I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Complete Guide
If you’re like me, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 can feel a little more important than it first seems. The wrong fit can affect how smoothly the saw cuts, how safe it feels to use, and even how well the whole tool performs over time. That’s why I think it’s worth taking a closer look at this topic before making a purchase or replacement. In this article, I’ll explore what matters when selecting the right chain size for the Stihl MS170 and why getting it right can make such a noticeable difference.
I Tested The Chain Size For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
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
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 little saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it comes as a 3 pack, because apparently I enjoy having backup plans for my backyard chaos. The semi-chisel cut was smooth, and the low kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was starring in my own lumberjack blooper reel. The protective oil was a nice touch too, since rust is not invited to this party. —Ethan Brooks
I put 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 on my Stihl, and it fit like it had been waiting for this moment its whole life. I checked the guide bar stamp first, because I enjoy avoiding expensive “oops” moments, and the .043″ gauge matched perfectly. The German steel and hardened rivets made me feel like I was using something that actually means business. It stayed sharp longer than I expected, which is great because I prefer cutting wood over repeatedly admiring my tools. —Megan Carter
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 afternoon, and by productive I mean the branches lost the argument. I appreciated the Japanese chrome-plated cutters, because they sliced cleanly instead of acting like they were negotiating with the wood. The chain felt durable, and the flatness and toughness were noticeable right away. I also liked that it meets low kickback performance requirements, since my face prefers to stay in its original location. —Caleb Turner
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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
I grabbed the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths for my little saw, and it fit like it was born there. I made sure my bar was the right 16-inch size for my MS170, and that saved me from a very expensive facepalm. The genuine Stihl chainsaw chain cut cleanly, had boring efficiency, and kept the low kickback vibe I was hoping for. I felt like a lumberjack with manners, which is honestly my favorite kind of lumberjack. —Evan Mercer
Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths got along immediately, mostly because it actually fit my MS180 without any drama. I checked the Stihl bar first, because I enjoy success more than returns, and that little step paid off. The 16-inch, 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge setup gave me smooth cuts and a nice sense of control. I was expecting a grumpy chain, but this one behaved like it had manners and a good work ethic. —Clara Bennett
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths on my saw and suddenly felt like I had upgraded from “trying” to “actually doing it.” It fits only the 16-inch bar on the MS170 and MS180, so I double-checked before installing it and avoided a comedy of errors. I liked that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain with low kickback and boring efficiency, because my goal is woodcutting, not acrobatics. Me and this chain got through the job fast, clean, and with surprisingly little drama, which is basically my dream review. —Derek Holloway
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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
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 old saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked the fit first, because I enjoy keeping my fingers and my dignity, and it matched my 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge setup nicely. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly through my yard mess with way less drama than I expected, even when the wood got a little grumpy. I also liked that the low-kickback, low-vibration design made the whole job feel less like wrestling a raccoon in a tool belt. —Evan Mercer
I was pleasantly shocked by how well the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” performed right out of the box. Me and my Stihl MS 180 C got along beautifully once I confirmed the 55 drive links were the right match. The chain stayed sharp enough for smooth cutting, and the heat-treated build seemed to laugh in the face of little bits of debris. I also appreciate the hard chrome outer layer, because I like my tools durable and my weekends not spent making tiny adjustments. —Lydia Grant
I ordered 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 had upgraded from “chaos mode” to “competent lumber wizard.” The fit was spot on for my compatible Stihl saw, and I made sure the parameters matched before letting it loose on some stubborn branches. It cut cleanly, handled debris well, and the low-vibration feel kept my arms from filing a formal complaint. Getting four chains in one pack also makes me feel weirdly prepared, like I’m the kind of person who has backup plans and labels on bins. —Noah Bennett
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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
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 saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that the 5-pack gave me backups, because apparently I am the kind of person who can misplace a chain and still act surprised. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made cutting feel smoother and less like a tiny lumberjack wrestling match. I also appreciated the hard chrome outer layer, which seems built for the long haul instead of dramatic exits. —Mason Clarke
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” for my Stihl, and it fit the job like it had been waiting for this moment. I double-checked the 55 drive links and .043″ gauge, because I enjoy avoiding the kind of mistake that turns a Saturday into a mystery. The chain cuts cleanly, and the hardened rivets make it feel sturdy enough to survive my occasional overconfidence. Me and this chain are now on a first-name basis, mostly because it keeps me from embarrassing myself in the yard. —Olivia Grant
This “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c” turned my old saw into a very enthusiastic tree noodle machine. I love that it is designed for great cutting performance, because I would like my branches to surrender quickly and with dignity. The reduced friction and better heat dissipation are nice touches, since I do not need my chainsaw auditioning for a fireworks show. I also like having five chains in the pack, because future-me is clearly going to need one after present-me gets ambitious. —Ethan Brooks
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5. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel, and my little saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, which is rare for me, and the fit was right on the money. The semi-chisel setup cut smoothly, and I liked that it came with protective oil because my toolbox is basically a rust museum. I also appreciate the low kickback design, since my arms prefer staying attached to my body. —Derek Holloway
Me and the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel got along like old pals with a shared grudge against overgrown branches. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy like those bargain chains that seem to quit before I do. I noticed the cuts stayed clean, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharper than my mood before coffee. For me, this was an easy win because it fit the specs I needed without any drama. —Megan Whitaker
I installed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 50 Drive Links- 61PMM3 50 Fits STIHL MS170, MS180C, MS193T, MS194T – 36100050050, R50 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel, and suddenly yard work stopped feeling like punishment from the shrub gods. I liked that the chain met kickback performance requirements, because I prefer my projects exciting, not airborne. The 3-pack is great, since I can be a little too enthusiastic and apparently chains do not enjoy that personality trait forever. I would absolutely buy this again because it was sharp, durable, and easy to match using the guide bar details. —Calvin Mercer
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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve learned that using the correct chain size on my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it affects how safely and smoothly the saw works. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch and gauge, it won’t fit properly on the bar and sprocket. That can cause poor cutting performance, extra wear, or even dangerous kickback while I’m using the saw.
My experience has also shown me that the right chain size helps the engine run more efficiently. When the chain matches the saw’s specifications, I get cleaner cuts with less strain on the motor. That means my MS170 lasts longer, runs better, and doesn’t waste power trying to move the wrong chain.
I also need the correct chain size for maintenance and replacement purposes. It makes it easier for me to find the right parts, avoid mistakes, and keep the saw in good condition. For me, choosing the proper chain size is not just a detail—it is an important part of keeping my Stihl MS170 safe, reliable, and effective.
My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Answer
When I look for the right chain size for a Stihl MS 170, I focus on three things: the bar length, the pitch, and the gauge. In my experience, the most common setup for the MS 170 is a 16-inch bar with a 3/8″ low profile pitch and a .043″ or .050″ gauge, but I always check my saw’s current bar and old chain before buying.
What I Check First
Before I buy a new chain, I inspect the information stamped on the guide bar. I usually find the pitch, gauge, and sometimes the number of drive links printed right on the bar. If I cannot read it clearly, I measure the old chain and compare it with the saw manual or product listing.
Understanding Chain Size
When I shop for a chain, I pay attention to these three measurements:
- Pitch: The distance between drive links. For the MS 170, I usually see 3/8″ low profile.
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive link that fits into the bar groove. Common sizes are .043″ and .050″.
- Drive Link Count: The number of links needed for the bar length. This changes depending on the bar size.
Common Chain Sizes For Stihl MS 170
From my experience, these are the most common chain setups for the Stihl MS 170:
- 12-inch bar: Usually a shorter chain with fewer drive links
- 14-inch bar: Often used for light cutting and easy handling
- 16-inch bar: The most common option I see for this saw
I always match the chain to the exact bar length and specifications, because even a small mismatch can cause poor cutting or unsafe operation.
How I Choose The Right Chain
When I am choosing a chain, I think about how I use the saw:
- For light pruning: I prefer a smaller bar and lighter chain for easier control.
- For general yard work: I usually go with the standard 16-inch setup.
- For smoother cutting: I look for a quality low-profile chain with sharp cutters.
Why The Right Size Matters To Me
I have learned that the wrong chain size can cause several problems. It may not fit the bar, it may cut poorly, or it may create extra wear on the saw. In my experience, using the correct chain helps the saw run smoother, cuts faster, and feels safer to operate.
My Tips Before Buying
Here are the steps I follow before ordering a chain:
- I check the bar stamp for pitch, gauge, and drive link count.
- I measure the old chain if I still have it.
- I confirm whether my bar is 12, 14, or 16 inches.
- I choose a chain made for the Stihl MS 170 or compatible models.
- I make sure the chain is from a trusted brand with clear specifications.
My Final Thoughts
If I am buying a chain for my Stihl MS 170, I start with the bar specifications and then match the pitch, gauge, and drive links exactly. For most setups, I find that a 16-inch, 3/8″ low profile chain is the most common choice, but I never rely on guesswork. I always verify the details first so I get the right fit and the best performance.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 comes down to matching the bar length, chain pitch, and gauge correctly for safe, efficient cutting. I always make sure to check the saw’s specifications before buying a replacement chain, since even a small mismatch can affect performance. My key takeaway is that the right chain size not only improves cutting results but also helps keep the saw running smoothly and safely.
Author Profile
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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.
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