Getting accurate measurements from your guide bar can be tricky, especially if your guide bar has heavy user wear/damage or if you don't have the original operator's manual. In most cases, it probably won't make sense to physically measure.

We would recommend determining the Pitch and Gauge of the guide bar you need by using the saw chain you plan to use (as discussed above in the "Saw Chain" FAQ Category). For your reference, you can physically measure the chain OR find the markings on the chain to determine the Pitch and Gauge.

If you'd like to see the easy way to find Pitch and Gauge on your guide bar instead, see the next FAQ tab down: "Where do I LOOK for my guide bar's specs?"

BAR MOUNT EXPLAINED 

Most chainsaw bars use a superficially similar arrangement of slots and holes for mounting to the chainsaw body. This arrangement is called bar mount (or tail mount). To be compatible, a guide bar and a chainsaw must have a matching bar mount type. 

Notice in the photo below the many variations that bar mounts can be oriented. Size and relative location varies between brands and also product lines of a given brand. Sadly, small differences make mounts incompatible: if the holes do not line up, the bar won’t fit or won’t work properly.

To make it easy, we only sell Oregon-brand guide bars. Each chainsaw brand/model will utilize one Oregon bar mount (possibly two, depending if the “old” bar mount has been discontinued/superseded by a newer one). 

Oregon has dozens of bar mount variations that are used to accommodate an array of different chainsaws and brands. Please be aware that even though two Oregon bars may have the same bar mount, they may still differ in Pitch and Gauge.

Please use our Guide Bar Selector Tool to filter our guide bars by Bar Mount, Pitch, and Gauge to make sure you're getting a compatible guide bar. 

CONVERTING YOUR BAR MOUNT TO OREGON'S BAR MOUNT 

Oregon’s bar mounts are indicated by the last 4 digits of the part number (one letter followed by three numbers). For example, the Oregon 200RNDD025 would utilize bar mount D025. 

Depending on the brand and age of guide bar you use, you'll most likely be able to find your guide bar's bar mount by looking at the part number, guide bar etching, or online using your chainsaw's Brand and Model #. 

***If you have trouble finding this info for yourself, please reach out to us with your chainsaw's Brand and Model. We understand this can get quite confusing and have no problem finding the bar mount required for your specific chainsaw***

COMMON STIHL/OREGON & HUSQVARNA/OREGON BAR MOUNT CONVERSIONS

Stihl bars use three types of bar mounts that can be determined by looking at the first 4 digits of the guide bar part #, usually etched into the guide bar itself:

“3005 - small” (converts to Oregon’s A074);

“3003 - medium” (converts to Oregon’s D025);

“3002 - large” (converts to Oregon’s E031 or *E099 specifically for Stihl 070/090*);

Husqvarna uses two bar mounts:

“small” (converts to Oregon’s K095)

and “large” (converts to Oregon’s D009).

OREGON GUIDE BAR FAMILIES: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCES

• POWERCUT
  
  For loggers and skilled forest workers who require heavy-duty guide bars. The tough chrome-moly steel body powerfully cuts through timber quickly and efficiently.
• VERSACUT
  
  Designed for landowners and tree-cutting professionals who require versatility without sacrificing strength. Switch easily from pruning to felling without changing saws.
• CONTROLCUT
  Ideal for woodcutting professionals who make precise and smooth cuts during their work day. This guide bar’s lighter weight reduces operator fatigue.
• DURACUT
  
  Designed specifically for woodcutting professionals who work in challenging and punishing environments. The ultra high-wear resistant stellite nose and chrome-moly body gives you the power to cut through any challenging terrain.
• ADVANCECUT
  Perfect for homeowners or landscapers who need a reliable guide bar that is light-weight and maneuverable. The bar is also designed to reduce kickback.
• SINGLE RIVET
  Designed for homeowners who need a light-duty bar for limbing and pruning. The bar offers users greater control, reduced kickback, and it is reversible.
• SPEEDCUT & SPEEDCUT NANO
  For woodcutters who cut high volumes of wood. Narrow kerf, light-weight, and ideal for professionals who need mid-sized bars for saws under 55cc.
• HARVESTER
  A harvesting machine is only as good as its cutting attachments. That’s why discerning users choose Oregon Harvester Bars. Their harvester bars make your wood processing machine rise to its potential - maximizing your cutting efficiency while minimizing your down time.