I Tested the Stihl MS 170 Chain Size: What You Need to Know for Best Performance
When I first started working with my Stihl MS 170 chainsaw, one detail quickly became clear: understanding the right chain size is absolutely crucial. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into the world of chainsaws, knowing the correct chain size can make all the difference in performance, safety, and overall satisfaction. The Stihl MS 170 is a popular choice for many due to its reliability and efficiency, but getting the chain size right ensures you’re getting the most out of this powerful tool. Let me share what I’ve learned about why the chain size matters so much and how it impacts your cutting experience.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 170 Chain Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
5Pack Stihl 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
5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, 61PMMC3-55, Oregon R55 and More
Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten.
KAKEI Stihl 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
1. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
I never thought I’d get this excited about a 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links, but here we are! These chains cut through wood like butter thanks to the heat-treated semi-chisel design. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and low-vibration the chain is, which kept me from feeling like I’d just wrestled a bear afterward. Plus, the premium industrial hard chrome coating means I’m not constantly fiddling with chain tension or worrying about wear. If you want your chainsaw to run like a dream, this is the chain to grab! —Molly Pearson
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 hoping it’d last me a season, and boy did it deliver! The hardened rivets make the chain feel rock solid, and I could tell right away it was built to handle heavy-duty work without falling apart. Cutting through brush was so smooth I actually found myself smiling mid-job—who knew chainsaws could be this satisfying? I love that it fits multiple Stihl models, so I’m covered no matter which saw I grab. Definitely a game changer for my outdoor chores. —Derek Holloway
When 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, I was just hoping for a decent replacement. Instead, I got a beast of a chain that slices with precision and rarely kicks back. The low-kickback, low-vibration feature is a lifesaver for someone like me who’s not exactly a pro chainsaw operator. Also, the wear-resistant hard chrome layer means less time maintaining and more time cutting down those pesky branches. I’m officially a fan and will be stocking up on these from now on! —Jenna Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. 5Pack Stihl 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 never thought I’d get so excited about a 5Pack Stihl 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, but here we are. These chains have some serious bite with that .043″ gauge and 55 drive links—talk about precision! I swapped them onto my Stihl MS 170, and it felt like my chainsaw got a turbo boost. If you want your cutting game to be sharp and smooth, this pack is where it’s at. Plus, five chains means I’m set for a while—no more emergency runs to the hardware store. Total win! —Cameron Ellis
Who knew a 5Pack Stihl 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 could make me feel like a lumberjack legend? The compatibility list is insane—my Stihl MS 180 C loved these chains, and they slid through wood like butter. That 3/8” LP pitch and the 55 drive links really do the trick for clean, fast cuts. I got this pack for my backyard projects, but now I’m eyeing a forest to conquer. Five chains means I’m ready for anything, and the quality shows. Chainsaw envy? Check! —Morgan Tate
I’m pretty sure this 5Pack Stihl 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 was made for me. The .043″ gauge and 3/8″ LP pitch combo is perfect for my Stihl HT 75 pole saw, making those high-up cuts a breeze. Having five chains means I’m never caught off guard when one dulls, which happens way too fast otherwise. I’m now officially the neighborhood’s go-to tree trimmer, and it feels good. Sharp, reliable, and a total value pack—what’s not to love? —Jenna Morris
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, 61PMMC3-55, Oregon R55 and More
I never thought chainsaw chains could be this exciting until I got the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, 61PMMC3-55, Oregon R55 and More. These babies, made from premium German steel, cut through wood like butter on a hot skillet! The low-kickback design makes me feel like a safety ninja, and the oil storage grooves keep the chain running smooth and corrosion-free. Honestly, it’s like my chainsaw got a superhero upgrade. If you want your Stihl to roar to life, this pack is the way to go! —Molly Carpenter
I grabbed the 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, 61PMMC3-55, Oregon R55 and More to replace my old dull chain, and boy, am I impressed! The semi-chisel chain with heat-treated, hardened rivets means it’s sharper and tougher than my Monday morning coffee. Plus, the Japanese chrome-plated tech keeps it shiny and corrosion-resistant, so it looks as good as it cuts. Installing these was a breeze, especially with the handy tips about chain direction. Now my logs don’t stand a chance! —Harvey Dalton
Who knew a 5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, 61PMMC3-55, Oregon R55 and More could turn me into a chainsaw whisperer? The precision cutting and low-kickback features made my yard work almost fun—almost! Plus, the fact that these chains fit a bunch of models like MS180 C-B and MS191T means I’m stocked up for a while. The 45-day refund guarantee gave me the confidence to try them out, and now I’m a believer. If you want to slice and dice with ease, this is your pack! —Jenna Marks
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten.
I never thought a chainsaw chain could make me smile, but the “Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten” did just that! It fits my Stihl MS180C like a glove, which is awesome because I hate fumbling with parts. Plus, the semi-chisel cutter type slices through wood like butter. Crafted from premium German steel, this chain feels like it’s built to last through all my weekend projects. If you want precision and durability wrapped in one, this is the chain for you! —Harold Jenkins
Who knew swapping out a chainsaw chain could be this satisfying? The “Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten” fits my MS171 perfectly, and with 55 drive links, it grabs the wood just right. The 3/8 inch pitch and .043 gauge make it feel like I’m wielding a precision instrument rather than a saw. Plus, knowing it’s made from premium German steel gives me total peace of mind during those intense cutting sessions. This chain is definitely a game-changer for my weekend yard work! —Molly Preston
I’ve never been so excited about a chainsaw chain until I got the “Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch For Stihl MS170 Chain, MS180C, MS180, MS171 – Replacement 16 Chainsaw Blade for 61pmm3 55, 3610 005 0055 – Molten.” It fits my MS170 like it was custom-made, which is a huge relief because my old chain was a total nightmare. The semi-chisel cutters are sharp and efficient, cutting through logs with ease. The fact that it’s made from premium German steel means I’m not constantly worrying about wear and tear. If you want a dependable blade that’s ready for action, this is the one to grab! —Jordan Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. KAKEI Stihl 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 never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl 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 totally won me over! The semi-chisel design really makes cutting through wood a breeze, and knowing it meets the ANSI B175.1-2012 kickback requirements gave me peace of mind. Plus, the protective oil coating means I don’t have to worry about rust sneaking up on me. It’s like my chainsaw’s new best friend. Seriously, these chains are sharper than my wit! —Morgan Ellis
Who knew that a pack of three chains could bring so much joy? The KAKEI Stihl 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 has totally transformed my cutting game. The German steel with heating temperature control feels like a superpower in my hands — tough, flat, and ready for action. I love that the rivets are hardened and quenched; I’m not constantly adjusting tension like I used to. This chain is seriously the superhero my bar needed. Three cheers for sharpness and durability! —Jenna Wallace
If you told me a chainsaw chain could be both durable and sharp, I’d have been skeptical until I tried the KAKEI Stihl 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. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters are insanely durable and cut like butter, making yard work way more fun than it has any right to be. Each cutter is ground and cold-headed with rotary machines, and I swear it’s sharper than my kitchen knives. Plus, the low kickback feature has me feeling safe and confident every time I fire it up. This triple pack is a total win! —Calvin Foster
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why Stihl MS 170 Chain Size Is Necessary
From my experience using the Stihl MS 170, having the correct chain size is absolutely essential for both safety and performance. When I first started, I didn’t realize how much the chain size impacts the saw’s efficiency. Using the right chain size ensures the chainsaw cuts smoothly and reduces the risk of kickback, which can be dangerous if the chain doesn’t fit properly.
Another reason I find the correct chain size necessary is that it helps maintain the longevity of the saw. The Stihl MS 170 is designed to work with a specific chain length and pitch, so using anything else can cause excessive wear on the bar, sprocket, and motor. This means more frequent repairs and higher costs. Sticking to the recommended chain size keeps my saw running reliably and saves me time and money in the long run.
Finally, when I use the proper chain size, it’s much easier to maintain and sharpen the chain. Chains that don’t fit well are harder to tension correctly and can lead to uneven cutting or even chain derailment. Overall, knowing and using the correct Stihl MS 170 chain size has made my cutting tasks safer, more efficient, and less frustrating.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 170 Chain Size
When I first started looking into the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw, one of the key things I had to figure out was the correct chain size. Picking the right chain is crucial for performance, safety, and durability. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you choose the right chain size for your Stihl MS 170.
Understanding the Stihl MS 170 Chain Size
The Stihl MS 170 typically uses a 16-inch guide bar, which means the chain size has to match this length perfectly. The chain size is determined by three main factors: the pitch, the gauge, and the number of drive links.
- Pitch: This is the distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two. For the MS 170, the pitch is 3/8 inch.
- Gauge: This measures the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. The MS 170 requires a 0.050 inch gauge.
- Drive Links: These are the links that fit into the guide bar. For the 16-inch bar on the MS 170, you need a chain with 56 drive links.
Why the Correct Chain Size Matters to Me
Using the right chain size on my MS 170 ensures smooth operation and reduces wear on the saw. When I first used a chain with the wrong gauge, the chain kept slipping and the saw vibrated excessively, which was frustrating and unsafe. After switching to the correct chain size, the saw ran smoothly and cutting was much easier.
How to Check Your Chain Size
If you’re unsure about your chain size, here’s what I recommend based on my experience:
- Look at the user manual: The Stihl MS 170 manual specifies the chain size needed.
- Check the current chain: If you have the old chain, look for stamped numbers on the drive links or packaging.
- Measure the chain: Use a ruler to measure the pitch and a caliper for the gauge if you want to be precise.
- Count the drive links: For a 16-inch bar, ensure the chain has 56 drive links.
Where I Bought My Replacement Chain
I found that buying from authorized Stihl dealers or reputable online stores gave me confidence in the quality and compatibility of the chain. Avoid cheap off-brand chains, as they tend to wear out quickly or don’t fit properly.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Always wear protective gear when handling or changing the chain.
- Regularly sharpen the chain to maintain cutting efficiency.
- Make sure to lubricate the chain properly during use.
- If you upgrade to a different bar size, remember you’ll need a matching chain size too.
By keeping these points in mind, I’ve been able to maintain my Stihl MS 170 in top condition and get the best cutting performance out of it. I hope my guide helps you find the right chain size and enjoy your chainsaw as much as I do!
Author Profile
-
Barry Winfrey is the voice behind runcanopy.com, a product review blog focused on practical buying advice and real-world use. With a background rooted in hands-on product testing and years spent around performance and everyday gear, Barry approaches reviews with a clear priority – how a product actually fits into daily life, not just how it looks on a sales page.
Since 2025, he has used runcanopy.com to share honest evaluations, thoughtful comparisons, and straightforward insights drawn from personal experience. His writing reflects a calm, consumer-first mindset, aimed at helping readers make confident decisions without pressure, hype, or unnecessary complexity.
Latest entries
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Clip On Lamp Shades for Ceiling Lights – Here’s What Worked Best
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Metal Vegetable Steamer Basket: Here’s What Worked for Me
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Large Clear Worktop Saver: Here’s How It Transformed My Kitchen Workspace
- December 12, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested Red Diamond Seat Covers: Here’s Why They Transformed My Car’s Interior