8TEN 18 Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar .063 Gauge .325 Pitch for Stihl — Laminated 68DL, Heat‑Treated Nose Sprocket

8TEN 18-inch laminated guide bar with .063" gauge and .325" pitch fits many Stihl models and accepts 68-drive-link chains for reliable cutting performance.

This replacement guide bar is engineered to match OEM fit and function for a wide range of Stihl and compatible saws. Built from heat-treated 65Mn steel with a 60Si2Mn nose sprocket, the bar is designed to resist bending and wear while maintaining accurate chain alignment. Before purchase, confirm your saw’s model and mounting specifications to ensure correct fitment.

Which Stihl and other models will this 18" bar fit?

The 8TEN 18" guide bar is designed to be compatible with many popular Stihl consumer and pro saws and a selection of Oleo-Mac/Olympyk models. It matches OEM part references and covers numerous MS, HT, MSE/MSA, and older numbered models when their mounting and chain specs align.

• Compatible OEM part numbers: GB SW18-63SH, Stihl 3005 008 4717, Oregon A074 reference
• Covers Stihl models such as 009–025 series, MS150–MS250 variants, MSA/MSE electrics, and HT pole pruners listed in the fitment details
• Also fits select Olympyk/Oleo-Mac models: 240, 241, 244, 935
• Always verify your saw’s tail mount type (A074) and mounting slot dimension (8.2 mm) before ordering

How easy is it to install this guide bar on my chainsaw?

Installation follows the same steps as most side-mounted guide bars: remove the clutch cover, relieve chain tension, swap the bar, position the chain over the nose sprocket, and re-tension. No special tools beyond standard scrench/socket and screwdrivers are typically required.

• Guide bar tail mount: A074; mounting slot width: 8.2 mm for alignment
• Requires 68 drive-link chain with .325" pitch and .063" gauge
• Re-tension chain after warming up the saw for accurate fitting
• Refer to your saw manual for torque specs and safety steps

What performance and durability features does this 8TEN bar offer?

The bar is manufactured from 65Mn heat-treated steel for improved wear resistance and reduced bending under load. A nose sprocket made from 60Si2Mn steel reduces friction and wear at the tip, helping chain life and smoother cutting action.

• Heat-treated 65Mn steel body for greater toughness and longevity
• Nose sprocket in 60Si2Mn steel to lower nose wear and noise
• Precision-cut mounting and tooth layout for stable chain tracking
• Compatible chain specs: 18" length, 68 drive links, .325" pitch, .063" gauge

What maintenance keeps this guide bar cutting well?

Routine maintenance preserves bar life and cutting accuracy: keep the bar groove clean, maintain correct chain tension, and inspect the sprocket nose for wear. Rotate the bar occasionally if recommended, and replace the bar once bending, groove wear, or severe nose damage appears.

• Clean bar groove and oil holes after heavy use to ensure lubrication
• Keep correct chain tension to avoid rapid groove and sprocket wear
• Inspect sprocket nose and mounting slot for play or elongation
• Replace when groove depth or nose damage affects chain alignment

Who is this for: The 8TEN 18" laminated guide bar is suited for homeowners and professional users who need an OEM-compatible replacement for Stihl and select Oleo-Mac saws. It’s a practical choice for routine bar replacement on mid-sized chainsaws used for pruning, firewood, property upkeep, and light forestry tasks—provided you verify mount type and chain specifications for your machine.