DeWalt 18 in. Chainsaw Chain (3/8 in. LP pitch, .050 in. gauge)

Why I reached for this 18-inch chain

Swapping a chain shouldn’t feel like rolling the dice. I wanted something predictable for an 18-inch bar, with clean cuts and manners on the saw, especially for weekend firewood, storm cleanup, and pruning bigger limbs. The DeWalt 18-inch chain (3/8 in. low-profile, .050 gauge, 62 drive links) hit the marks I care about: it fit correctly, ran smoothly, and stayed sharp longer than I expected for a semi-chisel profile.

I ran it primarily on an 18-inch DeWalt bar paired with a cordless saw, and also test-fitted it to a spare 18-inch bar from another brand that shares the same 3/8 LP pitch, .050 gauge, 62 DL spec. Fit was precise on both. If your bar calls for 3/8 low-profile, .050 gauge, and 62 drive links, you’re in good shape; if it doesn’t match all three, pick another chain.

Setup, fit, and break-in

Out of the package, the chain was evenly oiled and seated cleanly on the bar and sprocket. The cutters were uniform, and the rivets had no stiff spots. Tensioning took one pass to set and a quick second tweak after the first couple of cuts—completely normal stretch for a new chain. After that, it settled in and held tension reliably through multiple sessions.

One small design detail that shows up in use is the lubrication channel molded into each drive link. It’s intended to move oil from the bar groove into the rivet area. In practice, I saw consistent oil sheen across the bar and less heat at the nose after longer cuts. It doesn’t replace proper bar-oil flow and tension checks, but it absolutely helps keep things running cooler, especially on battery saws where efficiency matters.

Cutting performance

This chain is a semi-chisel, so it trades a little peak speed for better edge retention and forgiveness in less-than-pristine wood. In softwoods (pine, fir), it pulled a healthy chip and cut quickly with minimal bogging. In hardwoods (maple, red oak), it remained predictable and didn’t chatter. In late-season yard work—where the bark can be a little dirty—the chain kept its bite better than a full-chisel chain would have. That’s exactly why semi-chisel exists: a slightly more rounded cutting corner that resists dulling and micro-chipping.

The ramped depth gauges are tuned to reduce kickback and vibration. On crosscuts and limbing, the saw stayed composed and the bar tracked well. Vibration at the handles felt low, and bore-cuts were manageable (with the usual caution). If you’re used to aggressive full-chisel chains that “grab and go,” this one feels more controlled, which I prefer for mixed-use property work and for users who aren’t cutting all day, every day.

Chip evacuation was solid in the kerf, and the chain didn’t pack with dust in dry wood. With good bar oil, I didn’t experience blueing or hot spots even in longer cuts. As with any low-kickback chain, it’s not the fastest possible option, but it’s fast enough and smooth, especially on cordless saws where a gentler bite helps maintain chain speed and efficiency.

Safety and kickback behavior

Meeting ANSI low-kickback standards matters for an 18-inch setup that may see a variety of users and tasks. The ramped depth gauges and tie-strap geometry here do their job. It’s still a chainsaw chain—respect the kickback zone and keep the chain sharp—but the tendency to surge or slap is reduced compared to more aggressive patterns. If you’re teaching a newer user or sharing a saw around the property, this profile is a sensible choice.

Durability and edge holding

After several sessions of bucking and limbing, plus a few questionable cuts through bark that wasn’t as clean as it should have been, the edge held up better than expected. Semi-chisel earns its keep here: fewer touch-ups, less time at the stump with a file. I didn’t see accelerated rivet wear or uneven stretch. The chrome plating on the cutters took a good shine after the first sharpening and continued to throw consistent chips thereafter.

No chain loves dirt or sand. This one is simply more forgiving when conditions are mixed. If you work exclusively in clean hardwood and chase speed above all else, a full-chisel chain can be faster. For everyone else, the trade-off in longevity is worth it.

Sharpening and maintenance

Sharpening is straightforward with a 5/32-inch round file. I stayed around a 30-degree top-plate angle with a light touch and kept the file just kissing the cutter’s top corner. The cutters are consistent, so it’s easy to keep both sides even. After two or three sharpenings, check raker height with a depth gauge tool; I aimed for .025–.030 depending on wood and saw power. Keeping rakers in spec preserves the chain’s smooth behavior and prevents chatter or self-feeding.

A few care notes that paid off:
- Flip the bar every time you change or sharpen the chain to promote even wear.
- Check tension every battery or tank. Warm chains stretch; snug them up before they sag.
- Use season-appropriate bar oil. Thicker oil in hot months, winter blend when it’s cold.
- Clean the bar groove and oil port regularly; the chain’s lube channels can’t compensate for a clogged bar.

Noise, feel, and user experience

This chain runs quietly and with a “planted” feel on the bar. Vibration is muted, which reduces fatigue over a longer day of limbing and cleanup. The ramped depth gauges reduce harshness when the chain first bites into the cut. It all adds up to a chain that’s easy to live with, particularly if you’re jumping between tasks rather than bucking firewood for hours on end.

Compatibility and buying considerations

Specs matter. This is a 3/8-inch low-profile chain, .050 gauge, 62 drive links. It’s intended for 18-inch bars with those exact requirements, including DeWalt’s DCCS672 setup. Some 18-inch bars use different drive-link counts; count yours before you buy. Pack size is one, so consider picking up a spare if you’re heading into a big job or storm cleanup.

It’s also notable that DeWalt backs this with a three-year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Chains are consumables, so warranty coverage won’t replace normal wear and sharpening, but the customer support window is longer than typical for a chain.

Where it fits in the market

Against common semi-chisel, low-kickback options from the usual suspects, this DeWalt chain sits right in the sweet spot: balanced, predictable, and easy to sharpen. The lubrication channel feature is a small but meaningful design tweak, and the overall fit and finish are solid. If you’re chasing the last bit of speed in clean hardwood, a full-chisel pattern will still outrun it. If you value smooth behavior, edge retention in mixed conditions, and lower kickback tendency, this is exactly the profile you want.

Pros

• Smooth, low-vibration cutting with predictable feed
• Semi-chisel cutters hold an edge well in mixed/dirty wood
• Effective oil distribution via drive-link channels
• ANSI low-kickback compliance inspires confidence
• Easy to sharpen with a common 5/32-inch file
• Reliable fit for 3/8 LP, .050, 62 DL 18-inch bars

Cons

• Less aggressive bite than full-chisel chains
• Not ideal for milling or the fastest production cutting
• Only fits bars with the exact 62 drive-link spec
• Single-pack; no included sharpening guide

Recommendation

I recommend this chain for homeowners, property managers, and pros who want a low-kickback, semi-chisel option that stays sharp and runs smoothly on an 18-inch bar. It’s especially well matched to cordless saws where controlled bite and efficient oiling help maintain chain speed, but it’s just as at home on a gas saw for general duty. If your priority is maximum cutting aggression in clean wood, look at a full-chisel chain instead. For everyone else, this DeWalt 18-inch chain earns a spot in the kit thanks to its balanced performance, easy maintenance, and dependable fit.