N
Common Ground News

What is a guide bar on a chainsaw?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 08, 2026

What is a guide bar on a chainsaw?

Guide bars provide precise guidance to the chainsaw with minimal friction loss. They have to take on the toughest jobs without warping. The two basic types − the Rollomatic and Duromatic − have been designed to handle different requirements and areas of application.

Just so, what is a bar on a chainsaw?

A good bar (sometimes called a chainsaw blade) helps deliver maximum efficiency and and reliable when added to any chainsaw. Incorrect use of chain oil is a common source of damage to chainsaws and tends to lead to rapid wear of the chainsaw bar, or the chain jamming or derailing.

Secondly, how often should you flip the bar on your chainsaw? Just depends on what kind of wood I am cutting, etc. So after cutting, say, 2 cord or so, flip your bar. Every 4 or 5 cord, clean your railsyou'll be amazed at the difference it'll make.

Also, how do you read a chainsaw bar?

To determine the pitch (chain size), you'll need to measure the distance between any three consecutive rivets, then divide the result by 2. The rivets are the small, round pegs/studs that hold the chain segments together. Measure from the first to the third, then divide that number in half to get your chain pitch.

How do I identify my chainsaw chain?

First -Look for any combination of numbers stamped on the guide bar. Saw chain and guide bars both have identification marks on them, and unless they are extremely worn out, they explain what pitch and gauge of chain is on your saw. Look for any numbers and letters on the drive links.

Should I get an 18 or 20 inch chainsaw?

If you plan to use a chainsaw frequently and for large jobs on a semi-regular basis, then consider one with a 20-inch-long cutting bar. Such chainsaws are designed for cutting through large-diameter wood, such as thick tree trunks.

Can you put a 24 inch bar on a 16 chainsaw?

Many chainsaws are designed to take different size units. For example, the Husqvarna 460 Rancher is commonly sold with a 20 inch bar and chain. However, it is capable of taking anything between 13” and 24”.

Can you put a longer bar on a chainsaw?

Power SizeBar Size (Inches)
Battery: 18-24 Volt10
Battery: 36-40 Volt12-16
Battery: 56-80 Volt16-18

How do I choose a chainsaw bar?

The first thing to consider when thinking of buying a replacement bar is the length of the bar. First up, you probably should replace like with like, especially as your engine is usually designed with the bar and the intended use activity around the bar. The bigger your engine, the bigger the bar you can use.

Can I put a bigger bar on my Stihl chainsaw?

In the middle of the range, models include the MS 261, which can take a bar between 16 and 20 inches; the MS 362, which can accommodate a bar up to 25 inches; the MS 441 and MS 461, which can accept a bar up to 32 inches; and the MS 660, which takes a bar up to 36 inches.

Are chainsaw bars reversible?

Chainsaw bars don't wear evenly. Every chainsaw bar has been designed to be mounted right-side up or upside down. The reason for this is that it allows the user to extend the life of his chainsaw bar by 50%. Flipping the bar will give the heavily-used areas some relief from wear and tear.

What is the difference between .325 and 3/8 chain?

The three-eighths chain is a beefier saw and better suited to one that has more horsepower. It has larger teeth and a heavier duty chain, so it requires more horsepower to operate correctly. 325-inch chain for those saws between 40 and 60 cc.

What is the best chainsaw bar length?

A basic guide is that the chainsaw should be at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of whatever branch or tree is being cut. For example, if the branch is 8 inches thick, the guide bar (or blade) of the ideal chainsaw should be at least 10 inches long.

Can I put a shorter bar on my chainsaw?

Yes, but you need a bar designed to fit on your saw. But since most saws have longer bars than they really need, it's hard to go wrong with a shorter one. You'll get more power and it's easier to keep the chain out of the dirt and in contact with various obstacles if your bar is shorter.

What do numbers mean on chainsaw chain?

The numbers stamped on a chainsaw chain are an ID code used by the manufacturer to indicate the pitch and gauge measurements of the chain. Pitch and gauge are important dimensions which influence whether or not a chain is compatible with a chainsaw.

How do I know what size my chainsaw chain is?

To determine the right file size for your chainsaw, you need to read the number marked on the side of the cutter of the chain. You then match that number to the file size that is listed on the file chart. Alternatively, you can measure the pitch of the chain. The pitch is measured in inches.

Will any chain fit a Stihl chainsaw?

Stihl manufacturers replacement parts, including chains, as well as chain saws. Stihl recommends using its own chains as replacements, but after-market manufacturers produce similar chains that may be used on a Stihl chain saw.

What's the difference between chainsaw chains?

Both styles of chain have fewer cutters than standard chain; semi skip chain has more cutters than full skip chain. With fewer cutters tearing through the wood, full-skip and semi-skip chain experience less drag and can cut quickly. They work well with low-power saws or saws with extremely long bars.

What do the numbers on my Stihl chainsaw bar mean?

The chain tells us it is made by Stihl. The number 6 on the cutter tells us the pitch is 3/8 lo pro or (picco) and the number 3 on the drive link indicates a gauge of . 050″ (or 1.3mm).

Do Oregon chains fit Stihl?

Oregon D72 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 20-Inch Bar; Fits Stihl 026, 029, MS 290, MS 291,…

What is a Picco chain?

Yes Picco is a low profile 3/8 pitch chain. The idea is that it will not stretch as fast as 1/4 does, but with a lower profile it has less mass so the saw has more power to let the chain cut. Most small saws have Picco for this reason. It is used on pole saws also.

Why does my chainsaw blade get dull so fast?

You may be putting to steep of an angle on the cutters, which will dull quickly. You're rakers may be too far down, which will contribute to a quick dulling chain. You may be cutting dirty wood. You may be slightly touching the ground with the tip of the bar.

How long should you let a chainsaw warm up?

About 30 seconds with a few revs.

Why is my chainsaw bar smoking?

In case the guide bar oil reservoir has run out of oil and got dry, there won't be any lubrication in that area of the chainsaw. If there is no lubrication, excessive heat will take place in the bar and chain area. And that can bring on issues like overheating, smoking, etc.

What is the number one rated chainsaw?

1. Husqvarna 135 - BEST CHAINSAW 2020. The Husqvarna 135 is our best all around chainsaw of 2020 because it's a well-balanced chainsaw with few vibrations and a lot of power. It's best suited to homeowners with both small and large trees to maintain.

Why does my chainsaw cut at an angle?

Uneven top plates can cause a chain to cut crooked. It's important to keep all top plates equal length. Dull cutters damaged by rocks can cause a chain to cut crooked. If you sharpen your chain at a 25º setting on your left hand, your right hand cutters should match.

How many times can you sharpen a chainsaw chain?

To keep your saw cutting in a straight line, be a fanatic about filing each cutter with the same number of strokes and the same amount of pressure. Cutters can be sharpened up to 10 times or more before the chain needs replacing.

What is a better chainsaw Husqvarna or Stihl?

Many users say that Stihl has more low-end torque, making it a better choice for tough cutting. Stihl chainsaws tend to cost less than Husqvarna. Stihl has a reputation for requiring less routine maintenance. Stihl saws tend to be preferred by homeowners.

Should a chainsaw chain be tight?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can't pull the drive links out of the bar nose.

How do you read a Stihl chainsaw serial number?

Any parts unique to that series will have the first four numbers of the part number as the series number. So look on the bottom of the tank housing and you will see an 11 digit number. If it starts with 1125 then the saw is a 034, 036. If it starts with 1127 it is a 029 039.