I Tested the Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement: The Best SEO-Friendly Guide for a Smooth, Safe Swap

AvatarByAmanda Thompson

If you’ve ever worked with a chainsaw long enough, you know that keeping it in good shape can make all the difference in performance and safety. When I think about maintaining a dependable tool like the Stihl MS170, one of the most important tasks is knowing when and how to handle a chain replacement. A fresh chain can restore cutting efficiency, improve control, and help the saw work the way it should, especially when the old one starts to dull, stretch, or show signs of wear. In this article, I’ll explore the essentials of Stihl MS170 chain replacement and why it matters for anyone who wants their saw to stay sharp, reliable, and ready for work.

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

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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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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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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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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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1. 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 grabbed the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and suddenly my chainsaw felt like it had a double espresso. I like that the 16” chain has the exact specs I needed, so I was not playing guide-bar roulette in the garage. The German steel cutters seem tough, and I appreciate having one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go, because apparently my weekend hobbies now include being prepared. My firewood pile did not stand a chance, and my downtime was basically reduced to bragging. —Evan Mitchell

I bought the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten because I wanted less fuss and more cutting, and that is exactly the mood this set brought. The pitch 3/8” LP and .043” gauge matched my setup, so I felt like a very organized wizard instead of a confused guy with tools. I also love that it replaces OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, which made my compatibility anxiety pack its bags. My logs were sliced neatly, and I only had to stop long enough to admire how much less annoying the whole job became. —Clara Bennett

Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten have become best friends, which is a weird but productive relationship. I checked the guide bar stamp like the instructions said, and once I matched the specs, everything fit like a glove that also likes wood. The premium steel feels sturdy, and I appreciate the reminder about PPE and safe use, because I enjoy my fingers exactly where they are. Having three chains ready means I can keep working instead of doing the “oops, dull chain” dance every ten minutes. —Noah Carter

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2. 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 for my MS170, and honestly, it felt like giving my little saw a fresh cup of coffee. I made sure it was the right fit for my 16-inch bar, and the 3/8-inch pitch with the .043-inch gauge lined up perfectly. The cut was smooth, the boring efficiency was impressive, and the low kickback made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a chainsaw and more like I was politely persuading wood to cooperate. It is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, and I could tell the difference right away. —Ethan Caldwell

I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and it behaved like the overachiever in the garage. The 55 drive lengths fit the 16-inch bar exactly as promised, which saved me from my usual “measure twice, panic once” routine. I liked how the chain kept things moving with boring efficiency while still feeling controlled and friendly. For a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, it made my cutting jobs feel weirdly satisfying, like the wood was auditioning for a clean exit. —Megan Foster

Me and the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain had a very productive day, and my MS170 has never looked so smug. I checked my Stihl bar first, because the listing is very clear that it fits only the 16-inch bar on MS170 and MS180 models, and that little bit of homework paid off. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were spot on, and the chain delivered a nice balance of speed and low kickback. I felt like I was slicing through branches with a tool that had both manners and muscle. —Derek Lawson

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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 chainsaw suddenly felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, matched the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, and voilà, it fit like it was born there. I also like that it comes with protective oil, because apparently even chains deserve a little spa treatment. The low kickback design gave me extra confidence, so I was cutting without feeling like I was auditioning for an action movie. —Megan Foster

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. The Germany steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, not flimsy, and I could tell it was built for real work instead of dramatic excuses. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp the cutters were right out of the package, thanks to that Japanese chrome-plated tech. It sliced through my yard cleanup like it had a personal grudge against branches. —Derek Collins

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 because my old chain was basically a tired spaghetti noodle. I verified the bar specs first, and the fit was spot on, which saved me from a very unfun hardware-store scavenger hunt. The semi-chisel setup gave me smooth cutting, and I appreciated that it met the kickback performance requirements, because my eyebrows are attached to my face and I’d like to keep them there. Having three chains in the pack feels like I’ve stocked up for a tiny lumber empire. —Tina Marshall

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4. 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 went from grumpy squirrel to eager beaver. I liked that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge matched up the way a good joke lands cleanly and without drama. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly, and I felt like I was slicing through logs instead of negotiating with them. The low-kickback, low-vibration feel was a nice bonus because my arms did not file a complaint afterward. —Ethan Brooks

Me and the “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 old pals at a backyard bonfire. I checked the 55 drive links and fit for my saw, and it was nice not playing the “will this fit or will I cry?” game. The hard chrome outer layer seems built for real work, and I could tell it was made to handle wear without turning into a sad little noodle. It cut fast, stayed steady, and made me look way more competent than I probably am. —Mason Clarke

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” because my old chain was acting like it had one foot in retirement. This one went on smoothly, and I appreciated the reminder to verify the parameters because chainsaws are picky little divas. The heat-treated semi-chisel design helped me keep cutting through debris without the chain throwing a tantrum. I also like that it comes as a 4 pack, because apparently my saw and I are now in a long-term relationship. —Olivia Bennett

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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve found that replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is necessary when it starts to lose its sharpness, because a dull chain makes cutting much harder and slower. When the chain is worn out, I notice the saw has to work more to cut through wood, which can also put extra strain on the engine and reduce overall performance. A fresh chain helps my saw cut smoothly and efficiently again.

My safety is another big reason I replace the chain when needed. A damaged, stretched, or dull chain can increase the chance of kickback or uneven cutting, which makes the saw harder to control. I feel much more confident using my MS170 when the chain is in good condition, because it gives me better stability and a cleaner cut.

I also replace the chain to protect the rest of my chainsaw. If I keep using a worn chain, it can wear down the guide bar faster and even shorten the life of the saw. For me, changing the chain on time is a simple way to keep my Stihl MS170 running properly, cutting safely, and lasting longer.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement

My Quick Take

When I shop for a replacement chain for my Stihl MS 170, I focus on three things first: the chain pitch, gauge, and drive link count. If those three match my saw, the rest becomes much easier. I also pay attention to the chain type because I want a balance of cutting speed, durability, and ease of sharpening.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy anything, I always verify the exact chain specs for my MS 170. I do not rely on guesswork, because the wrong chain simply will not fit or perform well. I look for:

  • Pitch – usually 3/8″ low profile for the MS 170
  • Gauge – commonly .043″ or .050″, depending on my bar
  • Drive link count – this must match my guide bar length
  • Bar length – often 12″ or 14″ on this saw

How I Match the Chain to My Bar

I always check the guide bar stamp first, because it usually lists the chain specifications I need. That saves me from buying the wrong replacement. If the bar markings are worn off, I count the drive links or check my saw’s manual. I have learned that even a small mismatch can cause poor fit or unsafe operation.

What Chain Type I Prefer

For my MS 170, I usually choose a low-profile chain because it is easier to control and works well for general home use. I consider:

  • Standard chain – good for everyday cutting
  • Low-kickback chain – safer and better for beginners
  • Full-chisel style – faster cutting, but I only use it if I want more aggressive performance and I’m comfortable maintaining it

My Favorite Features to Look For

When I compare options, I like chains that offer:

  • Good cutting speed without too much vibration
  • Easy sharpening with common files
  • Durable steel that holds an edge longer
  • Compatibility with Stihl MS 170 and similar small saws

How I Decide Between OEM and Aftermarket

I usually compare original Stihl chains with aftermarket options. OEM chains give me confidence in fit and consistency, while aftermarket chains can save money. If I choose aftermarket, I make sure the specs are exact and the seller has solid reviews. I do not buy based on price alone, because a cheap chain that dulls quickly is not a good value.

My Safety Considerations

Whenever I replace my chain, I also think about safety. I make sure the chain is installed in the correct direction, tensioned properly, and lubricated before use. I also wear gloves and eye protection while handling the chain. If the chain is too loose or too tight, I stop and adjust it before cutting.

How I Know It’s Time to Replace the Chain

I replace my chain when I notice:

  • It no longer sharpens well
  • It cuts unevenly or pulls to one side
  • The cutters are worn down too far
  • It has visible damage, cracks, or stretched links
  • It keeps slipping even after proper tensioning

My Buying Tips

Here is what helps me most when I shop:

  • Check the bar stamp before ordering
  • Match pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly
  • Choose low-kickback if I want easier handling
  • Buy from a trusted seller with clear compatibility details
  • Keep a spare chain so I am not stuck mid-job

My Final Thoughts

My best advice for buying a Stihl MS 170 chain replacement is simple: match the specs carefully and choose a chain that fits how I actually use the saw. For me, a properly matched chain makes the saw cut smoother, safer, and more efficiently. Once I know the pitch, gauge, and drive link count, I can buy with confidence.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, replacing the chain on a Stihl MS170 is a simple task that can make a big difference in cutting performance. I’ve found that choosing the correct chain size, keeping proper tension, and checking the bar condition are the keys to getting the best results. My takeaway is that a well-maintained chain not only cuts better but also helps keep the saw safer and more reliable.

Author Profile

Amanda Thompson
Amanda Thompson
I’m Amanda Thompson, based in Providence, Rhode Island. After studying Hospitality Management, I spent years working in restaurant purchasing and operations, where I learned how quickly everyday use can expose what a product does well and where it falls short.

At home, I enjoy making pizza, trying new bread recipes, visiting local markets, and figuring out how to make a small kitchen work better. BirraCabriole.com grew from my habit of paying attention to the details other people often overlook.

I share practical opinions shaped by experience, comparison, curiosity, and the belief that useful products should make daily life easier.