There are several important questions to consider when selecting a chainsaw, but perhaps the most important factor is the bar length. This guide from B & M Lawn & Garden explains how to choose the right size of chainsaw for your application. If you need more advice on buying a chainsaw, please feel free to consult our qualified salespeople. You can find plenty of chainsaws for sale at our dealership in Anaheim, CA, serving Long Beach and San Bernardino.

Bar Length Guide

Chainsaws are categorized by their bar lengths into three groups:

  • Short bars (10 to 14 inches): Ideal for small tasks, like pruning.
  • Medium bars (16 to 20 inches) Best suited for cutting small trees and firewood.
  • Long bars (20+ inches): Great for larger trees and forestry work.

Which Bar Length Is Right for Me?

When choosing the right bar length for your needs, you should first consider the diameter of the wood you plan on cutting. As a general rule, the guide bar should be at least 2 inches longer than the thickness of the wood. Meanwhile, you should also consider your experience level and the frequency at which you plan on operating the chainsaw. For occasional, light use, a smaller chainsaw will be easier to use and maintain. Larger chainsaws, on the other hand, tend to be more powerful and robust. Even if your tasks do not typically involve cutting thick wood, you might prefer a larger chainsaw for its greater versatility and long-lasting power.

Are you ready to start shopping for a chainsaw? Head to B & M Lawn & Garden and browse our selection. Our salespeople can assist you in selecting the perfect chainsaw, and our service department can help out with all your chainsaw maintenance and repair needs. We proudly serve Anaheim, CA, and our neighbors in Long Beach and San Bernardino.