix
Toolstation — Competitive Pricing and Same-Day Options
Toolstation is another option with good stock of Oregon chains and occasional stock of OEM Stihl and Husqvarna chains. Pricing is usually competitive with Amazon for standard sizes. Delivery is quick, and some stores offer same-day collection on orders placed early.
Brand Specialists — for OEM Chains and Expert Advice
If you own a Stihl, Husqvarna, or Makita saw, authorised brand dealers are worth visiting or calling. They stock genuine OEM chains, can verify compatibility with your model, and often know exactly what you need if you tell them your saw model number.
Stihl dealers carry the full range of Stihl chains including PICCO (.325 pitch .063 gauge for battery/small saws) and full-size chains (.325 pitch .050 gauge and others). Prices are usually £5–10 higher than aftermarket chains, but you’re guaranteed OEM compatibility.
Husqvarna dealers stock Husqvarna X-PRECISION chains and various OEM sizes.
Makita dealers stock genuine Makita battery chainsaw replacement chains.
Specialist Online Chainsaw Retailers
Specialist retailers like Honey Brothers and Forest Master stock a wide range of chains and often have technical expertise. These are good if you have an unusual or professional saw model and need expert advice.
UK Chainsaw Chain Price Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of typical 2026 prices for common chain types across retailers:
| Chain Type | Pitch/Gauge | Drive Links | Amazon | Screwfix | Brand Dealer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon 91PX (aftermarket) | .325 / .050 | 72 DL | £15–22 | £18–24 | — |
| Oregon 95PX (aftermarket) | .325 / .050 | 72 DL | £18–26 | £22–28 | — |
| Stihl PICCO (OEM, small) | .325 / .063 | 60 DL | £20–28 | Rare | £24–32 |
| Stihl OEM (standard) | .325 / .050 | 72 DL | £22–30 | Rare | £28–36 |
| Makita OEM (battery saws) | .325 / .063 | 60 DL | £18–26 | Rare | £20–28 |
| Husqvarna X-PRECISION (OEM) | .325 / .050 | 72 DL | £25–35 | Rare | £30–40 |
Saving tip: Buy aftermarket chains like Oregon and save £5–12 per chain compared to OEM. Performance is nearly identical for domestic use, and many professionals use Oregon exclusively.
Which Chain Do You Need?
Before you order, you need three pieces of information:
- Pitch — the spacing between chain links. Common sizes: .325 inch, .375 inch, .404 inch, 3/8 inch. Look on the side of your current chain or your manual.
- Gauge (thickness) — usually .050 inch or .063 inch. Again, check the side of your chain or manual.
- Length (drive links) — count the drive links on your current chain, or check your manual. Common sizes: 60 DL, 72 DL, 84 DL, 91 DL.
Once you have these, you can search by part number or specification. For example: “Oregon 91PX .325 .050” is enough to find the right chain.
Still not sure? See our complete guide to measuring your chainsaw chain.
Aftermarket vs OEM Chains — Which Should You Buy?
Aftermarket brands like Oregon are the best value for money. They’re made to exacting standards, fit your saw perfectly if the pitch/gauge/length are correct, and cost £5–12 less per chain than OEM. For domestic and semi-professional use, there’s no reason not to buy aftermarket.
OEM chains (branded Stihl, Husqvarna, Makita etc.) offer peace of mind if you want guaranteed compatibility with your saw. They’re also the best choice if you’re still under warranty — some manufacturers void warranty if you use third-party parts. Once your warranty expires, an Oregon chain gives identical performance at lower cost.
Professional users often buy both: OEM chains for high-visibility work where they want branded parts, and Oregon VPX or PowerMatch chains for everyday cutting.
Additional Chain Accessories to Buy
When you order a new chain, consider adding:
- Chain tension tool (£6–12) — makes adjusting tension easier than using a screwdriver.
- Sharpening kit (£12–25) — a round file, file guide, and holder to keep your chain sharp. An dull chain works harder and wears faster.
- Bar oil (5 litre can, £8–15) — quality oil reduces bar and chain wear. Biodegradable options are available.
- Spare spark plug (£4–8) — always useful to have on hand.
Watch: Video Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy a chain from a brand dealer or online?
Online retailers like Amazon are usually £5–12 cheaper per chain, especially for aftermarket brands. Brand dealers are more expensive but offer expert advice and guaranteed OEM compatibility if that matters to you.
How do I know if a chain will fit my saw?
Check the pitch, gauge, and drive link count on your current chain or in your manual. If a replacement has the same three specs, it will fit.
Can I use an aftermarket chain like Oregon on a Stihl saw?
Yes. Oregon chains in .325 pitch .050 gauge fit Stihl saws perfectly and are used by many professionals. Just make sure the pitch and gauge match your saw’s spec.
What’s the difference between .325 and .375 pitch chains?
.325 pitch is smaller (more links, finer cut) and .375 pitch is larger (fewer links, more aggressive cut). Your saw is designed for one or the other — you can’t mix them.
How often should I replace my chainsaw chain?
A chain can be sharpened 5–10 times before it’s too worn to sharpen. Once it stops holding an edge or the links are visibly damaged, it’s time to replace it. Well-maintained chains last 1–2 years of regular use.
Should I buy OEM chains or aftermarket?
For value and performance, aftermarket Oregon chains are excellent. Buy OEM if you want guaranteed warranty protection or prefer branded parts. Performance is nearly identical for domestic use.
Can I buy a chain online and fit it myself?
Yes, absolutely. Chain installation is straightforward: loosen the bar, slide on the new chain in the correct direction, tighten, and adjust tension. See our guide to chain direction and our chain tension guide for step-by-step instructions.
Do battery chainsaws use the same chain types as petrol?
No. Makita, DeWalt, and Milwaukee battery saws use proprietary chains specific to each brand. You can’t fit a standard .325 pitch chain on a Makita battery saw — you must use the genuine Makita chain.
Ready to Order Your Replacement Chain?
Know your pitch, gauge, and drive link count, then browse chainsaw chains on Amazon UK or visit your local Screwfix or Toolstation.
For a full guide to chainsaw chain specifications, see our chainsaw chain compatibility guide.
