Running a Stihl MS 500i (or thinking about it) means you’ll eventually want a few extras in your corner. Replacement bars and chains wear out, performance parts change how the saw feels, and collectors love a tidy scale model. The ten options below cover real upgrades and accessories, plus a kid-friendly toy that borrows the MS 500i’s styling. Pick by what your saw actually needs, not by what’s loudest online.
The Lineup, Simplified
Iggniopt M230 Air Filter and Cover
Stihl Children’s Toy Chainsaw (40 cm)
Meckorn 28 Inch Chainsaw Bar 91DL
Yutacorex 24/25 Inch Bar and Chain Combo
Savior 28 Inch Full Chisel Chain 91DL
FORESTER 56 Inch Sprocket Nose Bar
Stihl MS 500i 1:10 Scale Model
FORESTER 20 Inch Sprocket Nose Bar
XTPTFABS Dog and Bumper Spike Set
Foruly Performance Muffler for MS500i
Inside Each Recommended Option
A clean air filter keeps a small engine happy, and the Iggniopt replacement kit is built for the Craftsman M230 with the 163cc platform, part number 11A-B2A9791. The package includes both the foam element and its outer cover, so you get a matched pair instead of sourcing two pieces separately.
For owners who run a mower through dusty summers, swapping the filter at the start of each season restores airflow and helps the engine breathe. The cover also keeps debris from caking onto the foam, extending service intervals.
Where It Delivers
- Matched filter and cover in one box reduces second trips to the hardware store.
- Direct-fit replacement designed around a specific part number, easing cross-referencing.
- Foam media captures fine dust common in dry, open yards.
- Easy hand installation, with no specialty tools required.
Things To Consider
- Specific to the M230; it does not transfer to other mower models in the lineup.
- Foam elements need periodic washing and oiling, so plan a light maintenance routine.
Made For
Craftsman M230 owners who want a single-box refresh of both filter and cover at the start of a cutting season.
Where Another Pick Suits Better
Stihl MS 500i owners chasing an upgrade should skip this and head straight to the Foruly Performance Muffler.
The Stihl toy chainsaw mirrors the look of the MS 500i in a kid-friendly size, roughly 40 cm long. It runs on batteries, lights up an LED power indicator, and even has a movable chain so a child can imitate a real cut. Parents get a volume control knob to dial down the sawing sound.
For households where the grown-up is a Stihl fan, this is a charming bridge between hobby and play. It lets a child borrow a piece of the brand identity without the danger of a working saw.
What It Does Well
- Detailed styling echoes the real MS 500i, which kids tend to notice and enjoy.
- Movable, replaceable chain adds tactile fun and a hint of mechanical realism.
- Volume control keeps playtime tolerable in shared living spaces.
- Battery power avoids the inconvenience of cords during floor play.
Points To Keep In Mind
- Plastic construction, so hard drops on concrete may eventually stress the housing.
- Replacement batteries can wear out over years of regular use.
Best Suited To
Younger fans who want a Stihl-branded role-play tool under parental supervision.
Consider Something Else When
Adult collectors should skip this and pick up the Stihl MS 500i 1:10 Scale Model instead.
The Meckorn 28-inch bar opens up bigger felling and bucking jobs on professional-grade Stihl saws. It uses 3/8″ pitch.050″ gauge, 91 drive links, and a D025 mount, which fits the MS 660, MS 460, and MS 462.
Compared to the 24-inch option further down the list, this bar trades maneuverability for reach. Storm cleanup crews and small-scale loggers tend to appreciate the extra length when trees run thick.
Real-World Strengths
- 28-inch length makes short work of large-diameter trunks.
- Common 3/8″ pitch simplifies sourcing replacement chains down the road.
- D025 tail mount matches several Stihl pro saws already in service.
Worth Noting
- Longer bars place higher demands on the engine, so smaller saws may bog down.
- Heavier than shorter bars, which can fatigue arms during extended bucking sessions.
Right Fit For
Property owners and woodcutters tackling large-diameter timber on saws with enough power to drive a long bar.
Skip It When
Everyday firewood chores around the yard call for the more manageable FORESTER 20 Inch Sprocket Nose Bar.
The Yutacorex combo covers the popular 24-inch class with a 3/8″ pitch.050″ gauge, 84 drive links, and a D025 mount. It is listed as fitting a wide swath of Stihl models, including the MS 362, MS 440, MS 441, MS 461, MS 462, MS 500i, MS 650, MS 660, and MS 661.
The bar and chain arrive together, so you avoid mismatched drive-link counts at install. Versatility is the headline here, and the price tends to undercut OEM replacements without skimping on the basics.
Points In Its Favor
- Broad fitment across the Stihl mid-to-large professional lineup.
- Combo packaging means one purchase covers a worn bar and chain.
- Standard 3/8″ pitch keeps future chain swaps simple.
Trade Offs
- Cross-brand fit lists can confuse first-time owners; verify your exact model before ordering.
- Chain tension and oiler flow should be checked at first install.
Feature Snapshot
Who Should Grab It
Saw owners who split time between firewood, cleanup, and light felling and want one combo to cover all three.
Not Your Match When
Full-time loggers chasing a longer cut should reach for the FORESTER 56 Inch Sprocket Nose Bar.
The Savior 28-inch chain is built around full chisel cutters, the aggressive tooth profile that chews through wood fastest. Specs sit at 3/8″ pitch.050″ gauge, and 91 drive links, lining up with the Stihl 33RSF91E and Oregon 72EXJ091G references.
Compared to the Meckorn bar covered earlier, this chain slots onto the same 28-inch class but takes a sharper bite. It suits the MS 440, MS 462, MS 500i, MS 650, MS 660, and MS 661 family, plus several Magnum variants.
Where It Helps
- Full chisel geometry cuts faster than standard chain in clean wood.
- Cross-references to OEM Stihl and Oregon part numbers simplify ordering.
- Wide model compatibility covers most pro Stihl saws in the 70-80cc class.
Some Limits To Know
- Full chisel dulls faster in dirty wood, so chain maintenance matters more.
- Higher kickback tendency than round-tooth chain, demanding experienced handling.
Quick Facts
Perfect Match For
Experienced operators working clean softwood or hardwood who want noticeably faster cuts.
Look Elsewhere When
Beginners or anyone cutting dirty wood should consider the milder 20-inch FORESTER bar instead.
FORESTER builds this 56-inch bar from solid U.S.A. steel, with a single-rivet sprocket nose that can be replaced in the field. The longer nose absorbs most of the wear from feeding through timber, sparing the bar body.
Specs land at 3/8″ pitch.063 gauge, 168 drive links, and a D025 mount, aimed squarely at full-size Stihl saws. Anyone running an MS 660 or MS 661 for serious production work will see why this bar carries a forestry-grade reputation.
Good Reasons To Consider
- Solid steel construction holds up under daily professional use.
- Replaceable sprocket nose extends overall bar life.
- Wide side rails resist chipping on tough timber.
A Few Limitations
- 56-inch length demands a high-output saw and confident handling.
- Heavier than mid-length bars, which can wear out an operator over a long shift.
Built With In Mind
Loggers, forestry crews, and serious mill operators who already know how to feed aggressive setups.
Another Choice May Suit
Homeowners cutting weekend firewood should default to the FORESTER 20 Inch Sprocket Nose Bar.
This Schuco-made collector’s model reproduces the MS 500i at 1:10 scale, using die-cast zinc with plastic-formed details and original-color paint. It sits on a plastic display base that doubles as a stand, which saves the cost of a separate case.
For a fan, this is one of the cleanest ways to bring the MS 500i’s silhouette onto a desk or shelf. It also makes a memorable gift for the arborist in your family who already has every tool in the truck.
The Value In It
- Die-cast construction gives a weighty, premium feel in hand.
- Original-color paintwork mirrors the real saw’s visual identity.
- Plastic display base included, so no extra purchase required.
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Small zinc parts can dent if dropped on a hard floor.
- 1:10 scale means fine details are scaled down, so dust shows up on the surface.
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Stihl enthusiasts and gift shoppers looking for a polished display piece rather than a working tool.
Reach For A Different Pick When
Anyone wanting a real saw upgrade for the MS 500i should jump to the Foruly Performance Muffler instead.
The 20-inch FORESTER bar is the friendlier sibling of the 56-inch version. It runs 3/8″ pitch.050″ gauge, 72 drive links, and a D025 mount, which fits a long list of Stihl models from older 030s up through the MS 360 class and beyond.
For most homeowners, 20 inches hits the sweet spot for bucking rounds and limbing without exhausting the operator. The sprocket nose still takes the brunt of wear, so the bar body lasts through many chain swaps.
Useful Strengths
- Manageable length for solo homeowners and weekend cutters.
- Wide Stihl fitment list across older and newer models.
- Standard 3/8″ pitch keeps replacement chains easy to find.
Practical Considerations
- Not long enough for very large-diameter felling.
- Periodic sprocket nose inspection is wise after extended use.
Feature Card
Who It Suits Best
Homeowners running an MS 360-class Stihl saw who want a balanced bar for firewood and light cleanup.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
Anyone facing storm-downed oaks or large trunks will do better with the Meckorn 28 Inch Chainsaw Bar.
The XTPTFABS dog and bumper spike set covers a small but vital wear point on chainsaws. The dogs (the metal teeth that grip bark) take abuse during every cut, and bent or rounded dogs make a saw harder to control.
This kit lists compatibility with the Stihl MS 462 and MS 500i, ships with mounting screws, and uses a coated metal finish. It’s a tidy repair that restores the saw’s pivot-and-leverage feel.
What Helps Most
- Restores the saw’s bite into wood, improving control during cuts.
- Coated finish helps resist corrosion between jobs.
- Screws included, so one purchase covers a full refresh.
Honest Caveats
- Specific to the MS 462 and MS 500i, with limited cross-compatibility.
- Installation requires removing the clutch cover, which adds a step for first-timers.
Built With In Mind
MS 462 and MS 500i owners replacing rounded dogs after years of field use.
Swap It Out When
Owners chasing visible horsepower instead should consider the Foruly Performance Muffler.
The Foruly performance muffler is built specifically for the MS500i and aims to free up exhaust flow for sharper throttle response. The housing is stainless steel, chosen for corrosion resistance in damp climates.
For tuners who already adjust carburetors or pair the saw with a performance chain, an unrestricted muffler is a logical next step. It also helps with heat dissipation during long, hard cuts.
Well-Handled Touches
- Stainless steel body resists rust in wet or coastal environments.
- Direct fitment removes guesswork at install.
- Improved exhaust flow can sharpen throttle response when paired with tuning.
Potential Drawbacks
- Likely increases noise output, which may matter in noise-sensitive neighborhoods.
- Performance gains typically require carb adjustments to realize.
- Modifying factory mufflers can affect warranty coverage on the saw.
At A Glance
Made For
Experienced MS 500i owners comfortable with carb tuning and chasing sharper throttle response.
Skip It When
Stock-saw owners happy with factory behavior should pick up the XTPTFABS Dog and Bumper Spike Set for a quieter refresh.
What To Match Before You Commit
Start with the exact Stihl model number on your saw’s data plate, then check the bar mount, pitch, and gauge. The “pitch” is the spacing between chain rivets, and the “gauge” is the width of the drive link that rides in the bar groove. Both numbers must match the bar you order, or the chain will not seat correctly.
Match drive-link count to bar length. A 20-inch bar typically takes a 72-link chain, a 24-inch takes around 84, a 28-inch takes about 91, and a 56-inch takes around 168. Off by even one link and the chain either will not close up or will sit too loose.
Think about the wood you cut most. Full chisel chains like the Savior cut fast in clean timber but dull quickly in dirty or frozen wood. Standard chains last longer in mixed conditions but cut slower. Choose the geometry that matches your workload.
Consider ergonomics honestly. A 56-inch bar on an MS 500i is technically possible but wears out an operator fast. Most homeowners find 20-inch bars comfortable for hours of bucking, while pros gravitate to 24- to 28-inch bars for balance and reach.
Field-Tested Considerations For ms 500i stihls Shoppers
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Buying a bar or chain based on model-family shorthand instead of the exact pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. The MS 500i shares a family with the MS 462 and MS 500i R, but small differences in clutch cover or mount design can still trip up an order.
Assuming a longer bar automatically cuts better. Extra length costs engine power and operator stamina. A 28-inch bar on a tired arm is slower and rougher than a 20-inch bar wielded confidently.
Skipping chain tension checks at first install. Aftermarket chains sometimes ship a touch long. Loosen the tensioner, seat the chain fully, then reset tension before the first cut.
What The Higher Tier Buys
Premium bars and full chisel chains cost more because of tougher steel, sharper grind geometry, and tighter tolerance. For occasional weekend cutting, the upgrade rarely pays for itself. For daily professional work, the speed and durability gains stack up fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bar length works best for an MS 500i?
A 20- to 25-inch bar is the most versatile for most users, while 28-inch bars suit felling large timber on saws with enough power.
Can the MS 500i share parts with other Stihl saws?
Yes, many aftermarket bars and chains list fitment across the MS 440, MS 462, MS 500i, MS 650, MS 660, and MS 661 families, but always verify pitch, gauge, and drive-link count before ordering.
What does pitch and gauge actually mean?
Pitch is the distance between chain rivets, and gauge is the thickness of the drive link that slides into the bar groove. Both must match the bar exactly for the chain to fit.
Are aftermarket chains worth it on a pro saw?
Aftermarket chains can match OEM cut quality in clean wood, though OEM often lasts slightly longer under heavy use.
Will a performance muffler void the MS 500i warranty?
Modifying factory emissions or exhaust components can affect warranty coverage, so check with your local dealer before installing a performance muffler.
Bottom Line
The right pick depends on whether you’re replacing a worn bar, upgrading the saw’s performance, or hunting a display piece for the shelf. For working parts, match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to your exact MS 500i model. For collectibles or toys, focus on fit and finish. Whichever direction you go, the shortlist above covers the most useful add-ons and replacements you’ll actually reach for.