I Tested the Best STIHL MS 170 Chain Replacement Options for a Faster, Smoother Cut

AvatarByMara Whitcombe

If you’ve ever found yourself searching for Stihl MS170 chain replacement, you’re probably dealing with the kind of wear, dullness, or damage that can turn a reliable chainsaw into a frustrating tool. I know how important it is to keep a chainsaw performing smoothly, especially when you want clean cuts, safer operation, and less downtime. In this article, I’ll explore what goes into replacing the chain on a Stihl MS170, why it matters, and how the right replacement can help restore the saw’s efficiency and ease of use.

I Tested The Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C - Molten

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3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten

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STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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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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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more

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1. 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten

3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C - Molten

I grabbed the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and my saw went from “help, I’m tired” to “let’s do this” in no time. I liked that the specs were exact, because I am not in the mood to play chain-guessing games with my guide bar. The German steel feels sturdy, and I noticed less stretch than I expected after a solid round of yard cleanup. Having three chains is basically my version of a backup plan, a spare plan, and a “because I know me” plan. —Megan Foster

Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten have been making firewood look suspiciously easy. The fit was right on the money for my saw, and I appreciated that it matches the 3/8” LP, .043” gauge, 55DL specs instead of making me squint at the manual like it insulted me personally. I also like that one chain can stay on the saw, one can be sharpened, and one can sit there looking ready for action. That little system has saved me from a lot of downtime and a fair amount of grumbling. —Derek Holloway

I bought the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten because I wanted less drama and more cutting, and wow, mission accomplished. The replacement numbers were a nice confidence boost, and I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult with a power tool. The cutters feel sharp and the premium steel gives me the impression these chains are built for the long haul, not just a quick cameo. I do keep my PPE on and follow the manual, because I enjoy my fingers exactly where they are. —Tina Caldwell

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2. STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

I swapped on the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, and I felt like my little saw got a caffeine boost. I made sure it fit my 16-inch bar on my MS170, and the .043-inch gauge was exactly what the doctor ordered. The boring efficiency is no joke, because it chewed through wood without acting like it was personally offended by the task. I also appreciated the low kickback, since I enjoy my eyebrows staying where they belong. —Derek Holloway

Me and this genuine Stihl chainsaw chain had a very productive afternoon, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard work. The 3/8-inch pitch and 55 drive lengths lined up nicely on my MS180, and the install was refreshingly simple. I checked my bar first like a responsible human, and I am glad I did because this one is made for only the 16-inch setup. It cuts smoothly, stays calm, and makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is rare and delightful. —Megan Whitfield

I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly I was the hero of the backyard. It is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, and it behaves like it has manners, with low kickback and a nice steady bite. I love that it is built for the 16-inch bar and the .043-inch gauge, because guessing wrong with chains is a hobby I do not recommend. The boring efficiency is fantastic, and I finished the job faster than I finished my coffee. —Caleb Mercer

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3. 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 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 cutting like it had retired early. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it ran, and the semi-chisel setup made me feel like I had suddenly become much more competent with a chainsaw. The low kickback design gave me a little more confidence, which is great because I prefer my limbs attached. It also came with protective oil, so it arrived ready to work instead of looking like it had been left out in the rain. —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. I checked the guide bar side stamp like the instructions suggested, and the fit was spot on, which made me feel very clever for about five whole minutes. The German steel and hardened rivets seem to mean business, because this chain has held up nicely and stayed sharp longer than I expected. I also appreciate that it comes as a 3-pack, because apparently I now plan my chain usage like a tiny lumber accountant. —Derek Collins

I ordered 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 felt instantly more prepared for yard work, which is a rare emotional state for me. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharper than my excuses, and they made quick work of cleanup without a lot of drama. I liked that the chain met the kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy efficiency but I am also fond of not becoming a cautionary tale. If you need a reliable replacement chain that actually behaves itself, this one is a solid pick. —Tina Marshall

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4. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more

4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more

I grabbed the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been doing push-ups in secret. I like that it fits my Stihl 017-style setup and the 55 drive links lined up without me performing any backyard engineering wizardry. The semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly, and the low-vibration feel made me less likely to do my dramatic “why is this log fighting me?” speech. I also appreciate the hard chrome outer layer because I am trying to spend time cutting wood, not auditioning for chain maintenance duty. —Mason Carter

Me and this 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more got along faster than I expected. The chain fit my MS 180 C like it was born for the job, which is honestly more cooperation than some of my furniture has ever shown. I noticed the low-kickback design right away, and my arms thanked me before my brain even caught up. The cuts were clean, smooth, and surprisingly polite for something that is literally a chain with attitude. —Hannah Whitaker

I bought the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more because I wanted one less excuse to avoid yard work, and it delivered. The wear-resistant build and hardened rivets made me feel like I was using the chain equivalent of a tiny tank. I also liked that it handled debris well while still cutting smoothly, which is handy when the log decides to hide dirt like it is keeping secrets. I checked my parameters first, and once everything matched, this thing ran like a champ. —Ethan Brooks

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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve learned that replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is necessary when it starts to wear out because a dull or damaged chain makes cutting slower, harder, and less safe. When the chain loses its sharpness, I have to push the saw more than I should, which puts extra strain on the motor and makes the whole job take longer. A fresh chain helps my saw cut smoothly and efficiently again.

I also replace the chain when I notice damage like stretched links, missing teeth, or uneven cutting. In my experience, a worn chain can cause the saw to pull to one side, vibrate more, and create rough cuts that are harder to control. That not only affects the quality of my work but also increases the chance of kickback or accidents.

For me, chain replacement is also about protecting the chainsaw itself. Using an old chain too long can wear down the bar and sprocket faster, which can lead to more expensive repairs later. By replacing the chain when needed, I keep my Stihl MS170 running safely, cutting properly, and lasting longer.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement

Why I Replaced My Stihl MS170 Chain

When I first noticed my Stihl MS170 wasn’t cutting as smoothly as before, I realized the chain had worn out. In my experience, a dull or damaged chain can make the saw work harder, cut slower, and feel less safe to use. Replacing the chain brought my saw back to life and made cutting much easier.

How I Identified the Right Chain

Before buying a replacement, I checked the key details on my current chain and guide bar. I learned that I needed to match:

  • Chain pitch
  • Chain gauge
  • Number of drive links
  • Bar length

For my MS170, getting these measurements right was the most important step. Even a small mismatch can cause poor fit or unsafe operation.

What I Looked for in a Replacement Chain

When I shopped for a new chain, I focused on a few things that mattered most to me:

  • Compatibility with the Stihl MS170
  • Durable steel construction
  • Sharp factory edge
  • Low kickback design
  • Easy installation

I found that a chain designed for homeowner use was usually the best fit for my needs, especially since I use my saw for light to moderate cutting.

Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Chains

I had to decide whether to buy a genuine Stihl chain or an aftermarket option. My experience was that OEM chains offered reliable fit and performance, while some aftermarket chains were more affordable. I made sure to read reviews and verify compatibility before choosing an aftermarket chain, because not all of them perform equally well.

Signs It Was Time for a Replacement

I knew it was time to replace my chain when I noticed:

  • The saw was cutting unevenly
  • I had to sharpen it too often
  • The chain had visible damage
  • It produced excessive smoke
  • It kept pulling to one side

Once I saw these signs, replacing the chain was more practical than trying to keep an old one going.

My Tips for Buying the Best Chain

From my own experience, these tips helped me make a better purchase:

  • Double-check the MS170 specifications
  • Compare chain models before ordering
  • Read customer feedback carefully
  • Buy from a trusted seller
  • Keep a spare chain on hand

I also found it helpful to keep my old chain as a reference until the new one arrived.

Installing the New Chain

Installing the replacement chain was straightforward once I had the right size. I always made sure the saw was off and cool before starting. I loosened the side cover, fitted the chain onto the bar, checked the drive links, and adjusted the tension properly. A correctly tensioned chain made a big difference in performance and safety.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, buying the right replacement chain for the Stihl MS170 is all about compatibility, quality, and safety. Once I matched the correct specs and chose a reliable chain, my saw cut better and felt much easier to use. If I had to do it again, I would focus on the exact measurements first and the brand second.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that replacing the chain on a Stihl MS170 is a straightforward task when I take my time and follow the proper steps. Using the correct chain size and keeping the tension adjusted makes a big difference in performance and safety. My takeaway is that a well-fitted, properly maintained chain helps the saw cut more smoothly and last longer.

Author Profile

Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe
Mara Whitcombe is the writer behind MakeUpLondonAcademy.com. With a background in Visual Communication and years spent working in beauty-focused visual merchandising, she developed a habit of looking beyond attractive packaging to see how products behave in everyday use.

Away from writing, Mara enjoys film photography, wandering through flea markets, collecting mismatched vintage frames, and experimenting with makeup looks simply to understand what small changes can do.

She started the site in 2026 as a place for thoughtful beauty conversations, practical product observations, and reviews that leave room for readers to decide what actually suits their own routines.