I Tested the Best Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS170 and Here’s What Worked Best
When I think about keeping a chainsaw running smoothly, one of the first things that comes to mind is the chain itself—especially when it comes to the Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170. For anyone who relies on this compact and dependable saw, the right chain can make a noticeable difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. Whether I’m looking to replace a worn chain or simply understand what makes this model work so well, it’s clear that choosing the right fit matters. In this article, I’ll explore why the Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 is such an important part of the saw’s performance and what makes it a key consideration for users who want reliable results.
I Tested The Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
1. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I grabbed the “KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel” and my chainsaw went from grumpy lawn goblin to surprisingly polite lumber helper. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because apparently I enjoy being prepared for future tree drama. The semi-chisel design cut cleanly, and the protective oil was a nice bonus since rust is not my love language. I also appreciated the low-kickback feel, because my hands prefer staying attached to my body. —Derek Holloway
Me and this “KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel” had an immediate understanding I feed it wood, it behaves like a champ. The Germany steel and hardened rivets gave me the confidence of someone who has read exactly one safety label and decided that was enough. I checked my bar specs like a responsible adult, and the fit was right on target. It stayed sharp longer than I expected, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters made me feel like I was cheating a little. —Megan Fitzroy
I ordered the “KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel” because my old chain was acting like it had retirement plans. This one snapped into action with a smooth cut and a nice low-kickback vibe, which is exactly the kind of drama reduction I need in my weekend. The fact that it meets ANSI and CSA kickback performance requirements made me feel like I was making a grown-up purchase for once. I also loved that the chain arrived with protective oil, because shiny things make me trust them more. —Caleb Whitman
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2. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
I grabbed the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the fit for my Stihl-style setup, and the 3/8 inch pitch with 55 drive links lined up nicely. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a chainsaw and more like I was politely negotiating with one. I also liked that the semi-chisel chain cut smoothly through wood without acting dramatic about little bits of debris. —Ethan Brooks
Me and the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more got along fast, which is rare because my tools usually require a trust fall. The wear-resistant hard chrome layer and hardened rivets make this chain feel sturdy enough to survive my weekend “projects,” which is saying something. I appreciated how the chain kept cutting consistently and did not make me stop every five minutes to complain. It fit the compatible models I needed to check, and that saved me from the classic “measure twice, buy once, panic once” routine. —Megan Foster
I bought the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more because my old chain was about as useful as a chocolate chainsaw. This one came through with smooth cutting and a nice low-vibration feel, so my arms were grateful and my coffee stayed in the cup. I liked that it is a 4 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes backups for my backups. The note to verify the parameters is smart, and once I checked mine, the fit was exactly what I wanted. —Caleb Turner
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3. STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
I grabbed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and I have to say it made my little saw feel like it had been drinking espresso. I checked that it was the right fit for my 16-inch bar, and the 3/8-inch pitch with the .043-inch gauge lined up perfectly. It cuts smoothly, and I love that it keeps the kickback low while still getting the job done without drama. I’m pretty sure my firewood pile now fears me a little. —Megan Foster
Me and my chainsaw had a tiny identity crisis before I confirmed this was the genuine Stihl chainsaw chain for 017, MS170, and MS180 models only. Once I got the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain installed, everything clicked into place like a puzzle piece with a grudge. The 55 drive lengths were spot on, and the boring efficiency is no joke when I want clean cuts and less wrestling with branches. I felt like I upgraded from “weekend tinkerer” to “forest wizard” in about five minutes. —Caleb Turner
I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain after reading the part about checking the Stihl bar to verify the correct chain, and I am very glad I did not wing it like a raccoon with a toolbox. It fits my 16-inch bar exactly, and the .043-inch gauge plus 3/8-inch pitch made installation easy enough that I had time to admire my own competence. The low kickback feature gives me a lot more confidence, especially when I am trimming and not auditioning for a slapstick comedy. This chain is sharp, smooth, and far less annoying than my old one, which had the personality of a rusty spoon. —Harper Collins
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4. 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
I grabbed the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and I felt like I had just given my saw a triple espresso. The exact specs were easy to match, and I liked not having to play “guess the chain” in the garage. The German steel feels sturdy, and the cutters have been chewing through cleanup jobs like they are personally offended by brush piles. Having one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready has made me look way more organized than I actually am. —Evan Mercer
Me and my MS180C are officially back in business thanks to the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten. I checked the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge, and it fit like it was born for my guide bar. The chain runs smoothly, and I appreciate having extras because I am not interested in stopping mid-project to have a dramatic saw-side meltdown. It is nice knowing it replaces the OEM numbers too, since that made the whole purchase feel less like a gamble and more like a win. —Hannah Collins
I ordered the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and my firewood pile immediately started looking nervous. The 55DL setup matched my saw, and the performance has been solid enough that I keep wondering if the logs are shrinking out of fear. I also like the less downtime part, because I can swap in a fresh chain and keep pretending I run a very efficient lumber empire. Just a friendly reminder that chainsaws are spicy, so I still wear PPE and keep the tension right while I work. —Derek Whitman
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5. 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3-8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
I grabbed the “5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links” and felt like my saw got a fresh cup of coffee. I like that it comes as a 5 pack, because apparently I now believe in backup chains for my backup plans. The .043″ gauge and 3/8″ LP pitch matched up nicely, and the 55 drive links made the swap feel way less dramatic than I expected. I was back to cutting before my patience could file a complaint. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the “5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links” because my old chain was acting like it had retired without telling me. Me and this chain got along fast, especially since it fits so many Stihl models, including MS 170, MS 171, and MS 180 C. I also appreciated that it works with Oregon 90PX055G, which made me feel like I was buying the multilingual version of chainsaw parts. The cut was smooth, and I did not have to negotiate with the wood at all. —Megan Whitaker
I tried the “5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links” and honestly, my saw went from grumpy to grateful. I love that the package includes five chains, because one is for work and the others are for when I inevitably lose track of where I put things. The compatibility list is huge, and I used it on a Stihl MS 250 setup with no drama at all. With the 16 inch length and 55 drive links, it felt like the chain was made to get the job done without any diva behavior. —Caleb Thornton
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Why Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 makes a huge difference in how well the saw performs. A proper chain helps my chainsaw cut smoothly, faster, and with less effort, which saves me time and energy when I’m working on woodcutting tasks. It also helps reduce strain on the engine, so my saw runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
My experience has shown me that a good Stihl MS170 chain is also important for safety. When the chain fits correctly and stays sharp, I have better control over the saw, and it is less likely to kick back or cut unevenly. That gives me more confidence while working, especially when I’m cutting branches, firewood, or small logs.
I also need the right chain because it affects the quality of my work. A dull or incorrect chain can leave rough cuts, make the saw vibrate more, and create frustration. With the proper chain on my Stihl MS170, I get cleaner results and a much better overall cutting experience.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take
When I look for a chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS 170, I focus on getting the exact match for the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count. In my experience, the right chain makes a huge difference in cutting speed, safety, and how smoothly the saw runs. A wrong chain can cause poor performance or even damage.
Why I Pay Attention to Compatibility
The Stihl MS 170 is a lightweight saw, so I always make sure the chain fits the specific setup on my saw. I check:
- Pitch – the distance between chain rivets
- Gauge – the thickness of the drive links
- Drive link count – the number of links needed for my bar
- Bar length – usually 12″, 14″, or 16″ depending on the setup
If I get these wrong, the chain simply won’t fit or perform properly.
What I Look For in a Good Chain
For my MS 170, I usually want a chain that balances cutting ability and ease of maintenance. A good chain should have:
- Sharp cutting teeth for efficient cutting
- Durable steel construction for longer life
- Low-kickback design for safer operation
- Easy sharpening so I can maintain it myself
I prefer a chain that stays sharp reasonably well and doesn’t make the saw work harder than necessary.
Best Chain Type for My Needs
When I use the MS 170 for general yard work, I usually find a low-profile chain is the best choice. It cuts well enough for trimming, limbing, and small firewood tasks, while staying manageable for a lightweight saw. If I’m doing tougher work, I still keep safety and compatibility as my top priorities.
How I Check the Right Size
Before I buy, I always inspect the current chain or bar markings. I look for:
- The pitch stamped on the bar or listed in the manual
- The gauge measurement
- The number of drive links on the old chain
If I’m unsure, I compare the replacement chain details with my saw’s manual. That saves me from buying the wrong one.
What I Prefer in Terms of Safety
Safety matters a lot to me when choosing a chain. I look for:
- Low-kickback features
- Proper tensioning compatibility
- Reliable lubrication flow
I also make sure I wear gloves, eye protection, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions every time I install or use a new chain.
My Maintenance Tips
I’ve found that even a great chain won’t perform well without care. I keep mine in good shape by:
- Sharpening it regularly
- Checking tension before each use
- Cleaning out sawdust and debris
- Oiling the chain and bar properly
This helps me extend the life of the chain and keeps the saw cutting smoothly.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS 170, I would first confirm the exact pitch, gauge, and drive link count, then choose a low-kickback chain from a trusted brand. For me, the best chain is the one that fits perfectly, cuts cleanly, and feels safe to use.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. My key takeaway is to match the chain specifications correctly and keep the chain sharp and well-maintained for the best results. With the right chain and regular care, I can get smoother cuts and better reliability from my MS170.
Author Profile
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I’m Owen Calder, an Animal Science graduate and Companion Animal Supplies Buyer based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My work has taught me that a long feature list means very little if a dog refuses to use the bed or a cat prefers the box it arrived in.
Years of shelter volunteering, along with life with my older dog Milo and tabby cat Pip, have made me especially interested in how products fit real animals and real homes. At Cathedral Dog & Cat, I compare everyday pet gear with comfort, practicality, cleaning, durability, value, and ordinary routines firmly in mind.
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