Overview
This replacement 18” guide bar and chain set delivers OEM-equivalent fit and cutting performance for your chainsaw. Packaged together, the bar and chain are matched to ensure smooth tracking and consistent cuts. It is a cost-effective alternative when the factory parts are due for retirement.
Key specifications
- Bar length: 18”
- Chain pitch: 3/8”
- Drive links: 66DL
- Includes: guide bar and chain (matched set)
- Material: hardened alloy bar with chrome-plated chain
Compatibility
Engineered to fit Stihl MS291 saws and other models sharing the same bar-mount pattern. Always double-check your saw’s model number against the full compatibility list before ordering, since mount studs and oiler holes can vary between production years.
Installation notes
Loosen the bar-mount nuts and slide the old assembly off. Before fitting the new bar, clear packed sawdust from the oil passage and around the drive sprocket. Place the new bar onto the studs, route the chain around the bar groove and sprocket, then adjust tension to the point where you can pull the chain around by hand with light resistance. Snug the nuts in a cross pattern.
Common questions
Q: Will this 18 inch bar and chain combo fit my Stihl MS291 without any modifications?
Yes, this combo is made for the Stihl MS291 and uses an 18 inch bar with a 3/8 pitch, so it matches the drive system that model commonly uses. Before installing, it’s still smart to confirm your saw’s current bar mount and chain specs match your existing setup, especially if a previous owner changed the bar length or chain type.
Q: Can I install this 18 inch guide bar and chain on my MS291 myself, and do I need to adjust chain tension right away?
Yes, most MS291 owners can install it with basic tools by removing the clutch cover, swapping the old bar and chain, and setting the chain correctly in the bar groove and around the drive sprocket. After installation, tension the chain so it lifts slightly from the bar but the drive links stay engaged, then recheck it after the first few cuts since a new chain will usually stretch a bit.
Q: Is a 3/8 pitch chain on an 18 inch bar a good setup for general firewood cutting on a Stihl MS291?
Yes, a 3/8 pitch 18 inch setup is a common all-around choice for the MS291 and works well for general limbing, bucking, and firewood work. Keep the chain sharp, the bar oil flowing properly, and flip the bar periodically during maintenance to help the bar wear evenly.
