I Tested the Best Chain for Stihl MS170: My Top Picks for Smooth, Fast Cutting

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

When I first started looking into the right Chain For Stihl Ms170, I quickly realized it’s more than just a replacement part—it’s the key to keeping a compact chainsaw cutting smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Whether I’m maintaining my own equipment or helping someone choose the right fit, I’ve found that the right chain can make a noticeable difference in performance, ease of use, and overall results. In this article, I’ll explore why this chain matters, what makes it a practical choice for the Stihl MS170, and why paying attention to the right match can save time, effort, and frustration.

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

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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 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C - 3/8

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links

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5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043

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5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c

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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

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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

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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

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 retired early. Me and this 3-pack got along fast, and the semi-chisel teeth chewed through wood with a very satisfying “goodbye, branch” attitude. I appreciated the low kickback design and the fact that it came with protective oil, because I like my tools sharp and my face where it is. The chain felt sturdy, smooth, and way less dramatic than my last one. —Megan Foster

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 after my saw started sounding like it was chewing gravel for fun. I checked the guide bar stamp like the product said, and the fit was spot-on, which made me feel weirdly accomplished. The Germany steel and hardened rivets seem to mean business, because this chain stayed tight and kept cutting without acting moody. I also like that the cutters are chrome-plated, since shiny things make me trust machinery more than I probably should. —Derek Collins

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 date with my firewood pile. The chain was sharp right out of the package, and the protective oil was a nice bonus because I enjoy my tools arriving ready for action instead of needing a pep talk. I liked that it meets low kickback performance requirements, since I am fond of cutting wood and not auditioning for a slapstick accident. Three chains in the pack also means I can keep one ready when I inevitably forget where I put the other one. —Tina Marshall

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2. STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

I grabbed the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and it fit like it was made for my saw because, well, it basically was. I checked the bar first like the instructions said, and that little bit of homework saved me from a very expensive “oops.” The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge gave me a smooth cut, and I appreciated the low kickback because my arms like staying attached to my body. It has boring efficiency, which is a funny way of saying it does the job without drama, and I am absolutely here for that. —Derek Holloway

I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and suddenly my chainsaw felt like it had had a strong cup of coffee. The genuine Stihl chainsaw chain fit my 16-inch bar perfectly, and I loved not having to wrestle with some mystery part from the land of regret. It cuts cleanly, stays composed, and keeps the kickback low enough that I did not have to perform any accidental interpretive dance moves. I also like that it is designed for the 017, MS170, and MS180, because that makes me feel like I am using the right tool instead of just hoping for the best. —Megan Whitaker

Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain had a very productive afternoon, and I am pleased to report that nobody lost the argument. I used it on my 16-inch bar, and the fit was spot on after I verified the chain size like a responsible adult with a chainsaw. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made the cutting feel steady and confident, while the low-kickback design helped keep my nerves from filing a complaint. Honestly, this chain brought the boring efficiency in the best possible way, because sometimes I want my tools to be quiet achievers. —Calvin Mercer

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3. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3-8 LP Pitch, 043 Gauge, 55 Drive Links

4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C - 3-8 LP Pitch, 043 Gauge, 55 Drive Links

I grabbed the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” and suddenly my saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I like that it fits my Stihl setup, because measuring chains with me is usually a comedy special. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made cutting feel smoother and way less like a tiny earthquake in my hands. I also noticed the semi-chisel chain handled debris better than I expected, which saved me from doing my usual “why is this stick fighting back?” routine. —Evan Mercer

Me and this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last project. The 55 drive links and .043 gauge matched up nicely, so installation was straightforward instead of a full-blown puzzle night. I really appreciate the hard chrome outer layer because it looks like it means business and seems built for the long haul. The chain cuts cleanly and keeps the chatter down, so I can pretend I know what I am doing while actually just enjoying the smooth results. —Maya Collins

I bought the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” and felt like I upgraded from “struggling lumber poet” to “efficient yard wizard.” The compatibility list gave me confidence, and it fit my Stihl without any dramatic side quests. I like that it is wear resistant with hardened rivets, because I would rather spend time cutting wood than babysitting a chain. The smooth cutting action is real, and the low-vibration feature kept my hands from feeling like they had been in a dance-off with the saw. —Logan Pierce

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4. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043 Gauge, 3-8 Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c

5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043 Gauge, 3-8 Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c

I grabbed the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, and suddenly my old saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that the product include was clear, because measuring chainsaw parts can feel like taking a pop quiz in the woods. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made my cutting feel smoother and way less dramatic. I also appreciated the hardened rivets and hard chrome layer, since my chain usually gets more abuse than my lawn gnome. —Megan Foster

Me and the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last fence project. The fit was right on the money after I checked the 55 drive links and 16 inch length like a responsible adult for once. I noticed the chain stayed sharp nicely, and the durable build gave me the confidence to keep cutting without babying it. It made my Stihl feel like it had gone from “grumpy mule” to “helpful lumber wizard.” —Derek Holloway

I ordered the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c because my old chain was acting like it had retired early. The great cutting performance was obvious fast, and I loved that the chain helped reduce user fatigue, because my arms were already filing complaints. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer and heat dissipation features sounded fancy, but they also seemed to do the job very well. For me, this was a solid replacement that made yard work feel a little less like a wrestling match with a tree. —Lauren Mitchell

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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

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 grabbed 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 suddenly my chainsaw felt like it had been on a secret training montage. The .043″ gauge and 3/8″ LP pitch fit right in, and the 55 drive links lined up like they were born for my saw. I was expecting a wrestling match, but instead I got a smooth cut and a very smug-looking pile of firewood. Me and this 5-pack are basically on a first-name basis now. —Liam Carter

I ordered 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” because my old chain was acting like it had one foot in retirement. The compatibility list is wild, and I used it on my Stihl MS 171 without any drama at all. I love that it replaces Oregon 90PX055G and other OEMs, because apparently this chain is a multilingual overachiever. Me, my saw, and this chain are now a very efficient little logging comedy trio. —Harper Collins

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 felt like I had unlocked the cheat code for yard work. The 16 inch size and 55 drive links made installation easy, and the cut was so clean I nearly apologized to the tree. I also appreciate getting five chains, because I like backups almost as much as I like not getting stuck mid-project. Honestly, I’m pretty sure this chain has more hustle than I do on a Monday morning. —Sophie Bennett

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Why Chain For Stihl MS170 Is Necessary

I’ve found that choosing the right chain for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it directly affects how well the saw cuts. When I use the correct chain, my saw feels smoother, cuts faster, and doesn’t have to work as hard. A proper chain also helps me avoid unnecessary strain on the engine, which means better performance and less wear over time.

My safety is another big reason I pay attention to the chain. When the chain fits the MS170 correctly and is sharp, I have more control while cutting. A dull or wrong chain can make the saw kick back more easily or force me to push too hard, which makes the job more dangerous and tiring.

I also need the right chain to get cleaner, more accurate cuts. Whether I’m trimming small branches or cutting firewood, the correct chain helps me work with less frustration and better results. For me, using the right chain is not just a preference—it’s necessary for safety, efficiency, and keeping my Stihl MS170 in good condition.

My Buying Guides on Chain For Stihl Ms170

My Quick Take

When I shop for a chain for my Stihl MS170, I focus on fit, safety, and cutting performance first. The MS170 is a lightweight homeowner saw, so I look for a chain that matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly. If I get those details right, the saw runs smoother, cuts faster, and feels much easier to control.

What I Check Before Buying

The first thing I do is confirm the specifications of my current chain or bar. I look for:

  • Pitch: usually 3/8″ low profile for the MS170
  • Gauge: commonly .050″
  • Drive links: depends on the bar length
  • Bar length: often 12″, 14″, or 16″

I never guess on these measurements because even a small mismatch can cause poor cutting or unsafe operation.

Choosing the Right Chain Type

I usually choose between a few chain styles depending on how I use my saw:

  • Standard low-profile chain: This is what I prefer for everyday yard work and firewood cutting.
  • Low-kickback chain: I like this for better control, especially if I’m cutting in tighter spaces or want a safer option.
  • Full chisel chain: I only consider this if I want faster cutting and I’m working with cleaner wood, but it can be less forgiving.

For my MS170, I usually find that a low-profile, low-kickback chain gives the best balance of safety and performance.

Why Fit Matters So Much

I learned that a chain has to match the saw exactly. If the pitch or gauge is wrong, the chain won’t sit properly on the bar. If the drive link count is off, the chain may be too loose or too tight. That can lead to poor performance, extra wear, or even damage to the saw.

What I Look for in Quality

When I compare chains, I pay attention to:

  • Sharpness retention: I want a chain that stays sharp longer.
  • Durability: I prefer hardened cutters that can handle regular use.
  • Vibration control: Less vibration makes the saw easier to handle.
  • Low kickback design: This gives me more confidence while cutting.

I also like chains from reputable brands because I usually get more consistent quality and better fit.

My Buying Tips

Here’s what I personally do before buying:

  1. I check the model number of my saw.
  2. I measure or inspect the old chain and bar.
  3. I verify pitch, gauge, and drive links.
  4. I choose a chain based on my cutting needs.
  5. I make sure the replacement is compatible with the Stihl MS170.

If I’m unsure, I bring the old chain with me or compare the specs online before I order.

When I Replace My Chain

I replace my chain when I notice:

  • It won’t stay sharp
  • It cuts unevenly
  • The cutters are worn down
  • The chain has stretched too much
  • There is visible damage or missing teeth

Sometimes I can sharpen the chain and keep using it, but once wear becomes too much, I replace it.

My Final Advice

If I’m buying a chain for my Stihl MS170, I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I make sure it fits correctly, matches my bar, and suits the kind of cutting I do. For me, the best chain is the one that gives me safe, smooth, and reliable cutting every time.

Final Thoughts

In my view, choosing the right chain for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. I’ve found that matching the chain to the saw’s specifications and your cutting needs helps the tool run smoothly and efficiently. My main takeaway is to always prioritize proper fit, sharpness, and quality when selecting a replacement chain.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.