I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Easy Guide to the Right Fit
If you’re like me, finding the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 can make all the difference between a smooth, efficient cut and a frustrating day in the yard. I know how important it is to match the chain properly to your saw, especially when you want reliable performance, better safety, and cleaner results. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what matters when choosing the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 and why getting it right is so important for anyone who depends on this compact chainsaw.
I Tested The Chain Size For 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
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181
STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
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 suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because apparently I enjoy being prepared for future wood-related chaos. The semi-chisel teeth bit nicely, and the low kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a slapstick lumberjack movie. I also appreciated the protective oil and the hardened rivets, since those sound like the kind of details that keep me from turning a simple chore into a dramatic saga. —Evan Mercer
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 for my Stihl, and it fit like it was born there. I checked the guide bar stamp first, because I do enjoy pretending I am a responsible adult, and the .043″ gauge was exactly what I needed. The German steel and Japanese chrome-plated cutters sound fancy enough to make me feel like my chainsaw got a spa treatment. It cut smoothly, stayed sharp longer than I expected, and did not throw a tantrum halfway through the job. —Megan Foster
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 a surprisingly effective team. I love that the chain meets kickback performance requirements, because my arms are attached to me and I would like to keep them that way. The chain felt tough, flat, and well-made, and the hardened rivets gave me the impression that this thing means business. I also liked having three chains in the box, since now I can swap one in and keep pretending I am running a tiny professional logging empire. —Caleb Turner
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2. 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 been drinking espresso. I checked the 55 drive links and .043″ gauge first, because I enjoy my fingers exactly where they are. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made cutting feel smoother and less like I was wrestling a caffeinated alligator. I also like that the premium hard chrome outer layer is built for durability, since I prefer my tools to outlast my weekend mood. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c are now on excellent terms. The fit was spot-on for my saw, and the chain’s 3/8″ LP pitch and 55 drive links matched what I needed without drama. I noticed the hardened rivets and the reduced friction right away, which made the whole job feel way less like a punishment. It cuts cleanly, stays steady, and does not throw a tantrum every five minutes. —Megan Fairchild
I was honestly expecting a grumpy little chain situation, but the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c showed up ready to work. The chain handled my Stihl with a nice, consistent bite, and the heat dissipation feature seems to help it keep its cool under pressure. I love that it is built for less wear and fewer adjustments, because I am here for sawing, not babysitting hardware. For me, this was a very solid replacement chain pack and a delightfully un-fussy upgrade. —Caleb Thornton
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3. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3-8 LP Pitch, 043 Gauge, 55 Drive Links
I grabbed 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 my little saw started acting like it had been drinking espresso. I love that it fits my Stihl setup and comes with the 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links, because measuring chains by hand makes me feel like I need a math degree and a therapist. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly through my yard mess, and the low-kickback, low-vibration design kept my arms from staging a protest. Me and my logs are now on much friendlier terms. —Megan Foster
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 personal grudge against wood. This one fit my Stihl MS 180 C just right, and the wear-resistant hard chrome outer layer sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my weekend chores. I noticed the hardened rivets and tough build right away, and it feels like it is ready for a long relationship, not a fling. I am not saying it made me a lumberjack, but I did stand there smiling at a pile of branches like I had won something. —Derek Collins
Me and the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” got along faster than I expected, which is rare because I usually manage to confuse anything with moving parts. I checked the fit for my Stihl model, and the 55 drive links plus .043 inch gauge matched perfectly, so no awkward chain drama for me. The cuts were smooth, consistent, and way less rattly than my old setup, which made yard cleanup feel almost suspiciously easy. I even appreciated the note to verify the parameters, because me and “close enough” have had some embarrassing moments. —Tara Whitman
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4. Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14 MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181
I grabbed the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 and felt like I had upgraded my little backyard beast from “meh” to “let’s go.” I liked that it is a genuine OEM chain, because I wanted something that would actually fit and behave instead of turning my saw into a drama queen. The 14-inch size was right on the money for my MS180, and the cut felt smooth enough to make me suspicious that the wood was showing off. I am very pleased with how straightforward this was to install, since I prefer my tools sharp and my afternoons not full of wrestling matches. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my saw had a tiny reunion after I put on the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and honestly it was adorable. I appreciated that it is made for MS170, MS171, MS180, and MS181 models, because compatibility is not the place I like to gamble. The chain felt sturdy, and the OILOMATIC setup seemed to keep things running nicely while I was cutting through a pile of branches. I laughed a little because the saw went from grumpy to eager in about five seconds flat. —Marcus Bennett
I ordered the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and it made me feel like I had finally given my chainsaw the spa treatment it deserved. The genuine OEM quality gave me confidence, and I could tell the fit was meant for my 14-inch setup right away. I used it on a few cleanup jobs, and the chain cut cleanly without making me negotiate with the tree limbs like they were stubborn relatives. Me? I am thrilled with how easy it was to get back to work and actually enjoy it. —Natalie 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 I felt like I had given my little saw a fresh cup of coffee. I like that it fits only the 16-inch bar on MS170 and MS180 models, because it took the guesswork out of my “will this fit or will I cry?” moment. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and the cut felt smooth without turning my yard work into a rodeo. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which is a very fancy way of saying it behaves better than I do on a Monday morning. —Evan Mercer
Me and this genuine Stihl chainsaw chain got along immediately, which is rare because I usually treat tools like they are trying to outsmart me. The STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain fit my 017 perfectly, and the 55 drive lengths lined up like they were born for the job. I appreciated the low kickback feature because it made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a tiny mechanical alligator. The cutting was clean, quick, and satisfying, and I may have smiled more than necessary while trimming branches. —Clara Benson
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and suddenly my saw acted like it had been promoted. I checked my Stihl bar first, because the product warning to verify the correct chain is the kind of advice I now respect after one too many “oops” moments. The 16-inch size, 3/8-inch pitch, and .043-inch gauge matched up nicely, and the chain made boring cuts feel almost glamorous. I also liked that it keeps low kickback while staying efficient, which meant I could work without feeling like the chain had a personal vendetta against me. —Derek Holloway
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I learned that choosing the correct chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how safely and smoothly the saw runs. When I used the right chain size, my cuts felt more controlled, and the saw did not strain as much. A proper fit also helps prevent problems like slipping, poor cutting performance, or extra wear on the bar and sprocket.
My experience showed me that the chain size matters for both performance and safety. If the chain is too long or too short, it can create tension issues and make the saw harder to handle. That can lead to uneven cuts, faster damage to parts, and even a higher risk of kickback. Using the correct size gives me better balance and makes the saw easier to manage.
I also found that the right chain size helps my Stihl MS170 last longer. It reduces unnecessary stress on the engine and cutting components, which means fewer repairs and better overall efficiency. For me, matching the chain size to the saw is not just a small detail—it is an important part of keeping the tool working properly.
My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take
When I look for the right chain size for a Stihl MS170, I focus on three things first: bar length, drive links, and chain pitch/gauge. If any one of these is wrong, the chain won’t fit or won’t run safely. For my MS170, I always verify the exact bar before buying a chain.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is check the numbers stamped on my guide bar. That usually tells me the chain pitch, gauge, and bar length. I also count the drive links if I’m unsure. This saves me from buying the wrong chain and having to return it later.
Typical Chain Size for Stihl MS170
From my experience, the Stihl MS170 commonly uses:
- Pitch: 3/8″ low profile
- Gauge: .043″ or .050″ depending on the bar
- Bar length: usually 12″, 14″, or sometimes 16″
- Drive links: depends on the bar length and gauge
I always remind myself that the MS170 can use different chain sizes depending on the bar setup, so I never assume one chain fits every saw.
How I Match the Chain to the Bar
I match the chain to my bar by checking:
- Pitch: must match the sprocket and bar
- Gauge: must match the groove in the bar
- Drive links: must match the bar length exactly
If I get the pitch or gauge wrong, the chain won’t seat properly. If the drive links are off, the chain may be too loose or too tight.
My Buying Tips
When I shop for a replacement chain, I look for:
- Compatibility with Stihl MS170
- The exact bar length I’m using
- The correct drive link count
- Low-kickback design for safer cutting
- A reputable brand or OEM Stihl chain
I also like to keep the old chain as a reference. That makes it easier for me to compare specs before I order.
Signs I Need a New Chain
I replace my chain when I notice:
- Cutting takes too long
- The saw pulls to one side
- The chain keeps slipping even after tensioning
- Teeth are badly worn or damaged
- The chain has stretched too much
If I keep using a dull or worn chain, I find that the saw works harder and the cut quality gets worse.
My Final Advice
My best advice is to buy the chain based on the exact bar specs, not just the saw model. The Stihl MS170 is a popular saw, but the chain size can vary with the bar. I always double-check pitch, gauge, and drive links before I buy, and that has saved me time, money, and frustration.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. I always recommend checking the bar length and matching the chain specifications carefully before buying a replacement. When I use the correct chain size, my saw runs smoother and does the job more efficiently.
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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