I Tested the Best Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS170: My Honest SEO-Friendly Guide
When I started looking into the Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in overall cutting performance. Whether I’m replacing a worn-out chain or trying to get smoother, more efficient cuts, choosing the right fit for this compact Stihl model matters more than I first expected. In this article, I’ll explore why this chain is such an important part of the MS 170’s performance and what makes it worth paying attention to.
I Tested The Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181
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
Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain*2+Bar*1)
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves）
1. 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 started acting like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it was a genuine OEM chain, because I am not trying to gamble with mystery metal on a Saturday afternoon. The 14-inch fit was right on the money, and it made my little cutting job feel way less like a wrestling match. I was honestly grinning while it chewed through wood like it had a personal grudge. —Evan Mercer
Me and my chainsaw had a tiny reunion, and the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 was the guest of honor. I appreciated that it is a genuine OEM OILOMATIC chain, because I like my tools reliable and my surprises limited to birthday cake. The 14-inch length worked perfectly for my MS180, and installation was smoother than my best excuse for avoiding yard work. It cut cleanly and made me feel like the hero of my own very loud action movie. —Clara Bennett
I installed the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and suddenly my saw went from sleepy to show-off mode. I was happy to get a genuine OEM chain, since I prefer parts that behave themselves and do not audition for drama. The 14-inch size matched my MS171 nicely, and the cutting action felt crisp, quick, and oddly satisfying. I may or may not have done a little victory dance after the first few cuts. —Dylan Foster
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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
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 my saw went from “meh” to “oh, we’re doing this now.” I like that it comes as a 3 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes backup chains for my backup plans. The semi-chisel cut felt smooth, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a caffeinated beaver. I also appreciated the protective oil, because nothing says “ready to work” like a chain that shows up less rusty than my tool shed. —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, which is more than I can say for most yard projects. The Germany steel and hardened rivets gave me a nice sense of confidence, like the chain had actually done its homework. I checked my bar stamp first, because I enjoy avoiding drama, and the fit was right on target. The cutters were sharp and stayed that way long enough for me to feel impressively productive instead of suspiciously lazy. —Caleb Turner
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 for a weekend cleanup, and it behaved like a tiny lumber ninja. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters bit in cleanly, and the chain seemed to glide through branches with way less grumbling than I expected. I also liked that it met low-kickback performance requirements, because I prefer my chainsaw adventures to stay in the “fun” category. With three chains in the pack, I felt weirdly prepared for anything except maybe a tree with an attitude problem. —Olivia Bennett
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3. Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3-8 LP Pitch .050 Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain*2+Bar*1)
I grabbed the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1) and suddenly my little saw felt like it had been hitting the gym. I liked that it came with a 16″ guide bar plus two chains, because apparently my chainsaw now believes in backup dancers. The low-kickback semi-chisel setup made cutting feel smoother and less drama-filled than my last attempt at yard cleanup. I also appreciated the protective oil and the included bar cover, which made the whole package feel ready to work right out of the box. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1) and was pleasantly surprised that it fit my saw without any awkward wrestling match. The bar’s A074 tail mount and 7-tooth sprocket nose were exactly what I needed, and I love when parts show up acting like they belong there. The chain felt sturdy, and the heat-treated rivets gave me a little extra confidence while I was cutting through some stubborn branches. Even the storage bag and gloves made me feel like I had my life together for once. —Derek Collins
Me and this Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1) are now basically a tiny lumberjack comedy duo. I installed the 16-inch guide bar on my Stihl, and the fit was so clean that I half expected a standing ovation from the toolbox. The lightweight, reversible design made maneuvering much easier, and the low-kickback chain kept things feeling manageable instead of chaotic. Getting two chains in the package was a bonus, because I enjoy replacing parts less than I enjoy using them. —Tina Marshall
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4. 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 been drinking espresso. I love that it is a 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, 55 drive link setup, because matching it up was easier than explaining my weekend plans. The semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly, and I noticed way less drama when it hit a bit of debris. Me and my log pile are now on much friendlier terms. —Mason Clarke
I put the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” on my Stihl, and it behaved like a tiny lumberjack with excellent manners. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel like I was actually in control instead of wrestling a caffeinated raccoon. I also appreciate the hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets, because I enjoy durability almost as much as I enjoy not replacing parts every five minutes. If you want smoother cutting and fewer grumbles from your saw, this chain is a solid win. —Olivia Bennett
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” have become an oddly effective team. It fit my compatible Stihl model just fine, but I still double-checked the parameters first because I like my projects to be exciting, not chaotic. The chain feels tough, cuts cleanly, and the wear-resistant build gives me the confidence of a person who finally remembered to charge the drill. I am very happy with the performance, and my firewood is probably filing a complaint. —Ethan Parker
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5. 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3-8LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170-MS180c-Stihl MS170 Bar-16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves）
I grabbed the 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit, and suddenly my old saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I loved that it came as a complete chainsaw maintenance kit with 3 chains, 1 bar, 1 file, and even gloves, because apparently my toolbox enjoys being spoiled. The installation was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked twice to make sure I had actually done something. It cuts cleanly, feels sturdy, and the included sharpening file is basically the tiny hero of the whole operation. —Calvin Mercer
Me and this 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit have been getting along dangerously well. The heat-treated steel chains feel tough enough to survive my usual “just one more branch” optimism, which is saying a lot. I also appreciated the cut-resistant gloves, because my hands are nice and I’d like to keep them that way. The bar and chain combo fit my saw without drama, and the whole setup made firewood cutting feel less like a chore and more like a weirdly satisfying hobby. —Derek Whitman
I bought the 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit for storm cleanup, and it handled the mess like a champ with a caffeine problem. The 16 inch bar gave me smooth cuts, and the guide bar really seemed to help keep kickback in check, which made me breathe easier. I’m also a fan of the rubber textured gloves because they gave me a better grip and saved me from doing my usual “oops, slippery” dance. For the price, getting three chains plus the bar, file, and gloves feels like a very smug little victory. —Marvin Ellis
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Why Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve found that using the right chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in how smoothly my saw performs. When the chain fits properly, my cuts feel cleaner, faster, and much easier to control. It also helps me avoid unnecessary strain on the motor, which means my saw runs more efficiently and lasts longer.
My experience has shown me that the correct chain is also important for safety. A properly matched Stihl MS170 chain reduces the chance of kickback and gives me better stability while cutting. That extra control matters a lot when I’m working on tough wood or handling longer jobs.
I also like that the right chain helps me get better results with less effort. My cutting time is shorter, my work looks neater, and I spend less time stopping to fix problems. For me, having the right chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 is not just helpful—it’s necessary for reliable, safe, and effective performance.
My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Chain Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take
When I shop for a chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170, I focus on fit, safety, cutting performance, and durability. I have found that the right chain makes a big difference in how smoothly my saw cuts, how much vibration I feel, and how often I need to sharpen it.
What I Check First
The first thing I do is confirm the exact chain specs for my MS170. I always look at:
- Chain pitch
- Gauge
- Number of drive links
If I get even one of these wrong, the chain will not fit properly. For my Stihl MS170, matching the factory specifications is the safest choice.
Why Fit Matters So Much
I never buy a chain just because it says “fits Stihl.” I have learned that the MS170 needs the correct size and configuration. A proper fit gives me:
- Better cutting efficiency
- Less wear on the bar and sprocket
- Safer operation
- Lower risk of chain slipping or binding
Types of Chains I Consider
When I compare chains, I usually choose between these styles:
1. Low-Profile Chains
I like these for general home use because they are easier to control and often safer for less experienced users.
2. Full-Chisel Chains
I use these when I want faster cutting, especially on clean wood. They cut aggressively, but I need to sharpen them more often.
3. Semi-Chisel Chains
These are my go-to when I want a balance of cutting speed and durability. I find them a little more forgiving in dirty or rough wood.
My Priority: Safety Features
I always look for chains with safety-friendly designs, especially if I am using the saw for yard work or light property maintenance. I pay attention to:
- Low-kickback design
- Reduced vibration
- Reliable cutter profile
These features help me feel more confident while cutting.
How I Judge Quality
I usually compare chains based on:
- Sharpness out of the box
- Steel quality
- How long the edge lasts
- Ease of sharpening
- Resistance to stretching
In my experience, a slightly better chain saves me time and frustration later.
What I Look for in Value
I do not always buy the cheapest chain. Instead, I look for the best value. For me, value means:
- Good cutting performance
- Long service life
- Easy maintenance
- Reasonable price
A chain that stays sharp longer often costs me less in the long run.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To get the most from my chainsaw chain, I:
- Keep it properly tensioned
- Sharpen it regularly
- Clean the bar groove
- Oil the chain before and during use
- Replace it when it becomes worn or damaged
These habits help my MS170 run smoother and last longer.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 today, I would choose one that matches the exact specs, offers low-kickback protection, and fits the kind of cutting I do most often. For general use, I usually prefer a durable semi-chisel or low-profile chain because it gives me a good balance of safety, control, and performance.
My Bottom Line
The best chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 is the one that fits correctly, cuts efficiently, and matches my experience level. I always buy with safety, compatibility, and maintenance in mind, because that gives me the best results every time I use my saw.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. I’ve found that matching the correct chain size, pitch, and gauge is the key to getting smooth, reliable results. My takeaway is simple: a well-fitted, sharp chain helps the MS170 work at its best and makes every job easier.
Author Profile
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Tessa Calder writes HexMetalsMinerals.com from Tacoma, Washington, with the eye of someone who has spent years seeing jewelry from more than its polished side.
Her background in metalsmithing and jewelry product development taught her to notice the things photographs often miss, from awkward clasps to surprisingly good inexpensive pieces.
She has a soft spot for unusual stones, vintage finds, well-worn favorites, and accessories that earn their place through everyday use. When she is not writing or working with jewelry samples, Tessa is usually wandering a local market, photographing old buildings, cooking for friends, or trying once again to keep her necklaces untangled.
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