Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G Chain, .325 x .050 Semi-Chisel

Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G chain is a .325 pitch, .050 gauge semi-chisel chain built for mid-size saws in the 40 to 60 cc range. It is pre-stretched, holds an edge well in dirty wood, and is a common factory chain on Husqvarna's popular 50-class saws.

Why semi-chisel

Full-chisel cutters have a sharp square corner that cuts fast in clean wood but dulls quickly when it hits dirt, bark grit, or frozen wood. Semi-chisel cutters have a rounded corner that gives up a little speed and lasts much longer between sharpenings. For storm work, firewood, and ground-level bucking where the bar inevitably touches dirt, the SP33G is a forgiving choice.

Husqvarna's X-Cut line is pre-stretched at the factory, so you spend less time stopping to retension a new chain during the first tank.

SP33G is also a good choice for crews where several people share saws. Semi-chisel is more forgiving of imperfect sharpening, so the chain still cuts well even if not everyone files to the same standard.

Fit and sizing

SP33G is .325 pitch and .050 gauge. That matches a lot of 45 to 60 cc saws, including many Husqvarna 450, 455, and 550-class saws, depending on how they are set up. The Husqvarna X-Cut SP33G 20 inch chainsaw chain is one of the most common loops; 16 and 18 in loops are also popular.

Do not order by bar length alone. Check the drive link count stamped on your bar and match it exactly. A chain one link off will not tension properly.

Many users searching for Husqvarna SP33G chain are replacing the chain that came on their saw. If so, the old chain or the bar stamp will tell you the drive link count. Write it on the saw's case or in your saw log so the next order is easy.

Keep a few spare loops on the truck. Swapping a dull chain for a sharp one takes a couple of minutes and gets the saw cutting at full speed again, which is safer and faster than pushing a dull chain through the cut.

Sharpening

Use the round file size Husqvarna specifies for SP33G, hold the file at the angle marked on the cutters, and keep the same stroke count on every tooth. A Husqvarna file guide makes it easier to keep depth gauges at the right height. Sharpen when the saw starts throwing dust instead of chips or needs to be pushed through the cut.

Replace the chain when cutters are worn to the wear marks or the chain has cracked or damaged links, and check the drive sprocket when you put on a new chain. Keep a few spare loops of chainsaw chain in the truck.

New chain stretches during the first few cuts. Run it lightly, let it cool, and retension before working hard. Keep the bar oiler full and check that oil is reaching the chain.

Keep a round file, flat file, depth gauge tool, and file guide in your saw kit so you can touch up the chain in the field between tanks of fuel.