Swapping a worn bar on your chainsaw is one of those jobs that feels routine until the wrong size shows up in the mail. A 3/8″ LP pitch chain won’t seat on a .325″ pitch bar, and a 62-drive-link loop won’t fit an 18-inch bar made for 72 links. Homeowners clearing storm limbs, ranch hands bucking fence-line wood, and DIYers limbing fresh-felled trees all need the same outcome: a bar and chain combo that matches their saw, cuts clean, and stays put under load. This roundup walks through nine solid options across cordless, gas, and homeowner-class platforms, with the compatibility details that actually matter before you click.
The Choices Worth Comparing
Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & R56 Chain for EGO CS1600
Savior 16″ Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo for Stihl MS170
Greenworks 18″ Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo (62 Drive Links)
Savior 18″ Chainsaw Bar and Chain Combo (62 Drive Links)
Craftsman SBD 18″ Bar and Chain Combo
Archer 18″ Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain (62 Drive Links)
SUNGATOR 3-Pack 18″ Chainsaw Chains (62 Drive Links)
Husqvarna HLN250 18-Inch Laminated Chainsaw Bar (.325″ Pitch)
EGO POWER+ 18″ Bar and Chain Set (AK1800)
A Closer Look At Each Pick
The Savior 16 Inch bar and chain combo targets a narrow but loyal audience: anyone running the EGO CS1600, CS1604, CSX3000, CS1400, or CS1800 cordless saw. Pitch is 3/8″ low-profile (a smaller chain size that keeps cutting smooth on battery-powered saws), gauge sits at .043″ (the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove), and the loop counts 56 drive links. The included A041 tail mount means the bar bolts up without adapter plates, and the 7-tooth sprocket nose feeds the chain steadily around the tip.
For suburbanites limbing branches after a storm or trimming back yard oaks between charges, this combo arrives ready to swap in. You may find the 16-inch reach slightly short for true felling work, but for limbing and bucking rounds on a sawpad, it’s a sensible size match. Compared to the broader-fit 18-inch options later in this list, this one is purpose-built, not universal.
What Works In Its Favor
- Direct A041 tail mount fit on EGO CS-series cordless saws, no shimming required
- 3/8″ low-profile pitch matches the lower torque output typical of battery saws, easing motor load
- 7-tooth sprocket nose keeps the chain tracking smoothly at the bar tip, reducing derailments in dirty wood
- Semi-chisel cutters stay sharper longer in gritty conditions than full chisel variants
Points To Keep In Mind
- Listed as 16 inches in the product name, not 18, so verify your saw’s bar length before ordering
- Compatibility is narrow; it does not cover Stihl, Husqvarna, or Craftsman mounts
- Low-kickback geometry prioritizes safety over aggressive cutting speed
Right Fit For
EGO CS1600 or CS1400 owners who want a clean factory-style replacement bar and chain that drops in without modification.
Swap It Out When
You need an 18-inch reach or a bar built for a non-EGO platform, in which case the Savior 18″ combo later in this list covers Oregon, DeWalt, and Black+Decker mounts more broadly.
Where the previous Savior combo leaned toward EGO’s cordless line, this one targets the Stihl MS-series, an entirely different ecosystem. The 3/8″ LP pitch and .050″ gauge match what came on the Stihl MS170, MS180, MS192, MS200, MS210, MS211, MS 241 C-M, MS 250, and MS 251 WOOD BOSS from the factory. The chain loop runs 55 drive links, and the A074 tail mount drops into Stihl small-mount saws without any adapter.
For homeowners with a well-used MS170 or MS 251 C-BE sitting in the shed, this combo solves the chain stretch problem without forcing a trip to the dealer. You may notice the semi-chisel cutters require a touch more filing time than full chisel, but they hold an edge in dirty or frozen wood. It’s worth noting that the 16-inch length won’t suit shoppers specifically hunting 18-inch bars, though the rest of the spec language reads as a near-twin to longer Stihl-fit options.
Real Benefits
- OEM-style A074 tail mount fits Stihl small-mount models straight out of the box
- .050″ gauge matches the chain most Stihl MS-series saws shipped with from the factory
- Semi-chisel cutters file easily with a standard 5/32″ round file, no special tools required
- 55 drive links hit the correct count for 16-inch Stihl-fit bars, eliminating loop-length guesswork
Trade Offs
- The 16-inch bar length falls short for users who specifically want an 18-inch upgrade
- Fitment is locked to Stihl MS-series mounts, so it won’t help on Husqvarna or EGO saws
- Low-kickback geometry trades bite for control, which experienced fellers may notice on hardwood
Quick Facts
Whose Shop It Belongs In
Stihl MS170, MS180, or MS 251 owners who want a direct-fit replacement bar and chain combo without hunting down part numbers at the dealer.
Look Elsewhere When
You run a Husqvarna 435 or 450 series, in which case the Husqvarna HLN250 reviewed later offers a laminated 18-inch bar with the .325″ pitch those saws require.
This is the OEM option for Greenworks 18V and corded chainsaw owners. The 18-inch bar ships with a matched chain at 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge, with 62 drive links filling out the loop. Because it’s a genuine Greenworks replacement part, the tail mount and oiler hole alignment match what the factory saw was designed around, which sidesteps the fitment guesswork that often comes with aftermarket bars.
For suburbanites running a Greenworks 24V or 40V cordless saw for routine limb work, the OEM route removes the “will it fit?” anxiety. Compared to the multi-brand Savior 18-inch combo reviewed next, this one locks you into Greenworks compatibility, which limits flexibility but rewards with a clean, no-mod install. The honest read: for Greenworks owners, this is the path of least resistance.
The Good Stuff
- Genuine Greenworks replacement part, so fitment and oiler port alignment match factory spec
- 62 drive links is the correct loop count for 18-inch Greenworks bars, eliminating trial-and-error
- 3/8″ pitch pairs well with the lower-torque output of cordless saw motors
- Removes warranty concerns some users have when fitting aftermarket bars on cordless platforms
Worth Noting
- Compatibility is Greenworks-specific, so it won’t cross over to Stihl, Husqvarna, or EGO saws
- OEM replacements sometimes cost more than aftermarket equivalents with the same dimensions
- Limited documentation on cutter style (semi-chisel vs. full chisel) in the source listing
Best Suited To
Greenworks 18V or corded chainsaw owners who want a guaranteed-fit replacement bar without troubleshooting aftermarket compatibility.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
You run a different brand’s 18-inch cordless platform, in which case the EGO POWER+ AK1800 set later in this list offers the same OEM-confidence route for EGO CS1800 owners.
Now we hit the actual 18-inch territory. This Savior combo lists as a replacement for Oregon part number 180SDEA041, and the tail mount is A041, a small-mount pattern that crops up across multiple brands. The source confirms fitment on the EGO CS1800 and CS1804, DeWalt DCCS672B and DCCS670, plus Black+Decker CS1518 and CS2245. Chain spec lands at 3/8″ LP pitch.050″ gauge, and 62 drive links, which is the standard count for an 18-inch bar in this geometry.
For shoppers who want one combo that covers several battery and corded saws in their garage or workshop, the cross-brand coverage is the headline feature. You may find the lack of explicit Stihl or Husqvarna fitment limits the appeal for owners of those platforms, but the inclusion of EGO, DeWalt, and Black+Decker hits a broad slice of the cordless market. The 7-tooth sprocket nose keeps the chain engaged at the tip, which matters when you’re boring through a thick limb and don’t want derailment.
Useful Highlights
- A041 tail mount fits EGO, DeWalt, and Black+Decker 18-inch cordless saws from a single part number
- 62 drive links is the correct loop count, so no link removal or chain joining is needed at install
- 3/8″ LP pitch keeps motor load reasonable on battery-powered platforms
- Semi-chisel cutters stay sharp longer than full chisel when cutting dirty or bark-laden wood
Honest Caveats
- Fitment list excludes Stihl MS-series and Husqvarna small-mount saws
- Lower-kickback profile prioritizes safety over aggressive bite, which may feel slow on dense hardwood
- Generic aftermarket branding means warranty support routes through the seller rather than the saw maker
Made For
Homeowners and small-acreage property managers running EGO, DeWalt, or Black+Decker 18-inch cordless saws who want a single replacement option covering multiple platforms.
Consider Something Else When
You own a Husqvarna 435 or 450 series with .325″ pitch, in which case the Husqvarna HLN250 18-inch bar covered later is the direct-fit route.
The Craftsman SBD combo covers a chunk of gas-powered homeowner saws that have been floating around garages since the early 2000s. The 18-inch bar ships with a matched chain at 3/8″ LP pitch.050″ gauge, and 62 drive links, with file size listed at 5/32″ (the diameter of the round file used to sharpen the cutters). The combo replaces OEM part numbers 713-05042 and 795-00482, and the source confirms fitment on Craftsman, McCulloch, Power Fist, and Wen saws.
For anyone pulling a tired Craftsman out of long-term storage, this combo brings the bar and chain back to working spec without hunting dealer parts. You may find that newer Craftsman cordless platforms aren’t covered here, but the gas-saw legacy models absolutely are. Compared to the cordless-focused combos earlier in this list, the SBD targets a different audience: gas-saw owners maintaining older iron.
Key Advantages
- Direct replacement for Craftsman OEM part numbers 713-05042 and 795-00482, simplifying the swap
- Covers McCulloch, Power Fist, and Wen saws alongside Craftsman, broadening the user base
- 5/32″ file size is a common sharpening standard, so most chainsaw files on hand will fit
- 62 drive links hit the right loop count for an 18-inch bar in this geometry
Things To Consider
- Fitment list focuses on gas saws, so cordless Craftsman owners will need a different combo
- Aftermarket branding means no Craftsman warranty coverage on the bar itself
- Limited detail on cutter style (semi-chisel vs. full chisel) in the source listing
Who Should Grab It
Owners of older Craftsman, McCulloch, Power Fist, or Wen gas chainsaws who want a known-fit 18-inch replacement bar and chain without scrolling through OEM diagrams.
Reach For A Different Pick When
You run a Stihl MS 250 or MS 251, in which case the Stihl-fit Savior combo covered earlier in this list offers the matching A074 tail mount.
Where most chains in this roundup lean toward semi-chisel cutters, Archer ships a full chisel loop as a standalone replacement chain. Full chisel cutters have square-cornered teeth that bite aggressively into clean wood, cutting faster than semi-chisel variants in softwood and clean hardwood. The 3/8″ LP pitch.050″ gauge, and 62 drive links match the geometry of an 18-inch bar, and the chain fits brands that use this sizing, including Poulan and Echo models listed in the source.
This is a chain-only product, not a bar-and-chain combo, so the bar on the saw must already be in good shape. You may find the aggressive cut profile demands more frequent sharpening in dirty or frozen wood, and the source explicitly notes this is a non-safety professional chain, which means higher kickback risk in untrained hands. Experienced operators bucking clean pine or poplar will appreciate the bite; beginners should probably stay with semi-chisel options.
Everyday Perks
- Full chisel cutters deliver noticeably faster cuts in clean softwood and seasoned hardwood
- 62 drive links match the 18-inch bar length, so no link removal is required at install
- Cross-brand fitment covers Poulan and Echo saws using the same 3/8″ LP and .050″ geometry
- Chain-only format lets you keep an existing bar you trust and only replace the loop
Soft Spots
- Listed as a non-safety professional chain, with elevated kickback risk for inexperienced users
- Full chisel cutters dull faster than semi-chisel when hitting dirt, grit, or frozen wood
- Requires the saw’s existing bar to be in serviceable condition, since no bar is included
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Experienced chainsaw operators cutting clean wood who want faster chain speed and already have a serviceable bar on their saw.
Not Your Match When
You’re new to chainsaw work, in which case the semi-chisel SUNGATOR 3-pack reviewed next offers safer low-kickback geometry with multiple spare loops on hand.
The SUNGATOR option trades single-loop packaging for a three-pack, which makes sense for anyone who sharpens regularly and burns through chains. Each loop runs 18 inches, 3/8″ LP pitch.050″ gauge, and 62 drive links. The source lists compatibility across Craftsman and other saw brands using this geometry, with a note that additional models may fit and the seller is available for verification.
For shop owners or homeowners who cut weekly, having three loops on the bench means a dulled chain never stops a job. You may find the bulk format less useful for occasional users who only sharpen once a season, but the per-loop cost typically drops with multi-packs. The cutter style isn’t specified in the source, so treat the geometry as the primary spec to match.
Positive Points
- Three-pack format keeps spare loops on hand for regular woodcutters who sharpen often
- 62 drive links match the standard 18-inch bar length across most homeowner-class saws
- Seller offers compatibility verification, which helps when cross-referencing part numbers
- 3/8″ LP pitch is the most common chain size in the cordless and small gas saw market
Practical Considerations
- Cutter style (semi-chisel vs. full chisel) is not specified in the source listing
- Bulk format delivers less value for occasional users who only cut a few times a year
- Fitment list is broad but not exhaustive, so verify your saw’s geometry before ordering
Built With In Mind
Regular chainsaw users, small firewood operations, and property owners who go through more than one chain per season and want spares ready to swap.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
You’re after an aggressive cutting profile in clean wood, in which case the Archer full chisel chain covered earlier in this list trades bulk for faster bite.
The Husqvarna HLN250 lands in a different category from the rest of this list: it’s a bar-only replacement for Husqvarna’s mid-range gas saws. The laminated construction sandwiches a hardened steel core between two softer outer layers, which the manufacturer notes resists scratches and corrosion. Pitch is .325″ (a chain size common on professional-grade gas saws, with longer cutter teeth than 3/8″ LP), gauge is .050″, and the loop requires 72 drive links. Fitment covers the Husqvarna 435, 440, 445, 450, 543XP, 545, 550XP, and 450 Rancher.
For property owners with a Husqvarna 450 Rancher who want a longer-lasting factory bar, this is the OEM path. You may find the 72-link requirement catches some shoppers off guard if they’re used to 62-link 18-inch bars, but the .325″ pitch chain geometry is the trade-off that delivers faster cutting in clean wood. The gentle curve and small nose radius reduce kickback risk, which is meaningful for users running the saw solo.
The Upside
- Laminated steel construction adds scratch and corrosion resistance over solid bars
- Small nose radius reduces kickback risk, helping solo operators stay safe
- Fits the Husqvarna 435 through 450 Rancher range with a single part number
- .325″ pitch geometry cuts faster than 3/8″ LP in clean wood, ideal for firewood processing
A Few Limitations
- Bar only; the chain must be sourced separately to match the .325″ pitch and 72-link spec
- Pitch differs from the 3/8″ LP chains common on most homeowner saws in this roundup
- Fitment is locked to Husqvarna small-mount gas saws; no EGO, DeWalt, or Stihl coverage
Feature Snapshot
Right Fit For
Husqvarna 435, 440, 445, 450, 543XP, 545, 550XP, or 450 Rancher owners who want a factory-style laminated replacement bar for firewood and property maintenance work.
Skip It When
You run a cordless 18-inch saw with 3/8″ LP pitch, in which case the EGO POWER+ AK1800 set covered next offers a matched bar-and-chain combo for battery platforms.
The AK1800 closes out this list with another OEM option, this one for EGO’s CS1800 and CS1804 cordless chainsaws. The bar-and-chain set arrives matched at the factory, so the tail mount, oiler port, and chain geometry all line up with what EGO designed into the saw. The 18-inch bar delivers efficient clean cuts, the low-kickback design adds a margin of safety for homeowners running battery power, and the lightweight construction keeps the saw balanced during overhead limb work.
For EGO Power+ owners who want the same fit confidence that Greenworks buyers get from the OEM combo earlier in this list, this is the equivalent path. You may find the price runs higher than aftermarket alternatives with similar dimensions, but the warranty protection and guaranteed fit are the trade-offs. The honest read: cordless saw owners who value a clean install over cost savings will land here.
A Few Highlights
- Genuine EGO Power+ replacement set, so fitment matches factory spec on CS1800 and CS1804 saws
- Low-kickback design adds a safety margin for users running battery-powered saws at full throttle
- Lightweight bar construction keeps the saw balanced during overhead cuts and extended sessions
- Matched bar and chain from a single part number eliminate compatibility guesswork
Where It May Fall Short
- Fitment is locked to EGO CS1800 and CS1804 saws, with no Stihl or Husqvarna coverage
- OEM pricing typically exceeds aftermarket alternatives with the same dimensions
- Cutter style (semi-chisel vs. full chisel) is not detailed in the source listing
At A Glance
The Right Fit
EGO Power+ CS1800 or CS1804 owners who want a factory-matched bar and chain that drops in without fitment troubleshooting.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
You want cross-brand flexibility across EGO, DeWalt, and Black+Decker saws, in which case the Savior 18-inch combo reviewed earlier covers all three with a single A041-mount part.
What To Match Before Choosing 18 Inch Chainsaw Bars
Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Link Count
The three numbers that matter most are pitch, gauge, and drive link count. Pitch is the distance between any three consecutive rivets on the chain divided by two, and it determines whether a chain will physically seat on a bar. Gauge is the thickness of the drive links, and it has to match the bar’s groove width or the chain won’t fit. Drive link count is the total number of links in the loop, and it has to match the bar length and pitch geometry exactly.
A mismatch on any of these means the chain won’t fit, will skip, or will come off the bar mid-cut. For 18-inch bars in the cordless and homeowner-class category covered here, the most common combination is 3/8″ LP pitch.050″ gauge, and 62 drive links. Husqvarna’s .325″ pitch professional bars break that pattern with a 72-link loop, so always verify all three numbers before ordering.
Mount Pattern and Brand Compatibility
Tail mounts vary widely across brands. Stihl uses the A074 pattern on its small-mount saws, EGO and DeWalt lean on A041, and Husqvarna has its own small-mount geometry that matches the 435 through 450 series. Picking a bar without confirming the mount pattern is the single most common buying mistake in this category.
OEM replacement sets remove that guesswork entirely, which is why the Greenworks and EGO combos earlier in this list appeal to cordless saw owners. Aftermarket combos like the Savior 18″ cover multiple brands under a single part number, but the fitment list must be checked against the specific saw model. A 2018 Husqvarna 450 and a 2024 Husqvarna 450 may use the same bar, but a Husqvarna 120 Mark II won’t accept an 18-inch bar from this list.
Bar Length vs. Saw Power
Bar length should match the saw’s motor output. An 18-inch bar on a low-amp cordless saw will bog down in dense hardwood because the motor can’t maintain chain speed through a full-width cut. Gas saws in the 40cc to 50cc range handle 18 inches comfortably, while battery saws typically run shorter bars to preserve runtime and reduce motor strain.
For users running a 56V or higher battery platform, 18 inches is realistic. For 24V or 40V homeowner-class cordless saws, stepping down to a 16-inch bar often delivers better cuts per charge. The honest read: match the bar to the saw’s power band, not to the size of wood you hope to cut.
Key Considerations Across These Picks
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
The most common slip-up is ordering a bar and chain combo based on bar length alone, without verifying pitch, gauge, and drive links. A 62-link 3/8″ LP chain won’t seat on a bar that calls for a 72-link .325″ loop, even if both bars are labeled 18 inches. Cross-brand compatibility lists are a close second: many aftermarket combos cover two or three brands, but not every model within those brands. Pulling the bar off the saw and checking the stamped part number on the side is the most reliable way to confirm fitment before ordering.
Where The Extra Money Goes
Higher-tier bars and OEM replacement sets cost more for three reasons: tighter manufacturing tolerances, better steel, and warranty backing. Laminated construction like the Husqvarna HLN250 sandwiches a hardened core between softer outer layers, which resists wear at the rail edges and adds corrosion resistance. OEM sets from Greenworks and EGO match the factory saw exactly, which removes the fitment troubleshooting that aftermarket bars sometimes introduce.
The upgrade pays off when the saw sees regular use, when downtime matters more than upfront cost, or when warranty coverage on the bar matters to the owner. For occasional users cutting once or twice a season, an aftermarket combo with verified fitment covers the job without the premium.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which 18 inch chainsaw bar fits my saw?
Check the stamped part number on the side of your current bar, then match the pitch, gauge, and drive link count to the replacement. The tail mount pattern also has to match your saw’s clutch cover. Cross-referencing the OEM part number against the aftermarket listing is the most reliable method.
What’s the difference between 3/8″ LP and .325″ pitch chains?
3/8″ low-profile pitch is common on cordless and homeowner-class gas saws, with shorter cutter teeth that reduce motor load. .325″ pitch is a full-size chain geometry used on professional-grade gas saws like the Husqvarna 435 to 450 series, with longer teeth that cut faster in clean wood but require more power to drive.
Can I use any chain on any 18-inch bar?
No. Pitch, gauge, and drive link count have to match exactly, or the chain won’t seat in the bar groove or will run too loose. Two 18-inch bars can have entirely different chain specs depending on the pitch family they belong to.
How often should I replace a chainsaw bar?
Replace a bar when the groove is worn so the chain sits at an angle, when the rails are visibly hooked or uneven, or when oil flow is restricted despite cleaning. For users cutting weekly, expect a bar to last through several chain replacements before it needs swapping.
Are OEM replacement bars worth the higher cost?
OEM bars and chain sets remove fitment guesswork and typically include warranty coverage from the saw maker. Aftermarket bars with verified fitment deliver similar cutting performance at lower cost, but warranty support routes through the seller rather than the original manufacturer.