Makita battery and electric chainsaws (LXT/XGT and corded) run a thinner .043" (1.1mm) gauge chain, not the .050" (1.3mm) most petrol saws use. Fitting the wrong gauge either jams in the bar or drains the battery faster than necessary.
If you own a Makita chainsaw in Australia, you likely love the convenience. Whether it's the 18V top-handle for climbing or the 36V (18V x 2) beast for firewood, they are brilliant tools.
But finding a Makita chainsaw chain replacement can be a headache. Walk into a hardware or tool shop, and you'll see walls of chains with confusing numbers like .050, .043, 3/8, and Picco. If you pick the wrong one, your saw won't cut straight, or worse — you'll burn out your electric motor.
At Alpine Chain Co., we supply premium aftermarket chains that are precision-engineered for Makita battery and electric saws. This guide will help you find the exact chain you need in seconds.
The "Hidden" Spec: Why Makita Chains are Different
Most petrol chainsaws run a chain that is 1.3mm (.050") thick or more. However, most Makita Battery (LXT/XGT) and Electric chainsaws use a thinner, specialized chain that is 1.1mm (.043") thick.
Why does this matter? This is called "Thin Kerf." It takes less wood out of the cut, meaning less friction.
If you use the right 1.1mm chain: Your saw cuts fast, and your battery lasts longer.
If you force a standard 1.3mm chain on: It may jam in the bar, overheat your motor, and drastically reduce your cuts-per-charge.
How to Check Your Bar
If you aren't sure which model you have, look at the text stamped on the tail of your guide bar (the metal blade the chain runs on). You will see codes like:
3/8" LP | 0.043" | 52
3/8": This is the pitch (distance between rivets).
1.1mm (or .043): This is the gauge (thickness). This is the most critical number for Makita battery saws.
52: This is the number of Drive Links.
Why Choose Alpine Chain Co. for your Makita?
You don't need to buy expensive branded chains to get professional performance. Alpine Chain Co. chains are manufactured using German alloy steel for high performance, durability and an edge you can actually sharpen.
Battery Optimised: Our 1.1mm chains are designed to slice through Australian hardwood with minimal drag, extending your runtime.
Semi-Chisel Design: We use a semi-chisel cutter profile. This stays sharp longer in "dirty" Australian conditions (like dry Gum and dusty firewood) compared to standard full-chisel chains. (See our full chisel vs semi-chisel guide.)
Makita Chainsaw Chain — FAQ
What gauge chain does a Makita battery chainsaw take?
Most LXT and XGT battery saws, and Makita's electric saws, use a .043 inch (1.1mm) gauge — thinner than the .050 inch gauge common on petrol saws.
What happens if I fit a .050 chain to a Makita battery saw?
It may jam in the bar groove, overheat the motor, and noticeably reduce cuts per charge, since the bar is machined for the thinner .043 inch profile.
How do I find my Makita's exact chain spec?
Check the code stamped on the tail of the guide bar, such as "3/8 LP | 0.043 | 52" — that gives you pitch, gauge and drive-link count directly.
Does Makita use the same chain across its whole battery range?
Most LXT/XGT saws share the 3/8 LP, .043 inch specification, but drive-link count varies by bar length, so always confirm against your own bar stamp or model.
Ready to get cutting?
Don't let a dull chain drain your batteries. Find your exact Makita loop in seconds — Search by Chainsaw and enter your model (e.g. "DUC353" or "UC013G"), or Search by Bar Stamp using the numbers off your bar.
Get the exact chain for your saw
Enter your make and model and we'll match the right chain — or read the specs off your bar to search directly. Every chain is backed by our Guaranteed Fit promise, checked against your bar stamp before it ships.