Stihl 028 Bar & Chain (Fitment Specs)

A Stihl 028 bar and chain must match the saw’s bar mount, chain pitch, chain gauge, drive-link count, and drive sprocket. Most 028 saws use a standard 3/8-inch pitch, but gauge and chain length depend on the fitted parts. Check the saw’s exact model and the bar stamp before ordering; a bar’s inch length alone cannot identify the right chain.

The difference between .050-inch and .063-inch chain gauge is just .013 inch, but those chains do not fit the same bar groove. That small measurement matters: a mismatch can cause poor tracking, excess wear, or a chain that will not fit at all. I use the saw, bar, and sprocket as one matched system, not as separate parts chosen by length.

Identify the 028 and check the current setup

Start with the model marking on the saw. If the label is missing or unclear, compare the saw’s details with the correct owner’s manual or ask a Stihl dealer to identify it. The 028 Super is not simply another name for the standard 028, so do not use the standard model’s details as proof of Super fitment.

Next, record what is on the saw now. Look for the bar’s stamped information, which may show its length, pitch, and gauge. Remove the bar cover only with the engine off and the spark-plug boot disconnected if you need to inspect the sprocket. If the bar stamp is missing, count the old chain’s drive links: these are the small lugs that sit inside the bar groove and engage the sprocket.

Many 028 replacement bars are listed with a Stihl 3005 mount pattern, but do not order from that number alone. Check the bar’s fit on the saw, including the studs and oil passage, and confirm the replacement maker lists your saw or mount. A bar can share a mount label and still need the right pitch, gauge, and chain length.

Next step: write down the model, bar stamp, sprocket pitch, chain gauge, and drive-link count before placing an order.

Choose a compatible bar, chain, and sprocket

A bar and chain fit only when their key measurements agree. For an 028, standard 3/8-inch pitch is common, and .050-inch or .063-inch gauge may be found. Those are alternatives, not parts to mix. Confirm the actual sprocket and bar before buying, especially if a previous owner changed either one.

What bar length suits an 028?

A sound 028 commonly works with a 16- to 20-inch bar for occasional firewood cutting, subject to the saw’s manual and condition. A shorter bar is often a practical choice for routine work because it is easier to handle and puts less cutting load on the saw. A longer bar reaches farther but can increase load and exposure to kickback.

Do not treat 20 inches as a guaranteed maximum for every saw or job. Engine condition, chain sharpness, wood size, bar design, and the manufacturer’s recommendations all matter. If the saw labors, the chain slows, or the cut burns instead of making clean chips, stop and check the chain and setup rather than forcing the cut.

Match chain length by drive links

A chain’s drive-link count varies with the exact bar and nose design. Two bars with the same stated length may call for different chain lengths, so do not order by “16 inch” or “20 inch” alone. Use the bar stamp or count the old chain’s drive links, then verify the new chain listing against the bar and sprocket.

If the old chain is missing, use the bar maker’s fitment chart or ask a dealer to confirm the exact combination. Do not shorten a chain or guess at the number of links to make an incompatible chain fit. A chain that is too long will not tension correctly; one that is too short cannot be installed safely.

Keep pitch and gauge consistent

Pitch is the spacing of the chain’s drive links and cutting parts. Gauge is the thickness of each drive link where it runs in the bar groove. A 3/8-inch chain must match a 3/8-inch sprocket and bar nose. The drive-link gauge must match the bar groove, and the correct chain must also be available for that combination.

Standard 3/8-inch chain is not the same as 3/8-inch low-profile chain. Do not assume the words “3/8 inch” make them interchangeable. Confirm the chain type and the sprocket specification. If you change pitch, you must change the parts needed to create a matching system; replacing only the chain is not enough.

Next step: buy the chain by pitch, gauge, and drive-link count, then confirm the bar and sprocket match those same specifications.

Equipment Setup and Safety Preparation

Before cutting, confirm the 028’s parts and safety controls are in sound working order. A correct bar and chain do not make a saw safe if the chain brake, throttle lockout, chain catcher, or handles are damaged. Inspect the saw with the engine off, then tension and test the chain as the owner’s manual directs.

Fit the bar and chain according to the manual. Check that the drive links sit in the bar groove, the chain runs in the correct direction, and the bar’s oil passage lines up with the saw’s outlet. Clean debris from the bar mount before assembly. Set chain tension using the saw’s specified method; do not use a universal measurement where the manual gives a different instruction.

Before starting, check the chain brake, throttle lockout, handles, and chain catcher. Wear a helmet with face and eye protection, hearing protection, chainsaw-rated leg protection, gloves, and suitable boots. Clear the work area, keep bystanders away, and plan an escape route before any felling work.

Next step: if a safety control fails its check, do not use the saw until it is repaired.

Field Cutting and Landscaping Operation

A compatible setup still needs a controlled cutting approach. Use two hands, a stable stance, and a clear work area. Assess the wood’s lean, weight, and tension before cutting, and keep the bar tip away from branches and nearby material that could catch it.

The upper quadrant of the bar nose can cause rapid rotational kickback if it contacts wood or another object. Keep that part of the bar out of the cut. A chain brake can reduce injury risk, but it does not prevent kickback from happening. Do not cut above shoulder height, and do not push a dull chain through wood.

Use the lower part of the bar where practical, and stop if the chain slows, smokes, or makes fine dust instead of clean chips. Check for overhead hazards and suspended limbs before continuing. If the cut involves a hung-up tree, overhead limb, or complex tension, stop and get help from someone with the right training.

Maintenance, Sharpening, and Tuning

Routine checks protect the bar, chain, and drive system from avoidable wear. Keep the chain sharp, oil the chain, and inspect the bar groove and sprocket. File size and sharpening angles depend on the exact chain; use the chain maker’s markings or instructions rather than guessing from the saw model.

A dull chain can make the saw work harder and can burn the wood, but sharpening it at the wrong angle can also hurt cutting performance. Identify the chain by its markings or manufacturer, then use its specified file diameter, top-plate angle, and depth-gauge setting. If the chain markings are gone, take it to a dealer for identification instead of choosing a file by appearance.

Check the chain’s lubrication before cutting. Fill the separate oil reservoir with bar-and-chain oil, then follow the manual’s test procedure to confirm oil reaches the chain. After use, shut off the saw, let it cool, and clean the bar groove, oil hole, and sprocket-cover area. Inspect the bar rails for damage and the chain for cracked, bent, or badly worn parts.

Use the fuel ratio stated in the manual for the saw and the oil being used. A 50:1 mix applies when using STIHL two-stroke oil at its labeled ratio; do not assume it is right for an unknown oil or an undocumented engine. Set idle and maximum speed to the model’s service specifications with a tachometer, not by ear.

Installation examples: two checks that prevent wrong orders

These are common fitment situations, not reports of a specific customer repair. They show why I verify the whole setup before fitting a replacement chain.

Example 1: Same bar length, wrong gauge. A saw owner finds a 16-inch bar and chain listed for an 028. The bar fits the mount, but its groove is .050 inch while the sprocket and chain are .063 inch. The length looks right, yet the chain parts do not match. The fix is to select a complete compatible combination, not force the chain into the groove.

Example 2: Bar replaced, old chain no longer fits. An owner replaces a worn bar with another 18-inch model. The new bar has a different nose design, so its required drive-link count differs from the old chain. The solution is to follow the new bar’s fitment information and order the correct chain length, while keeping pitch and gauge matched to the sprocket.

Key check: a bar that bolts on is not automatically a bar-and-chain fit.

Storage and Seasonal Care

Before storage, engage the brake, switch off the saw, and let it cool. Clean the bar groove and oil hole, remove packed debris from under the sprocket cover, and inspect the chain and bar. Follow the owner’s manual for fuel handling and storage; do not leave fuel in the saw for a long period unless the manual allows it.

Keep the bar and chain clean and dry, and protect the cutting edges with a scabbard. Before the next use, recheck tension, chain condition, oil supply, and safety controls. If the saw has sat unused, confirm the fuel mixture and condition before starting.

Frequently asked questions

What bar length fits a Stihl 028?
A 16- to 20-inch bar commonly suits a sound 028, depending on the model, saw condition, and work. Confirm the manual and exact bar fitment before buying.

What chain pitch does a Stihl 028 use?
Standard 3/8-inch pitch is common. Verify the installed drive sprocket and bar nose; do not substitute 3/8-inch low-profile chain based on the pitch label alone.

Does an 028 use .050 or .063 chain gauge?
Either may appear in a compatible setup, but they are not interchangeable. Match the chain gauge to the bar groove and confirm the sprocket setup.

How many drive links does an 028 chain need?
There is no single link count for every bar. Read the bar stamp or count the old chain’s drive links, then confirm the count with the bar maker’s chart.

Does every 028 use the same bar mount?
Many replacement bars use a Stihl 3005 mount pattern, but verify the mount, studs, and oil-hole alignment for the exact saw and replacement bar.

Is the 028 Super the same as the standard 028?
No. The 028 Super is a distinct version. Identify the saw before ordering parts, and consult the matching manual or a dealer if the marking is unclear.

Can I use a 20-inch bar on an 028?
A 20-inch bar may suit some sound 028 setups, but check the manual and the saw’s condition. A longer bar increases cutting load and requires a sharp, well-matched chain.

What fuel mix should I use?
Use the ratio specified for the saw and the two-stroke oil. STIHL oil labeled for 50:1 supports that ratio; do not apply it automatically to unknown oil.

How do I know if the chain is too dull?
A sharp chain makes clean chips. Fine dust, smoke, or a need to push hard are signs to stop and inspect the chain and cutting setup.

Can I replace only the chain?
Yes, if the existing bar and sprocket are sound and the replacement chain matches their pitch, gauge, and required drive-link count.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, David Hensley. Visit our Meet the Team page.)