Husqvarna H38 3/8 Mini x .043 Chainsaw Chain

Husqvarna H38 chain is a 3/8 mini (low profile) chain in .043 gauge for small saws and many top-handle saws. It cuts smoothly with low vibration, which suits pruning and limbing in the tree.

Chain for small saws

3/8 mini chain is the light, low-profile chain used on small rear-handle and top-handle saws. In .043 gauge it runs a thin kerf, so a small engine keeps its speed through the cut. That is what you want for pruning cuts aloft, limbing, and cleaning up brush, where a smooth, controlled cut matters more than raw speed.

Count drive links on your current loop or check the bar stamp to order the right length.

Low-profile chain also has guard links or bumper drive links on many versions, which helps cut down kickback. That is a big part of why it suits small saws and climbers. It cuts slower than full-size chain, but on a small saw aloft, smooth and controlled beats fast. Buy a few loops at once so a dull or damaged one can be swapped in the tree.

Sharpening and care

File with the round file size Husqvarna specifies for H38, keep cutters even, and touch up depth gauges every few sharpenings. Keep tension right: the chain should pull around the bar by hand yet not sag off the bottom. Top-handle saws are for trained climbers working aloft, not for ground use.

More chain and bars are in our chainsaw chain section.