I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Simple Guide to the Perfect Fit
When I first started looking into the right chain size for Stihl MS170, I quickly realized it’s one of those details that can make a huge difference in how smoothly a chainsaw performs. Choosing the correct chain isn’t just about fitting a part onto the bar—it affects cutting efficiency, safety, and how well the saw handles everyday tasks. If you’ve ever wondered whether your MS170 is running the right chain size, you’re definitely not alone. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the proper chain size so important and why getting it right matters for anyone who wants dependable performance from their Stihl MS170.
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 my saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because apparently I enjoy being prepared for future tree-related drama. The semi-chisel teeth bit cleanly, and the protective oil meant I was not starting my day with a rusty surprise. I also appreciated the low kickback design, since my eyebrows prefer to stay exactly where they are. —Derek Holloway
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 branch pile. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and the chain stayed smooth instead of acting like a caffeinated snake. I checked my bar specs first, because the listing was very clear about pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, and that saved me from my own chaos. It cut fast, stayed sharp, and made me look way more competent than I probably am. —Megan Whitfield
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 I had upgraded from “garden hobbyist” to “tiny lumber legend.” The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp right out of the box, and the chain handled with a nice, smooth confidence. I also liked that it met the kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy my chainsaw adventures with less surprise and more control. If you need a reliable 3 pack that fits the specs and gets to work, this one made me grin like a kid with a new flashlight. —Caleb Thornton
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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 honestly, my chainsaw went from “grumpy lawn goblin” to “wood-eating superhero.” I liked that the 16 inch chain with 55 drive links matched up after I checked the length like a responsible adult for once. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel way less like I was wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. It cut smoothly, stayed steady, and the hardened rivets gave me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who know where all their tools are. —Evan Mercer
Me and the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c had a very productive weekend together, and I’m not even mad about it. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer seems to do its job because I noticed less wear and fewer chain adjustments, which is basically chainsaw magic. I used it on a few messy branches, and the cuts came out clean enough to make me feel like a backyard lumber legend. It also helped that the chain was built to reduce friction and heat, so I wasn’t babysitting it every five minutes. —Lydia Bennett
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 my old saw suddenly stopped acting like it needed a nap after every log. I appreciated that it fits a bunch of models, because my equipment drawer is basically a reunion of random possibilities. The chain felt durable, cut consistently, and the low-vibration action made me less likely to shake like I’d just seen a ghost in the shed. For the price and the five-pack, I felt like I got a tiny army of chains ready for battle. —Marcus Ellison
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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 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 acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I swapped one on, and suddenly my saw was cutting smooth instead of sounding like it was chewing gravel for fun. I really liked that the semi-chisel design is low-kickback and low-vibration, because my arms appreciated the break from the usual buzz-fest. The 4-pack is a nice bonus too, since I feel like I have backup chains ready for the next “oops, I hit something I shouldn’t have” moment. —Megan Foster
I picked up the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” and Me immediately felt like a more responsible woodland wizard. The fit was right on for my saw, and I made sure to verify the 3/8 inch pitch and 55 drive links before pretending I knew what I was doing. Once installed, the chain cut cleanly and didn’t complain when I pushed through a pile of branches. I also like that the hard chrome outer layer is supposed to be wear resistant, because I prefer my tools to age gracefully instead of dramatically. —Daniel Brooks
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 it showed up ready to work, unlike me before coffee. The chain felt sturdy, and the hardened rivets gave me a little extra confidence that this thing was not built out of wishful thinking. I used it on my Stihl, and the cuts stayed smooth with less vibration than I expected, which made the whole job feel less like a wrestling match. Having four chains in one box is fantastic, because now I can keep going instead of acting surprised when a chain needs a break. —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 and felt like I had given my little saw a fresh pair of sneakers. I like that it is a genuine OEM chain, because I am not interested in gambling with mystery metal when I am trying to get yard work done. The 14-inch size fit my setup nicely, and the cutting felt smooth enough to make me suspicious that the tree branches were surrendering on purpose. Me and this chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at “quick maintenance.” —Ethan Mercer
I put the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 on my saw, and suddenly I was the hero of the backyard instead of the person staring at a stubborn log. I appreciate that it is made as a genuine OEM part, because I wanted something dependable rather than a chain that acts like it has a personal grudge. The 14″ chain length was a great match for my MS180, and the install was straightforward enough that I did not need a pep talk. I was honestly grinning like a kid who found the good scissors in the junk drawer. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 have now achieved a peaceful working relationship. I like that this chain is built for MS170, MS171, MS180, and MS181 models, because compatibility drama is not my favorite hobby. The genuine OEM quality showed up right away in the clean, steady cut, and I felt weirdly fancy using something this reliable. If you want a 14-inch chain that behaves like it actually wants the job, this one is a very cheerful choice. —Dylan Prescott
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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 bolted on the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths, and my little saw suddenly felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I made sure it was the right fit for my MS170, and it slid on like it was born for that 16-inch bar. The low kickback design gave me a lot more confidence, which is great because I enjoy cutting wood, not auditioning for a slapstick routine. It also has boring efficiency, and yes, I absolutely giggled when a chainsaw chain sounded more responsible than I do on most Mondays. —Calvin Moore
I grabbed this genuine Stihl chainsaw chain for my MS180, and I am pretty sure my saw is now showing off. The STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths fit my 16-inch bar exactly as promised, which saved me from the usual “measure twice, panic once” situation. I like that it keeps the kickback low, because my idea of excitement is cutting firewood, not reenacting a disaster movie. The cutting feels smooth and efficient, and I swear the logs got nervous when I walked outside. —Megan Foster
Me and my MS170 have officially become the neighborhood overachievers thanks to the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths. I checked my Stihl bar first, because the listing clearly says it fits only the 16-inch bar on MS170 and MS180 models, and I am not interested in chain-related surprises. Once installed, the genuine Stihl chainsaw chain cut cleanly and had that boring efficiency that makes yard work weirdly satisfying. The low kickback feature is the cherry on top, since I prefer my saw to be aggressive with wood and polite with me. —Derek Langston
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 is Necessary
I’ve found that using the correct chain size on my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it keeps the saw running safely and smoothly. When the chain fits the bar properly, it cuts more efficiently and reduces the chance of kickback, slipping, or extra wear on the saw. A chain that is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch can make the saw harder to control and may even damage the bar or sprocket over time.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain size helps the engine perform better. The Stihl MS170 is a lightweight saw, so it works best with a chain that matches its power and bar length. If I use the wrong size, the saw can feel weak, bog down during cutting, or strain more than it should. That means less productivity and more frustration for me while working.
I also like knowing that the proper chain size helps me get cleaner, faster cuts with less effort. It saves time, reduces maintenance problems, and makes the whole cutting job safer and easier. For me, choosing the right chain size is not just a small detail—it’s one of the most important parts of keeping my Stihl MS170 dependable
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, pitch, and gauge. I found that the MS170 commonly uses a 3/8″ low profile chain with a .043″ gauge, but I always recommend checking the exact specs on my bar or owner’s manual before buying.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I choose a chain, I make sure I know these three things:
- Bar length – My MS170 may have a 12″, 14″, or 16″ bar.
- Pitch – I usually see 3/8″ low profile on this saw.
- Gauge – Commonly .043″, but I verify it first.
If any one of these is wrong, the chain will not fit properly or may not run safely.
How I Identify the Correct Chain
I usually check the guide bar itself because it often has the chain specifications stamped on it. If I cannot read the bar, I look at the old chain or the manual. I also count the drive links, because that number must match exactly.
Common Chain Sizes I’ve Seen for the MS170
In my experience, the MS170 often uses these sizes:
- 12-inch bar – usually 44 drive links
- 14-inch bar – usually 50 drive links
- 16-inch bar – usually 55 drive links
I still confirm the exact setup on my saw, because previous owners may have changed the bar or chain.
Why Chain Size Matters to Me
I learned that the wrong chain size can cause poor cutting, extra wear, or even safety issues. If the chain is too long, it will not tension correctly. If it is too short, it simply will not fit. Getting the right size helps my saw cut smoothly and last longer.
My Tips for Choosing the Best Chain
Here is what I personally look for:
- I choose a chain that matches my bar specs exactly.
- I prefer a reputable brand for better durability.
- I replace the chain if it is dull, stretched, or damaged.
- I keep a spare chain so I do not stop work unexpectedly.
My Final Advice
My best advice is to verify the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links before I buy anything. For the Stihl MS170, the most common setup is a 3/8″ low profile chain with a .043″ gauge, but I always double-check my saw’s markings to be sure. That way, I get the right fit and the best performance every time.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 comes down to matching the bar length, pitch, and gauge correctly. I always recommend checking the saw’s specifications before buying a replacement chain to make sure it fits and performs safely. When I use the proper chain size, my cuts are smoother, my saw runs better, and I avoid unnecessary wear.
Author Profile
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Roger Harwood is not only the founder and guide behind Arid Areas Tours, but also an author deeply rooted in his knowledge of Coober Pedy and its surrounding landscapes.
Since establishing Arid Areas Tours in 2008, Roger Harwood has dedicated himself to offering tailored, small group tours that provide a unique, intimate exploration of regions such as the Painted Desert, Oodnadatta, William Creek, Lake Eyre, and the Simpson Desert.
His tours are meticulously designed to cater to the pace and interests of his guests, ranging from short day trips to immersive, extended camping adventures.
In a natural progression of his career, starting from 2024, Roger Harwood began channeling his expertise into a different form of storytelling writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews. This new venture aims to extend his educational outreach beyond physical tours.
Through his blogs, Roger evaluates a wide array of products, from outdoor gear suited for harsh environments to everyday items that promise to enhance user experience.
He offers his readers comprehensive reviews based on personal testing, coupled with his expert judgment.
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