Identify your chain. Understand your options. Choose for your cutting work.
Back to chain finderFor any brand, match pitch, gauge and drive-link count. Bar length and the saw model alone are not enough.
The cutter removes wood. The depth gauge (often called the raker) controls how much the cutter takes. Drive links run in the groove; tie straps and rivets connect the chain. Follow the manufacturer’s sharpening and depth-gauge instructions.
STIHL example: 36 RS3 = 3/8″ pitch, .063″ gauge, RAPID Super, low-kickback version. 61 / 63 identify 3/8P in .043 / .050 gauge; 23 / 26 identify .325″ in .050 / .063; 33 / 36 identify full-profile 3/8″ in .050 / .063. Other brands use different codes—match the dimensions, not just a number.
A specified factory setup is a practical starting point for everyday cutting—not a claim that it is best in every material or condition. Specialty features matter only when your work calls for them.
Our “Best match” search ranks verified references and shop replacement guidance. It does not certify your installed setup or make a specialty chain a better everyday choice. STIHL recommends green-labeled low-kickback chain for all users.
Low-profile cutters for compatible smaller saws and pole pruners. PMM3 is designed for lower-powered units; physical fit still comes first.
PMM3: the Guide specifies units below 2.0 bhp. Shop guidance: the .043-inch PM3 option serves compatible somewhat higher-powered units while retaining a smooth, narrow cut. PM3 also comes in .050-inch gauge—do not confuse the two. PM is the yellow-labeled version; PMM3 and PM3 are green-labeled.
Semi-chisel cutters with a low-vibration design. RM3 retains RM performance features while reducing kickback tendency.
RM3 is green-labeled; RM is yellow-labeled. The cutter style does not determine pitch, gauge or loop length. Choose the exact dimensions required by your installed setup. Follow the chain-specific filing instructions.
Full-chisel cutters emphasize cutting efficiency. PICCO Super is the low-profile family; RAPID Super is the full-profile family. They are not interchangeable by name.
PS3 and RS3 are green-labeled, low-kickback versions; PS and RS are yellow-labeled. The Guide describes improved cutting/boring efficiency for PS/PS3 and aggressive full-chisel cutting for RS/RS3. Those features are not an invitation to use advanced cutting techniques without training.
Designed for longer-lasting cutting edges and less frequent sharpening. STIHL specifically lists PD3 for dirty wood, treated wood, roots and hardwoods.
Both are green-labeled. Carbide is not a maintenance-free upgrade: it needs suitable diamond-wheel sharpening, not ordinary round-file sharpening. PD3 and RD3 are distinct PICCO and RAPID products; do not assume every PD3 application claim applies to RD3. Ask us about sharpening service before choosing.
A specialized high-performance full-chisel cutter. Consider its sharpening system as well as its cutting features—not simply its price.
Our displayed RH family is yellow-labeled. It requires a six-sided STIHL HEXA file or the matching HEXA grinding wheel for the STIHL USG. A conventional round file does not maintain this cutter shape. Other HEXA variants in the catalogs are not automatically offered in our finder.
For professional longitudinal cutting with small sawmills. Its semi-chisel cutters and 10-degree filing angle are intended for this specific work—not an everyday upgrade.
RMX is yellow-labeled. The Guide describes low vibration and a smoother surface after the cut. Follow the RMX sharpening instructions rather than a general-purpose filing setting. Confirm your sawmill and saw manufacturer’s approved cutting setup.
These are the cutter families currently shown in our finder, not every chain STIHL manufactures. Exact pitch, gauge, loop length and safety label still apply.
STIHL has moved many .325″ setups from 26/.063 to 23/.050. The shop is also seeing a rolling change on larger, full-profile 3/8″ setups from 36/.063 to 33/.050. Older bars remain in service, and distributor stock can include both setups. Never choose gauge from age or model alone.
STIHL changed the factory bar-and-chain setup on many models. Model searches include matching .050 and older .063 bar setups. Check the bar installed on your saw—not its purchase year alone.
Search also finds older-gauge loops with matching pitch and drive-link counts.
Your saw model may be the same even when its bar and chain gauge changed.
Bar artwork is a clue—not the final fitment check. Confirm pitch, gauge and drive links. A .050 chain and a .063 chain are not interchangeable on the same bar.
With the saw switched off, take a clear photo of the markings near the rear of your guide bar. Include the length, pitch, drive-link count and gauge.
Text the photo or your chain-box label to our parts counter. We’ll help you match your installed setup.
Text the pros · (972) 272-5055
WARNING: Kickback and improper chainsaw use can cause serious or fatal injury. Before use, read, understand and follow the operating and safety instructions in your saw’s manual. These notices do not replace that manual.
STIHL recommends green-labeled, low-kickback chain and reduced-kickback guide bars for all users. Low kickback does not mean no kickback.
This yellow-labeled chain has an increased risk of kickback injury. It is intended only for people with extraordinary cutting needs, experience and specialized training for dealing with kickback.
Confirm pitch, gauge and drive-link count with your guide bar and equipment manual. Chain, bar and drive sprocket must be compatible. Ask us about safe operation, the correct cutting attachment and your saw’s chain-brake features.
The 2026 STIHL Guide references ANSI/OPEI B175.1 for gasoline chainsaws and UL 62841-4-1 for electric chainsaws. These standards concern tested equipment combinations—not a blanket certification of every chain on every saw. A low-kickback label does not prove that an unlisted saw/bar/chain combination meets the standard or eliminate the risk of injury. Follow the manufacturer’s approved combinations and instructions.
STIHL instruction manuals · STIHL safety manuals
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
Send your saw model and a clear bar-markings or chain-box photo. We’ll help you get cutting in the right direction.
Sources: STIHL 2026 Product Information Guide, PDF pp. 252–262; 2026 Bar & Chain Catalog, PDF pp. 20–33; Full Line Catalog bar-markings example. Power/application guidance and current distributor transition observations also reflect Garland Saw’s shop experience. This guide does not replace your equipment or chain instructions.