Oregon R45 Saw Chain vs Oregon R56 16-Inch Chainsaw Chain

Both are Oregon 90PX-family narrow-kerf chains for small, low-powered saws, so the real choice is bar length, not brand. The R45 fits 12-inch bars with 45 drive links; the R56 fits 16-inch bars with 56 drive links. Buy the one that matches your bar and saw's drive-link count. Owners rate the R45 4.7 out of 5, and the same chamfer-chisel cutters, Lubri-Tec oiling and hardened rivets carry over to the R56.

• Choose the Oregon R45 if your saw runs a 12-inch bar with 45 drive links, such as many pole saws and small top-handle saws.
• Choose the Oregon R56 if your saw runs a 16-inch bar with 56 drive links, such as Husqvarna, Echo, DeWalt, Greenworks and Poulan 16-inch models.