Understanding when and how to replace a guide bar is crucial for prolonging the lifespan of your chainsaw. Without this knowledge, you risk incurring additional costs due to damages and premature replacements.
To help you get the most out of your chainsaw, here are the best chainsaw bars I’ve relied on and purchased over the years.
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.
What’s particularly impressive about this product is its ease of use and broad compatibility with various chainsaw models. It outshines many alternatives with its simplicity in swapping out, making it a user-friendly and versatile option for chainsaw maintenance and upgrades.
What I Like
- It is highly versatile
- It is perfect for DIYers
- It comes with a guide bar and chain
- The LubriTec oiling system allows for better lubrication
- It is designed for low kickback
- The 18-inch chainsaw bar is suitable for a wide range of cutting tasks.
What I Don't Like
- Fitting it takes time
- It's 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. However, 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 I Like
- It is designed for heavy-duty cutting
- It's a 20-inch chainsaw bar
- It is easily adjustable
- It is designed to minimize kickback risk
- It is a lightweight chainsaw bar
What I Don't Like
- It is made for Husqvarna chainsaw brands
- It is designed for Husqvarna chainsaw chains
3. Husqvarna 531300438 18-Inch Chainsaw Bar
The Husqvarna 531300438 18-inch Pixel Chainsaw Bar fits most 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 I Like
- It is an affordable high-quality bar
- The bar allows efficient cutting
- There is no grease port
- You'll experience less kickback
- It's an 18-inch chainsaw bar
What I Don't Like
- The non-greasable sprocket
- It is 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 I Like
- 20-inch Stihl bar length
- It is compatible with many Stihl chainsaw models
- The nose radius is small
- It is a durable bar with a nose wheel
- It is made of high-grade steel
- It's a three-part laminated guide bar
What I Don't Like
- It is ideal for smaller tasks
- These 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 I Like
- It comes with a sharp chainsaw chain
- It is compatible with many Stihl chainsaws
- This chain-bar combo is durable
- 20-inch chainsaw bar
- It is made of high-grade steel
What I Don't Like
- There is no automatic oiling system
- It's 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.
What I Like
- The 24-inch chainsaw bar length is perfect for large-scale tasks.
- It's one of the best chainsaw bars for commercial use
- It can cut through thick trees
- The bar weight is manageable
- It works well with chainsaws equipped with big engines
What I Don't Like
- The bar connects with Husqvarna saws only
- The longer bar length might not be ideal for arborists
7. Oregon 20-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar
This guide bar and chain combo for Oregon chainsaw units is exceptional. It’s high-quality, can be used for various purposes, and is compatible with multiple power tool makes and models.
One feature that stands out is the LubriTec Oiling technology. It ensures thorough lubrication of both the chain and bar, which significantly reduces friction and extends their lifespan. Moreover, this Oregon 20-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar has a low-kickback chain for added user protection.
The ANSI B175.1-2012 certification is another key factor that provides reassurance regarding its safety and quality standards. So, I can recommend this to both amateurs and professionals in the industry.
What I Like
- The low kickback feature is a significant safety aspect I always look for
- It's a bar and chain combo package
- The 20-inch chainsaw bar is great for extended reach
- It's a high-performance bar
- It's ANSI certified
What I Don't Like
- It's not ideal for regular use on hardwood
- This bar isn’t compatible with 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 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.
Safety
Working with a chainsaw is risky since it involves using a motorized tool.
To cut down on kickback and vibration, your chainsaw’s bar should be designed specifically for that purpose.
Kickback from a chain saw can send the cutting edge in the opposite direction of the cut, potentially toward you instead of the target. If you want a new bar with a little kickback, look for the ANSI mark of approval.
Using a chainsaw for extended periods can cause hand and arm fatigue and pain. However, opting for a chainsaw with a bar that features minimal vibrations or incorporates vibration control technology can significantly lessen or even eliminate these discomforts.
This consideration is particularly important for those who use chainsaws frequently or for extended periods.
Price
The price is also a significant consideration when buying the best chainsaw bars.
Longer, solid bars always cost more because they’re designed for industrial use. They’re a better investment for business owners and professionals because they hold up under heavy use.
If you’re a homeowner who doesn’t plan on cutting hardwood but does need a bar for yard work, I’d recommend opting for a laminated version so you can save money.
When Should You Replace Your Chainsaw’s Guide Bars?
Any chainsaw bar, no matter how well you maintain it, will eventually break from regular use. When that happens, it not only harms the engine and puts you in danger, but it also reduces the cutting efficiency.
The following will help you determine if the chainsaw bar requires a replacement:
- If you're not happy with the cutting ability of your current bar, even though it's in good shape, you can change it with a higher-quality replacement bar to improve the tool's performance.
- Moving the chain while holding it between the finger and thumb can disclose any slack in the chain and the bar. When it happens, you should stop using the chainsaw immediately.
- Repeated chainsaw usage over long periods will eventually wear down the bar's rails and smooth them out. Bar replacement is required when this occurs around the bar's edges, especially at the nose.
- Eventually, the heel, or the area where the bar meets the instrument, will also wear down wherein the chain strips the bar over time. It has to be replaced if it is shrinking in size.
- With time, the bar’s grooves can wear down and become shallower, revealing scratches and other signs of wear and creating worn flat areas. If this happens, it is probably time to swap out the railing.
How to Choose an Aftermarket Chainsaw Bar
Step #1: Determine if Your Bar Needs Replacement
Bars on chainsaws eventually dull and break. You can take all the precautions the manufacturer recommends (including oiling periodically), but ultimately, it will break. Learn the signs that your chainsaw bar needs replacing.
- Determine how deep the rail grooves are. The tracks in a used bar will gradually wear out and the rails ground out. Damage to the bottom of the grooves indicates that the rails can no longer securely retain the chain, rendering the chainsaw unsafe for use.
- Look at the sides of the bar. The chain follows the flat outer edges, much like the rails on a railroad track. Especially around the nose, they're usually the first to show signs of wear.
- The groves' interiors should be examined. Try to jiggle the chain by holding it between the thumb and forefinger. You still have a solid bar, even if you can't move it. Yet, if there is a lot of wiggle room, the bar's interior could be more stable.
- Be sure there is no metal loss at the heel, where the bar attaches to the engine housing. Eventually, the heel of a bar will become smaller than that of the heel of a brand-new bar because the chain wears away at it.
Step #2: Identify the Right Bar Size
Not all bars can be used with all chainsaws. Certain guide bars and chainsaws aren’t compatible with others, although they’re generally interchangeable. Don’t buy a bar that won’t even fit your saw without first reading these guidelines.
As a general rule, bars from different manufacturers won’t work together. Everyone has their standards, and it’s a sad reality that a company can’t turn a profit by guaranteeing that their competitors’ replacement parts are widely available.
Bar Length Size Chart
Chainsaw Type | Engine Power | Recommended Bar Length |
Gas | 35-50 cc | 16-20 |
Gas | 20-35 cc | 12-16 |
Gas | 51-65 cc | 20-24 |
Corded Electric | 13-15 amps | 14-18 |
Corded Electric | 8-12 amps | 10-14 |
Battery Electric | 18-30 volts | 10-12 |
Battery Electric | 51-80 volts | 16-18 |
Battery Electric | 31-50 volts | 12-16 |
Step #3: Determine if Other Parts Need Replacement
Also, consider replacing the chain and sprocket when you swap out the bar on your chainsaw.
- Some chainsaw bars have a sprocket installed at the front of them; it's a wheel that rotates in tandem with the chain and reduces wear and tear on the tool. A new sprocket is required if the chain needs to be replaced and the new chain includes a different gauge or pitch.
- You will require a new chain if the length of the bar you intend to replace it with differs from the one currently in use. Choose one that is the same length as the bar you are returning.
- Note that Step #3 is unnecessary if you get a chain and bar set.
Step #4: Pick the Right Bar for Your Chainsaw
These characteristics should be prioritized when selecting the best bar for your chainsaw.
- Choose from steel, aluminum, or chrome-moly. While steel is a good middle ground, aluminum is the way to go for less significant projects or novices and chrome-moly is superior to others due to its increased tensile strength.
- In metalworking, the distance between two parallel faces of a bar is referred to as its kerf. Generally, it's common wisdom that more oversized kerf bars are more robust, whereas thinner kerf guides are more mobile. However, modern metallurgy has significantly reinforced thin-kerf blades and is now the superior option in nearly all cases.
- Choose a sprocket-nosed bar if you like them, and decide how many teeth it should have. Unless you're working with a material that's likely to block a sprocket, you should buy a sprocket to extend the life of your chains.
FAQ
What is the most common bar length?
The standard range of 18-20 inches is the most sought-after. These bars have a wide range of uses because of their versatility. They are compatible with a wide range of chainsaw types and brands.
Who manufactures Stihl chainsaw bars?
Stihl also manufactures a comprehensive selection of replacement bars. However, Stihl chainsaw bars are also manufactured by several other companies. In the preceding section above, I listed these some of these products’ manufacturers.
What is the biggest Stihl chainsaw bar?
The MS881 is Stihl’s largest chainsaw, and its 41-inch bar is its most extended option. These are the most powerful saws used in logging to fell giant trees. They are not more manageable since they are not detached from powerful equipment.
My Top Pick For a Chainsaw Bar:
Oregon Chainsaw Guide Bar & Chain Combo, AdvanceCut
After carefully assessing my top picks, I have settled on the Oregon 39272 as the best chainsaw bar. The smaller bar length is one of its great strengths, making it more adaptable for greater accuracy when performing minor jobs in the yard.
It works seamlessly with various chainsaw models, and its intuitive design greatly simplifies the user experience. This blend of size, compatibility, and ease of use makes it an ultimate staple in my toolkit.
Robert Johnson is a passionate furniture maker & carpenter, sought after for his knowledge on the craft.
You’ve probably seen his down-to-earth wisdom in USA Today, Bobvila, Family Handyman, and The Spruce, where he has shared commentary and guidance on various woodworking topics.
Robert is the brain behind Sawinery, where he aims to share tips, tricks, and a passion for all things carpentry.
