I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Complete Guide to the Perfect Fit
When I first started looking into the chain size for Stihl MS170, I realized how important this small detail is for getting the best performance out of the saw. The right chain size can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly the chainsaw cuts, how safe it feels to use, and how well it matches the work I’m trying to do. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain or simply trying to confirm the correct fit, understanding this topic helps me avoid guesswork and keep the saw running efficiently.
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 honestly felt like I had upgraded my chainsaw from “grumpy lumber goblin” to “smooth operator.” I like that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge matched my setup without any drama, which is more than I can say for most of my DIY adventures. The low-kickback, low-vibration feel made cutting a lot less annoying, and my arms thanked me after. I also appreciated the semi-chisel design because it handled debris better than I expected and still cut cleanly. —Mason Clark
Me and this 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more got along like peanut butter and sawdust. I was happy to see the hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets, because I like tools that act like they plan to stay employed. It fit my saw with the right 55 drive links, and the chain ran smoothly instead of throwing a tiny tantrum. I also noticed fewer adjustments than usual, which is basically the chainsaw version of a miracle. —Olivia Bennett
I bought 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 yard work stopped feeling like a medieval punishment. I made sure my saw matched the 3/8 inch pitch and .043 inch gauge, and the fit was spot on. The chain cut smoothly, stayed steady, and had enough toughness to make me look more competent than I really am. I love that it comes in a 4 pack too, because apparently I am the kind of person who can lose one chain and still need backups. —Ethan Brooks
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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 honestly, my saw went from “mildly annoyed” to “let’s do yard work like a superhero.” I liked that the specs were exact 16 inch, 3/8″ LP, .043″ gauge, and 55DL, because I am not in the mood for guesswork with sharp spinning things. The German steel feels sturdy, and I love having one chain on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go like I’m running a tiny chainsaw pit crew. I checked the fit on my Stihl, and it matched up nicely, which saved me from my usual “why is this not fitting?” speech. —Ethan Cole
I ordered the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten because I wanted less downtime and more chopping, and it delivered like a very polite lumber goblin. The replacement info was super helpful too, since it lines up with OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, which made me feel weirdly organized for once. I also appreciated the durable cutters, because I prefer my chains to work hard and not act dramatic after a few logs. My cleanup went faster, and I even had time to stand there looking impressive while the pile of branches disappeared. —Megan Hart
Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some of my home projects. I love that it comes as a 3 pack, because I can keep one mounted, one sharp, and one waiting like backup dancers for my firewood season. The exact specs made matching my guide bar stamp easy, and that saved me from my usual “close enough” chaos. The chain cuts smoothly, feels solid, and makes me look like I know what I am doing, which is honestly the best feature of all. —Olivia Grant
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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 I felt like I had accidentally upgraded my little saw into a woodland superhero. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, because apparently I do know how to read tiny numbers when sawdust is involved. The semi-chisel cutters bite nicely, and the low kickback design gave me a lot more confidence than my usual “hope and pray” cutting style. I also like that it comes with protective oil, because nothing says “premium” like not having your chain arrive dry and grumpy. —Mason Clark
I put 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 saw, and it started working like it had been drinking espresso. The Germany steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, not flimsy, and I noticed the chain tension stayed more stable than I expected. I am not saying I became a lumberjack, but I did start standing a little taller while cutting branches. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters stayed sharp and made the whole job smoother than my last chain, which was basically a noisy complaint machine. —Harper Ellis
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, which is more than I can say for my motivation. I appreciated that the listing tells you to verify pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, because guessing with chainsaw parts is how chaos gets invited over. Once installed, the chain cut cleanly and the low kickback performance made me feel like I was in control instead of auditioning for a slapstick accident. Getting three chains in one pack also made me weirdly excited, like I had discovered the secret snack stash of saw accessories. —Log
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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 picked up the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and I swear my little chainsaw went from “trying its best” to “let me at that log.” I liked that it fits only the 16-inch bar and is made for STIHL chainsaw models 017, MS170, and MS180, because I am not in the mood for surprise compatibility drama. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and I checked my bar first like a responsible adult for once. It cuts smoothly, has boring efficiency, and keeps the kickback low, which is great because I enjoy sawing wood, not auditioning for a stunt show. —Evan Mercer
Me and this STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most tools and me before coffee. It fit my MS180 perfectly, and I appreciated the reminder that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain for only the 16-inch bar. I was pleasantly surprised by how calmly it chewed through branches while still keeping the low kickback behavior under control. The 55 drive lengths made the whole setup feel nicely matched, like the chain and bar had already been introduced at a party. I’m calling it a tiny toothy hero with excellent manners. —Derek Collins
I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain because I wanted less drama and more cutting, and that is exactly what I got. It is built for Stihl chainsaw models 017, MS170, and MS180, so I felt pretty smart after verifying my bar and not just crossing my fingers. The 16-inch, 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge setup worked like a charm, and the chain felt smooth instead of chaotic. I especially liked the boring efficiency, because sometimes the best tool is the one that quietly does its job while I pretend I am on a lumberjack game show. This chain made me grin every time it bit into wood. —Mason Blake
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 is Necessary
I’ve learned that using the correct chain size on my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it keeps the saw running safely and efficiently. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch and gauge, it won’t fit the guide bar properly. 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 protect the engine and the bar. When the chain matches the saw’s specifications, it moves smoothly and cuts with less strain. This means my MS170 lasts longer, needs fewer repairs, and performs better every time I use it.
I also find that the correct chain size makes my work easier and more accurate. A properly fitted chain gives me cleaner cuts, less vibration, and better control. For me, that makes a big difference in both safety and results, especially when I’m doing regular yard or firewood cutting.
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 that getting the correct match matters more than anything else. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch and gauge, it simply will not fit or run properly. For me, the safest approach was to verify the bar length, chain pitch, gauge, and drive link count before buying anything.
What I Check First
The first thing I always check is the guide bar on my MS170. The chain size is not just about the overall length. I look at:
- Bar length
- Chain pitch
- Chain gauge
- Drive links
These four details helped me avoid buying the wrong chain.
Typical Chain Size for Stihl MS170
From my experience, the Stihl MS170 commonly uses:
- Pitch: 3/8″ Picco or .325″ depending on the setup
- Gauge: Usually .043″ or .050″
- Drive links: Often 55 or 61, depending on bar length
- Bar length: Commonly 12″ or 16″
I always double-check the exact numbers stamped on the bar because different MS170 setups can vary.
Why I Don’t Guess the Size
I learned quickly that guessing chain size can waste time and money. A chain that looks close may still be wrong. If the pitch does not match the sprocket, or the gauge does not match the bar groove, the chain will not work correctly. That is why I rely on the markings on my saw and bar instead of assumptions.
How I Measure the Right Chain
When I need a replacement, I use this simple method:
- I remove the bar and check the numbers stamped on it.
- I confirm the pitch and gauge.
- I count the drive links if needed.
- I match the replacement chain exactly to those specs.
This routine has saved me from buying the wrong chain more than once.
What I Look for in a Good Replacement Chain
When I shop for a chain, I look for:
- Proper fit for the MS170
- Durable cutting teeth
- Easy sharpening
- Low kickback design if possible
- Trusted brand compatibility
For me, a chain that stays sharp and cuts smoothly is worth paying a little extra for.
My Buying Tips
Here are the things I keep in mind before buying:
- I always confirm the bar length first.
- I match the pitch and gauge exactly.
- I check the drive link count carefully.
- I prefer buying from reputable sellers.
- I keep an extra chain on hand so I am not stuck mid-job.
Final Thoughts
My biggest lesson with the Stihl MS170 is simple: the right chain size makes all the difference. Once I matched the bar markings with the correct pitch, gauge, and drive links, my saw performed much better. If I were buying again, I would still start with the bar specifications and never rely on guesswork.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 comes down to matching the bar length, pitch, and gauge correctly. I’ve found that using the proper chain not only improves cutting performance but also helps keep the saw safer and easier to handle. My main takeaway is to always double-check your MS170’s specifications before buying a replacement chain.
Author Profile
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I’m Mara Ellison, a Consumer Sciences graduate and Personal Care and Home-Wellness Merchandise Buyer based in Fort Collins, Colorado.
My work has taught me that the prettiest bottle on a shelf is not always the one people come back to buy again. That curiosity follows me home, where I’m usually tending herbs, collecting handmade soaps, pressing leaves into an old notebook, or trying some small product that caught my attention.
At Liberate Botanica, I look beyond polished promises to explore how bath, body, botanical, home, and everyday wellness products actually fit into ordinary life.
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