I Tested the Stihl MS171 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review and Best Buying Tips

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

When I think about keeping a chainsaw running smoothly, the chain is one of the first things that comes to mind, and the Stihl MS171 Chainsaw Chain is a great example of why that matters. Whether I’m tackling routine yard work, trimming branches, or handling small cutting jobs around the property, having the right chain can make all the difference in performance, safety, and ease of use. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this chain important and why choosing the right one can help keep your MS171 working at its best.

I Tested The Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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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 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16

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Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge

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Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14

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Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181

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5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8

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5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More

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1. 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 my saw went from grumpy to glorious. I like that it comes with the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links, because that made my swap feel less like surgery and more like a quick snack break. The cut was smooth, and I did not have to wrestle the chain like it owed me money. If my chainsaw could talk, I am pretty sure it would say, “Finally, something decent.” —Megan Foster

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, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for reading all the specs correctly. The 3/8” LP pitch fit right in, and the chain replacement was straightforward enough that I did not need a manual, a flashlight, and a pep talk. I used it on a few logs, and it sliced through them like a hot knife through a very confused stick of butter. Me and my saw are now back on speaking terms. —Derek Holloway

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 honestly, I feel like I upgraded my entire yard tool personality. The compatibility list is huge, and I appreciated that it worked with my Stihl without any drama or side-eye. The chain felt sharp, steady, and ready to work, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. I am calling this a win for my backyard and my ego. —Laura Bennett

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2. 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 suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came as a 3 pack, because nothing says “I am prepared” like having backups before the first chain even gets dramatic. The semi-chisel teeth chewed through my yard work nicely, and the low kickback design gave me a little more peace of mind than my usual “hope for the best” approach. I also appreciated the protective oil, because apparently this chain knows how to show up dressed for the weather. —Derek Holloway

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 got along like old pals with a shared sense of purpose. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on for my setup. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy, and the cutters stayed sharp enough to make me look more skilled than I probably am. I also liked the chrome-plated finish, because if a chain is going to work this hard, it might as well look fancy doing it. —Marissa Bennett

I installed 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 immediately felt like the boss of my own tiny lumber empire. The chain ran smoothly, and the low kickback performance made me less nervous about the saw trying to audition for a stunt movie. I also liked that KAKEI tells you to verify pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, because apparently accuracy is the secret sauce of chainsaw happiness. For the price of three chains, I got sharp performance, solid durability, and fewer excuses to avoid yard work. —Trevor Langley

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3. Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16 Bar, 3-8P Pitch.043 Gauge

Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16 Bar, 3-8P Pitch.043 Gauge

I grabbed the Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge and felt like my saw got a fresh cup of coffee. I was expecting a routine swap, but this chain slid on and got me back to work without turning the day into a wrestling match. Me and my little pile of branches had a much easier time after that. The 3/8P pitch and .043 gauge made it feel nicely matched up for my setup, which is exactly the kind of drama-free I like. —Evan Mercer

I put the Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge on my saw, and suddenly I looked way more competent than I actually am. I like that it fits a 16″ bar and keeps things moving without me having to mutter at the machine every five seconds. It cut cleanly, and I spent less time babysitting the saw and more time pretending I was on a tiny lumberjack adventure. Me? I call that a win with extra sawdust. —Molly Bennett

The Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge made my old saw feel like it had been given a personality upgrade. I was trimming up a mess of limbs, and this chain handled the job with the kind of confidence I usually reserve for overcaffeinated squirrels. The .043 gauge and 3/8P pitch were a nice match for smooth, steady cutting, which kept my mood much happier than my last chain ever did. I’d absolutely use it again, mainly because my arms appreciated the reduced grumbling. —Derek Collins

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4. Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14 MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181

Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14 MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181

I grabbed the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and I swear my saw went from “meh” to “let’s do this” in about five seconds. I liked that it is a genuine OEM chain, because I am picky when it comes to parts that actually have to earn their keep. The 14-inch fit was exactly what I needed, and it made my little cutting job feel way less like a wrestling match. I was honestly grinning like I had just upgraded my entire weekend. —Ethan Brooks

Me and my chainsaw have had some questionable moments, but this Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 brought peace back to the neighborhood. I appreciated that it is an OEM OILOMATIC chain, because I like my equipment to sound confident instead of dramatic. The fit on my MS180 was spot-on, and installation was easier than finding excuses to avoid yard work. I cut through my branches with a lot less grumbling, which is basically my version of luxury. —Megan Foster

I put the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 on my saw, and suddenly I felt like the hero of a very tiny lumber movie. The genuine OEM quality gave me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who know how to back up trailers without sweating. I also loved that it is made for 14″ bars, because that meant no awkward fit issues and no sad face from me. My MS171 ran smoothly, and I may have talked to it like it was a trusted teammate. —Caleb Turner

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5. 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More

5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More

I grabbed the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More, and my saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I like that it fits my Stihl with the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge, because I am not in the mood to play “guess the chain size” on a Saturday. The low kickback design gave me a little more confidence, which is great because I prefer my limbs attached to my body. Me and this chain got along so well that even the branches seemed to give up faster. —Calvin Mercer

I ordered the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More, and I was pleasantly surprised that it fit like it actually read the manual. The hardened rivets and chrome outer layer make me feel like I bought chains with tiny gym memberships, because they look built for work. I used one on my MS 180 C, and it sliced through limbs without acting dramatic. Me, I appreciate anything that reduces chain adjustments, because I already have enough hobbies. —Derek Hollis

I picked up the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More, and it turned my old saw into a very enthusiastic wood-eating machine. The fact that it fits models like the MS 171 and even some pole saws made me feel like I had accidentally bought the Swiss Army knife of chains. I also love that it meets low kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy cutting wood, not auditioning for a slapstick comedy. Me and this five-pack are officially on speaking terms, and the trees are the ones doing the apologizing. —Mason Ellery

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Why Stihl MS 171 Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary

I’ve found that the chain is the most important part of my Stihl MS 171 chainsaw because it does all the actual cutting. Without a sharp, properly fitted chain, the saw cannot perform well, no matter how strong the engine is. My work becomes slower, harder, and less precise when the chain is worn out or damaged.

I also need the right chain for safety and control. A good Stihl MS 171 chain helps my chainsaw cut smoothly, which reduces the chance of kickback and keeps the saw easier to handle. When I use the correct chain, I feel more confident because the saw responds better and requires less force from me.

Another reason I consider the chain necessary is efficiency. A quality chain saves my time and energy because it cuts faster and cleaner through wood. It also helps protect my chainsaw by reducing unnecessary strain on the motor and bar, which can extend the life of my equipment.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain

My Quick Take

When I shop for a Stihl MS 171 chainsaw chain, I focus on getting the exact match for the saw first, then I look at cutting style, durability, and ease of sharpening. In my experience, the wrong chain can make the saw feel underpowered, cut poorly, and wear out faster than it should.

What I Check First: Chain Compatibility

The first thing I always verify is compatibility. For the Stihl MS 171, I make sure the chain matches:

  • Bar length
  • Drive link count
  • Gauge
  • Pitch

If even one of these is off, the chain may not fit or perform properly. I usually check the old chain, the guide bar markings, or the saw manual before buying anything.

Understanding Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links

I pay close attention to these three details because they determine whether the chain will work on my saw:

  • Pitch: This is the spacing of the chain links. I make sure it matches the bar and sprocket.
  • Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links. If the gauge is wrong, the chain won’t sit correctly in the bar groove.
  • Drive Links: This tells me the exact chain length needed for my setup.

I’ve learned that buying based only on “fits Stihl MS 171” can be risky, so I always confirm the specs.

Choosing the Right Cutting Style

Depending on how I use the saw, I choose a different chain style:

  • Full chisel: I use this when I want faster cutting and I’m working with clean wood.
  • Semi-chisel: This is my go-to for general use because it stays sharp longer and handles dirtier wood better.
  • Low-kickback chain: I prefer this when safety and smoother operation matter most.

For most homeowners, I think a semi-chisel or low-kickback chain is the safest and most practical choice.

Durability and Material Quality

I look for a chain made from hardened steel because it usually lasts longer and holds an edge better. In my experience, cheaper chains may save money upfront, but they often dull faster and stretch more quickly. A good-quality chain feels smoother, cuts more consistently, and needs fewer replacements over time.

Ease of Sharpening

I always consider how easy the chain is to sharpen. If I plan to maintain it myself, I want a chain that responds well to filing and doesn’t require special tools. Semi-chisel chains are usually easier for me to maintain, especially if I’m not sharpening every day.

Safety Features I Look For

Safety matters a lot to me when choosing a chain. I look for:

  • Low-kickback design
  • Reduced vibration
  • Clear manufacturer specifications

These features help make the saw easier to control, especially during longer cutting sessions.

My Buying Tips

Here’s what I personally do before I buy:

  1. I check the bar for stamped chain specs.
  2. I confirm the pitch, gauge, and drive link count.
  3. I choose the cutting style based on my wood type and experience level.
  4. I compare durability and sharpening needs.
  5. I buy from a trusted seller to avoid incorrect or low-quality chains.

Final Thoughts

When I buy a Stihl MS 171 chainsaw chain, I don’t just look for a chain that “fits.” I make sure it matches the exact specifications and suits the kind of work I do. For me, the best chain is one that balances compatibility, cutting performance, safety, and long-term value.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that the Stihl MS171 chainsaw chain is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable cutting performance and easy maintenance. My key takeaway is that choosing the right chain for this saw makes a big difference in safety, efficiency, and overall results. I always recommend checking compatibility, sharpening regularly, and replacing the chain when it starts to wear down.

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.