You need to know when and how to replace a guide bar to keep your chainsaw running for as long as possible. You may spend more on damages and replacements if you have limited knowledge about these.
To help you get the most out of your chainsaw, our tool specialists tested and summarized everything you need to know about the best chainsaw bars today.
Reviews of the Top Chainsaw Bars
1. Oregon Chainsaw Guide Bar & Chain Combo AdvanceCut (39272)
If you want a high-quality, high-performing bar and chain for your Homelite, Craftsman, and Poulan chainsaws, go no further than the Oregon 39272.
Its length makes it ideal for slicing through thick branches and trees. All of the individual components of this set meet or exceed the ANSI and ISO requirements for a chainsaw bar, guaranteeing your protection and longevity. This also means this bar has little to no kickback and vibration.
The product’s user-friendliness and wide range of compatibility really wowed us. Unlike alternative guides, this one is simple to swap out.
What We Like
- Versatile
- Ideal for DIYers
- Guide bar and chain
- LubriTec oiling system
- Low kickback
- 18-inch chainsaw bar
What We Don't Like
- Fitting takes time
- Best for thinner trees
2. Husqvarna 531300440 20-Inch Chainsaw Bar
Husqvarna’s 20-Inch Chainsaw Bar is constructed from industrial-grade components. It is compact enough to be carried around easily and can be quickly attached to many Husqvarna chainsaws.
A high-performance, vibration-reducing chain is at your disposal with minimal effort. You should know that you should only use Husqvarna chains on Husqvarna bars in case of a chain replacement.
The Husqvarna 531300440 20-Inch Chainsaw Bar is constructed from sturdy materials and coated to protect against corrosion and scratches. Overall, if you have a Husqvarna chainsaw model, this is one of the most premium replacements you can buy.
What We Like
- Heavy-duty cutting
- 20-inch chainsaw bar
- Easily adjustable
- Minimize kickback risk
- Lightweight chainsaw bar
What We Don't Like
- For Husqvarna chainsaw brands
- For Husqvarna chainsaw chains
3. Husqvarna 531300438 18-Inch Chainsaw Bar
The Husqvarna 531300438 18-inch Pixel Chainsaw Bar fits most top-notch Husqvarna chainsaws, just like the 20-inch bar. There is also minimal backlash and minimal vibration.
It only weighs one pound, which is quite portable. It won’t add much weight to your Husqvarna chainsaw, so you don’t have to worry about throwing off your tool’s balance.
The 18-inch chainsaw blade has a 0.325-inch pitch and a 0.050-inch gauge length, and it’s constructed with corrosion-resistant metal to prolong the life of your chainsaw. Unlike conventional chainsaw bars, there’s no need for lubrication thanks to the sealed bearing at the end. The chainsaw bar will never again require lubrication.
What We Like
- Affordable high-quality bar
- Efficient cutting
- No grease port present
- Low chainsaw kickback
- 18-inch chainsaw bar
What We Don't Like
- Non-greasable sprocket
- Ideal for light-duty tasks
4. STIHL 3003 008 6821 Rollomatic E Laminated Chain Saw Bar
If you need a bar for several Stihl chainsaws and for a wide variety of tasks, consider this bar from the Stihl Chainsaws brand, which measures 20 inches in length and features a 0.325-inch pitch and a 0.63-inch gauge.
To guarantee its stability, strength, and endurance, this guide blade is manufactured out of three separate pieces of high-quality steel, which are then spot welded together in three strategic locations.
The star-shaped sprocket nose prevents the Stihl 3003 008 6821 Rollomatic Chainsaw Bar from slipping, which is a nice touch. This very resilient and reasonably priced Sthil chainsaw bar was created by fusing steel welded areas with laminate.
Must-Read: Stihl Chainsaw Bar and Chain Size Chart
What We Like
- 20-inch Stihl bar length
- Compatible with many Stihl chainsaw models
- Small nose radius
- Durable bar with nose wheel
- High-grade steel
- Three-part laminated guide bar
What We Don't Like
- For smaller tasks
- Laminated bars may not be strong enough
5. Forester 20" Bar and Chain Combo S206381-X
The Forrester S205072X is a bar and chain combo compatible with STIHL chainsaws, and it was designed to do so. Even though some trees are notorious for being complicated wood, this reliable guide bar and semi-chisel chain performs admirably on both.
If you’re an arborist trying to improve your tool’s cutting effectiveness and efficiency, the Forester 20″ bar is the way to go.
Its laminated bar and sprocket nose also makes it perfect for do-it-yourselfers at home. This bar will fit your tool perfectly, making it ideal for tree removal, trimming, and general yard upkeep.
What We Like
- Sharp chainsaw chain
- Compatible with many Stihl chainsaws
- Durable chain-bar combo
- 20-inch chainsaw bar
- High-grade steel
What We Don't Like
- No automatic oiling system
- For specific chainsaw models
6. Husqvarna 24 in. Chainsaw Guide Bar
Husqvarna is, like Oregon, widely recognized as a leading producer of chainsaws and hardware tool replacement parts in the chainsaw industry. This Husqvarna 24-inch bar is ideal for your tool because it’s light and straightforward to handle even after extended use.
This is the most incredible bar for a 24″ chainsaw because of its massive size, which makes it ideal for cutting down big trees in one fell swoop and completing other similarly ambitious tasks.
In addition, Husqvarna 24 in. Chainsaw Guide Bar is compatible with a broader range of Husqvarna chainsaws than the one we previously recommended.
What We Like
- 24-inch chainsaw bar length
- Best chainsaw bars for commercial use
- Can cut through thick trees
- Manageable bar weight
- Works with chainsaws equipped with big engines
What We Don't Like
- Bar connects with Husqvarna saws only
- Longer bar might not be ideal for arborists
7. Oregon 20-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar
This guide bar and chain combo for an Oregon chainsaw is exceptional. It’s high-quality, can be used for various purposes, and is compatible with multiple power tool makes and models.
The LubriTec Oiling technology stands out and ensures that the chain and bar are well lubricated to their depths, which decreases friction and lengthens their lifespan. Moreover, this Oregon 20-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar has a low-kickback chain for added user protection.
In addition to being ideal for both amateurs and experts, the tool’s ANSI certification of B175.1-2012 provides additional peace of mind.
What We Like
- Low kickback
- Bar and chain combo
- 20-inch chainsaw bar
- High-performance bar
- ANSI certified
What We Don't Like
- Not ideal for regular use on hardwood
- Not for all chainsaw models
Chainsaw Bars Buyer’s Guide
Chainsaw Type
Several types of chainsaws can only use specific types of chainsaw guides. For instance, a chainsaw bar made by Husqvarna and Stihl can only be used with their own line of chainsaws.
Nonetheless, there are some notable outliers. It’s possible to get chainsaw bars that are suitable for use with any model of chainsaw, thanks to their universal design.
Keep in mind that large guides complement high-powered chainsaw motors in any case. A powerful engine will be able to bear the load of the bars and drive the chainsaw.
Bar Type
Solid Bar (With and Without Replacement Tip)
Solid bars provide the most robust form of woodworking hardware available. Thus, they are preferable for working with hardwood and other hard materials.
The inner and outer tip decreases the load and renders them into a high-performance roller bearing.
The lack of laminations and the use of a solid body in the construction of a chainsaw bar lends them resilience against wear and tear, deformation, and cracking.
Laminated Bar
Lightweight applications, like gardening or yard work, are better suited to laminated bars. Cost-effectiveness aside, they can’t be beaten, making them ideal for homeowners.
In addition to being excellent for cutting hardwood, they are also well-suited for slicing softwood and other types of wood.
They are more adaptable and may feature nose wheels that reduce backlash and improves safety.
Carving Bar
The smallest and lightest guides are used for carving. These are the most precise tools available and used in carving. Heavy-duty work is beyond their capabilities. These can be used with most chainsaws designed for carving.
Size and Weight
You’ll be able to narrow down your selections and make a more informed decision if you take the size and weight into consideration.
The manufacturer’s website should provide information on the lengths compatible with the tool. Length is the primary factor in determining the weight, while the material also plays a role.
The lighter and medium-weight bars are better suited for light-duty applications such as yard upkeep and infrequent professional use. In comparison, the heavier bars are better suited for more demanding tasks.
Material Quality
These days, metals like steel, aluminum, and chrome-moly (a combination of chromium and molybdenum) are typically used to make chains saw bars. [1]
Aluminum bars are easier on the body and better for beginners or less demanding exercises.
Regarding tensile strength, chrome-moly bars are superior to their stainless steel counterparts, making them ideal for industrial applications.
Steel is a versatile material that bridges the gap between the two.
Performance
Most guide bar faults may be traced back to improper chain tension, a lack of lubrication, or accidents/irregular working habits; thus, it’s essential to watch for these.
Even if you have the best bar, but it’s not tensioned correctly, it may wear unevenly and break.