A method of manufacturing a chain (1), such as a cutting chain for a chain saw, includes providing or pre-assembling a plurality of chain sub-units (10). At least a sufficient property and/or a sufficient functionality of each chain sub-unit (10) are tested. A head-to-tail coupling is combined with the plurality of chain sub-units (10) provided with the sufficient property and/or sufficient functionality of the testing step to make a chain (1) of a predefined length.