Are you annoyed that your chainsaw is not performing as well as it used to? Actually, the performance and efficiency of your tool are directly affected by the quality of your chainsaw bar.
But, finding the right one in the market is no easy task. With so many options available, choosing the right one can get quite confusing.
Fear Not! To help you out, I have done the necessary research and testing and brought forward the best chainsaw bars that are the best fit for every need and budget.
After thorough and intense testing, I was able to handpick 10 top saw bars that are suited for all kinds of chainsaws.
Our comprehensive guide and expert reviews below will tell you everything you need to know about these bars. Upgrade your tools with the top-rated bars and take your cutting performance to the next level.
Let’s dive into the amazing details of these top-of-the-line guide bars.
Top 10 Best Chainsaws Bar Reviews
1. Oregon 20” Chainsaw Guide bar—Top-Rated Chainsaw Bar in 2024
Bar Length: 20 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: 72 | Chain Included: Yes
Oregon is rated as the No. 1 chainsaw and hardware brand in the world. Their replacement bars are kind of universal and can fit most tools.
This particular Oregon chainsaw guide bar and chain combo is a standout. It comes in premium quality, has a versatile design, and will fit most brands like Poulan, Husqvarna, Jonsered, Makita, and many more.
What I found most unique in this bar is the LubriTec Oiling technology. It makes sure that the bar and chain are properly lubricated to the deepest parts, which reduces friction and increases their service life.
Adding to this, it comes with included low-kickback chain which increases safety while using.
The ANSI rating of B175.1-2012 gives you all the assurance you need, making the tool perfect for both homeowners and professionals.
I can personally attest to the exceptional performance of this product. The chain will cut smoothly, without any kickback or resistance.
However, this particular bar and chain aren’t designed for hardwood. So, when used on the hardwood it might dull quickly. I would suggest keeping the best sharpener with you if you have to use it on the hardwood.
What We Like
- Lubri-Tech Oiling Technology
- Versatile Compatibility
- Low-Kickback
- ANSI Certified for Superior Safety
- Exceptional Performance
What We Don't Like
- Might dull quickly when used on hardwood
- Doesn’t fit all chainsaw models
Why Consider Oregon 20” Chainsaw Guide Bar?
Oregon 20” guide bar is an ideal choice for those who are looking to upgrade the performance of their tool. It has an amazing quality build, comes with heightened safety features, and is highly recommended for both homeowners and professionals.
2. Oregon 18” Chainsaw Guide bar—Best Oregon Chainsaw Bar 2024
Bar Length: 18 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: 62 | Chain Included: Yes
While the above product is definitely my top recommendation, you might find it a bit inconvenient as a DIY enthusiast. Various DIY enthusiasts and homeowners prefer a 16-18 inch guide bar for their versatile functionality.
While testing Oregon 18” guide bar, I was particularly impressed with the ease of use and versatile compatibility of the product. It is much easier to replace compared to other guide bars.
Adding to this, the compatibility is even wider. This Oregon bar would fit various models from Echo, Craftsman, McCulloch, Homelite, Poulan, Makita, Ryobi, and more.
It is also equipped with a Lubri-Tec oiling system which ensures that your bar and chain stay lubricated and have a longer service life.
Similar to our above pick, this one also comes with a low-kickback design and chain included, so safety won’t be a concern.
One of the distinguishing features is obviously the smaller size of the bar, which makes it more versatile and gives a homeowner better accuracy for smaller tasks around the yard. Higher versatility also makes it the best Oregon chainsaw bar.
However, this very feature is also a limiting factor for the bar, as it won’t allow you to go after the bigger trees or make this bar compatible with the bigger saws.
What We Like
- Advanced Cut design
- Upgraded lubrication technology
- Low Kickback design
- More versatile
- Wider compatibility
- Lighter and more durable
- Better suited for DIY Enthusiasts
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended for thick trees
- Not Compatible with Dewalt Electric Chainsaw
Why Consider Oregon 18” Chainsaw Guide bar?
I highly recommend this guide bar to homeowners and DIY enthusiasts who own a tool that is compatible with an 18” bar. It would upgrade their cutting performance and enhance the efficiency of their tool.
3. Oregon 14-Inch Chainsaw Bar—Best Chainsaw Bar for Homeowners
Bar Length: 14 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: 50 | Chain Included: Yes
Arborists and tree care professionals prefer working with top handle chainsaws that are smaller in length because it helps them take care of trees in a more precise and better manner.
As a tree-care professional myself, I was excited to try out the Oregon 14-inch bar and chain combo to test how it performed compared to the rest of the products on my list.
What I really found amazing is how versatile this bar was. It can fit a wide range of popular chainsaw brands, even Echo CS310 and Ryobi RY40530 which rarely accept bars from other brands.
In terms of design, the bar itself is very impressive. It comes in a low-profile design and has 50 drive links, which makes it an excellent fit for gas chainsaws up to 42cc, making it the best chainsaw bar for homeowners.
With the advanced lubrication technology, Oregon significantly increases the lifespan of its replacement parts by reducing frictional prospects.
In terms of performance, you won’t find a smoother experience. This Oregon bar is extremely easy to maintain and durable enough to handle occasional commercial usage.
Moreover, the high-performance bar also helps in reducing kickback from the tool, which improves the overall safety of the tool.
However, there is a downside. The bar is not suitable for professional, commercial-grade, or heavy-duty use. The small size limits it to homeowners and occasional commercial users.
What We Like
- Fits all Popular Gas and Electric Tools
- Low Profile Design
- Ideal for Arborists
- Replacement Chain Included
- High-Performance Bar and Chain
- Enhanced Safety
What We Don't Like
- Limited Cutting Application
- Not Ideal for Commercial Use
Why Consider Oregon 14-Inch Chainsaw Bar?
If you are an arborist or tree care professional who works with 12-14 inch tools, then this bar is an ideal fit for you. It will increase the overall performance of your chainsaw.
4. Holzfforma 28-inch Guide bar—Best Chainsaw Bar for Stihl
Bar Length: 28 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.063″ | Drive Links: 92 | Chain Included: Yes
As someone who has used the Holzfforma 28-inch bar and chain combo, I can confidently say it is one of the best chainsaw bars for Stihl you can find in the market.
This particular model is made from high-quality materials and is designed for professional-grade commercial usage. You won’t find a more durable and reliable guide bar.
Adding to this, the full chisel saw chain makes aggressive cuts, which makes it much easier for a person to slice through even the toughest of woods. The bar will remain stable, allowing the chain to cut efficiently through hardwood.
Another thing I absolutely loved about this bar is the ease of installation. It snugly fits on my tool, so even a beginner can fit it on their tool easily.
You would be surprised to see the endurance ability of this bar. Even after extended usage, the bar remained sharp which was really impressive. I think it was because of the advanced design of the bar which promoted better lubrication.
One of the downsides, which even the manufacturer warns you about is the limited clutch drum compatibility. The bar won’t fit the 0.325 drum pitch. So, you must ensure the compatibility factor before purchasing.
Also, some users have complained about getting late delivery. You should know that Holzfforma has a slow delivery process and might take up to 10 working days.
What We Like
- Designed for Professional Grade Commercial Use
- Made from High-Quality Materials
- High Tolerance and Stability
- Extended Service Life
- Impressive Durability and Sharpness
What We Don't Like
- Doesn’t fit 0.325 drum pitch
- Delivery can take 10 working days
Why Consider Holzfforma 28-inch Guide bar?
If you are a professional looking for a heavy-duty bar and chain for commercial usage, then you won’t find a better and more suitable option. Holzfforma’s 28-inch guide bar can upgrade the cutting performance of your tool.
5. Oregon 36” Guide bar—Best Chainsaw Bar for Professionals
Bar Length: 36 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.063″ | Drive Links: N/A | Chain Included: No
As a professional logger or forester who is going after the biggest of trees, you will need a bar that is both durable and reliable.
Trust me, you won’t find a better option than Oregon 36” guide bar. With the 0.063-inch gauge and 3/8” pitch, the bar allows you to go after the thickest pieces of lumber.
As a professional myself, I had the opportunity to test out this amazing bar on my Stihl chainsaw, and it worked exceptionally. The Power Match bar is super-tough and comes in a chrome-coated body that is resistant to chipping.
Additionally, the replaceable nose fits easily with a single rivet, allowing you to install and make repairs quickly and easily, making it the best professional bar for chainsaws.
Adding to this, this bar is also equipped with Oregon’s exclusive Lubri-Tec oiling technology which is incredibly effective in keeping the bar and chain properly lubricated.
Moreover, the bar perfectly pairs with EXL saw chain to deliver a perfectly precise and efficient cutting experience.
However, the chain is not included with the bar. So, you will have to purchase it separately. Also, the larger size of the bar removes it from the scope of smaller cutting jobs. So, not suitable for homeowners!
What We Like
- Ideal for Heavy Duty Professional Applications
- Recommended for Stihl Chainsaws
- Replaceable Nose
- Easy to Install
- Advanced Lubrication Technology
What We Don't Like
- Replacement Chain not included
- Not Suitable for Regular Gardening or Yard Application
Why Consider Oregon 36” Guide Bar?
Highly recommended for heavy-duty professional usage. If you are a professional going after the thickest of trees, then you won’t find a better option. An excellent choice for the toughest of cutting jobs.
6. Husqvarna 24 in. Chainsaw Guide bar—Best Bar for 24” Chainsaw
Bar Length: 24 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: N/A | Chain Included: No
If the 36-inch size is too large for you or your tool, then you might want to consider a more suitable option for a more versatile professional application.
Just like Oregon, Husqvarna is also one of the top chainsaw manufacturers and is renowned for making the best replacement parts for hardware tools.
Husqvarna 24-inch bar is very lightweight and easy to handle, which makes it a perfect fit for your tool if you work long hours on a job.
The large bar size of this best bar for a 24” chainsaw makes it perfect for larger jobs that require extended reach and allows you to cut down thick trees in a single swoop.
Also, this bar is more versatile than the previous one we mentioned and will fit most Husqvarna chainsaw models including 257, 261, 262XP, 357XP, 359, 362XP, 455R, and 460 rancher tools.
Not to mention that the blue/gray finish of the bar gives it a sleek look, making your tool appear more professional while working in a commercial environment.
On the downside, the guide bar is only recommended for use with Husqvarna chainsaws. However, you can calculate the measurements and it might fit on your tool as well.
What We Like
- Versatile Compatibility
- Ideal for Professionals
- Perfect for Husqvarna Chainsaws
- Sleek and Professional Look
- Durable Built
What We Don't Like
- Only Recommended for Husqvarna Chainsaws
- Not suitable for arborists
Why Consider Husqvarna 24 in. Chainsaw Guide bar?
If you have a Husqvarna chainsaw, then this bar is the perfect choice for you. It’s durable, lightweight, and reliable, making it perfect for both homeowners and professionals.
7. FORESTER 20” Chainsaw Bar—Best Chainsaw Bar for Logging
Bar Length: 20 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: 72 | Chain Included: Yes
Forester 20” bar is ideal for an arborist who is looking to upgrade their cutting performance and take the cutting efficiency of their tool to the next level.
It features a sprocket nose with a laminated bar, which is ideal for both homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. Whether it’s cutting down trees, trimming, or doing yard maintenance, this bar will be a perfect fit for your tool.
One of the standout features of this tool is its high-performance capability in a lightweight design. It’s perfect for logging, milling, and bigger projects.
Adding to this, this versatile tool fits most Stihl chainsaw models and is ideal to use with Stihl tools. No matter which model of Stihl you own, it would perfectly fit the tool.
Moreover, the bar and chain combo is made from high-grade parts and the replacement chain is also included that is built with a semi-chisel blade.
Hence, the bar and chain are ideal for a wide range of cutting applications. Forester claims to provide the highest quality equipment for market competitive price and they certainly live up to the expectations.
On the downside, these bars are not recommended for Husqvarna chainsaws. Although they are recommended for Stihl only, they can still fit on various models of Echo and Craftsman.
What We Like
- High-Performance Bar
- Lightweight Design
- Sprocket Nose
- Ideal for Stihl Tools
- Semi-Chisel Chain Included
What We Don't Like
- Not Recommended for Husqvarna Chainsaws
- Limited Compatibility
Why Consider a FORESTER 20” Chainsaw Bar?
For logging and milling projects with Stihl chainsaws, you won’t find a better guide bar. It is made from high-quality materials and comes with a semi-chisel chain included.
8. WORX WA0162—Best Guide Bar for Mini Chainsaws
Bar Length: 6 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.043″ | Drive Links: N/A | Chain Included: No
While discussing professional and versatile chainsaw guide bars, we must not overlook those who are working with the best mini chainsaws. So, keeping them in mind, I tested out the Worx WA0162 guide bar, and here’s my take on it:
First of all, this is a suitable bar for the JawSaw and Worx mini chainsaw series. It’s reliable and can be installed easily which will significantly reduce your downtime during work.
Adding to this, the bar requires no assembly and can be mounted right away. It is made from high-quality materials and is quite durable. So, it can be used for both professional and semi-professional use.
One of the standout features of this guide bar is the design. The advanced design allows for a safer cutting experience and keeps the chain away from the user.
Moreover, the ease of use is also exceptional. You don’t require any tools to install or replace the bar. So, it’s very convenient.
On the downside, it is a mini-chainsaw bar and only works with a limited number of models. So, you must check with the manufacturer whether it would work with yours.
All in all, I would say it’s a handy bar that comes with efficient and reliable performance.
What We Like
- Efficient Design
- Reliable Performance
- Durable Construction
- Recommended for Mini Chainsaws
- Easy to Install and Replace
What We Don't Like
- Only for JawSaw and Worx Mini Chainsaws
- Limited Cutting Applications
Why Consider WORX WA0162 Guide Bar?
An excellent choice for anyone who is looking for the best bar for mini chainsaws. A handy tool to add to your toolbox that will enhance the cutting performance of your tool.
9. NEO-TEC 24/25 inch Solid Chainsaw Guide bar—Best Chainsaw Bar for Milling
Bar Length: 24 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.063″ | Drive Links: 84 | Chain Included: Yes
Moving forward, we have a Neo-Tec solid chainsaw guide bar that comes with versatile compatibility and is made from high-quality materials.
The bar and chain combo is designed for Stihl chainsaws but also fits various models from other brands as well.
It is sturdy, durable, and reliable. The high-quality construction of the bar makes it ideal for heavy-duty application, and the advanced chain is just icing on the cake.
When going after the toughest of jobs, you won’t find a better bar. The best part is, no assembly is required. You can just mount the bar on your tool and get right to work.
With the 24-inch size and 84 drive links on the chain, you can cut down hardwood and the thickest of trees like slicing through butter with a knife.
Moreover, the advanced tool prevents splinters from flying off and keeps the debris in a shorter radius. So, you won’t make much of a mess while using this tool in contained spaces.
Whether you are a professional or a forester, I would highly recommend this guide bar for heavy-duty cutting applications.
On the downside, the bar is quite expensive. So, you will need a good budget to afford it. Also, the larger size makes it more suitable for heavy-duty tasks, which removes it from the scope of lighter tasks and regular yard maintenance.
What We Like
- Ideal for Stihl Chainsaws
- Versatile Compatibility
- Heavy-Duty Cutting Application
- High-Quality Construction
- Prevents Splinters from Flying Off
- Perfect Grip on Wood
- Won’t Wear and Tear Easily
What We Don't Like
- Higher Price Point Compared to Other Bars
- Not Suitable for Lighter Tasks
Why Consider NEO-TEC 24/25 inch Solid Chainsaw Guide bar?
Although it’s expensive, I would consider it a good investment for any professional or logger who is looking for a durable and reliable replacement bar and chain combo.
10. Poulan Pro 18-in Chainsaw Guide bar—Best Bar for 18” Chainsaw
Bar Length: 18 Inches | Chain Pitch: 3/8″ | Chain Gauge: 0.050″ | Drive Links: N/A | Chain Included: No
Pricier is not always better. I recently had the opportunity to test out the Poulan Pro 18-in guide bar and I must say it exceeded my expectations.
I have always enjoyed doing the yard work and chainsaws are just my buddies. So, when I upgraded my older bar with this one, I was impressed with the performance it offered.
Doing a bit of gardening work is always healthy, and with the best bar for an 18” chainsaw, it can be pretty enjoyable.
What I appreciated most about the bar are the lightweight design, slim body, and symmetrical contour. With the small-radius nose, I was able to install it easily into the tool and start using it immediately.
Adding to this, the rugged performance and efficient cutting of the bar is also exceptional. It is durable enough to handle gardening and yard work and provides impressive efficiency.
On the downside, the bar is designed for just Poulan Pro chainsaws including the PR5020 and 42CC models, which really limits you. However, if you have the right measurements, it will fit your tool as well, but no promises.
Also, this bar is designed ideally for gardening work. So, it would not be wise to use it for commercial purposes or heavy-duty tasks.
What We Like
- Budget Friendly Model
- Ideal for Poulan Pro Tools
- Reliable Performance
- Lightweight and Slim Design
- Easier to Maneuver
What We Don't Like
- Only fits in Poulan Pro Chainsaws
- Limited Application to Gardening Work
Why Consider Poulan Pro 18-in Chainsaw Guide bar?
If you own a Poulan Pro 18-inch tool, then you must only purchase this particular bar to upgrade your tool’s performance and take its cutting efficiency to the next level.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Reliable Chainsaw Bar?
Selecting the best chainsaw bar is crucial to the efficiency and performance of your chainsaw. If you are a beginner and don’t know much about replacing bars, then you have come to just the right place.
In this comprehensive guide, I will be sharing all the aspects of replacing the guide bar including when to replace the bar and how to select the best bar for it.
So, without any further ado, let’s get right to it:
When Do You Need to Replace the Chainsaw Bar?
No matter how good you take care of a chainsaw bar, it will suffer from wear and tear over time until it becomes unusable. At that point, not only will it reduce the cutting efficiency but will also be harmful to the engine and may compromise your safety.
Here are 4 important inspections that can help you decide whether your chainsaw bar needs replacement.
- Extended use of chainsaw over long intervals will cause the chain to erode the bar edges and flatten it. When you see this on the edges, especially near the nose, then it’s time to replace the bar.
- The heel or the part where the bar connects to the tool also gets worn over time. If it is getting thinner or narrower, then it’s time to replace it.
- Grooves can get shallower over time and at that point, you will see scratches and worn marks on the grooves. If you notice them, then it is time to replace the guide bar.
- Inspect the play of the chain. If the chain is not stable on the bar, then holding it with your finger and thumb and moving it will reveal a lot of play. At that point, the chainsaw is no longer safe to use.
- Even if your current bar is in good condition but you are not satisfied with the cutting performance, then you can replace it with a better quality replacement bar to upgrade the cutting efficiency of the tool.
Things to Consider Before Choosing the Best Chainsaw Bar
Now that we have established when you need to replace the bar, let’s get to how you can select the best one:
Length and Weight
The length and weight are two of the most crucial factors that will help you make the right choice and also shortlist your options to make the choice easier for you.
The length of the guide bar will be determined by two factors. What is the compatible size with your tool and what size of wood you will be cutting with it?
You can check for the tool compatibility on the manufacturer’s website and then decide between the lengths it supports.
Similarly, look at the thickness or diameter of the trees you are going after. The bar length should be more than half of the diameter of trees so you can cut through it from all sides.
The weight mainly depends on length but also on the type of material used. The light to medium-weight bars are more suitable for yard maintenance and occasional professional use while heavier bars are more suited for heavy-duty application.
Type and Purpose
There are various types of bars, each designed for a specific purpose. So, the choice will depend on what you want to use it for.
Solid Bars
Solid bars are the most heavy-duty products made for thick and tough woods. So, when you are going to be cutting through hardwood, and tougher materials, they are more suitable.
They are made from a solid body, which means no laminations, and are resistant to damage, bending, and cracking. You can also purchase them with replaceable noses to make them more economical.
Laminated Bars
Laminated bars are more suited for a lightweight application like gardening or yard maintenance. They are perfect for homeowners as they are more economical.
Not only that, but they are also ideal for cutting softwood and general wood-cutting tasks. They have higher flexibility and also may come with a nose wheel for lower kickback and higher safety.
Carving Bars
Carving bars are the shortest and lightest. They provide the highest accuracy and are used for carving applications. They are not suitable for heavy-duty tasks. The bars are mostly compatible with carving chainsaws.
Compatibility
The compatibility of your tool doesn’t only depend on length but also on various other factors including the design and mount.
Instead of going into the technical details, you can just check the box of the bar to check whether it is supporting your chainsaw model or not.
Always ensure compatibility before purchasing the product. Find the one that clearly states that it is compatible with your chainsaw.
Budget
Budget is also one of the most important factors when you are purchasing a chainsaw bar.
Solid bars that are larger in length are always more expensive and made for heavy-duty applications. They are more suitable for professional and commercial use and are a good investment for professionals.
If you are a homeowner, then you can choose to go with laminated bars as you won’t be cutting hardwood and will only need the bar for yard maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size chainsaw bar is the best?
That would depend on your usage. Speaking generally, a 16-18 inch guide bar is probably the best choice as it offers the most versatile cutting application and has the widest compatibility with most chainsaw brands.
How do I choose a chainsaw bar?
There are a few important things to consider when selecting a guide bar. You must check first for compatibility of the model which will depend on size and pitch. Or, you can simply contact the manufacturer to check whether the bar is compatible with the tool.
What is the most popular chainsaw bar length?
The most popular length is 18-20 inches. These bars are the most versatile and offer the broadest cutting applications. Also, these bars are universal and fit most chainsaw models from various brands.
Who makes STIHL chainsaw bars?
Stihl themselves also make a wide range of replacement bars. However, various other brands also make bars of Stihl chainsaws. We have shared a wide range of those brands in the above article.
Are longer chainsaws better?
It entirely depends on your use of the tool. Longer chainsaws are more suitable for felling trees and larger wood-cutting tasks that require extended reach. However, they are not suited for lighter-cutting projects like regular gardening.
What is Stihl’s biggest bar?
MS881 is the biggest Stihl chainsaw that comes with a 41” bar size. They are the heaviest-duty cutting tools that are used in forestry for taking down the thickest of trees. They are attached to heavy-duty tools and are not easier to handle.
What size bar is on a Stihl chainsaw?
It depends on the series and model. Several Stihl chainsaws support a wide range of guide bar sizes that can be mounted on specific models. So, no one bar would fit on all Stihl chainsaws.
Final Takeaways: Which Chainsaw Bar is the Best?
Choosing the right guide bar is crucial to the overall performance, safety, and reliability of your chainsaw. You will need a bar that fits your cutting needs, is ideal for your chainsaw, and also provides you with good value for your money.
We have shared 10 top-of-the-line products in our above guide that were selected after a rigorous testing process.
If I were to recommend one, I would definitely tell you to go with Oregon guide bars because they are the most reliable ones and offer the best value for money. We have them as our top three recommendations for the best chainsaw bars in 2024.
If you are looking for the most durable and longest one, then the Oregon 36-inch guide bar should be your go-to choice. Highly recommended for heavy-duty commercial-grade use.
Neo-Tec solid chainsaw guide bar is our premium choice that is recommended for versatile cutting applications and helps you take care of a wide range of cutting applications.
With the right chainsaw bar, you can get your job done quickly, conveniently, and safely. Upgrade your chainsaw’s cutting performance and efficiency today. Good Luck!
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