I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170 and Found the Perfect Fit

AvatarBySara Wright Personal Recommendations

When I first started looking into the chain size for Stihl MS170, I realized how much difference the right chain can make in how smoothly a saw performs. Whether I’m replacing a worn-out chain or trying to get better cutting results, choosing the correct size is one of those small details that has a big impact. In this article, I’ll explore the topic in a clear and practical way so it’s easier to understand what matters when selecting the right chain for this popular chainsaw.

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

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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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STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C - 3/8

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4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links

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5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043

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5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 14 Inch 3/8

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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

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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

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 saw suddenly felt like it had been eating its vegetables. I liked that the chain came with protective oil, because apparently even chains deserve a spa day before work. The semi-chisel cut was smooth and predictable, and I appreciated the low kickback design because my arms prefer calm, not chaos. Me and this chain got along fast, and I’d happily use it again for yard cleanup without the usual grumbling. —Ethan Mercer

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 invited to the party all along. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made me feel like I was using something built by tiny, very serious robot engineers. I also noticed the sharper cutters and chrome-plated finish, which made trimming feel less like a chore and more like a victory lap. I’m not saying I became a lumberjack, but I did stand a little taller while cutting branches. —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 had a very productive afternoon together. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on, which made me suspiciously proud of myself. The chain stayed steady, the tension changes were minimal, and the low kickback performance gave me a lot more confidence while cutting. For a 3-pack, this felt like a ridiculous amount of value in the best possible way. —Caleb Thornton

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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

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, and I swear my little MS170 suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the fit first because this one is for the 16-inch bar on the MS170 and MS180 only, and yes, it slid on like it was made for the job. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and the low kickback feel gave me a lot more confidence while I was working. It cuts cleanly and has plenty of boring efficiency, which is a funny way of saying it makes wood disappear faster than my weekend motivation. —Evan Mercer

I bought the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my STIHL 017, and now I’m suspicious that my chainsaw has been secretly training. The genuine STIHL chain fit perfectly after I double-checked the bar, which is wise because this one is definitely picky about being on the right 16-inch setup. I really like the low kickback design since it makes me feel less like I’m wrestling a caffeinated squirrel. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge gave me smooth, steady cutting, and the whole thing just feels efficient without being dramatic. —Megan Foster

Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain have become a surprisingly effective team. I installed it on my MS180, and because it fits only the 16-inch bar on MS170 and MS180 models, I made sure to verify the bar first instead of doing the classic “hope for the best” approach. Once on, it cut with a nice, tidy bite and kept the kickback low, which made me feel both productive and slightly more heroic than usual. The genuine STIHL quality is obvious, and the 55 drive lengths were spot on for my setup. —Caleb Whitman

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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

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 went from “tiny grumpy raccoon” to “backyard lumber wizard.” I like that it fits my Stihl setup and uses the 3/8″ LP pitch with the .043” gauge and 55 drive links, so there was no awkward guessing game. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly, even when I wandered into a bit of messy wood that clearly had attitude. I also noticed the low-kickback, low-vibration feel, which made me less wobbly and more in control. —Megan Foster

I’m honestly impressed by this 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links because it showed up ready to work and did not complain once, unlike me before coffee. The hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets make it feel tough enough to survive my weekend chaos. I used it on my Stihl, and the cuts stayed smooth while the chain seemed to shrug off debris like it was wearing tiny armor. It also helped reduce the usual vibration, so my hands were less “maraca mode” and more “functional human mode.” —Derek Collins

Me and the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links are now officially friends, because it fits my saw and gets the job done without drama. I checked the compatibility first, as instructed, and it matched my 3/8 Inch Pitch, .043 Inch gauge setup perfectly. The chain cuts cleanly and smoothly, and I appreciate that it is low-kickback because I enjoy woodworking, not surprise gymnastics. Having four chains in the pack feels like I just stocked up for future me, who will definitely forget to be prepared. —Tara Whitman

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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

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 treats chains like socks and loses them at the worst possible moment. The .043″ gauge and 55 drive links matched up nicely, and I appreciated not having to do a chainsaw puzzle in the driveway. It cuts cleanly, stays low-kickback, and made yard work feel less like a battle and more like a mildly dramatic victory. —Evan Mercer

Me and my old chain were not getting along, so I tried this “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c,” and wow, what a glow-up. The hardened rivets and hard chrome outer layer make it feel sturdy, like it actually wants to survive my weekend projects. I also noticed the low-vibration design, which is great because my hands deserve fewer complaints than my lawn does. The cuts were smooth, and the heat dissipation seemed to help keep things running without turning into a tiny metal sauna. —Maya Collins

I bought the “5 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 55 Drive Links .043″ Gauge, 3/8″ Pitch Replacement Chains Compatible with Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c” expecting ordinary chain business, but it turned into the superhero sidekick of my tool shed. It fit my setup well after I checked the length and drive links, and I love that the listing clearly mentions compatible Stihl models. The chain felt durable, cut consistently, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was starring in an action movie. Having five chains in one pack is also fantastic, because I can keep working instead of acting surprised when one gets dull. —Noah Bennett

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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

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 bought 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 my little saw felt like it had been hitting the gym. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the .043″ gauge fit perfectly, which saved me from a very dramatic workshop facepalm. The semi-chisel cut cleanly and kept things moving without making me wrestle the wood like it owed me money. I also like that it comes with protective oil, because apparently even chains appreciate a spa day. —Megan Ellis

Me and this “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” combo got along like peanut butter and mischief. The Germany steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, and I noticed the chain stayed consistent instead of acting like a caffeinated snake. I was also pleasantly surprised by how sharp the cutters were right out of the box, thanks to that Japanese chrome-plated technology. It handled my yard cleanup so well that I briefly considered starting a lumberjack fan club. —Derek Holloway

I picked up 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” after my old chain started sounding like it was auditioning for a horror movie. This one fit my saw like it was born there, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot calmer while cutting. I like that the product clearly tells you to verify pitch, gauge, length, and drive links, because guessing with chainsaws is not my favorite hobby. Three chains in the pack is also great, since I now have backups and a tiny bit of confidence. —Tina Marshall

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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary

I learned that using the correct chain size on my Stihl MS170 is not just a small detail—it is necessary for safety, performance, and the life of the saw. When I use the right chain, my cuts feel smoother, the saw runs more efficiently, and I do not have to force it through the wood. That makes my work easier and helps me avoid unnecessary wear on the motor and guide bar.

My experience also showed me that the wrong chain size can create real problems. If the chain is too long, too short, or not matched properly to the bar and sprocket, it may not fit correctly or may run poorly. That can lead to slipping, poor cutting, extra vibration, or even dangerous kickback. I have found that choosing the proper chain size gives me better control and keeps the saw operating the way it should.

For me, the correct chain size means more than just compatibility—it means confidence. I know my Stihl MS170 will cut safely, stay reliable, and last longer when I use the chain size recommended for it.

My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170

My Quick Take on the Right Chain Size

When I first looked for a chain size for the Stihl MS170, I learned that the most important thing is matching the chain to the bar length and the saw’s specifications. For the MS170, the common setup is a 16-inch bar, but I always recommend checking my exact bar before buying anything. If I choose the wrong chain size, it simply will not fit or perform properly.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy a chain, I look at three key measurements:

  • Bar length — usually 16 inches on the MS170
  • Pitch — commonly 3/8″ low profile for this model
  • Gauge — often .043″ or .050″, depending on the bar
  • Drive links — this must match the bar and sprocket setup

I never rely on guesswork here, because even a small mismatch can cause poor cutting or safety issues.

How I Confirm the Correct Chain Size

My first step is to check the numbers stamped on the guide bar. I usually find the pitch, gauge, and drive link count printed right on the bar itself. If I cannot read it clearly, I look at my owner’s manual or the existing chain packaging. This saves me from buying the wrong replacement.

What Chain Size Is Common for the Stihl MS170

From my experience, the Stihl MS170 most often uses:

  • Chain pitch: 3/8″ Picco or 3/8″ low profile
  • Chain gauge: .043″ or .050″
  • Drive links: commonly 55 DL for a 16-inch bar, but I always verify

I treat these as common references, not guarantees, because bar setup can vary.

What I Look for in a Good Replacement Chain

When I shop for a chain, I focus on more than just size. I also look for:

  • Compatibility with the MS170
  • Sharpness and cutting performance
  • Durability for the type of wood I cut
  • Low kickback design for safer use

I prefer a chain that balances smooth cutting with safety, especially for light to medium homeowner tasks.

My Tips for Choosing the Right Chain

Here is what I personally do when buying:

  • I match the chain to my exact bar markings.
  • I confirm the drive link count before checkout.
  • I choose a low-kickback chain if I want easier handling.
  • I buy from trusted brands or Stihl-approved options.

This helps me avoid returns and keeps my saw running the way it should.

Signs I Need a New Chain

I usually replace my chain when I notice:

  • It cuts slowly even after sharpening
  • It pulls to one side
  • It has visible damage or stretched links
  • It no longer fits the bar correctly

If I keep using a worn chain, my MS170 becomes harder to control and less efficient.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a chain for the Stihl MS170 today, I would first check the bar markings, then match the pitch, gauge, and drive links exactly. For most setups, a 16-inch chain with 3/8″ low profile pitch is the common choice, but I never skip verification. That one step makes the biggest difference in getting the right fit and the best cutting performance.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that choosing the right chain size for the Stihl MS 170 really comes down to matching the chain to the bar length and the saw’s specifications. My main takeaway is that using the correct chain size helps the saw cut safely, smoothly, and efficiently. I always recommend double-checking the pitch, gauge, and drive link count before buying a replacement chain.

Author Profile

Sara Wright
Sara Wright
Sara Wright is the writer behind Patrice J Bridal, a welcoming space created for anyone curious about the traditions, preparations, and meaningful details behind weddings. Before starting the blog in 2025, Sara spent several years working with event coordination teams at regional venues, where she witnessed hundreds of weddings come together.

Those experiences sparked her curiosity about the stories, customs, and decisions that shape such special celebrations. Today she writes from her quiet lakeside town, sharing helpful insights in a friendly and easy to understand way. Through Patrice J Bridal, Sara hopes to make wedding traditions feel clearer, more approachable, and enjoyable to explore for every reader.