STIHL 3667 Carbide Chain Discontinued: Replacement Bars & Chains for MS250, MS251, MS261, MS271 & MS291
10th Jun 2026
STIHL 3667 Carbide Chain Has Been Discontinued – Here's What You Need to Know
If you've been searching for STIHL's popular 3667 Rapid Duro carbide chain, you may have discovered that it is no longer available.
For years, the STIHL 3667 series was the go-to carbide option for many older .325" pitch, .063" gauge guide bars found on chainsaws such as the MS250, MS251, MS261, MS271, and MS291. The carbide cutters provided exceptional durability and stayed sharp significantly longer than standard chains, making them ideal for dirty wood, storm cleanup, root cutting, and abrasive conditions.
Unfortunately, STIHL has discontinued the 3667 series carbide chain and has transitioned their carbide offerings to a newer .325" pitch, .050" (3696) gauge platform. This means that owners of older .063" gauge bars will need to replace both the guide bar and chain if they wish to continue using a genuine STIHL carbide chain.
Why Did STIHL Change the System?
The older "3667" carbide chain was designed for .325" pitch, .063" gauge guide bars. STIHL's current Rapid Duro carbide chains are now produced in .050" gauge configurations, requiring a matching .050" guide bar.
The good news is that converting is straightforward. In most cases, you simply replace your existing bar with the updated .050" gauge version and install the matching carbide chain.
MS250 & MS251 Conversion Guide
16" Bar Conversion
Old .063" Bar
New .050" Bar
Old Carbide Chain
New Carbide Chain
Shop the replacement bar:
STIHL 3005-000-7013 Guide Bar at ForesterShop
18" Bar Conversion
Old .063" Bars
New .050" Bars
Old Carbide Chain
New Carbide Chain
MS261, MS261 C-M, MS271 & MS291 Conversion Guide
16" Bar Conversion
Old .063" Bars
New .050" Bars
Old Carbide Chain
New Carbide Chain
18" Bar Conversion
Old .063" Bars
New .050" Bars
Old Carbide Chain
New Carbide Chain
20" Bar Conversion
Old .063" Bars
New .050" Bars
Old Carbide Chain
New Carbide Chain
Don't Want to Change Your Bar?
If your current .063" guide bar is still in excellent condition and you'd rather not convert to STIHL's new .050" system, there are still aftermarket carbide options available.
At ForesterShop, we continue to offer Forester carbide insert chains in .325" pitch and .063" gauge configurations that fit many of these older guide bars.
Benefits of Carbide Chain
- Lasts significantly longer than standard chain
- Excellent for dirty, frozen, or treated wood
- Ideal for storm cleanup and root cutting
- Reduced downtime spent sharpening
- Great option for homeowners and professionals alike
You can browse our carbide chain selection here:
Forester Full-Chisel Carbide Chainsaw Chain .325 .063
Forester Semi-Chisel Carbide Chainsaw Chain .325 .063
Need Help Identifying Your Setup?
If you're unsure which bar and chain combination is currently on your saw, contact our team with:
- Your chainsaw model
- Bar length
- Existing bar part number (if available)
We'll help determine the correct conversion parts and carbide chain option for your saw.
Final Thoughts
While STIHL's discontinuation of the 3667 carbide chain is frustrating for owners of older .063" gauge setups, there is still a path forward. By switching to the updated .050" guide bar and matching Rapid Duro carbide chain, you can continue enjoying the long life and durability that carbide chains provide.
If you'd like help sourcing the correct replacement components, the team at ForesterShop is happy to assist.