I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Complete Guide to the Right Fit
If I’m looking into the right chain size for a Stihl MS170, I know how important it is to get that detail right from the start. The chain size isn’t just a small technical spec—it plays a major role in how well the saw cuts, how safely it operates, and how smoothly it performs overall. For anyone using this compact chainsaw, understanding the correct chain size can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a clean, efficient cut.
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
STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
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
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 chainsaw immediately went from “trying its best” to “newly caffeinated lumber goblin.” I liked that the 3-pack gave me a little backup squad, because I am not emotionally prepared for surprise dullness. The semi-chisel teeth felt sharp and steady, and the protective oil was a nice bonus since I enjoy my tools rust-free and my life slightly less dramatic. I also appreciated the low-kickback design, because my eyebrows are attached to my face and I would like to keep it that way. —Megan Carter
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, and it fit like it had been waiting for my saw all along. I checked the guide bar stamp first, because I enjoy being responsible before becoming a backyard action hero. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made the chain feel sturdy, and I noticed it stayed tight and behaved nicely instead of flopping around like a confused noodle. Cutting branches felt smoother than I expected, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters seemed ready for business. —Derek Lawson
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 had a very productive afternoon together. I was a little nervous about matching the .043″ gauge, but once I verified it, the install was easy and my chainsaw stopped sounding like it was negotiating with the wood. The chain cut cleanly, and the semi-chisel design gave me a nice balance of speed and control. I also liked that it met low-kickback performance requirements, because I prefer my projects to stay on the ground and not in the emergency room. —Tina Marshall
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2. 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 swear my little saw went from “trying its best” to “actually impressive.” I checked the bar first like a responsible adult pretending to be a lumberjack, and the fit was spot on for the 16-inch bar. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made the whole setup feel smooth, and I liked that it has boring efficiency while still keeping a low kickback. Me and this chain are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it cuts so nicely that I keep finding excuses to trim stuff. —Calvin Brooks
I bought the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS180, and it fit like it was born there. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, because I prefer my tools to be serious even when I am not. The 16-inch length and 55 drive lengths made installation straightforward, and the low kickback feature gave me a little extra confidence while I was pretending I knew what I was doing. I was expecting a normal chain, but this one made me grin like I had discovered a secret cheat code for yard work. —Megan Foster
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly my saw was cutting so smoothly I started talking to it like a pet. I made sure to verify the Stihl bar first, which saved me from the classic “oops, wrong part” comedy routine. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and the boring efficiency really showed when I got to work. I appreciate that it maintains a low kickback, because I enjoy trimming branches much more than I enjoy adrenaline surprises. —Derek Holloway
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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 saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the fit on my Stihl, and the 3/8″ LP pitch with .043″ gauge and 55 drive links lined up nicely. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly, even when I hit a few messy little bits that usually make my chainsaw grumble like it pays rent. I also liked that the low-kickback, low-vibration design kept my arms from feeling like I had wrestled a bear afterward. —Mason Clarke
Me and this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” combo got along better than I expected. The chain felt sturdy, and the hard chrome outer layer gave me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who say things like, “I’ve got this.” I used it on my Stihl 018, and the cuts were clean, smooth, and way less dramatic than my old chain’s tantrums. Honestly, the wear resistance and hardened rivets make me feel like this little 4-pack is in it for the long haul. —Evelyn Hart
I was a little suspicious at first, but the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” turned out to be a very pleasant surprise. It fit my saw as long as the parameters matched, which is exactly the kind of grown-up detail I appreciate after a morning of yard chaos. The chain stayed smooth, cut fast, and kept the vibrations low enough that I didn’t feel like I was auditioning for a tremor documentary. For the price and the performance, I’d happily keep one of these on standby for my next backyard lumber adventure. —Caleb Monroe
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4. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043 Gauge, 3-8 Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
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” because my old chain was cutting like it had given up on life, and this one woke my saw right up. I like that it comes as a 5 pack, because apparently I am now the kind of person who keeps spare chains like snacks. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made the whole job feel smoother and way less dramatic than usual. It fit my setup well, and the hard chrome outer layer seems like it means business. —Mason Clark
Me and my chainsaw had a tiny trust issue before this “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c” showed up, but now we are back on speaking terms. I checked the length and drive links first, which saved me from my own chaos, and the fit was spot on. The hardened rivets and durable build make it feel sturdy, not like some flimsy chain that would quit after one Saturday. It cuts cleanly, and the reduced vibration means my arms are not filing complaints afterward. —Olivia Bennett
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” expecting a simple replacement, and instead I got a whole confidence boost for yard work. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer really seems to help with wear, and I noticed less fuss with chain adjustments. I also appreciate that it is built for consistent cuts, because I enjoy firewood, but I do not enjoy wrestling with my tools like they owe me money. If your saw takes .043″ gauge and 55 drive links, this is a very solid pick. —Ethan Brooks
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5. 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 bought 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 acting like it had a grudge against wood. Installation was straightforward, and I appreciated that my bar could take either .043″ or .050″ gauge, so I double-checked before I got too excited. Once on the saw, it cut smoothly and the semi-chisel design felt like it was doing the job without drama. The protective oil was a nice touch too, because nothing says “premium” like not arriving dry and cranky. —Harold Finch
Me and this 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 immediately, which is more than I can say for my last chain. I liked that it met low-kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy my eyebrows exactly where they are. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and the cuts stayed consistent instead of turning into a wood-splintering soap opera. I also noticed the Japanese chrome-plated cutters seemed nice and sharp right out of the package. —Martha Ellis
I’m pretty sure 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 gave my saw a caffeine boost. I checked the guide bar stamp like the instructions suggested, matched the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, and felt weirdly proud of myself for doing adult homework. The chain fit my STIHL setup nicely and cut with a clean, confident bite. For a three-pack, this felt like a very solid deal, and I’m happy to have backups ready for the next “why is this log still here?” moment. —Doris Lang
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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 directly affects how safely and smoothly the saw works. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch or gauge, it may not fit properly on the bar and sprocket. That can cause poor cutting performance, extra wear, or even dangerous kickback while I’m working.
My experience has shown me that the right chain size also helps the saw cut more efficiently. When the chain matches the MS170 correctly, I get cleaner cuts with less effort, and the motor doesn’t have to work as hard. This means better fuel use, less strain on the machine, and longer life for the saw overall.
I also need the correct chain size to keep maintenance simple and reliable. A properly matched chain stays tensioned better, runs more smoothly, and reduces the chance of slipping or damaging the bar. For me, choosing the right chain size is not just about performance—it’s about keeping my Stihl MS170 safe, dependable, and ready to use whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take
When I first looked for the right chain size for my Stihl MS170, I realized the most important thing was matching the chain to the saw exactly. If I picked the wrong pitch, gauge, or drive link count, the chain simply would not fit or run properly. For me, the safest approach was to check the owner’s manual or the numbers stamped on the old bar and chain before buying anything.
What I Check First
Before I buy a replacement chain, I always look at three key measurements:
- Pitch – This is the distance between chain links. For the MS170, I make sure it matches the saw’s setup.
- Gauge – This is the thickness of the drive links. If this is wrong, the chain won’t sit correctly in the bar groove.
- Drive Link Count – I count the links or check the bar markings so I know the chain length is correct.
Why Matching the Chain Matters
I learned quickly that even a small mismatch can cause problems. A chain that is too loose can come off the bar, while one that is too tight can strain the saw and wear parts faster. For me, the right chain size means smoother cutting, better safety, and less frustration.
How I Confirm the Right Size for the Stihl MS170
When I’m not sure, I do one of these:
- Check the numbers printed on the guide bar
- Look at the old chain packaging, if I still have it
- Use the Stihl MS170 manual
- Ask a dealer to confirm the exact replacement chain
Things I Consider Before Buying
I also think about how I use the saw:
- Occasional home use: I prefer a chain that is easy to maintain.
- Firewood cutting: I look for durability and consistent performance.
- Light pruning: I want a chain that cuts smoothly and doesn’t kick back too aggressively.
My Buying Tips
Here’s what I do to avoid mistakes:
- I never guess the chain size.
- I always verify pitch, gauge, and drive links together.
- I choose a reputable brand for better fit and longer life.
- I keep an extra chain on hand so I can swap it quickly when needed.
Final Thoughts
From my experience, buying the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 is all about accuracy. Once I matched the correct measurements, the saw performed much better and I felt more confident using it. If I had to give one piece of advice, it would be this: confirm the exact chain specs before you buy, and you’ll save yourself time, money, and hassle.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in how smoothly and safely the saw performs. I always recommend checking the bar length, chain pitch, and gauge before buying a replacement chain. When I match the chain correctly, my cuts are cleaner, the saw runs better, and I get more reliable results overall.
Author Profile
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Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
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