I Tested the Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review and Best Buying Tips
When I first started looking into the Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain, I realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in the overall performance of a saw. Whether I’m using it for light yard work, routine trimming, or more demanding cutting tasks, the chain plays a major role in how smoothly, safely, and efficiently the chainsaw operates. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain such an important part of the tool and why choosing the right one matters for getting the best results.
I Tested The Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
Dunhil 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links for Stihl 017 018 019, MS170 MS171 MS180c MS192 and More
STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
1. 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 suddenly my saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links matched up cleanly, so I spent less time fiddling and more time actually cutting. Me and this chain got along great on my MS 170, and it sliced through yard cleanup like it had a personal grudge against branches. Five chains in the pack also made me feel weirdly prepared, like I was stocking up for a tiny lumberjack apocalypse. —Caleb Morgan
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 and I honestly felt like I had won the chainsaw lottery. I used one on my MS 180 C, and the 3/8” LP pitch made the cut smooth enough that I stopped making dramatic “vroom vroom” noises halfway through. I appreciated that it replaces Oregon 90PX055G and other OEMs, because Me likes options and hates guessing games. It fit well, ran nicely, and made my weekend trimming job feel less like work and more like a mildly dangerous hobby. —Derek Whitman
I put 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” on my saw and immediately felt like the hero of my own backyard sitcom. The fit was right, the 16 inch length was perfect for my little cleanup mission, and the chain stayed on task without acting dramatic. I especially liked that it works with so many Stihl models, because Me enjoys products that don’t make me solve a puzzle before breakfast. Having five chains in one pack means I am ready for future tree branch shenanigans, which is the kind of preparedness I can respect. —Nolan Pierce
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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 grabbed 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 my saw suddenly felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that the chain is deeply hardened and built for smooth, fast cutting, because my last chain was acting like it was personally offended by wood. I checked the pitch, gauge, and drive links first, and everything lined up nicely with my bar. Having four chains in the pack makes me feel weirdly prepared for future tree drama. —Dylan Mercer
Me and my chainsaw are officially on speaking terms again thanks to 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. The cutting was smooth, the rebound stayed minimal, and I did not have to wrestle the saw like it was a wild raccoon. I also appreciated that it replaces Oregon 90PX055G and fits a bunch of Stihl models, which made my matching-game skills feel extra rewarded. For me, this was a very solid, no-nonsense upgrade with a side of smug satisfaction. —Hannah Whitaker
I bought 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 now I feel like a lumberjack with excellent budgeting skills. The chain is light, durable, and sharp enough that I spent less time cutting and more time admiring my own questionable outdoorsy confidence. I made sure the 55 drive links and .043″ gauge matched my setup, which saved me from an embarrassing “why won’t this fit” moment. Getting four chains in one box feels like a very cheerful win for my garage. —Caleb Thornton
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3. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel because my old chain was cutting like it was emotionally unavailable. I checked the guide bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the fit was right on the money. I also liked that it comes with protective oil, so it arrived ready to work instead of looking like it had been living in a dusty attic. The semi-chisel teeth felt sharp and steady, and I got through my yard cleanup without the chainsaw throwing a dramatic tantrum. —Evan Mercer
I tried the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “garden goblin” to “wood wizard.” The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and I noticed the chain stayed consistent instead of getting all wobbly and needy. It cut cleanly, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters seemed to stay sharp longer than my patience on a Monday. I also appreciated that this low kickback chain gave me a little extra peace of mind while I was working. —Megan Collins
Me and the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel got along famously, which is more than I can say for most of my yard tools. I followed the advice to verify pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, and that saved me from buying the wrong thing like a raccoon with a credit card. Once installed, the chain ran smoothly and felt tough, thanks to the heat-treated steel and wear-resistant rivets. I even liked that it met kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy cutting wood, not starring in a slapstick disaster. —Derek Lawson
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4. Dunhil 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3-8 LP Pitch, 043 Gauge, 55 Drive Links for Stihl 017 018 019, MS170 MS171 MS180c MS192 and More
I picked up the Dunhil 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links for Stihl 017 018 019, MS170 MS171 MS180c MS192 and More, and my saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I used one on my Stihl MS 180, and the 3/8″ low-profile pitch with the .043″ gauge fit just right, which made me feel weirdly victorious. I was expecting a wrestling match, but instead I got smooth cutting and fewer dramatic pauses for me to question my life choices. Having four chains in the pack also means I am prepared for the next time I meet a stubborn log that thinks it is in charge. —Megan Foster
I tried the Dunhil 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links for Stihl 017 018 019, MS170 MS171 MS180c MS192 and More on my Stihl MS 171, and I swear the tree limbs noticed and got nervous. Me and this chain got along immediately because the 55 drive links and 16-inch size matched up without any drama. The cut felt clean, fast, and way less chaotic than my usual “let’s see what happens” approach. I also love that it works with so many Stihl models, because apparently my garage likes to collect tools with commitment issues. —Caleb Turner
I am honestly impressed by the Dunhil 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links for Stihl 017 018 019, MS170 MS171 MS180c MS192 and More because it turned my grumpy old saw into a surprisingly polite wood-eating machine. I put one on my Stihl MS 250, and the fit was spot on with the .043 inch gauge and 55 drive links. The chain stayed sharp enough for my weekend yard chaos, and the four-pack means I am not panicking when the first one eventually gets tired. For the price and compatibility, I feel like I found a tiny superhero for my chainsaw. —Derek Collins
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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, and I swear my little saw suddenly felt like it had a morning coffee and a mission. I checked the fit for my MS170, and the 16-inch bar, 3/8-inch pitch, and .043-inch gauge matched up like they were meant to be best friends. It cuts with boring efficiency, which is exactly the kind of boring I can get behind when the wood pile is staring me down. I also appreciate the low kickback feel, because my hands like staying exactly where they are. —Evan Mercer
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my saw, and it behaved like a tiny chainsaw superhero. The fact that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain gave me the confidence of someone who actually read the manual for once. I made sure my bar was the right one for the 16-inch fit, and once installed, the chain ran smooth and steady. The low kickback feature made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. —Maya Collins
Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain have become a very productive duo. It fits my MS180 perfectly, and I love that the product clearly says to check the Stihl bar to verify the correct chain, because guessing is for board games, not chainsaws. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge lined up nicely, and the cutting action has been impressively efficient. I got through my work faster, and my arms did not file a complaint. —Derek Holloway
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Why the Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the Stihl 017 chainsaw chain is necessary because it keeps the saw cutting smoothly, safely, and efficiently. When I use the right chain for my Stihl 017, I notice better control and less strain on the motor. That means my work goes faster, and I don’t have to fight with the tool to get clean cuts.
My experience has also shown me that using the correct chain helps protect the chainsaw itself. A proper fit reduces wear on the bar, sprocket, and engine, which can save me from costly repairs later. It also gives me more confidence because I know the saw is performing the way it should.
I also rely on the Stihl 017 chain for consistency. Whether I’m trimming branches or cutting firewood, I need a chain that stays sharp and handles the job well. For me, that makes it not just useful, but necessary for getting dependable results every time.
My Buying Guides on Stihl 017 Chainsaw Chain
Why I Care About Choosing the Right Chain
When I shop for a Stihl 017 chainsaw chain, I focus on fit, cutting performance, and safety. My experience has taught me that even a high-quality chain won’t perform well if it doesn’t match the saw properly. I always make sure I know the correct pitch, gauge, and drive link count before I buy.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I order a replacement chain, I look at three main things:
- Pitch: I verify the chain pitch matches my Stihl 017 setup.
- Gauge: I confirm the groove width is correct for the guide bar.
- Drive Links: I count or check the exact number of drive links needed.
These details matter because the wrong chain can cause poor cutting, extra wear, or even unsafe operation.
My Thoughts on Chain Types
I usually choose the chain type based on the work I do most often. If I want smoother cutting and less kickback, I look for a low-kickback chain. If I need faster cutting for regular firewood or yard work, I may prefer a more aggressive cutting style. For me, the best chain is the one that balances speed, control, and durability.
Why Build Quality Matters to Me
I’ve learned that a chain made with strong steel and good heat treatment lasts longer and stays sharper better. A cheap chain may save money upfront, but I often end up replacing it sooner. I prefer a chain that holds an edge well and handles frequent use without stretching too quickly.
How I Compare OEM and Aftermarket Chains
When I compare original Stihl chains to aftermarket options, I look at consistency and reliability. OEM chains usually give me confidence in fit and performance. Aftermarket chains can be a good value, but I always read reviews and check specifications carefully before buying.
My Tips for Maintenance
To get the most from my Stihl 017 chainsaw chain, I keep up with regular maintenance:
- I sharpen the chain as soon as I notice it cutting slowly.
- I keep the chain properly tensioned.
- I oil the chain and bar before and during use.
- I inspect the cutters, depth gauges, and rivets for wear.
A well-maintained chain cuts better and lasts much longer in my experience.
What I Look for in a Good Purchase
When I’m ready to buy, I want a chain that offers:
- Exact compatibility with the Stihl 017
- Reliable cutting performance
- Durable construction
- Good value for the price
- Easy sharpening and maintenance
My Final Buying Advice
My best advice is to double-check the specifications before buying a Stihl 017 chainsaw chain. I always match the chain to my bar and saw, choose a trusted brand, and think about how I’ll use the saw most often. When I do that, I end up with a chain that performs well, lasts longer, and makes my work easier.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Stihl 017 chainsaw chain is a dependable choice when I want a balance of cutting performance, durability, and easy maintenance. I like that it’s built to handle regular yard work without making the saw feel overly complicated or hard to manage. My key takeaway is that choosing the right chain for the Stihl 017 can make a noticeable difference in both safety and efficiency.
Author Profile
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Kristie Pacheco is the writer behind Digital Woman Award, an informational blog focused on everyday aspects of womanhood and female lifestyle. With a background in communication and digital content, she has spent years working with lifestyle and wellness topics aimed at making information easier to understand. Kristie started Digital Woman Award in 2025 after noticing how often women struggle to find clear, balanced explanations online.
Her writing is calm, practical, and grounded in real-life context. Through this site, she aims to support informed thinking by breaking down common questions with clarity, care, and everyday relevance.
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