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16-inch bar: chain size by saw
Every saw setup on this site that runs a 16″ guide bar, with the pitch, gauge and drive links we could trace to a source. The bar length narrows the choice; the stamp on your bar tail settles it.
| Saw | Bar | Pitch | Gauge | Drive links | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stihl MS 170 / MS 180 | 16″ | 3/8″ Low Profile | .043″ (1.1 mm) | 55 | VERIFIED |
| Stihl MS 250 | 16″ | Reported both .325″ and 3/8″ | Reported .050″ and .063″ | 62 (marketplace listing) | SOURCES CONFLICT |
| Husqvarna 450 Rancher | 16″ | .325″ | .050″ (1.3 mm) | 66 | VERIFIED |
| Husqvarna 455 Rancher | 16″–20″ (.325″ setups) | .325″ | .050″ / .058″ by bar | 56–78 by exact bar (manual range) | VERIFY ON BAR STAMP |
| Echo CS-400 | 16″ | 3/8″ Low Profile | .050″ (1.3 mm) | 56 | VERIFIED |
| Echo CS-590 Timber Wolf | 16″ / 18″ / 24″ / 27″ (optional) | 3/8″ | .050″ (1.3 mm) | Verify on your bar stamp | VERIFY ON BAR STAMP |
| Poulan 2150 / 3816 | 16″ | 3/8″ Low Profile | .050″ (1.3 mm) | 56 | VERIFIED |
The same bar length is sold in more than one pitch and gauge. Read the stamp on your bar tail and match all three numbers — how to read it.
Chain specs seen on 16″ bars
Questions
What chain fits a 16 inch chainsaw bar?
It depends on the bar's pitch and gauge, not the length. Among the saws verified on this site, 16 inch bars appear with 3/8″ Low Profile pitch / .043″ (1.1 mm) gauge (55 drive links); .325″ pitch / .050″ (1.3 mm) gauge (66 drive links); 3/8″ Low Profile pitch / .050″ (1.3 mm) gauge (56 drive links); 3/8″ pitch / .050″ (1.3 mm) gauge. Sources disagree for some saws, so read the pitch, gauge and drive-link count stamped on your own bar tail before ordering.
How many drive links does a 16 inch bar take?
The drive-link count depends on the chain pitch and the bar: on this site, verified 16 inch setups range over 55, 56, 66 drive links. Never order by bar length alone.