Chainsaw Bars

About Chainsaw Bars

Chainsaw bars, often called guide bars, are essential replacement components that support and guide the cutting chain around your chainsaw. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of genuine OEM bars from leading manufacturers including Makita, DeWalt, Einhell, Festool, and Kärcher, alongside universal options from trusted brands like ALM and Draper. Whether you're running a professional cordless chainsaw or a compact pole pruner, finding the correct replacement bar is critical for maintaining safe, efficient cutting performance.

Guide bars naturally wear over time due to friction and heat during operation. Rail grooves become damaged, bars can warp, and sprocket noses wear out, all compromising cutting efficiency and safety. Our selection covers various lengths from compact 250mm bars for pruning work through to longer professional-grade options for demanding applications. We stock bars for both petrol and battery-powered chainsaws, including specific replacements for popular cordless platforms like Makita's 18V and 36V systems, DeWalt's XR range, and Einhell's Power X-Change series.

Applications

Chainsaw bars at MyToolShed.co.uk are used by professionals and enthusiasts across numerous applications:

• Arborists and tree surgeons requiring reliable replacement bars for intensive daily use
• Groundscare and landscaping contractors maintaining gardens, pruning trees, and clearing sites
• Forestry workers operating chainsaws in demanding commercial logging conditions
• Estate and facilities managers responsible for property and parkland maintenance
• Agricultural workers and farmers maintaining hedgerows and clearing fallen timber
• Fencing contractors cutting posts and clearing vegetation
• DIY enthusiasts and homeowners maintaining gardens and cutting firewood
• Local authority workers maintaining public spaces and roadside vegetation

Choosing The Right Chainsaw Bars

Check model compatibility: The most critical factor is ensuring the replacement bar matches your specific chainsaw model. Genuine manufacturer bars from Makita, DeWalt, or Einhell guarantee proper fit and safety. Always reference your chainsaw's model number before purchasing.

Verify bar length requirements: Your chainsaw accommodates specific bar lengths. Installing an incorrect length can overload the motor or create dangerous kickback situations. Consult your operator's manual to confirm compatible lengths.

Match pitch and gauge specifications: These measurements must correspond exactly with your chain. Mismatched specifications result in poor performance or dangerous operating conditions. Most manufacturers clearly mark these on the bar itself.

Consider your application: Shorter bars (250-300mm) offer better manoeuvrability for pruning, whilst medium bars (350-400mm) suit general property maintenance. Battery-powered chainsaws typically use shorter bars to optimise runtime.

Genuine versus universal bars: Genuine OEM bars guarantee perfect compatibility for professional reliability. Universal bars from brands like ALM offer cost-effective alternatives, provided all specifications match your requirements exactly.

Safety Information

Always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before performing any maintenance work. Wear appropriate PPE including safety gloves, as chains remain sharp when stationary. Ensure the replacement bar matches all specifications for your chainsaw model—using incorrect bars can result in chain derailment, kickback, or serious accidents.

Before each use, inspect your guide bar for wear, damage, or distortion. Check that the bar groove is clear and oil flows freely. According to HSE guidance, proper equipment maintenance is fundamental to safe chainsaw operation. When fitting a new bar, ensure proper chain tension—the chain should pull freely but not sag beneath the bar. Never operate a chainsaw with a damaged or excessively worn guide bar.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace my chainsaw bar?

Replace the bar after every 2-3 chains have worn out, or sooner if you notice uneven wear or damage. Professional users may replace bars every few months, whilst occasional domestic users might achieve several years from a single bar with proper maintenance including regular rotation and rail dressing.

Can I use a universal chainsaw bar instead of the genuine part?

Universal bars from reputable brands like ALM can be suitable alternatives provided all specifications (length, pitch, gauge, and mounting pattern) match exactly. However, genuine OEM bars are recommended for professional applications where reliability is critical.

Do I need to replace the chain when replacing the bar?

Whilst not always necessary, replacing both simultaneously is often recommended. A worn chain accelerates wear on a new bar, whilst a stretched chain may not tension properly on new rails. If your chain shows wear or has been sharpened multiple times, fit a new chain with your new bar for optimal performance.