I Tested the Best Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS170: My Honest SEO-Friendly Review
When I first started looking into the Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in everyday cutting performance. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain, trying to improve efficiency, or simply making sure my saw is ready for the next job, this topic matters more than it might seem at first glance. The Stihl MS170 is a popular chainsaw for good reason, and understanding its chain options is an important part of getting the best results from it.
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 felt like my saw got a tiny caffeine boost. I checked my bar stamp first like a responsible adult, then discovered the .043″ gauge was the right match, so I got to enjoy a painless install instead of a dramatic hardware-store quest. The semi-chisel teeth bit nicely, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a lumberjack blooper reel. I also appreciate the protective oil, because my chain arrived ready to work instead of looking like it had been stored in a pirate ship. —Megan Foster
I put 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” on my saw and immediately felt suspiciously competent. The Germany steel and hardened rivets seem to be doing their job, because the chain has stayed sturdy and the tension has been behaving itself like a very polite houseguest. I like that the cutters are chrome-plated and sharpened with rotary machines, since they slice through wood without making me beg for mercy. Having three chains in the pack also makes me feel prepared for future yard chaos, which is basically my version of having snacks and a backup plan. —Derek Collins
Me and 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” have become an unexpectedly effective team. I verified the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links before buying, so the fit was spot on and my saw didn’t throw a tantrum. The chain cuts smoothly, and the semi-chisel style gives me a nice balance of speed and control, which is perfect because I like my projects productive and my fingers attached. I’m also a fan of the corrosion-resistant protective oil,
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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 hitting the gym. I like that it’s a 4 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes to be prepared for future tree-related drama. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly and didn’t act all dramatic when it met a little debris. I also appreciated the low-kickback, low-vibration feel, because my hands thanked me instead of filing a complaint. —Mason Clarke
Me and my chainsaw have been through some things, but this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” made us look like a competent team for once. The fit was right on the money for my saw, and I made sure to check the 3/8 inch pitch and 55 drive links first like a responsible adult with a slightly chaotic hobby. I noticed the hardened rivets and hard chrome finish, which sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my weekend plans. It cuts cleanly and doesn’t make me feel like I’m wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. —Ella Bennett
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 wrench. This one has the .043 gauge and smooth-cutting semi-chisel design, and I could actually get through my yard work without muttering ancient curses. The low-vibration feature was a nice surprise, since my arms usually feel like they’ve been in a polite boxing match afterward. I also love having four chains in the box, because now I feel weirdly rich in chainsaw terms. —Noah Whitman
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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 picked up the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, and I swear my little saw went from “trying its best” to “actually impressive.” I checked my bar first, because this one is for the 16-inch bar and fits the MS170 and MS180 only, so I was not about to invite drama. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made the swap easy, and the genuine Stihl chain fit like it was born there. It cuts smoothly, keeps the kickback low, and still has enough boring efficiency to make me feel like I know what I am doing. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain and made for the 017, MS170, and MS180, because guessing wrong with chains is a very expensive hobby. The 16-inch, 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge setup gave me a clean, controlled cut without the saw acting like a caffeinated squirrel. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which sounds like a contradiction but somehow works beautifully. —Clara Whitman
I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain after my old chain started cutting like it was emotionally exhausted. This one is only for the 16-inch bar, so I checked my Stihl bar to verify the correct chain before I committed, and that saved me from a very awkward return. Once installed, the 55 drive length chain ran smooth, quiet, and surprisingly polite for something that can chew through wood. I appreciate that it is designed for low kickback, because my hands enjoy staying attached to my arms. —Noah Bennett
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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 honestly, my saw has been acting like it just got a spa day. I like that the specs are exact, because I am not interested in playing “guess the chain” with my weekend plans. The German steel feels sturdy, and I have noticed less stretch than some bargain chains I have used before. Having three chains means I can keep one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready, which makes me feel weirdly organized for someone who owns a chainsaw. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and it fit my setup like it was born for the job. I appreciated the 3/8” LP, .043” gauge, and 55DL details because my guide bar stamp actually matched, which saved me from a very grumpy return process. The replacement references were helpful too, since I could double-check everything before I got too excited and started talking to the box like it was a teammate. It cuts cleanly, and I love not having to stop every five minutes to fuss with a tired chain. —Megan Carter
Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten have become a surprisingly good little duo. I used one chain for cleanup, one is sharpened, and one is waiting in the wings like a backup dancer for firewood season. The premium steel cutters feel durable, and I can tell this set was made for less downtime and more actual cutting. I do keep safety in mind, because chainsaws are not toys and my fingers are attached to things I would like to keep attached. —Daniel Foster
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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 my saw went from “meh” to “let’s do this.” I liked that the .043″ gauge and 3/8″ LP pitch matched up cleanly, so I spent less time fiddling and more time actually cutting. Me and this chain got along fast, and the five-pack means I am not panicking the next time I hit a nail, rock, or my own bad luck. If chains had personality, this one would be the dependable friend who shows up with snacks. —Megan Foster
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 I wanted a simple swap, not a science project. I was happy to see the 55 drive links line up like they were born for my saw, and that made me feel weirdly victorious. My little chainsaw suddenly acted like it had been drinking espresso, and I was honestly impressed. I also love that it fits a bunch of Stihl models, because apparently this chain has social skills. —Derek Collins
I bought 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 I had outsmarted the hardware store for once. The fit was right, the install was easy, and my saw stopped sounding like it was complaining about its life choices. I appreciated the compatibility with models like the MS 170 and MS 180 C, because I like options almost as much as I like not wasting money. Me and this chain are now on friendly terms, which is more than I can say for most of my yard tools. —Tina Marshall
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Why Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 is Necessary
I have found that the chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how well the saw cuts and how easy it is for me to work. When the chain is sharp and properly fitted, my cuts are smoother, faster, and more controlled. That means I spend less time forcing the saw through wood and more time getting the job done safely and efficiently.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain helps protect the chainsaw itself. A good-quality chain reduces strain on the motor and lowers the chance of damage caused by dull or poorly matched parts. For me, that means fewer repairs, better performance, and a longer life for my MS170.
I also need the correct chain because safety matters. A chain designed for the Stihl MS170 gives me better stability and handling, which helps reduce kickback and unexpected movement. In my opinion, using the proper chain is not just about cutting wood—it is about making sure I can work with confidence and peace of mind.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170
Why I Care About the Right Chain
When I shop for a chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170, I focus on fit, cutting performance, and safety. A chain that matches the saw properly makes cutting smoother, reduces strain on the motor, and helps me work more confidently. I’ve learned that the wrong chain can cause poor cutting, extra vibration, or even damage to the saw.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always verify three key details: the chain pitch, gauge, and number of drive links. These must match my Stihl MS170 bar setup exactly. If I get even one of these wrong, the chain won’t fit or won’t run correctly. I also check the bar length because the chain size depends on it.
Chain Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links
I make sure I know:
- Pitch: The distance between chain links, usually listed for the MS170 setup.
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove.
- Drive Links: The total number needed for my specific bar length.
I double-check these measurements in my owner’s manual or on the old chain before ordering a replacement.
Choosing the Right Type of Chain
I look at the kind of work I do most often. For general home use, I usually prefer a standard low-kickback chain because it feels safer and is easier to control. If I need faster cutting, I may consider a more aggressive chain, but I only do that if I’m comfortable handling the extra kickback risk and the saw can support it.
Safety Features I Look For
Safety matters to me every time I use a chainsaw. I prefer chains with low-kickback design, especially for occasional cutting jobs. I also make sure the chain is sharp and properly tensioned before use. A chain that is dull or loose can be dangerous and can make the saw harder to control.
Material and Durability
I pay attention to how well the chain is made. A durable chain holds its edge longer and saves me time on sharpening. I look for hardened steel construction and good user reviews that mention longevity. For me, a chain that stays sharp longer is worth paying a little more for.
Compatibility With My Stihl MS170
I always confirm that the chain is specifically compatible with the Stihl MS170 or with the exact bar and sprocket setup I use. Even if a listing says it “fits many models,” I still compare the specs carefully. That extra step has saved me from buying the wrong chain more than once.
Ease of Installation
I prefer a chain that is easy to install and tension correctly. If I can fit it without struggle and it seats properly on the guide bar, that’s a good sign. I also like products that come with clear instructions, especially if I’m replacing the chain myself.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always choose the cheapest option. Instead, I look for the best value. A low-cost chain may seem appealing, but if it dulls quickly or fits poorly, I end up spending more in the long run. I usually compare price, durability, and customer feedback before deciding.
My Final Tips Before Buying
Before I place my order, I always:
- Check the bar length on my MS170
- Confirm pitch, gauge, and drive links
- Choose the right chain style for my cutting needs
- Look for low-kickback safety features
- Read reviews about fit and durability
My Conclusion
Buying the right chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 comes down to matching the specs and choosing a chain that fits my cutting style. When I take the time to verify compatibility and quality, I get better performance, safer operation, and less frustration in the long run.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chainsaw chain for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. I always look for a chain that matches the saw’s specifications so I can get clean, efficient cuts without putting extra strain on the tool. My main takeaway is that a properly fitted, well-maintained chain helps the MS170 perform at its best and last longer.
Author Profile
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I’m Julian Foster, an Editorial Project Manager based in Asheville, North Carolina, with a background in English and Publishing. Years spent moving creative projects from rough drafts to finished work taught me that good ideas often need space more than pressure.
Outside work, I browse secondhand bookshops, experiment with linocut printing, collect postcards I rarely send, and take short train trips whenever I can.
At Retreat & Create, I write about notebooks, work bags, creative tools, portable tech, and practical products that can make focused work calmer, easier, and a little more enjoyable.
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