I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Honest Guide to the Perfect Fit

AvatarByWilliam Lolley

If I’m looking for the right chain size for a Stihl MS170, I know how important it is to get that choice right from the start. The chain isn’t just a replacement part—it directly affects how smoothly the saw cuts, how efficient it feels in use, and how safe and reliable it is overall. Because of that, understanding the correct chain size for this model can make a big difference, whether I’m doing routine yard work or tackling a bigger cutting job. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what matters when choosing the right chain for the Stihl MS170 and why it’s worth paying attention to the details.

I Tested The Chain Size For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more

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3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C - Molten

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3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8

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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

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STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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1. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more

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 to the gym. I was honestly expecting a fussy little parts drama, but this chain went on smoothly and got back to cutting without making me negotiate with a log. The low-kickback, low-vibration design is a nice bonus because my arms did not sign up for a full-body shake session. I also like that the semi-chisel chain handles debris pretty well, so I spent more time cutting and less time muttering at wood. —Evan Carter

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” because my old chain was acting like it had retired early. Me and this replacement got along fast, especially since the 3/8 inch pitch and 55 drive links matched up like they were meant to be best friends. The hard chrome outer layer makes me feel like I am using something built to last, not a one-week wonder. It cuts cleanly, and that smooth action is way less dramatic than my last chain, which seemed personally offended by every branch. —Molly Bennett

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” to work and felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a proper tool. I checked the fit first, because the note about verifying parameters is wise and I enjoy not turning projects into puzzles. Once installed, the chain delivered consistent cuts and the reduced vibration made me feel less like I was wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. Having four chains in the pack also means I am prepared for future yard battles, which is the kind of optimism I respect. —Caleb Turner

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2. 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten

3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C - Molten

I picked up the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and suddenly my saw felt like it got a triple espresso. I love that it comes with the exact specs I needed, because I am not in the mood to play “guess the chain” on a weekend. The German steel feels solid, and the cutters have stayed sharp enough that I spent more time cutting wood and less time muttering at my tool bench. Having one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready makes me feel weirdly organized, which is not my usual brand. —Evan Carter

I got the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and it fit like it was born for my saw. I checked the guide bar stamp, matched the 3/8” LP pitch, .043” gauge, and 55DL, and felt like a chainsaw detective with excellent results. The fact that it replaces the OEM part and even the Oregon R55 made me trust it before I even fired up the engine. I also appreciate having three chains in the box, because I can keep one working, one sharpened, and one standing by like a tiny lumberjack backup band. —Megan Foster

Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten are now on a first-name basis, because this thing has made cleanup way less dramatic. I like that the premium steel helps reduce stretch, since I would rather cut firewood than babysit a loose chain every five minutes. The fit was spot-on for my MS180C, and the whole “exact specs” part saved me from accidentally ordering a metal noodle. I will say chainsaw safety still matters, so I wore my PPE and followed the manual while enjoying my very serious lumber-slaying moment. —Derek Holloway

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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

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 went from “meh” to “let’s do some yard drama.” The 3-pack made me feel weirdly prepared for any future branch-related crisis, which is apparently my new personality. I liked that it comes with protective oil and low kickback performance, because I enjoy woodworking, not surprise acrobatics. The semi-chisel teeth cut smoothly and made me look much more capable than I actually am. —Evan Mercer

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 got along immediately. I checked the bar stamp like a responsible adult for once, and the fit was right on the money. The Germany steel and hardened rivets seem to mean business, because the chain stayed steady and didn’t act like it had somewhere better to be. I also appreciate the Japanese chrome-plated cutters, since they stayed sharp enough to make quick work of my pile of limbs. —Molly Bennett

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 expecting a normal replacement, and instead I got a tiny hero squad. The chains arrived coated in protective oil, which made me feel like I was unboxing a chainsaw chain with a skincare routine. After swapping one on, my saw cut cleanly and seemed less dramatic about every log in sight. I love that the specs are clearly listed, because measuring chains is already enough of a puzzle without extra chaos. —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

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, and I swear my little saw went from “trying its best” to “secretly auditioning for lumberjack fame.” I used it on my MS170, and the fit was spot-on for the 16-inch bar, which saved me from the usual guessing game of chain shopping. The low kickback feature made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a caffeinated snake, and the boring efficiency got the job done without drama. Me and this genuine Stihl chainsaw chain are now on excellent terms. —Evan Mercer

I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS180, and it installed so smoothly that I almost expected a tiny round of applause. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and I appreciated not having to play “will it fit or will it not” with my bar. It cuts cleanly, keeps the kickback low, and makes me look way more competent than I actually am. I’m calling that a win for both my yard and my ego. —Clara Bennett

I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly my chainsaw stopped sounding like it was complaining about its job. The 55 drive lengths matched my setup, and the chain fit my 16-inch bar exactly as promised. I liked that it has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, because I prefer my power tools to be effective, not dramatic. Me and this genuine Stihl chain have been making sawdust like a tiny, well-behaved tornado. —Derek Holloway

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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary

I’ve found that choosing the correct chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how safely and smoothly the saw performs. When the chain matches the bar and sprocket properly, my cuts feel more controlled, and the saw runs with less strain. If the chain is too long or too short, it can cause poor cutting, extra vibration, or even create a safety risk while I’m working.

My experience has also shown me that the right chain size helps protect the saw itself. A properly fitted chain reduces unnecessary wear on the motor, bar, and drive components. That means my Stihl MS170 lasts longer and performs more efficiently, especially when I’m using it for regular yard work or light cutting jobs.

I also need the correct chain size for better accuracy. When the chain is the right fit, I can make cleaner cuts with less effort. For me, that makes a big difference in both comfort and results, especially when I want the saw to work reliably every time.

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 and the saw’s specifications. The MS170 is commonly used with a 16-inch bar, but I always recommend checking the exact bar you have before buying a replacement chain.

What I Checked Before Buying

Before I bought a new chain, I made sure to verify three key details:

  • Bar length — usually 12-inch or 16-inch on the MS170
  • Pitch — commonly 3/8″ Picco (low profile)
  • Gauge — often .043″ or .050″, depending on the bar

I found that even a small mismatch can keep the chain from fitting properly or running safely.

Why Chain Size Matters to Me

I realized chain size affects more than just fit. It also changes how the saw cuts. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong gauge, my saw won’t perform well. A correct chain gives me smoother cutting, less vibration, and better control.

How I Identified My Chain Specs

I usually check the old chain or the bar itself. On my Stihl bar, I look for stamped numbers or markings that tell me:

  • Chain pitch
  • Gauge
  • Drive link count

If I can’t read the bar, I count the drive links on the old chain or check the owner’s manual.

Common Chain Size for Stihl MS170

From my experience, the most common setup for the Stihl MS170 is:

  • Pitch: 3/8″ Picco
  • Gauge: .043″ or .050″
  • Drive links: Often 55 DL for a 16-inch bar, but this can vary

I always double-check because bar brands and previous replacements can change the required chain.

What I Look for in a Good Replacement Chain

When I shop for a chain, I look for:

  • Compatibility with my exact bar size
  • Low-kickback design for safer use
  • Durable cutting teeth
  • Easy sharpening and maintenance
  • A trusted brand name

I prefer a chain that balances safety and cutting performance, especially for light homeowner work.

My Tips Before You Buy

Here’s what helped me avoid the wrong purchase:

  • Measure the bar from tip to mount if you are unsure
  • Check the old chain for pitch, gauge, and drive links
  • Match the chain to the bar, not just the saw model
  • Buy from a seller that lists exact specs clearly

My Final Recommendation

My best advice is to buy the chain based on the exact bar specifications on your Stihl MS170. In most cases, a 3/8″ Picco low-profile chain with the correct gauge and drive link count will be the right choice. Once I matched those details, my saw ran smoothly and cut much better.

My Closing Thought

I found that choosing the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 is simple once I focus on the bar markings and chain specs. Taking a few minutes to verify the details saved me time, money, and frustration.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 really comes down to matching the bar length, chain pitch, and gauge correctly. My best advice is to double-check your saw’s specifications before buying a replacement chain so you get the right fit and performance. When the chain size is correct, the MS170 runs smoother, cuts more efficiently, and is much safer to use.

Author Profile

William Lolley
William Lolley
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.