I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Simple Guide to the Right Fit
When I first started looking into the right chain size for a Stihl MS170, I quickly realized it’s one of those small details that makes a big difference in how smoothly a saw performs. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain, trying to improve cutting efficiency, or simply making sure everything fits properly, choosing the correct chain size is essential for both safety and performance. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Stihl MS170’s chain setup important and why getting the right match matters more than many people expect.
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 chainsaw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, confirmed the .043″ gauge, and felt weirdly proud of myself. The semi-chisel teeth bit cleanly, and the low kickback design gave me a little more confidence than my usual “please don’t fight me” approach to yard work. I also liked that it came with protective oil, because apparently even chains need a spa day. —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 got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at trimming branches. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and the chain stayed impressively steady instead of acting like it had stage fright. I noticed the Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp right out of the box, so I spent less time wrestling and more time actually cutting. For a three-pack, this is a very satisfying “I came, I saw, I chainsawed” situation. —Derek Collins
I installed 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 immediately felt like the boss of my backyard jungle. The fit was right on target once I matched the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, which saved me from the classic “why is this not working” dance. It cuts smoothly, resists wear well, and the low kickback performance is a nice bonus when I am pretending to be fearless. Honestly, this chain made my saw feel less like a grumpy tool and more like a productive sidekick. —Laura Bennett
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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 liked that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge were exactly what I needed, because guessing chain size is basically a hobby I do not enjoy. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel way less like I was wrestling a caffeinated ferret. I also noticed the hardened rivets and hard chrome finish, which sound fancy enough to impress my toolbox. —Megan Foster
Me and my chainsaw are now on speaking terms again, thanks to this 5 pack 16 inch chainsaw chain. I checked the 55 drive links before installing it, because I enjoy a peaceful life and prefer my chain to actually fit. The cutting performance has been smooth, and the reduced friction seems to help it stay cooler than my patience on yard day. I especially appreciate that it works with Stihl MS170, MS171, and MS180c models, since compatibility drama is the worst drama. —Caleb Turner
I bought this 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, and it made me feel weirdly powerful in the best way. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer looks like it means business, and the chain has held up nicely through my “just one more log” lies. I also like that it helps with heat dissipation and chain adjustments, because I am not trying to spend my afternoon doing tiny mechanical negotiations. For a replacement chain, it has been sharp, steady, and delightfully unbothered. —Tara Mitchell
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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 because my old chain was cutting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I was happy to see the 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links lined up just right for my saw. The semi-chisel design made the cuts feel smooth and steady, and I liked that it stayed low-kickback and low-vibration instead of rattling my arms into next week. Me and this chain are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my last one. —Evan Brooks
I ordered the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C expecting “good enough,” and it showed up acting like a tiny lumber ninja. I checked the fit for the 3/8 Inch Pitch, .043 Inch gauge, and 55 drive links, and everything matched up nicely. The hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, like it could survive a weekend of me pretending I know what I am doing. I also noticed the low-vibration design helped keep my hands from doing their own interpretive dance. —Megan Carter
Me and the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C had a very successful first date, and by date I mean I cut firewood without drama. The chain’s high toughness and heat-treated semi-chisel teeth sliced through wood smoothly, even when the debris tried to crash the party. I appreciated that it is built for 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links, because guessing wrong with chainsaws is not my favorite hobby. If you want a chain that feels durable, cuts clean, and does not act like a caffeinated squirrel, this is a great pick. —Laura Bennett
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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 for my saw, and it felt like giving my tool a triple espresso. I was happy to get a genuine OEM chain, because I like my equipment to behave and not throw tantrums halfway through the yard. The 14-inch fit was right on the money, and I could tell it was made to keep things smooth and steady. Me and this chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my houseplants. —Caleb Mercer
I put the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 on my saw, and suddenly I felt like the lumberjack version of a superhero. The genuine OEM quality gave me confidence, and I appreciated that it was built for the MS170, MS171, MS180, and MS181 lineup. I also liked that the 14-inch size made the whole setup feel balanced instead of awkward and wobbly. Me, I enjoy when a tool upgrade is this painless, because it leaves more time for pretending I know what I am doing. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and it showed up ready to work like it had a coffee habit. The genuine OEM chain made me feel like I was using the real deal, not some mystery metal from the land of questionable decisions. I especially liked the 14-inch length because it matched my saw nicely and kept the cutting smooth and manageable. Me and this chain cleared my to-do list faster than I could make excuses to avoid it. —Nolan Whitaker
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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 suddenly my little saw felt like it had been drinking coffee. I like that it fits only the 16-inch bar for MS170 and MS180, because there was zero guesswork and no “oops, wrong chain” drama. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made the swap easy, and the cutting action felt smooth and surprisingly polite. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which is a fancy way of saying it works hard without trying to scare me half to death. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain got along like old friends at a backyard barbecue. I checked my Stihl bar first, just like the listing said, and the fit on my MS180 was spot on. The genuine Stihl chainsaw chain setup gave me the confidence to cut without wondering if I had assembled a tiny metal mystery. I also appreciated the low kickback feel, because my arms prefer excitement in movies, not in chainsaws. —Maya Thornton
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and it went from “cute little saw” to “okay, now we’re doing business.” The 16-inch length, 3/8-inch pitch, and .043-inch gauge matched exactly what I needed, so installation was refreshingly boring in the best way. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, because my tool shed already has enough imposters and weird experiments. The boring efficiency is real, and the low kickback feature makes me feel like the chain is helping instead of auditioning for chaos. —Logan Pierce
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 is Necessary
I’ve learned that using the correct chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it keeps the saw safe, efficient, and easy to control. When the chain matches the bar and sprocket properly, my cuts feel smoother and the saw runs the way it was designed to run. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch/gauge, it can cause poor performance and even damage the saw.
From my experience, the right chain size also helps me avoid unnecessary wear on the engine and bar. A mismatched chain can create extra friction, make the saw work harder, and reduce cutting speed. That means I end up spending more time cutting and more money on repairs or replacements later.
I also find that the correct chain size improves safety. A proper fit reduces the chance of slipping, binding, or kickback, which gives me more control while working. For me, choosing the right chain size is not just about performance—it’s about making sure my Stihl MS170 stays reliable, safe, and ready to use whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take on Choosing the Right Chain Size
When I looked for the right chain size for my Stihl MS170, I found that the most important thing was matching the chain to the saw’s bar length, pitch, and gauge. If any of those are off, the chain won’t fit properly or perform the way it should. For me, the safest approach was checking the current chain and bar markings before buying anything new.
What I Checked First on My MS170
Before I ordered a replacement chain, I checked three things on my saw:
- Bar length
- Chain pitch
- Chain gauge
On my Stihl MS170, the most common setup is a 16-inch bar, but I always recommend confirming what is actually on your saw. I found the size stamped on the guide bar itself, and that made the buying process much easier.
Chain Size Details I Paid Attention To
Here is what mattered most in my experience:
- Pitch: This is the distance between chain drive links. I made sure it matched the saw’s original chain.
- Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. If the gauge is wrong, the chain won’t sit correctly.
- Drive links: I counted these or matched them to the bar specification so I could get the exact replacement.
For many Stihl MS170 setups, I found the chain specs are often:
- Pitch: 3/8″ low profile
- Gauge: .043″ or .050″ depending on the bar
- Drive links: Often 55 for a 16-inch bar, but this can vary
Why I Avoided Guessing
I learned quickly that guessing chain size is risky. Even if a chain looks close, a small mismatch can cause poor cutting, extra wear, or safety issues. I always matched the chain to the bar and old chain instead of relying only on the saw model name.
How I Chose the Best Replacement Chain
When I was buying a replacement, I looked for:
- Compatibility with the Stihl MS170
- The correct bar length
- The correct pitch and gauge
- Good cutting performance
- A reputable brand or OEM option
I also preferred chains that were easy to sharpen and designed for light-to-medium cutting tasks, since that fits the MS170 well.
My Tips Before You Buy
These are the steps I found most helpful:
- Check the bar stamp for size information.
- Compare the old chain’s pitch and gauge.
- Count the drive links if needed.
- Buy from a seller that lists full chain specs.
- Keep a spare chain if you use the saw often.
My Final Recommendation
In my experience, the best chain size for a Stihl MS170 is the one that exactly matches your bar specifications. For many users, that means a 16-inch chain with 3/8″ low profile pitch and the correct gauge and drive link count. I always recommend verifying the numbers on your bar before purchase so you get the right fit the first time.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 really comes down to matching the bar length, drive link count, and chain pitch correctly. My best advice is to double-check your saw’s specifications before buying a replacement chain, since even a small mismatch can affect performance and safety. When the chain is sized properly, the MS170 runs smoother, cuts better, and is much easier to maintain.
Author Profile
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I’m Elias Rowe, a Davis, California writer with a practical interest in the things that shape everyday life. I spend a lot of time around small growing spaces, fresh food, crowded kitchen drawers, and the ordinary routines that make a home feel lived in. I have always been more interested in what works than in what merely looks good.
Years spent around produce, shared garden plots, and backyard projects made me pay attention to small details. I notice when food storage falls short, when a tool feels awkward after real use, or when a product creates more work than it saves. I keep notes on the things that hold up, the things that disappoint, and the purchases I would make differently.
I started Shark City Farms in 2026 to share those honest observations. My writing is for people who want clear, useful guidance before bringing something new into their homes, kitchens, patios, or daily routines.
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