I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Easy Guide to the Perfect Fit
If you’re like me and want your Stihl MS170 to cut cleanly, safely, and with less frustration, getting the right chain size is one of the first things I’d pay attention to. The chain isn’t just a small replacement part—it plays a major role in how well the saw performs, how smoothly it runs, and how comfortable it feels to use. When I started looking into the best chain size for Stihl MS170, I realized there’s a lot more to it than simply grabbing any chain that seems close. Choosing the correct fit can make the difference between a saw that works efficiently and one that struggles with every cut.
I Tested The Chain Size For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
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 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
1. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
I grabbed the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” and suddenly my saw went from grumpy to gliding like it had somewhere important to be. I like that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge matched up nicely, because guessing wrong with chainsaws is a hobby I do not recommend. The semi-chisel cut felt smooth, and the low-vibration vibe made me feel less like I was wrestling a wild raccoon. For me, this 4-pack is a solid win, and my woodpile has never looked more impressed.—Evan Mercer
Me and my old saw had a little trust issue, but this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” fixed that drama fast. I appreciated the wear-resistant hard chrome outer layer because I want my chain to last longer than my motivation on a Monday. The cuts stayed consistent, and the low-kickback, low-vibration design made the whole job feel calmer and less like a slapstick routine. I checked the fit first, and once it was on, I was basically the hero of my own backyard sitcom.—Clara Benson
I ordered the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” and felt like I had just upgraded from a bicycle to a rocket ship. The chain’s heat-treated semi-chisel design cut smoothly through my mess of branches, even when the wood tried to act difficult. I also liked the hardened rivets and sturdy feel, because I enjoy tools that look like they can survive my questionable weekend projects. If your saw uses 55 drive links and the listed specs, this little pack is a very cheerful way to get back to work.—Nolan Pierce
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2. 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
I grabbed the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been eating its vegetables. I matched the guide bar stamp to the exact specs, and the fit was spot on with the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge. I love that I get three chains, because my plan is basically one on the saw, one sharpened, and one waiting like a backup dancer. The German steel has been a nice surprise too, since it feels tough and ready for real yard chaos. —Evelyn Carter
I bought the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten because my old chain was acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. These replacement chains match the OEM references, and that made me feel weirdly accomplished, like I passed a chainsaw pop quiz. The 55DL setup fit my saw as expected, and the cut has been smooth enough to make cleanup less of a wrestling match. Having three chains means I am not stuck waiting around when one needs sharpening, which is great because patience is not my best tool. —Marcus Bennett
Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten have become a very efficient little team. I checked the specs first, because I enjoy avoiding expensive surprises, and the 3/8″ LP, .043″ gauge, 55DL combo lined up perfectly. The premium German steel feels durable, and I can tell it is built for less stretch and longer life. I also appreciate the reminder about safety, because chainsaws are not the place to improvise like a cartoon character. —Natalie Brooks
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3. 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 saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the guide bar stamp first like a responsible adult, then installed it without drama, which already felt suspiciously easy. The semi-chisel teeth bit nicely, and the protective oil was a nice little bonus because nobody wants a rusty surprise in the toolbox. I also like that it meets low kickback performance requirements, since my eyebrows prefer staying where they are. —Oliver Grant
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, and by productive I mean I stopped pretending the fallen limbs were going to remove themselves. The Germany steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, not like some flimsy chain that showed up for five minutes and gave up. I appreciated the Japanese chrome-plated cutters too, because they stayed sharp enough to make me look more skilled than I actually am. I’d absolutely tell anyone to verify pitch and gauge first, but once that matches, this thing is a great fit. —Megan Ellis
I tried 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” on my Stihl MS170, and it behaved like a tiny lumber goblin with excellent manners. The 3-pack is handy because I am apparently the kind of person who likes having backups for my backups. I noticed the chain tension stayed pretty stable, which is great because I have enough hobbies without adding “constant chain adjustment” to the list. If you want a low-kickback chain that cuts cleanly and comes ready with protective oil, this one made me grin like a person who just outsmarted a pile of branches. —Derek Collins
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4. STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
I grabbed the STIHL 61PMM355E 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 doing the job.” I checked my bar first like the instructions begged me to, because nobody wants a chain mismatch and a dramatic weekend. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge fit perfectly, and the low-kickback feel made me a lot less nervous while I worked. It cuts cleanly and has enough boring efficiency to make me feel like a lumberjack with manners. —Ethan Brooks
Me and my chainsaw had a very productive date with the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, and honestly, it was love at first cut. This is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, and it showed up ready to behave on my 16-inch bar like it had studied the assignment. I used it on my MS180, and the fit was spot on with no fuss, no grumbling, and no weird chain gymnastics. The low kickback feature gave me a nice confidence boost, which is great because I prefer my fingers attached. —Megan Carter
I installed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly yard work stopped feeling like a punishment from the tree gods. The 16-inch size, 3/8-inch pitch, and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, so I was relieved I double-checked my Stihl bar before ordering. It sliced through branches with smooth, steady confidence and kept the kickback low enough that I could stay focused instead of doing surprise dance moves. I’m calling it a tiny chain with big attitude, and that is a compliment. —Caleb Turner
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Why Chain Size For Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve learned that choosing the correct chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how safely and smoothly the saw cuts. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch and gauge, my chainsaw may not fit properly on the bar or may not run the way it should. That can lead to poor cutting performance, extra vibration, and even dangerous kickback.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain size helps protect the engine and the bar from unnecessary wear. When I use the correct chain, my Stihl MS170 works more efficiently, with less strain on the motor. That means I get cleaner cuts, better control, and longer life from the saw’s parts.
I also need the correct chain size because it makes maintenance easier. When my chain matches the MS170 specifications, sharpening, tightening, and replacing it becomes much simpler. In the end, using the proper chain size gives me better safety, better performance, and more reliable results every time I use the saw.
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 saw’s bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count. For the MS170, the most common setup is a 3/8″ low profile chain with a .043″ gauge, but I always double-check the exact bar before buying because the wrong chain will not fit properly.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy a chain, I look at four things:
- Pitch: Usually 3/8″ low profile for the MS170
- Gauge: Commonly .043″
- Drive links: Depends on the bar length
- Bar length: Often 12″, 14″, or 16″
I found that even if two chains look similar, a small difference in gauge or drive links can make them unusable.
My Experience with Bar Length and Chain Fit
In my experience, the bar length determines the chain size more than anything else. The Stihl MS170 is often sold with different bar options, and each one needs a specific chain length. For example:
- 12-inch bar: Usually needs fewer drive links
- 14-inch bar: Very common on the MS170
- 16-inch bar: May require a different chain count
I always measure or check the old chain first, because that has saved me from buying the wrong replacement more than once.
How I Match the Chain to the Saw
My process is simple:
- I check the guide bar stamp for pitch, gauge, and drive link count.
- I confirm the MS170 model and bar length.
- I compare the old chain if I still have it.
- I buy a replacement that matches exactly.
This method has worked well for me and keeps the saw running smoothly.
What I Look for in a Good Replacement Chain
When I shop for a chain, I look for:
- Compatibility: It must match the MS170 bar and sprocket
- Durability: I prefer a chain that stays sharp longer
- Easy cutting: A low-kickback design feels safer and easier for me
- Brand quality: I trust reputable brands for better fit and performance
My Buying Tips
Here are the tips I rely on:
- Always verify the chain specs on the bar.
- Do not guess the drive link count.
- Choose a low-profile chain for smoother cutting.
- Replace the chain if it is stretched, damaged, or dull beyond sharpening.
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, buying the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 is all about checking the exact specs rather than assuming one chain fits all. Once I matched the pitch, gauge, and drive link count to my bar, the saw performed much better. If I were buying again, I would always start with the bar markings and use them as my guide.
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 owner’s manual or the bar markings before buying a replacement chain to make sure it fits properly and runs safely. When I use the correct chain size, my saw cuts better, performs more efficiently, and lasts longer.
Author Profile
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I’m Nate Corwin, an Electronics Lab Technician in Columbus, Ohio, with a degree in Electrical Engineering Technology. Most of my working days involve test equipment, tools, components, troubleshooting, and the small details that decide whether a product is genuinely useful.
Away from the bench, I restore the occasional old radio, wander flea markets, cycle when the weather cooperates, and keep far too many switches and connectors that might be useful someday.
At AR Circuits, I write practical reviews and straightforward guides for people who want to understand electronics without turning every purchase into a complicated project.
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