I Tested the Best Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Options for Smooth, Safe Cutting

AvatarByJeanine Santiago

If you’ve ever worked with a chainsaw long enough, you know that a chain can make all the difference in how smoothly and safely the tool performs. When I think about Stihl MS170 chain replacement, I think about one of the simplest yet most important maintenance tasks for keeping this compact saw running at its best. Whether the chain has dulled from regular use, stretched over time, or just isn’t cutting as cleanly as it used to, replacing it can quickly restore performance and confidence. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes this replacement worth understanding and why choosing the right chain matters for getting the most out of your Stihl MS170.

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” because my old chain was acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I love that it comes as a 3 pack, so I can keep one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go when I am feeling extra ambitious. The exact specs made me feel like I was shopping with a tape measure and a mission, and the German steel has been giving me smooth, confident cuts instead of drama. I am officially less annoyed, more productive, and slightly proud of myself for reading the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult. —Megan Foster

I ordered the “3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten” and suddenly my firewood pile started looking nervous. Me, I appreciate that the chain matches the 16” pitch 3/8” LP gauge .043” 55DL specs, because guessing with chains is how I end up having a bad day. The replacement references were super helpful too, since I like my parts to fit the first time and not after a tiny existential crisis. Having three chains means less downtime, which is perfect because I would rather cut wood than stand around pretending I enjoy waiting. —Derek Collins

I picked up the “3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten” and felt like I had upgraded from “hope and vibes” to actual tools. I like that it replaces OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, because that sounds wonderfully specific and makes me trust it with my weekend plans. The cutters feel sturdy, the performance has been solid, and I am grateful for the reminder to wear PPE since my face is not a chainsaw accessory. With one on the saw, one sharpened, and one waiting in the wings, I am basically running a tiny wood-cutting empire. —Hannah Mercer

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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 grabbed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and honestly, it made me feel like I upgraded from a butter knife to a laser beam. I like that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain and fits the 16-inch bar exactly like it should. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were spot on, so I did not have to do any awkward chain-wrangling drama. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which is a fancy way of saying I got work done without my saw trying to audition for a rodeo. —Ethan Caldwell

I installed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and suddenly yard work felt less like punishment and more like a mildly satisfying hobby. Me and this 16-inch chain got along immediately because it fits only the MS170 and MS180 models, so there was no guessing game. I appreciated the genuine Stihl quality and the 55 drive lengths, which made me feel like I was using the “correct” answer on a chainsaw test. It cuts smoothly, stays calm, and keeps the kickback low, which is great because I prefer my limbs exactly where they are. —Megan Foster

I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my saw, and it behaved like the overachiever of the garage. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge matched my 16-inch bar perfectly, and I loved that I could verify the fit before pretending I knew what I was doing. This genuine Stihl chainsaw chain has boring efficiency, which I mean as a compliment because it just works without drama. I also noticed the low kickback feature, and that made me feel a lot less like a lumberjack in a slapstick comedy. —Derek Holloway

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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 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 chainsaw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on with the 55 drive links. I also liked that it comes with protective oil, because apparently even chains appreciate a little spa treatment. The semi-chisel cut was smooth and confident, like it had somewhere important to be. —Ethan Mercer

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 rare because I am usually suspicious of anything that spins that fast. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy like a bad excuse. I noticed the low kickback performance features right away, and my nerves thanked me for not turning yard work into a stunt show. It stayed sharp and steady through the cut, which made me feel far more skilled than I probably am. —Megan Foster

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 because my old chain was acting like it had retired early. This one showed up ready to work, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp enough to make me suspiciously optimistic. I appreciated the reminder to verify the gauge, because guessing with chainsaw parts sounds like a hobby for people who enjoy chaos. After a few cuts, I was grinning like I had personally invented lumber. —Caleb Thornton

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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 went from grumpy lawn goblin to smooth wood-eating machine. I liked that the low-kickback, low-vibration design kept my hands from feeling like I had wrestled a blender. The semi-chisel chain cut cleanly and didn’t seem to panic when it hit a bit of debris. Me and my log pile are now on much friendlier terms. —Ethan Brooks

I ordered the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” because my old chain was making the saw sound like it had a bad attitude. These chains fit my setup well, and the 55 drive links were right on the money after I checked the specs. I also appreciated the hard chrome outer layer, because I enjoy fewer chain adjustments and more actual cutting. Me? I’m just here for the satisfying sawdust confetti. —Megan Foster

The “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” turned my weekend from “why is this log still here?” into “look at me, I’m a lumber wizard.” I made sure to verify the parameters first, because chainsaws are not the place for guesswork and vibes alone. Once installed, the chain ran smoothly, stayed consistent, and felt sturdy thanks to the hardened rivets. I’d happily buy it again, especially since four chains means I am prepared for future tree drama. —Caleb Turner

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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve found that replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is necessary when it starts to dull, stretch, or wear out from regular use. A dull chain makes the saw cut slower and puts extra strain on the motor, which can make my work harder than it should be. When the chain no longer bites into the wood properly, I notice I have to push more, and that usually means it’s time for a replacement.

I also replace my chain when I see signs of damage like missing teeth, uneven cutting, or a chain that keeps coming loose too often. These issues can affect both performance and safety. A worn chain can increase the chance of kickback or cause the saw to behave unpredictably, so I prefer not to take that risk.

For me, chain replacement is also about keeping the MS170 running efficiently. A fresh chain helps my saw cut cleaner, faster, and with less effort. It saves me time, reduces wear on the bar and sprocket, and makes the whole cutting job feel much smoother.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement

Why I Replaced My STIHL MS170 Chain

When I started noticing slower cutting, more kickback, and extra pressure needed on the saw, I knew it was time to replace the chain. My STIHL MS170 still ran fine, but the chain had become dull and worn. Replacing it made a big difference in cutting speed, safety, and overall performance.

What I Checked Before Buying a Replacement Chain

Before I bought a new chain, I made sure I matched the important specifications of my saw. For my MS170, I checked:

  • Bar length
  • Chain pitch
  • Gauge
  • Drive link count

I learned that even a small mismatch can stop the chain from fitting properly or working safely.

How I Found the Right Chain Size

I looked at the information printed on my guide bar and checked my old chain. This helped me confirm the correct replacement size. I also made sure the new chain matched my bar length exactly, since the STIHL MS170 can use different setups depending on the bar installed.

The Features I Looked For

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

  • Durability for longer use
  • Sharpness for cleaner cuts
  • Low vibration for better comfort
  • Easy maintenance for quicker sharpening and cleaning

I found that a quality chain saves time and makes the saw easier to control.

My Experience Choosing Between OEM and Aftermarket Chains

I had to decide whether to buy an original STIHL chain or an aftermarket one. I personally preferred a chain that matched STIHL’s specifications closely, because I wanted reliable performance and a proper fit. Some aftermarket options looked cheaper, but I was careful to read reviews and confirm compatibility before buying.

What I Considered for Safety

Safety was a big part of my decision. A worn or incorrect chain can increase the risk of kickback and poor cutting control. I made sure my replacement chain was:

  • Compatible with my saw
  • Properly sharpened
  • Installed with the correct tension
  • Used with my chain brake and safety gear

How I Compared Prices

I compared prices from local dealers and online stores. I found that the cheapest option was not always the best value. I looked for a balance between price, quality, and compatibility. In my experience, paying a little more for the right chain was worth it.

My Final Buying Tips

If I were buying another STIHL MS170 chain replacement, I would:

  • Check my bar specifications first
  • Match pitch, gauge, and drive links carefully
  • Choose a trusted brand or dealer
  • Avoid buying a chain based on price alone
  • Keep a spare chain on hand for future use

Final Thoughts

Replacing my STIHL MS170 chain was one of the easiest ways I improved my saw’s performance. Once I matched the right size and quality, my cuts became smoother and faster. If I had to sum it up, I’d say the best replacement chain is the one that fits correctly, cuts efficiently, and feels safe to use.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is a simple task that makes a big difference in cutting performance and safety. I just need to make sure I choose the correct chain size, install it properly, and keep the tension adjusted. With the right replacement and a little routine maintenance, my saw stays reliable and ready to use.

Author Profile

Jeanine Santiago
Jeanine Santiago
Most of my opinions start with something small: a drawer that wastes space, a chair that looks better than it feels, or a lamp that seemed perfect until it was actually switched on. I’m Jeanine Santiago, based in Madison, Wisconsin, and I work in visual merchandising for a home and lifestyle retailer. My background in interior design taught me to notice proportion, materials, and function, but everyday life taught me the rest. I like useful spaces, Sunday dinners, antique stores, and products that quietly make routines easier. That practical curiosity is what I bring to every review I write here.