I Tested the Best Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS170: My Top SEO-Friendly Pick
When I started looking into the Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in both performance and ease of use. Whether I’m replacing a worn-out chain or simply trying to get cleaner, smoother cuts, choosing the right fit for this saw matters more than I first expected. In this article, I’ll explore why this particular chain is so important for the Stihl MS170 and what makes it a key part of keeping the saw running reliably and efficiently.
I Tested The Chainsaw Chain 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
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
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” because my old chain was acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I checked the guide bar stamp like the instructions said, and the fit was spot on, which made me feel weirdly proud of myself. The semi-chisel cut smoothly, and I liked that it came with protective oil because my tools deserve a little spa treatment too. It also feels reassuring knowing it met low kickback performance requirements, since I prefer my chainsaw adventures to stay exciting in a safe way. —Derek Collins
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” chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for some family dinners. The Germany steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, and I noticed it stayed consistent instead of stretching around like it was doing yoga. I also appreciated the Japanese chrome-plated cutters, because they came sharp enough to make me look like I know what I am doing. For three chains in one pack, I felt like I was stocking up for a very productive, slightly dramatic weekend. —Megan Foster
I never thought I would be emotionally attached to a chainsaw chain, but here we are with 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”. It fit my saw the way the specs promised, and the 55 drive links made the whole setup feel refreshingly straightforward. The low kickback design gave me extra confidence, which is handy when I am trying to look fearless while actually being very respectful of spinning metal. I would happily buy it again, especially because it cut cleanly and made my yard work feel slightly less like a punishment from the universe. —Rachel Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 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 felt like it had been drinking espresso. I was honestly expecting a grumpy little wrestling match, but the low-kickback, low-vibration design made the whole job feel way calmer than my usual “chainsaw chaos hour.” Me and the chain got along great because it cut smoothly through wood without acting dramatic about a few bits of debris. I also like that the hardened rivets and hard chrome outer layer make it feel sturdy enough to survive my questionable confidence. —Evan Parker
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 for my Stihl, and it fit like it was made by a very organized wizard. I checked the specs first, because Me and surprise compatibility are not exactly best friends, and the 3/8 inch pitch with 55 drive links matched perfectly. The semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly, and I noticed it handled little bits of mess without throwing a tantrum. I even felt like I was doing professional lumberjack business, which is hilarious because I was mostly just trimming branches in sneakers. —Megan Collins
I put the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more on my saw, and it immediately stopped behaving like a rusty complaint machine. Me, I love anything that reduces chain adjustments, and this one’s wear-resistant hard chrome outer layer seems ready for the long haul. The cut was clean, smooth, and surprisingly civilized for something that sounds like it could star in an action movie. I also appreciated the low-vibration feel, because my hands were much less tired and my coffee stayed in the cup for once. —Caleb Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 honestly, it made my little chainsaw feel like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that it fits the 16-inch bar and is made for the MS170 and MS180 only, because I am very much a “measure twice, buy once” kind of person after past mistakes. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and the low-kickback design gave me a lot more confidence while I was working. It cut smoothly, stayed steady, and did not act like it had a personal grudge against my forearms. —Mason Clarke
Me and this STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain got along like old friends with a shared hobby of making logs smaller. I appreciated that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain and that the product clearly says to check the bar first, because my brain enjoys avoiding expensive confusion. The boring efficiency is real, and it kept moving through wood without making me feel like I was wrestling a stubborn metal noodle. I also liked the low kickback feature, since my idea of excitement does not include surprise chain drama. —Ella Bennett
I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and it behaved like the overachiever of the garage. The fit was perfect for my 16-inch bar, and I was relieved that the 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge matched up without any detective work. It sliced cleanly, ran smoothly, and gave me that satisfying “yes, this was a smart purchase” feeling. Me? I am just happy it has boring efficiency and low kickback, because I prefer my tools to be useful rather than dramatic. —Caleb Morgan
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 a fresh cup of coffee. I loved that the 16” chain has the exact specs I needed, because I am not in the mood for mystery parts and regret. The German steel cutters feel sturdy, and I noticed less stretch than I expected after a few rounds of cleanup. Having three chains is basically my version of adulting, because I can keep one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go. —Megan Foster
Me and my chainsaw had a very good day with the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten. I checked the pitch 3/8” LP, gauge .043”, and 55DL fit, and it matched my guide bar stamp like a tiny mechanical love story. The replacement references were a bonus, since I like my parts to come with receipts and confidence. I also appreciate the less downtime part, because firewood does not care about my schedule. —Derek Collins
I put the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten to work, and it behaved like the overachiever in the toolbox. The premium steel chain cut smoothly, stayed sharp longer than my patience during yard work, and made cleanup feel way less dramatic. I like that the pack gives me a backup plan, because one chain on the saw and two waiting around means I am basically prepared for anything except my neighbor asking to borrow it. Safety still matters, so I wore PPE and followed the manual, even if I looked like a very determined astronaut. —Hannah Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3-8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
I bought the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links, and honestly, my chainsaw started acting like it had its coffee. I liked that the .043″ gauge and 3/8″ LP pitch matched up nicely, so I spent less time fiddling and more time cutting. The 55 drive links were right on the money for my setup, which made me feel like I had accidentally become a chainsaw wizard. I also love that it comes as a 5 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who wants backup for my backup. —Megan Lawson
I picked up the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links, and it fit my little saw like it was tailored by a tiny lumberjack. I was happy to see it works with models like the Stihl MS 170 and MS 180, because I enjoy not having to solve a puzzle before breakfast. The chain felt smooth and steady, and my yard debris did not stand a chance. I even appreciated the compatibility list, since it made me feel like I was shopping with a map instead of a blindfold. —Derek Holloway
Me and the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links are now officially friends. I needed something compatible with my Stihl, and this chain delivered with the exact .043″ gauge, 3/8” LP pitch, and 55 drive links I was looking for. I also like that it fits a bunch of models, because apparently this chain believes in making friends everywhere. Having five chains in one pack feels delightfully prepared, like I am ready for a very ambitious tree and a mildly dramatic weekend. —Tina Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the chainsaw chain on a Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how well the saw cuts. When the chain is sharp and properly matched to the saw, my work becomes faster, smoother, and much safer. A good chain helps me cut through wood with less effort, which means I don’t have to force the saw or waste time struggling with dull cuts.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain improves control. When the chain fits the MS170 correctly, the saw runs more efficiently and vibrates less, which makes it easier for me to handle. That matters a lot when I’m trimming branches, cutting firewood, or doing regular yard work, because I want the saw to respond predictably every time I use it.
I also see the chainsaw chain as necessary for protecting the saw itself. If I use the wrong chain or keep a damaged one on too long, it can put extra strain on the motor and reduce the life of the machine. For me, keeping the Stihl MS170 chain in good condition is one of the simplest ways to make sure my chainsaw stays reliable and ready whenever I need it.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170
My Quick Overview
When I started looking for a chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170, I realized that not every chain fits the same way or performs the same. The MS170 is a lightweight homeowner saw, so I needed a chain that matched its bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive links exactly. Getting those details right made a big difference in cutting speed, safety, and how smoothly my saw ran.
What I Checked First
Before I bought anything, I looked at the specifications on my current chain and guide bar. I paid attention to:
- Pitch – the spacing between the chain links
- Gauge – the thickness of the drive links
- Drive link count – the number of links that fit the bar
- Bar length – usually 12″, 14″, or 16″ for this model
For my MS170, matching these measurements was the most important step. If I guessed, I risked buying a chain that would not fit properly.
Choosing the Right Chain Type
I found that the chain type affects how the saw cuts:
- Full chisel – cuts fast, but needs more sharpening and is better for experienced users
- Semi-chisel – cuts a little slower, but stays sharper longer and is easier for regular homeowners like me
- Low-kickback – safer and often recommended for the MS170
For my own use, I preferred a low-kickback semi-chisel chain because it gave me a good balance of safety, durability, and ease of maintenance.
Why Compatibility Matters
I learned quickly that the Stihl MS170 works best with chains designed for its specific setup. Even if a chain looks similar, the wrong pitch or gauge can cause poor cutting, extra wear, or unsafe operation. I always checked the owner’s manual or the markings on the bar before ordering. That saved me from returning the wrong chain more than once.
My Tips for Better Performance
To get the best results from my chain, I made sure to:
- Keep the chain properly tensioned
- Sharpen it regularly
- Lubricate the bar and chain often
- Replace the chain when the cutters were too worn
I noticed that a sharp, well-oiled chain made my MS170 cut faster and reduced strain on the engine.
What I Looked for When Buying
When I compared options, I looked for:
- Exact fit for Stihl MS170
- Durable steel construction
- Low-vibration design
- Low-kickback safety features
- Good customer reviews
I also preferred buying from trusted sellers so I could avoid counterfeit or poor-quality chains.
My Final Advice
If I were buying a chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 again, I would focus on fit first, then safety, then cutting performance. A properly matched chain makes the saw easier to control and helps it last longer. For me, the best choice was always the one that matched my bar specs and my level of experience.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and ease of use. I always look for a chain that matches the saw’s specifications so I can get clean, efficient cuts without unnecessary wear. My takeaway is that a well-fitted, properly maintained chain helps the MS170 perform at its best for everyday cutting tasks.
Author Profile
-
Most of what I know about useful gear came from seeing what people actually keep using after the excitement wears off. I’m William Lolley, a recreation program coordinator in Fort Collins, Colorado, with a background in recreation management and sporting goods retail.
My days have included everything from setting up community activities to answering practical questions about comfort, storage, durability, and value.
Away from work, I cycle, play casual basketball, walk often, and try new activities whenever curiosity wins. Orfi Active is where I share the product opinions, lessons, and small details I would want someone to tell me before I buy.
Latest entries
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested David Beckham Classic Blue: My Honest Review of This Timeless Fragrance
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 2009 Lexus IS250 Screen Replacement: Best Fixes, Costs, and Results
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Heat Press Cover Sheet: My Honest Guide to Better Transfers
- September 17, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested L’Oreal Elvive Total Repair 5: My Honest Review of This Damage-Repairing Hair Care Favorite