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5 Best Chainsaw Bar – Buying Guide and Review!

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Chainsaws can be complicated and even dangerous tools. But, with the right equipment, information, and security, you can get the job done without a hitch. The most crucial part of the chainsaw is a chainsaw clamp.

You need the best chainsaw bar to ensure everything is right. This bar has a high-quality steel material that can make it strong and durable. The star-shaped sprocket at the end of the bar serves as a guide for the cutting chain.

This makes the bar easier to maneuver and control. Also, the sprocket prevents the chain from slipping, saving time.

The saw bar guarantees low vibration in the chain. Likewise, the bar’s slight curvature helps reduce the risk of unwanted bounces that may surprise you.

The whole bar is coated to protect it from tear and wear and environmental impacts such as scratches and corrosion. Essentially, the profile of the chainsaw bar is narrow, lightweight, and symmetrical, which facilitates easier handling and prolongs its life.

A properly lubricated system is crucial to avoid unwanted friction and maintain the chainsaw’s life. To get the best chainsaw bar, continue reading this article.

Factors to consider before buying the best chainsaw bar

Bar types

There are three chainsaw bars: solid bars, laminated bars with the nose wheels, and solid bars with replacement tips.

  • Solid bars

Solid bars are suitable for hardwood, thick bark, soot, dust, and sand. Also, they can be coated to prevent corrosion or rust.

  • Laminated bars with the nose wheels

These bars are designed to reduce the risk of kickback and provide ideal cutting control. They have a small nose radius and a gentle curve to attain these objectives. These bars also have a laminate coating to prevent scratches and corrosion.

  • Solid bars with the replacement tips

Some of the chainsaw bars, particularly long ones, have interchangeable tips. This design aims to minimize the stress on the bar tip by just transferring it to a high-performance roller bearing. Likewise, these bars can be coasted to protect them from corrosion and scratches.

Type of chainsaw

There are the original selection criteria for the chainsaw type. The bar’s length should depend on the chainsaw type you plan to install the bar on. Otherwise, choosing the wrong device for your needs can create a dangerous scenario.

The power of the motor determines how long the chain needs to be for it to work comfortably. Think of it this way, the less efficient chainsaw can struggle with a long blade. Alternatively, a shorter bar than a more powerful saw would not be useful enough.

If you normally have a low-powered electric chainsaw, you will need a relatively shorter bar. About 8 to 12 inches should work fine for this. Lightweight chainsaws with 30-45 engine displacement, 10-14 inch chain guides are good.

Medium to heavy-duty of 14 to 18 inches chainsaws is great, even though 20-inch ones can work. This includes saws with a displacement engine of up to 50cc. After all, the most efficient professional chainsaws (over 60cc) require the longest bar available.

The length of the bar

Cutting efficiency and speed are primarily dependent on the bar length. If its length is short, the cutting speed will increase, and time will be saved when cutting. Also, the precision and accuracy seem perfect with a short bar because you can control the saw easily.

But you cannot always use short bars if the bar length is longer. It assists the chainsaw in cutting thicker trees. Sometimes it makes sawing of wood easier and saves time. Therefore, you need to check the piece you need to cut or type the work and then select the bar length.     

Compatibility

Blade length, along with adjustment, determines bar compatibility of the best chainsaw bar. The chainsaw bar is included when you buy a chainsaw. But if the bars are damaged, they will need to be replaced.

Whenever you buy the bar, make sure it is compatible with the saw. The package contains a list of compatible saws.

Sometimes the manufacturer provides incorrect information about the compatibility that misleads customers. So take out the necessary step and buy one compatible with the saw.

Weight

The type and performance of work depend partly on the weight range, and the effect is quite large. Normally, the chainsaw is a bit heavier, and if a heavy bar is added, it will make the saw heavier than before, creating problems with the handling of the saw and making it difficult to control.

Before purchasing, determine the nature and purpose of the work. Don’t choose anything that isn’t helpful to you and tires you out easily.

Typically, the chain and bar should be lightweight, but remember that a very light product will not be good due to the materials and build quality.

Purpose of the work

The type of bar depends entirely on the purpose of the work you want to do. Do not buy anything that is not suitable for your job. But if you want to use the saw from time to time, there is something suitable for you. Do not buy professional bars and then spend extra money for no reason.

Length with the purpose is important in your work. If you are cutting large trees or doing a large construction, buy a longer bar, otherwise smaller bars are important.

Safety

When the rate of the usage of a chainsaw increase, sawing accidents are a major concern for users and manufacturers. Although there are many products and brands, safety is not guaranteed everywhere. And it can put you to the test, as a cutting accident can be serious.

Bar vibration must be minimal to ensure absolute safety and a good finish. Furthermore, safety depends on the quality of construction and also the user. In addition, the bar should not have an inexpensive material, and the adjustment must be perfect for preventing the bar or chain from shifting.

The best chainsaw bar usually comes with a single chain and sometimes with multiple chains. They are often too tight, which can affect the service life. But in terms of durability, if the chain is tightened a little more, the precision and performance will decrease.

The bar weight

Any additions you want to make to your chainsaw will certainly affect the total weight. A heavy bar makes the chainsaw heavier than before, making it more difficult to control than before.

The correct weight becomes your subjective. This depends on what you’re happy with and what kind of work you plan to do with the chainsaw. In short, it should be easy to handle and not get tired so easily.

Brand

The brand is subjective and varies from one person to the other. The favorite brand depends on. Nevertheless, there are still very reputable manufacturers in the power tool industry.

The best manufacturers are Stihl, Oregon, Husqvarna, and Sugihara. Their chainsaw bars are strong, durable, and compatible with many other chainsaws. It is this versatility that must be recognized, especially for the professional.

Price

Many buyers are always on a budget, and this limits their needs. When buying a chainsaw bar for industrial work, you need to have a decent budget. This is because you need a chainsaw bar that can last for a long.

But if you plan to buy the chainsaw bar, which you occasionally use in your home or garden to cut or fell trees with a better plan, go the lightweight ones and save the money. Also, you can have different requirements that may lead you to choose the bar.


5 Best Chainsaw Bar

1. Oregon 105667 14-Inch AdvanceCut S50 Chainsaw Bar

Oregon 105667 14 Inch AdvanceCut S50 Chainsaw Bar Best Chainsaw Bar

This 14-inch chainsaw bar is made by the leading chainsaw manufacturer in the world. It is suitable for use by people and homeowners who do not use the chain saw much. Many homeowners normally use this model because they trust it. It performs the work of cutting the trees and yard very well.

Similarly, it comes with a pitch of 3/8″, a low profile chain drive link count of 50 and a gauge of 0.050″.

The model is designed with premium lightweight technology, making it a perfect pair for simple and quick lawn care jobs. Equally important, it has the perfect built, making the gauge and the potch have no flaw.

You will get the lubritec that keeps the guide and chain bar oiled for longer life and less friction. The single-rivet and smaller radius nose assist in reducing kickback, and the lightweight body help to ease movement, making it perfect for small gas and electric chainsaws.

It features low vibration, chrome-plated cutters, and hardened rivets that meet the brand’s quality.

Pros
  • Lubritec ensure longer life and less friction
  • It has a smooth cutting
  • Easy to maneuver
  • It has a low kickback
  • It is lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Durable and reliable
  • It has low vibration
  • Easy to install
Cons
  • Sometimes the chain miss

2. Oregon 105668 16-Inch AdvanceCut S55 Chainsaw Bar

Oregon 105668 16 Inch AdvanceCut S55 Chainsaw Bar Best Chainsaw Bar

Oregon has developed this best chainsaw bar because of its outstanding build quality and fitness for different applications.

It is ideal for various applications that include occasion, regular professional, and mid-range projects in tree-cutting. This bar has high-grade, durable steel for you to excel in many diverse applications.

Similarly, it retains its rigidity and strength even when persistently subjected to the hardest cutting tasks. This chainsaw bar model is different from others because it has low vibration to add comfort and the low kickback to offer added safety.

The superior gauge with the length of 16 inches, which make it capable of performing heavy-duty cutting, which other smaller bars fail or struggle to accomplish.

Additionally, it has a dimension of 6 x 5 x 1 inches and weighs 1.8 pounds. On the other hand, you will get the three-part spot laminated welded guide bar.

Thanks to the high-grade material, it can make it durable and last longer. The only issue with this product is its high price, which makes it the most expensive.

Pros
  • High-grade steel material
  • Suitable for mid-range, professional, or occasional users
  • It has the excellent build quality
  • It withstands the toughest cutting tasks
  • Suitable for many applications
  • Superior gauge and length
  • Sturdy and durable
  • It retains rigidity and strength
Cons
  • It is expensive

3. Oregon 16-Inch 27853 Chainsaw Bar

Oregon 16 Inch 27853 Chainsaw Bar Best Chainsaw Bar

Many people are going for this Oregon product because it has a bar and chain combination to facilitate your saw’s performance.

You need to know that not every chain can fit all the saws brands, so make sure you’re getting the right part. For one thing, it is ideal for landscapers or homeowners who require a reliable combo, which is maneuverable and lightweight.

With its low kickback design and ease of control, this can become the perfect device for tackling downed trees and yard work in the yard.

More importantly, it is equipped with advanced capabilities to facilitate quality performance during tough conditions. Likewise, low vibration technology increases productivity and reduces user fatigue.

Furthermore, it comes with a low vibration design, providing better control, low kickback, and minimal user fatigue.

On the other hand, you will get a multi-rivet nose that can promote the longer-lasting bar nose and durability. What is more, the lubritec lubrication system helps to keep the chainsaw oiled for a longer lifespan and less friction.

Pros
  • Reversible for a long life
  • It is lightweight
  • Durable and versatile
  • It is reliable
  • Easy to control
  • It has a low kickback
  • It increases productivity and reduces user fatigue
  • Lubritec lubrication system keeps the chain saw oiled
  • Easy to adjust the bar
Cons
  • It has no slot for a tension adjustment

4. Husqvarna 531300438 18-Inch Chainsaw HLN250-72 Pixel Bar

Husqvarna 531300438 18 Inch Chainsaw HLN250 72 Pixel Bar Best Chainsaw Bar

The Husqvarna chainsaw bar product is paramount because it is ideal for professional users during demanding conditions.

It is designed to optimize the chainsaw and accomplish high performance regardless of the job you want to get done. Essentially, there is always a chain that can match your need.

I really appreciate the corrosion-resistant metal because it makes the bar rust-free. It is a feature because rust help to reduce the chainsaw bar’s service life.

The best chainsaw bar is supposed to be durable regardless of where you are using it. This is one of the features, which make people love this bar.

If you have a low-vibration and high performance chain, this chainsaw bar can become an additional tool to your DIY tools.

The sprocket help to prevent slippage of a chain, therefore saving your time. In like manner, it can fit the following chainsaw series from Husqvarna: 435(e), 445(e), 440(e), 450(e), 543XP, 450 Rancher, 545 (MII), and 550XP (MII).

Pros
  • It has high-performance
  • It has low vibration
  • The metal construction is corrosion resistant
  • It is rust-free
  • It has reduced length
  • It is durable
  • Compatible with other chainsaws
  • Ultra-lightweight
Cons
  • Poor quality control

5. Husqvarna 20-Inch 531300440 FT280-72 Chainsaw Bar

Husqvarna 20 Inch 531300440 FT280 72 Chainsaw Bar Best Chainsaw Bar

This product from Husqvarna is exceptional and great for the yards’ demanding equipment. It can offer everything from ride-on mowers and lawnmowers to chainsaws and trimmers to allow you to master the great outdoors. In a like manner, it can fit 55Rancher, 261, 257, 262XP, 359, 455Rancher, 460, and 357XP.

This best chainsaw bar model has a length of 16 inches with a gauge guide bar of 0.50 and a 0.325-inch pitch, which is smaller than the successor but work very well. The gentle curve can reduce the risk of unwanted kickback, which might take you by shock. Generally, this model has a low kickback.

The chainsaw bar has a unique feature that ensures the chain has a low vibration. On the other hand, you will get full control of the chainsaw to assist you in getting the smoothest and straightest cuts.

Above all, the whole bar has an epoxy coat to prevent tear and wear and environmental aspects like scratches and corrosion.

Pros
  • Durable and rigid
  • Resistance to wear and tear
  • Low chain vibration
  • It is protected from corrosion and scratches
  • Fit for professional users
  • It reduces unwanted kickback
  • It has the smoothest and straightest cuts
  • Professional-grade materials and construction
Cons
  • It is a bit heavier when compared to other units

Conclusion

Buying the best chainsaw bar can be very overwhelming. Since there are many options on the market, you will buy the wrong product and end up with something that is not right for you.

And the worst thing is that it can cause injury. Therefore, go for the above products because they have amazing features. For instance, they have high-grade, durable steel that can excel in diverse applications.

Also, they have a gentle curve, which can reduce any risk of unwanted kickback that can take you by shock.

The best-selling one is Husqvarna 531300438 18-Inch Chainsaw HLN250-72 Pixel Bar because it has corrosion-resistant metal, making it remain rust-free.

Besides, it has a sprocket, which can help prevent slippage of a chain. This product has attained the above factors because it comes with high-quality material, which is rust-free and has a sprocket that prevents the chain from slipping over.