Stihl 26RS 81 Rapid Super Chainsaw Chain 20" Bar .325 pitch .063 gauge

Running a saw with the correct cutting loop is critical, and this chainsaw chain provides an exact replacement for equipment built around a 20-inch guide bar. Sized specifically to keep your saw operating smoothly, this loop is geared toward woodcutters who already rely on Stihl equipment or matching configurations that demand high-grade cutting components.

The physical geometry centers on three critical measurements: pitch, gauge, and drive link count. With a .325-inch pitch and a .063-inch gauge, the loop seats securely into matching guide bar rails and aligns cleanly with the drive sprocket. Having exactly 81 drive links ensures proper chain tensioning without running out of adjustment room on standard 20-inch bars designed for this exact link count.

As part of the Rapid Super lineup, the chain features professional-oriented cutting teeth. This styling is designed for efficient wood slicing under full throttle, making quick work of bucking logs and taking down limbs when paired with an engine capable of pulling a .325-inch pitch setup.

Because cutting chains require strict physical compatibility, the fixed specifications represent an inherent trade-off. This chain cannot be forced to run on guide bars machined for narrower .050-inch or .058-inch grooves, nor will it seat on sprockets built for 3/8-inch pitch. Buyers must have a saw setup that mirrors these precise numbers.

Verdict: For operators running a 20-inch bar setup that calls for an 81-link, .325-inch pitch, and .063-inch gauge loop, this chainsaw chain delivers exact-match replacement performance. Those with different bar lengths, link counts, or rail widths should pass and select a loop that matches their saw hardware.

• Brand: Stihl
• Model: 26RS 81
• Chain Pitch: .325"
• Chain Gauge: .063"
• Drive Link Count: 81
• Compatible Bar Length: 20"
• Designation: Rapid Super professional chain

A great fit if you:

• Operate a chainsaw fitted with a 20-inch guide bar that specifies exactly 81 drive links.
• Require a chain with a .063-inch gauge to seat properly in your current bar track.
• Need a .325-inch pitch replacement loop for your compatible drive sprocket setup.
• Prefer professional cutter configurations like the Rapid Super series for cutting timber.

Consider something else if you:

• Run a guide bar that uses a different groove width, such as a narrower gauge option.
• Own a shorter or longer bar that requires a different drive link count to achieve tension.
• Use a saw fitted with a 3/8-inch or 1/4-inch drive sprocket rather than a .325-inch pitch system.

Confirm on the listing:

• Check the stamped markings on your current guide bar to verify it requires an 81 drive link count.
• Verify that your bar rail thickness matches the .063-inch gauge specification of this chain.
• Confirm that your saw drive sprocket is milled for a .325-inch pitch rather than 3/8-inch.
• Check whether the packaging includes a single replacement chain or multiple loops.

How to compare your options: Chainsaw chains must never be chosen by bar length alone, as different manufacturers and bar models pair varying link counts with the same overall bar reach. Always cross-reference the three key metrics: drive link count, pitch, and gauge. If any of those three metrics on this 81-link, .325-inch, .063-inch loop differ from your saw bar specifications, it will not seat or tension correctly.

Before mounting the chain, inspect the drive links and cutting teeth for any shipping damage or burrs. Wipe the bar rail clean to ensure no debris prevents the .063-inch drive tangs from moving freely through the guide channel.

When fitting the loop onto the bar and sprocket, take care to mount the cutting edges facing forward along the top side of the bar. Adjust your saw tensioning screw so the chain sits flush against the bottom rail while still pulling smoothly around the bar tip by hand.

Keep the chain properly lubricated during operation using your saw automatic oiler. Regularly inspect the cutter teeth between tasks, sharpening or servicing the edges when cutting performance drops, and verify your drive link count remains intact whenever replacing or swapping chains across multiple bars.

What bar length is this chain designed for?
This chain is specified for a 20-inch bar that uses an 81 drive link loop.

What is the pitch and gauge of this chain?
It features a .325-inch pitch and a .063-inch gauge.

How many drive links does this chain have?
This loop comes with exactly 81 drive links to match compatible bars.

Will this chain fit on a .050-inch gauge bar?
No, this chain has a .063-inch gauge, which is too wide to fit into the narrower channel of a .050-inch bar.

Does this chain include a replacement guide bar?
The product listing specifies only the Stihl 26RS 81 chain, so expect just the cutting chain unless the seller specifies otherwise.