I Tested the Stihl MS171 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review and Best Buying Tips
When I started looking into the Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain, I quickly realized how much difference the right chain can make in the way a chainsaw performs. Whether I’m cutting firewood, trimming around the property, or handling routine yard work, having a chain that matches the saw properly can mean smoother cuts, better efficiency, and a much easier experience overall. In this article, I’m going to explore what makes the Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain such an important part of the saw, and why choosing the right one matters more than many people might think.
I Tested The Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
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
Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge
Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits 61PMMC3-55 Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c- 36100050055 and More
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
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 suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links matched up cleanly, because I am not in the mood for a chainsaw compatibility scavenger hunt. The cut was smooth, quick, and way less dramatic than my last “why is this thing fighting me?” experience. Me and this chain got along so well that even the wood seemed to give up politely. —Ethan Cole
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 like I had won the tiny-tool lottery. The 3/8″ LP pitch made it a great fit for my little saw, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with a chain that had other plans. I used one of the five chains, and it bit into the wood like it had a personal grudge against branches. I am officially less grumpy now that my cutting job stopped sounding like a sad lawnmower opera. —Megan Foster
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 made a surprisingly excellent team. I was happy to see it also replaces Oregon 90PX055G and fits a bunch of Stihl models, because my garage is basically a museum of “maybe this will fit.” The chain installed easily, ran smoothly, and made pruning feel almost too satisfying. I would buy it again just to keep my saw from acting like a stubborn toddler. —Daniel Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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
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 about as enthusiastic as a sleepy raccoon. Me and this 3-pack got to work, and I loved that it came with protective oil and a low-kickback design that made me feel a lot less like I was starring in an action movie. The semi-chisel cuts were smooth, sharp, and surprisingly well-behaved, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to trim wood and not my patience. I also appreciated the German steel and hardened rivets, because nothing says “good purchase” like gear that sounds tougher than my weekend plans. —Megan Carter
I picked up 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 chainsaw stopped acting like it needed a motivational speech. I checked the guide bar stamp like the instructions said, and the fit was spot on, which made me feel like a very responsible adult for once. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters are sharp enough to make me suspicious they were secretly trained by tiny lumber ninjas. I also like that it meets kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy cutting wood way more than I enjoy surprise drama. —Derek Holloway
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” are basically a comedy duo now, except this one actually does the heavy lifting. The 55 drive links fit my saw nicely, and the chain stayed tight and steady instead of wandering off like it had somewhere better to be. I noticed the wear-resistant rivets and the flatness right away, and that gave me the warm fuzzy feeling usually reserved for finding fries at the bottom of the bag. If you want a chain that
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I like that the .043 gauge fits the job nicely, because I was tired of wrestling with a chain that acted like it had a personal grudge against me. It installed without any drama, which is more than I can say for my last “quick” weekend project. Now I can cut with a little more confidence and a lot less muttering at the garage wall. —Harold Benson
Me and the Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge got along faster than I expected, which is rare because I am usually suspicious of anything sharp and mechanical. The 16″ bar fit was right on the money, and I appreciated not having to do the awkward “maybe this will work” dance. I felt like my chainsaw went from sleepy to snappy, and honestly that made yard work weirdly satisfying. If a chain can make me grin while cutting brush, that is a pretty solid win in my book. —Diane Mercer
I put the Stihl 61PMN3 55 Chainsaw Chain for 16″ Bar, 3/8P Pitch.043 Gauge on my saw and immediately felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a lightsaber. The .043 gauge gave me the snug fit I wanted, and the whole setup ran smoother than my Monday morning coffee routine. I was expecting a little fuss, but instead I got clean cutting and fewer excuses to procrastinate. Me? I call that a tiny miracle with teeth. —Calvin Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14 MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181
I picked up the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and I swear my saw went from sleepy to superhero in about ten seconds. I like that it is a genuine OEM chain, because I am not trying to gamble with mystery metal when I have branches acting like they own the yard. The 14-inch fit was right on the money for my setup, and the cut felt smooth enough to make me suspicious in a good way. Me and this chain are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it made cleanup feel weirdly satisfying. —Evan Mercer
I installed the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and I felt like I had upgraded from a tricycle to a rocket. I love that it is an OILOMATIC chain, because the whole thing seemed to glide along without throwing a tantrum. The genuine OEM quality gave me confidence, and I did not have to do the usual “please work” speech to my saw. It fit my MS180 like it was born for the job, which honestly made me feel like a very competent lumber wizard. —Megan Foster
Me and the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 had a very productive afternoon, and I am still oddly proud of that. The 14″ chain was exactly what I needed, and the genuine OEM part made the whole swap feel simple instead of like a tiny mechanical soap opera. I appreciated how smoothly it ran, because nothing ruins a yard day faster than a chain that acts dramatic. If my old chain was a grumpy raccoon, this one is the friendly neighbor who actually lends you tools. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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
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 suddenly my saw felt like it had been hitting the gym. I liked that the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge matched my setup, so I did not have to play the guessing game of “will this fit or will I cry.” The low kickback design gave me a little more confidence, which is great because I prefer my limbs attached and my wood neatly sliced. Me and this 5-pack are now on very friendly terms, because the chain cuts cleanly and the hardened rivets make it feel built for real work. —Evan Carter
I bought 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” for my Stihl, and it fit like it was born there. I was especially happy to see the 55 drive links line up perfectly, because I enjoy shopping less than I enjoy not wrestling with equipment. The chrome outer layer and hardened rivets seem to be doing their job, since the chain has stayed sharp and sturdy through a decent pile of yard drama. Me? I am just over here pretending I am a lumberjack with excellent time management. —Molly Bennett
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” because my old chain was about as useful as a spoon in a snowstorm. The fit on my MS180 C was spot on, and I appreciated that it also works with a bunch of other Stihl models and pole saws. I like that it is a low kickback saw chain, because I would rather keep my surprises in the kitchen and not on the job. Me and this chain got through a weekend of trimming without drama, and that is basically my definition of romance. —Derek Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Stihl MS171 Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the chain is the most important part of my Stihl MS171 chainsaw because it’s what actually does the cutting. Without a sharp, properly fitted chain, my saw may still run, but it won’t cut efficiently. That means more effort, more time, and a lot more frustration when I’m trying to get through firewood, trimming, or light yard work.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain makes the chainsaw safer and easier to control. When the chain is designed for the MS171, it fits correctly and works the way the saw was built to perform. A worn or incorrect chain can cause rough cutting, extra vibration, and poor handling, which can make the job harder and less safe for me.
I also rely on the chain for better fuel efficiency and longer tool life. When my chain is in good condition, my MS171 doesn’t have to work as hard, so I get smoother cuts and less strain on the engine. For me, that makes the chain not just a replacement part, but a necessary part of keeping the chainsaw reliable, effective, and ready to use.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms171 Chainsaw Chain
My Quick Take
When I look for a chain for the Stihl MS 171, I focus on fit first, then cutting performance. My goal is always to get a chain that matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly. If those four details are right, the saw usually runs smoother, cuts cleaner, and feels safer to use.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm the specs of my MS 171 setup. I never assume every chain labeled “fits Stihl” will work on my saw. I check:
- Pitch – the spacing of the chain links
- Gauge – the thickness of the drive links
- Drive link count – the exact number of links needed
- Bar length – usually 12″, 14″, or 16″ depending on my setup
If any of these are off, I know I could end up with poor performance or a chain that simply won’t fit.
Choosing the Right Chain Type
I usually decide based on the kind of work I do most often. For general yard work, I prefer a standard chain that balances cutting speed and ease of use. If I’m cutting cleaner wood or doing more frequent trimming, I may go with a low-kickback chain for better control. For tougher cutting jobs, I look for a chain that stays sharp longer and handles wear well.
Why Compatibility Matters to Me
I’ve learned that compatibility is the most important part of buying a replacement chain. The Stihl MS 171 is a lightweight homeowner saw, so I want a chain that matches its power and doesn’t overload it. A chain that is too aggressive can make the saw harder to control, while one that is too dull or poorly matched can slow me down and increase strain on the motor.
What I Look for in Cutting Performance
When I compare chains, I pay attention to how they’re designed to cut. I usually look for:
- Sharpness retention – how long the chain stays effective
- Low vibration – for a smoother feel during use
- Kickback reduction – for better safety and control
- Easy sharpening – so I can maintain it myself
For me, a chain that is easy to sharpen and maintain is always a better long-term buy.
My Thoughts on Safety
Safety is a big part of my buying decision. I prefer chains with low-kickback features, especially when I’m doing routine cutting around the yard. I also make sure I wear proper protective gear and keep the chain tensioned correctly. Even the best chain won’t perform well if it’s loose, dull, or installed incorrectly.
Durability and Maintenance
I try to choose a chain that can handle regular use without wearing out too quickly. A durable chain saves me money over time because I don’t have to replace it as often. I also make sure I can sharpen it with standard tools, because I like to maintain my own equipment instead of relying on a shop every time.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a Stihl MS 171 chainsaw chain today, I would start by matching the exact specs of my bar and saw. Then I’d choose a chain based on my cutting needs: easy handling for light work, low-kickback for safer control, and solid durability for regular use. In my experience, the best chain is the one that fits perfectly, cuts efficiently, and feels comfortable every time I use it.
Final Thoughts
I find that the Stihl MS171 chainsaw chain is a solid choice for anyone who wants reliable cutting performance with their saw. My key takeaway is that choosing the right chain, keeping it sharp, and maintaining it properly can make a big difference in safety and efficiency. I believe a well-matched chain helps the MS171 perform at its best for everyday cutting tasks.
Author Profile
-
Evan Whitmore is the voice behind thkeeper.com, writing from Raleigh, North Carolina. His background in office records, client paperwork, and everyday tech support taught him to notice the small details that make products helpful or frustrating.
He has always been the person friends and family ask before buying something practical, because he thinks beyond the package and looks at real use. In 2026, he began turning those careful notes into honest product reviews.
Evan writes for readers who want clearer choices, less wasted money, and products that quietly make daily life feel more organized, secure, and manageable.
Latest entries
- July 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Bookshelf Speaker Wall Brackets for Secure, Space-Saving Audio Setup
- July 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested a Red Leather Book Bag and Found the Perfect Blend of Style, Durability, and Everyday Functionality
- July 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Fourth of July T-Shirts to Shop for a Stylish Independence Day Look
- July 8, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Watch Me Deluxe Limited Edition: A First-Person Review of This Premium Must-Have