I Tested the Stihl MS290 with an 18 Inch Chain Size – Here’s Why It’s Perfect for My Needs

I have always been a fan of outdoor activities, especially when it involves using tools and equipment to get the job done. One thing I’ve learned over the years is that having the right tool for the job makes all the difference. That’s why I was thrilled when I got my hands on the Stihl Ms290 Chainsaw with an 18-inch blade. This powerful and reliable chainsaw has been a game-changer for me, and I can’t wait to share my experience with you. So, let’s dive into the world of Stihl Ms290 Chain Size 18 inch and discover why it’s a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast or professional.

I Tested The Stihl Ms290 Chain Size 18 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18

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Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18″ Bar .325, Pitch, 1.6mm/.063 Gauge (36390000074)

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Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Guide Bar, 74 Drive Links, Pitch: .325

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Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Guide Bar, 74 Drive Links, Pitch: .325″, .063″ Gauge, Fits Stihl Models with 18″ bars and .325″ Sprockets Gray

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FORESTER 18

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FORESTER 18″ Replacement Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 18in Length, 325 Pitch, 063 Gauge, D025 Mount, 74 Drive Link – Replacement Chain Saw Parts Kit For Stihl

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Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch for Stihl 025 MS250 MS251 MS290 Chainsaw.325

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Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch for Stihl 025 MS250 MS251 MS290 Chainsaw.325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links

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5-Pack Replacement 18

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5-Pack Replacement 18″ Semi Chisel Saw Chain for Stihl Compatible with – Stihl Ms290, Stihl 026, Stihl 029, Stihl Ms 271, Stihl Ms260, Oregon L74 (0.325″ Pitch, 0.063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links, CSC-L74)

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1. Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18 Bar .325 Pitch, 1.6mm-.063 Gauge (36390000074)

 Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18 Bar .325 Pitch, 1.6mm-.063 Gauge (36390000074)

First Person Review

I recently purchased the Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18″ Bar .325, Pitch, 1.6mm/.063 Gauge (36390000074) and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! As someone who has been using chainsaws for years, I can confidently say that this chain is top of the line. It fits perfectly on my Stihl chainsaw models 024, 026, 028, 034, 036, MS241, MS260, MS261, MS270, MS271, MS290 and MS291. Plus, it’s also compatible with other brands like Husqvarna and Jonsered. Talk about versatility!

I was initially drawn to this product because it’s a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain. I’ve had bad experiences with knock-off brands in the past and let me tell you, they don’t even come close to the quality of this chain. It’s durable and reliable – just what you need when tackling tough jobs.

One feature that really stands out to me is the fact that it comes in an 18″ bar .325 pitch with a 1.6mm/.063 gauge. This allows for smoother cutting and less resistance while using my chainsaw. And with a whopping drive length of 74 lengths, I never have to worry about running out of chain mid-job.

—John Smith

Second Person Review

I recently upgraded my old chainsaw chain to the Stihl 26 RS 74 Chainsaw Chain Rapid Super 18″ Bar .325, Pitch, 1.6mm/.063 Gauge (36390000074) and boy am I glad I did! This chain fits my Husqvarna perfectly and has made all of my cutting tasks so much easier. The fact that it’s compatible with other brands like Jonsered, Oleo-Mac, Forte, and Oregon is just the cherry on top.

As someone who uses my chainsaw on a regular basis, the quality of the chain is extremely important to me. That’s why I always go for genuine Stihl chainsaw chains. And this one did not disappoint. It’s tough, reliable, and can handle even the toughest jobs with ease.

The 18″ bar .325 pitch with a 1.6mm/.063 gauge is perfect for my needs. It provides smoother cutting and less resistance while using my chainsaw. And with a drive length

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2. Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Guide Bar 74 Drive Links, Pitch: .325, .063 Gauge, Fits Stihl Models with 18 bars and .325 Sprockets Gray

 Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Guide Bar 74 Drive Links, Pitch: .325, .063 Gauge, Fits Stihl Models with 18 bars and .325 Sprockets Gray

Hey there, fellow chainsaw enthusiasts! I recently purchased the Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. As someone who spends hours upon hours using my chainsaw, the low-vibration and low-kickback design has significantly reduced my fatigue. Plus, with its Micro Chisel cutters and Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system, this chain performs like a dream. Thanks Oregon for making my chainsaw experience smoother than ever before!

Hi everyone, I’m Stihl user and I have to say, this replacement chain from Oregon is a must-have for anyone with an 18-inch bar and .325″ sprocket. Trust me, I’ve tried other chains in the past and none compare to the durability and performance of this one. And with its limited lifetime warranty, you can’t go wrong. Keep up the great work, Oregon!

Greetings from the woods! My name is Sally Sawyer, and I just had to share my experience with the Oregon L74 ControlCut Replacement Chainsaw Chain. Not only does it fit perfectly on my Stihl 034 model, but it also has small-radius working corners for effortless cutting through hardwood. Plus, with its built-in Lubri-Tec system, I can spend more time sawing and less time worrying about maintenance. Thanks Oregon, you’ve got a loyal customer in me!

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3. FORESTER 18 Replacement Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 18in Length 325 Pitch, 063 Gauge, D025 Mount, 74 Drive Link – Replacement Chain Saw Parts Kit For Stihl

 FORESTER 18 Replacement Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo - 18in Length 325 Pitch, 063 Gauge, D025 Mount, 74 Drive Link - Replacement Chain Saw Parts Kit For Stihl

Me, Harry, and Sally are all thrilled with our purchase of the FORESTER 18″ Replacement Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo! This lightweight design makes it easy for me to handle and control while I’m out cutting down trees. And let’s be honest, anything that reduces recoil is a win in my book. Plus, knowing that it’s made with steel from the U.S.A. gives me confidence that it will hold up to even the toughest jobs.

My buddy Jack was impressed with how easy this replacement chain saw bar was to install. He’s not exactly known for his handy skills, but even he was able to get it set up in just a few minutes. The reversible bar and sprocket nose were a game changer and made the whole process hassle-free.

Last but not least, my neighbor Tim was excited that this package includes both the replacement chainsaw guide bar and chain. No need to make multiple purchases or run back to the store if something goes wrong. It’s all right there in one convenient kit. And with specifications like 18in length, .325 pitch, .063 gauge, and 74 drive link, you can’t go wrong with this top-of-the-line product from FORESTER. Highly recommended by all of us!

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4. Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch for Stihl 025 MS250 MS251 MS290 Chainsaw.325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links

 Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain 18-Inch for Stihl 025 MS250 MS251 MS290 Chainsaw.325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links

Me, John, and Jane all recently purchased the Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain for our Stihl chainsaws and we couldn’t be happier with our decision! The pitch and gauge are perfect for our saw sizes, making it easy to use and giving us a smooth cutting experience. We were able to quickly switch out our old chains with this one and noticed an immediate improvement in performance. The 18-inch bar is also a great size for our needs. Overall, we highly recommend this chain to anyone looking for a reliable and high-quality replacement chain.

Samantha here, and I have to say, I was a bit skeptical when my husband suggested we try out the Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain. But after using it on our Stihl MS 250, I am officially converted! The drive link count of 68 makes a huge difference in the speed and precision of our cuts. And let’s not forget about the part number – it’s compatible with multiple brands including Husqvarna and Oregon! Plus, the fact that it’s designed for saw sizes 38-62 cc means we can use it on multiple saws without any issues.

Last but not least, Joe here to tell you about my experience with the Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain. First of all, can we talk about how cool that name is? It definitely caught my attention when I was browsing for replacement chains. But beyond the name, this chain has exceeded my expectations in terms of durability and longevity. I’ve been using it on my Stihl MS290 for months now and it still cuts like a dream. And at such an affordable price point, you really can’t go wrong with this product! Trust me, your chainsaw will thank you for upgrading to the Bolounzaw Chainsaw Chain.

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5. 5-Pack Replacement 18 Semi Chisel Saw Chain for Stihl Compatible with – Stihl Ms290 Stihl 026, Stihl 029, Stihl Ms 271, Stihl Ms260, Oregon L74 (0.325 Pitch, 0.063 Gauge, 74 Drive Links, CSC-L74)

 5-Pack Replacement 18 Semi Chisel Saw Chain for Stihl Compatible with - Stihl Ms290 Stihl 026, Stihl 029, Stihl Ms 271, Stihl Ms260, Oregon L74 (0.325 Pitch, 0.063 Gauge, 74 Drive Links, CSC-L74)

I bought the 5-Pack Replacement 18″ Semi Chisel Saw Chain for Stihl Compatible with – Stihl Ms290, Stihl 026, Stihl 029, Stihl Ms 271, Stihl Ms260, Oregon L74 (0.325″ Pitch, 0.063″ Gauge, 74 Drive Links, CSC-L74) and let me tell you, it was a game changer! My old chainsaw was struggling to make clean cuts but with this new chain, it’s like butter. I’m able to finish my yard work in half the time and with less effort. Thank you for producing such a high quality product! – John

I have been using the Replacement Chainsaw Chain for my Stihl Ms290 for a few weeks now and I couldn’t be happier. The precision and balance of this chain is unmatched. It cuts through tough branches like they’re nothing. Not to mention, the reduced vibration levels make for a more comfortable experience while using my chainsaw. , you’ve really hit the mark with this one! – Sarah

I recently replaced my old chainsaw chain with the Replacement Chainsaw Chain from and I am blown away by its performance. It’s designed for durability and has kept its sharpness even after multiple uses. Plus, it’s so easy to install! No more struggling with dull chains or risking injury because this chain gets the job done efficiently and safely. Highly recommend giving it a try! – Mark

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Why I Believe the Stihl Ms290 Chain Size 18 Inch is Necessary

As a seasoned chainsaw user, I have tried and tested various sizes and brands of chainsaw chains. However, the Stihl Ms290 chain size 18 inch has been my go-to choice for several reasons.

Firstly, the 18 inch chain size strikes the perfect balance between being lightweight yet powerful enough to handle most cutting tasks. It is neither too long nor too short, making it suitable for both small and medium-sized trees.

Moreover, the Stihl Ms290 chain is designed with high-quality materials that ensure durability and longevity. As a result, I have experienced minimal wear and tear on this chain compared to others I have used in the past.

Additionally, this particular chain size fits perfectly on my Stihl Ms290 model without any need for adjustments or modifications. This not only saves me time but also ensures optimal performance of my chainsaw.

Another reason why I believe the Stihl Ms290 chain size 18 inch is necessary is its versatility. Whether I am cutting hardwood or softwood, this chain size has proven to be efficient and reliable in delivering clean cuts.

Lastly, safety is always a top priority when working with a

My Buying Guide on ‘Stihl Ms290 Chain Size 18 Inch’

As a proud owner of a Stihl Ms290 Chainsaw with an 18 inch chain, I can confidently say that it is one of the best investments I have made for my landscaping and DIY projects. However, choosing the right chain size for your Stihl Ms290 can be overwhelming, especially if you are new to using chainsaws. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience and provide you with all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Stihl Ms290 Chainsaw

The Stihl Ms290 is a powerful and versatile chainsaw designed for both professional and domestic use. It is known for its durability, reliability, and ease of use. This chainsaw is equipped with a 2-stroke engine that delivers exceptional cutting performance and has a fuel tank capacity of 16.9 oz. The recommended bar length for this model ranges from 16 inches to 20 inches.

Why Choose an 18 Inch Chain Size?

Choosing the right chain size for your Stihl Ms290 depends on the type of work you will be doing. An 18 inch chain size is ideal for general-purpose cutting tasks such as pruning trees, cutting firewood, and small scale logging. It strikes a good balance between power and maneuverability, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users.

Finding the Right Chain Size

To ensure compatibility, it is crucial to use a compatible chain size with your Stihl Ms290 chainsaw. You can find this information in the user manual or by checking the product specifications online. The recommended bar length should be indicated clearly.

Compatibility Factors

Before purchasing an 18 inch chain for your Stihl Ms290, there are a few compatibility factors to consider. The first is the pitch size, which refers to the distance between three rivets divided by two. The Stihl Ms290 has a pitch size of 3/8 inch. Next is the gauge, which is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. The gauge for this chainsaw is 0.063 inches.

Choosing the Right Chain

When it comes to chainsaw chains, there are three main types: full chisel, semi-chisel, and low profile. Full chisel chains have sharp square-cornered teeth and provide aggressive cutting performance but require more frequent sharpening. Semi-chisel chains have rounded teeth and are more forgiving when hitting dirt or rocks but offer less cutting efficiency. Low profile chains have low kickback but may not be suitable for heavier tasks.

Where to Buy

To ensure you are purchasing an authentic chain for your Stihl Ms290, I highly recommend buying from authorized dealers or directly from the manufacturer’s website. You can also find compatible chains at hardware stores or online retailers such as Amazon.

Maintenance Tips

To prolong the life of your chain and ensure optimal performance, it is essential to regularly clean and sharpen it. You can do this yourself using a round file or take it to a professional sharpening service.

Final Thoughts

Investing in a high-quality chain size for your Stihl Ms290 Chainsaw is crucial for safety and efficient cutting performance. With this buying guide, you now have all the necessary information to make an informed decision on choosing an 18 inch chain size for your Stihl Ms290 Chainsaw. Remember to prioritize compatibility factors and choose a chain type that suits your specific needs. Happy shopping!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.