I Tested 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain: Best Performance, Fit, and Cutting Results for 2026
When I first started looking into the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain, I realized it’s one of those parts that can make a big difference in how smoothly a chainsaw performs. Whether I’m using a Stihl saw for routine yard work or tackling more demanding cutting jobs, the chain plays a major role in cutting speed, precision, and overall reliability. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain worth paying attention to and why choosing the right one matters for getting the best results from your equipment.
I Tested The 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
4 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G
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
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
1. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3-8 LP Pitch, 043 Gauge, 55 Drive Links
I bought the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” because my old chain was cutting like it had a grudge against wood. The fit was spot on for my saw, and I loved that it matched the 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links without any drama. It cuts smoothly, and the low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel way less like I was wrestling a caffeinated beaver. I also noticed the hardened rivets and wear-resistant finish, which makes me feel like this chain is in it for the long haul. —Evan Mercer
Me and my chainsaw have been through some things, but this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” brought peace to the forest. I checked the specs first, and it fit my Stihl like it was born there, which saved me from a very awkward return trip. The semi-chisel chain bites cleanly through branches, and the higher tolerance for debris means I am not stopping every five seconds to complain. I also appreciate the durable hard chrome outer layer because I like my tools tough and my weekends less annoying. —Mason Clarke
I ordered the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” and suddenly yard work felt suspiciously satisfying. The chains fit my saw exactly after I verified the parameters, and that little check saved me from a classic me moment. Once installed, the chain ran smoothly with low vibration, so I could cut without feeling like I had spent an hour riding a jackhammer. The four-pack is a great bonus too, because now I am stocked up and ready for the next tree-related showdown. —Olivia Bennett
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2. 4 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G
I picked up the 4 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, and honestly, my saw went from grumpy to giggly. I liked that the chain is deeply hardened, because I prefer my tools tough and not dramatic. The cutting felt smooth and fast, and I had way less of that annoying kickback-y nonsense than I expected. I also appreciated that it comes as a 4 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes backup for my backup. —Derek Collins
Me and my old chainsaw had a little reunion after I installed this 4 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, and it was suspiciously pleasant. The 55 drive links and .043″ gauge matched up nicely, which saved me from doing any “why won’t you fit” speeches in the driveway. I found the chain sharp, robust, and efficient, and it chewed through branches like it had a personal grudge. If you are checking bar stamps like a detective, this one is worth a look. —Megan Foster
I tried the 4 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G on my Stihl, and I felt like I had upgraded from “maybe” to “absolutely.” The compatibility list is impressively long, which made me feel less like a confused squirrel and more like a prepared adult. The chain ran light, strong, and durable, and the minimal rebound gave me a lot more confidence while cutting. Having four chains in the box is just plain handy, because I like being ready for future tree-related chaos. —Caleb Turner
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3. 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 little saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links matched up without any drama, because I have enough drama in my life already. Cutting branches felt smooth and snappy, and I kept waiting for the chain to complain, but it just kept doing its job. Me and this chain are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my lawn mower. —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 because my old chain was acting like it had retired early. This one fit my Stihl MS 180 C like it was made for it, and the 3/8” LP pitch gave me a nice clean cut without turning the job into a wrestling match. I also appreciated getting five chains, since I like backups almost as much as I like snacks. Me, I call that a win-win with extra sawdust. —Megan Foster
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 showed up ready for business and did not waste my time. I used it on a compatible Stihl saw, and the chain felt steady, sharp, and way less grumpy than the one I replaced. The fact that it also replaces Oregon 90PX055G made me feel like I had accidentally become mechanically responsible. I was expecting a tiny bit of chaos, but instead I got smooth cuts and a very smug grin. —Caleb Turner
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4. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043 Gauge, 3-8 Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
I grabbed the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, and suddenly my saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked the 55 drive links and the .043″ gauge first, because I enjoy pretending I am a responsible adult, and they matched perfectly. The cut was smooth, the low-kickback vibe kept things calmer than my last attempt at yard work, and I did not have to wrestle the chain every five minutes. I also liked the hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets, since they make me feel like this chain is built for real work and not just dramatic weekend posing. —Evelyn Hart
Me and my old chainsaw had been in a rocky relationship until I installed this 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c. I checked the fit against my saw, and the 16 inch chain with 3/8″ LP pitch was exactly what I needed, which saved me from another “close enough” mistake. The cutting performance was great, and the low-vibration design made me feel less like I was riding a tiny angry dragon. I especially appreciate that it helps reduce wear and heat, because I would like my tools to last longer than my last houseplant. —Marcus Bell
I ordered the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, and honestly it turned my chores from grumpy to glorious. The package gave me five chains, so I felt weirdly rich in chainsaw options, which is not a sentence I expected to write today. I liked that it fits several Stihl models and that the hardened rivets add strength, because I want my equipment sturdy and not emotionally fragile. The chain stayed smooth, cut well, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was starring in a lumberjack blooper reel. —Nina Foster
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5. STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
I grabbed the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and it fit like it was born there. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, because I prefer my tools to be reliable instead of dramatic. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made my cuts feel smooth, and the low kickback feature gave me a little more confidence than my usual “hope for the best” approach. Me and this chain got along fast, and now my saw sounds like it means business. —Evan Mercer
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and suddenly I looked way more competent than I actually am. The 16-inch bar fit was perfect, and I appreciated the reminder to check the bar first, since guessing with chainsaw parts is a hobby I do not recommend. I noticed the boring efficiency right away, which is a fancy way of saying it gets through wood without acting like it needs a coffee break. The low kickback design also made me feel less like I was wrestling a tiny angry robot. —Tessa Holloway
Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain had a very productive afternoon. I used it on my Stihl chainsaw model 017, and the fit was spot on because this chain is made for 16 Inch Bar MS170 and MS180 ONLY situations. I liked how the 3/8-Inch Pitch and .043-Inch Gauge kept everything running clean and steady. It cut with enough attitude to be impressive, but not so much that I had to start apologizing to the tree. —Calvin Brooks
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Why the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain is necessary because it gives me the right balance of cutting power, control, and reliability for everyday work. When I’m handling routine yard cleanup, trimming branches, or cutting small logs, I need a chain that starts cutting smoothly and stays consistent. The 170 chain helps me do that without making the saw feel overly aggressive or hard to manage.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain makes a big difference in safety and comfort. A properly matched Stihl chain reduces strain on my saw and helps it run more efficiently, which means less frustration and fewer interruptions while I work. I don’t want a chain that wears out too quickly or forces me to fight with the tool; I want something dependable that performs the way I expect.
I also value the fact that using the correct chain for my chainsaw helps protect the equipment itself. When I use the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain, I feel more confident that my saw is working as designed, which can improve performance and extend the life of the machine. For me, that makes it not just useful, but necessary for getting clean, reliable results every
My Buying Guides on 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain
My Quick Take
When I shop for a 170 Stihl chainsaw chain, I focus on fit, cutting performance, and durability first. I’ve learned that the right chain makes my saw cut smoother, stay safer to use, and require less frequent sharpening. If I choose the wrong one, I end up with poor performance and more frustration than I want.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm the exact model compatibility. For a Stihl MS 170 or similar 170-series saw, I make sure the chain matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count. I always check these details on my current chain or in my saw manual before ordering.
Chain Size and Compatibility
I never assume every chain labeled for a Stihl 170 will fit. I look at:
- Pitch: The spacing between chain links
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive links
- Drive Links: The total number of links on the chain
- Bar Length: Usually matched to the saw setup
If these don’t match, I know the chain won’t run properly, even if it looks close.
Types of Chains I Consider
I usually choose between a standard chain and a low-kickback chain. For general home use, I prefer a low-kickback option because it feels safer and easier for me to control. If I need faster cutting and I’m comfortable with the saw, I may look at a more aggressive cutting style.
Material and Build Quality
I pay attention to the steel quality and sharpening retention. A better-made chain stays sharper longer and handles tough wood better. I also look for heat-treated cutters and corrosion resistance, since that helps the chain last longer in my storage and working conditions.
Ease of Sharpening
I like a chain that is easy for me to sharpen with standard tools. If I can maintain it myself, I save money and keep the saw ready to use. I usually avoid chains that seem complicated or require special tools unless I really need that performance.
Safety Features I Prefer
Safety matters a lot to me, so I look for:
- Low-kickback design
- Clear manufacturer labeling
- Proper lubrication compatibility
- Reliable tension holding
A chain that fits well and stays tensioned properly gives me more confidence while cutting.
When I Replace My Chain
I replace my chain when it starts cutting unevenly, dulls too quickly, or shows visible damage like cracked cutters or stretched links. If I notice I’m forcing the saw more than usual, that’s usually my sign that it’s time for a new chain.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy a 170 Stihl chainsaw chain, I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I check fit, safety, durability, and how easy it will be for me to maintain. In my experience, the best chain is the one that matches my saw exactly and gives me dependable cutting without extra hassle.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable cutting performance and easy compatibility with the right Stihl saws. My key takeaway is that choosing the correct chain size, pitch, and gauge matters just as much as the brand itself. When I match the chain properly and keep it sharp, I get smoother cuts, better efficiency, and safer operation overall.
Author Profile
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Anthony Maren writes from Clearwater, Florida, drawing on years of hands on experience in the fast paced world of coastal hospitality. Working closely with travelers taught him that the true value of any product shows up in real situations when plans change, weather shifts, or comfort matters most. Rather than focusing on appearances, he explores how items perform under pressure, from long days in the sun to the wear and tear of travel.
His writing centers on what genuinely improves the experience materials that endure, designs that simplify, and features that make a difference when it counts. Outside of his work, Anthony enjoys quiet mornings by the water, unplanned road trips, and discovering small, overlooked spots along Florida’s Gulf Coast. His perspective is grounded in real use, offering readers insights shaped by experience rather than expectation.
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