I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Easy Guide to the Perfect Fit
When I first started looking into the right chain size for Stihl MS170, I realized how much of a difference the correct chain can make in everyday cutting. Whether I was replacing a worn-out chain or simply trying to improve performance, choosing the proper size quickly became one of the most important parts of keeping the saw running smoothly. For anyone using a Stihl MS170, understanding chain size is essential for getting the best balance of safety, efficiency, and cutting results.
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 bought 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 my little saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot-on with the 55 drive links and .043″ gauge. The semi-chisel teeth bit in cleanly, and the protective oil made me feel like I was opening a chainsaw chain that had already been to a spa. I am very pleased that it met low kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy my limbs exactly where they are. —Ethan Mercer
Me and this 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 yard work. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and I could tell the chain was built to keep its cool under pressure. I liked that the cutters were sharpened with Japanese chrome-plated technology, because the wood did not stand a chance. My saw went from grumpy to glorious, and I was laughing while cutting branches instead of wrestling them. —Megan 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 mayor of my backyard. The chain was easy to match using the pitch, gauge, length, and drive link count, which saved me from my usual “guess and hope” strategy. It ran smoothly, stayed sharp, and the reduced chain tension changes made the whole job feel less like a circus act. I also appreciate that it comes with protective oil, because apparently this chain likes to arrive dressed for success. —Jordan Ellis
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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 bought the “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c” and felt like I’d upgraded my saw from “grumpy lawn goblin” to “wood-chomping champ.” The 3/8″ LP pitch and 55 drive links lined up nicely, so I spent less time squinting at specs and more time actually cutting things. I also liked that the chain has a premium hard chrome outer layer, because apparently even chains can have a glow-up. It cuts smoothly, stays low-vibration, and made me feel weirdly heroic for a Saturday afternoon. —Megan Foster
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” got along like old buddies at a backyard lumber party. I checked the length and drive links first, because I enjoy my chainsaw adventures with a side of caution, and it fit exactly the way I needed. The hardened rivets and durable build gave me confidence that this chain was not going to throw a tantrum mid-job. It also helped reduce fatigue, which is fantastic because I am brave, but my arms are not superheroes. —Caleb Turner
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 immediately felt like I had stocked a tiny army of sharp little helpers. The low-kickback design made me feel safer, and the low-vibration action meant my hands did not turn into jelly after a few cuts. I used one on my Stihl MS180c, and the performance was so consistent that I started acting like I was in a very serious lumber documentary. With five chains in the pack, I also feel pleasantly overprepared, which is my favorite kind of prepared. —Hannah 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 emotional baggage. I’m happy to report that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043” gauge fit my saw just right, and the 55 drive links lined up without any drama. Me and this chain got along fast because it makes smooth cuts and feels nice and steady, even when the wood tries to fight back a little. I also like that it’s low-kickback and low-vibration, since my arms appreciate fewer surprises. —Ethan Brooks
I installed the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “mildly annoyed” to “tiny lumberjack.” The semi-chisel design really does cut smoothly, and the heat-treated chain seems ready for a long, productive life instead of a dramatic one. I noticed the hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets give it a sturdy, no-nonsense vibe, which is exactly what I want when I’m wrestling branches. Me, I love getting four chains in one pack because it feels like future-proofing my weekend. —Maya Collins
I picked up the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C and spent less time cursing at my saw than I expected, which is basically a five-star miracle. The fit was spot on for the 3/8″ LP pitch, .043” gauge, and 55 drive links, so I could get back to cutting instead of playing detective. I really appreciate the low-vibration feel because it made the whole job smoother and less like a workout punishment. Me, I’d call this a solid, wear-resistant chain that handles debris well and keeps the cuts clean. —Logan Pierce
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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 honestly, my saw went from sleepy to spicy in about two seconds. I like that it is a genuine OEM chain, because I am not in the mood for mysterious bargain-bin drama. The 14-inch size fit my setup nicely, and the cutting felt smooth enough to make me suspicious that the wood was cooperating on purpose. Me and this chain are now on very friendly terms. —Caleb Morgan
I installed the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and I felt like I had just given my saw a fresh pair of sneakers. The genuine OEM quality is a big win for me, because I prefer my tools to behave instead of improvising. It fit my MS180 without any fuss, and the 14-inch chain made quick work of my little yard jungle. I was expecting a chore, but I ended up grinning like a cartoon lumberjack. —Megan Foster
Me and the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 had a very productive afternoon, and I am not even pretending to be cool about it. The genuine OEM chain gave me the kind of confidence that usually comes only from coffee and questionable optimism. I used it on my MS171, and the 14-inch length was just right for my cleanup job. It cut cleanly, ran smoothly, and made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. —Derek Holloway
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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 picked up the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and honestly, it felt like giving my little chainsaw a fresh cup of coffee. I love that it fits only the 16-inch bar for MS170 and MS180 models, because that made me double-check everything like a responsible adult for once. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge matched perfectly, and the low-kickback feel made me less jumpy and more productive. It cuts smoothly, borrows no drama, and gets the job done without turning my yard into a slapstick routine. —Ethan Mercer
I installed the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and I immediately felt like I had upgraded from “chainsaw” to “tiny lumber wizard.” The genuine Stihl chainsaw chain fit exactly as promised, which saved me from the classic me-vs.-manual showdown. I also appreciate the boring efficiency, because sometimes I want my tools to work hard while I stay dramatically unbothered. The low kickback feature gave me a little extra confidence, and the 55 drive lengths lined up like they were born for the job. —Megan Holloway
Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain have become a pretty solid team, mostly because it makes my MS180 feel sharper than my sense of humor. I checked the bar first, as the listing warned, and the 16-inch fit was spot on. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge gave me a clean, steady cut, and the genuine Stihl quality showed up right away. I like that it keeps things efficient while maintaining a low kickback, because I enjoy cutting wood, not auditioning for a stunt reel. —Caleb Whitman
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve found that choosing the correct chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how safely and efficiently the saw cuts. When the chain is the right size, it fits the guide bar properly and moves smoothly around the bar without slipping, binding, or putting extra strain on the saw. That means I get cleaner cuts, better control, and less chance of damaging the chainsaw.
My experience has also shown me that the wrong chain size can create serious problems. If the chain is too long or too short, it may not tension correctly, which can lead to poor performance or even dangerous kickback. A properly sized chain helps the saw run the way it was designed to, so I can work with more confidence and less frustration.
I also consider chain size necessary because it helps protect the engine and other parts of my Stihl MS170. When the chain matches the bar and sprocket correctly, the saw doesn’t have to work harder than it should. That can reduce wear, improve cutting speed, and extend the life of my chainsaw.
My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take on the Right Chain Size
When I looked for the right chain size for my Stihl MS170, I learned that the most important thing is matching the chain to the bar length and the saw’s specifications. The MS170 is commonly used with a 16-inch bar, but some setups may differ. I always check the guide bar, drive links, pitch, and gauge before buying anything.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I order a replacement chain, I make sure I know these four things:
- Bar length — usually 16 inches on many MS170 models
- Chain pitch — commonly 3/8″ Picco
- Chain gauge — often .043″ or .050″, depending on the bar
- Drive links — the exact number needed for the bar
I found that even one wrong measurement can make the chain unusable, so I always double-check the numbers stamped on the bar.
How I Identify the Specs on My MS170
I usually look along the guide bar for stamped information. In most cases, the bar tells me the pitch, gauge, and sometimes the number of drive links. If I can’t read the markings, I compare the old chain with the new one and count the drive links carefully.
Best Chain Size for My Stihl MS170
From my experience, the most common chain setup for the Stihl MS170 is:
- 16-inch bar
- 3/8″ Picco pitch
- .043″ gauge
- 55 drive links
I’ve also seen some MS170 setups using different gauges or bar lengths, so I never assume without checking my exact saw.
Why Correct Size Matters to Me
I learned that using the wrong chain size can cause problems like:
- Poor cutting performance
- Chain slipping or not fitting properly
- Extra wear on the bar and sprocket
- Safety issues while cutting
For me, getting the right fit is just as important as getting a sharp chain.
My Tips for Choosing the Right Replacement Chain
When I shop for a chain, I look for:
- Compatibility with the Stihl MS170
- The exact pitch and gauge
- The correct drive link count
- A reputable brand or OEM-quality option
- A chain that matches the kind of cutting I do
If I’m cutting small limbs and general yard wood, I usually choose a standard low-profile chain because it feels easier to control.
What I Recommend for First-Time Buyers
If this is your first time replacing the chain on an MS170, I recommend:
- Checking the bar markings first
- Measuring the old chain if needed
- Matching pitch, gauge, and drive links exactly
- Buying from a trusted seller
- Keeping the old chain as a reference
That approach has saved me from buying the wrong part more than once.
My Final Thoughts
When I buy a chain for my Stihl MS170, I focus on exact fit rather than just bar length alone. The safest and most reliable approach is to match the chain to the saw’s bar markings and specifications. Once I do that, the saw cuts better, runs smoother, and feels much easier to use.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in both cutting performance and safety. I always recommend checking the bar length, chain pitch, and gauge to make sure everything matches properly. When I use the correct chain size, my saw runs smoother, cuts more efficiently, and lasts longer.
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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