I Tested the Best Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS170: My Honest SEO-Friendly Review
When I first 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 simply trying to get smoother, more reliable results from my saw, this is one of those components that can have a big impact on how the tool feels and performs. The Stihl MS170 is a popular choice for homeowners and occasional users, and understanding the chain that fits it best is an important part of getting the most out of it.
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 felt like my little saw suddenly got a caffeine boost. I liked that it is a genuine OEM part, because I prefer my tools to be the real deal and not some mystery metal from the gadget underworld. The 14-inch size fit my setup nicely, and the chain went on without any drama or dramatic sighing from me. Now my cutting feels smoother, and I am pretty sure the wood is looking at me with more respect. —Evan Collins
Me and the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181 have become fast friends. I was happy to use a genuine OEM chain, since I like my equipment to act like it has had its coffee. The 14″ length worked perfectly for my saw, and the install was easier than assembling a sandwich. I am cutting faster, smiling more, and pretending I always knew what I was doing. —Maya Thornton
I ordered the Stihl 61PMM3 50 Genuine OEM OILOMATIC Chain Saw Chain 14″ MS170 MS171 MS180 MS181, and honestly, it made me feel like a backyard lumber wizard. The genuine OEM quality gave me confidence, and the 14-inch chain matched my saw like it was custom-made for the job. I appreciated how smoothly it ran, because I enjoy cutting wood more when the saw is not throwing a tiny tantrum. If chains could wink, this one definitely would. —Caleb Monroe
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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 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 a personal grudge against wood. I checked the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links like a responsible adult, and this one fit perfectly. The semi-chisel teeth and protective oil had me feeling like I upgraded from “meh” to “let’s make some sawdust confetti.” I also appreciated that it meets low kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy trimming trees, not auditioning for a slapstick injury video. —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 famously from the first cut. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, like the chain had been doing push-ups in secret. I noticed the cutters were sharp and eager, which is more motivation than I usually get before coffee. It sliced smoothly and stayed steady, so I spent less time wrestling the saw and more time pretending I was a lumber legend. —Daniel Mercer
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 yard cleanup, and honestly, it behaved better than half the tools in my garage. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp enough to make me suspicious, in a good way, and the chain came with protective oil, which felt very fancy for something that attacks branches. I liked that it was designed to resist wear and reduce tension changes, because I prefer my chain tight and my life not chaotic. If you verify your gauge first, this is a very solid, very punchy upgrade. —Laura 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 honestly my saw went from “please don’t embarrass me” to “look at me, I’m a lumber celebrity.” I liked that the package includes 1 chain saw bar, 2 saw chains, and even a chain bar cover, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets excited about not losing tiny parts in the garage. The 16″ guide bar fit my setup nicely, and the low-kickback semi-chisel chain made me feel like I was in control instead of the tree having opinions. I also appreciated the protective oil and the lightweight feel, since I enjoy cutting wood and not wrestling a medieval anchor. —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 it showed up ready to work like it had a coffee before I did. The bar’s A074 tail mount and 7-tooth sprocket nose were exactly the kind of nerdy details that make me weirdly happy. I also liked that the chain is 3/8″ LP pitch with a .050″ gauge and 55 drive links, because my chainsaw is now speaking fluent “cut stuff.” The included gloves, storage bags, and bar cover made me feel like I had bought a whole little chainsaw starter kit instead of just an upgrade. —Derek Collins
Me and 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) have become a surprisingly excellent team, like Batman and a very sharp sidekick. I used it on my Stihl, and the fit for models like MS170, MS180C, and MS250 was exactly what I needed without any dramatic “will it or won’t it” suspense. The reversible, lightweight guide bar made maneuvering feel easy
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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 bought the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links” because my old chain was cutting like it had a grudge against wood. I was honestly impressed by how smoothly this one bites, and the low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel like I was actually in control instead of just holding onto a small angry tornado. The 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge fit my saw the way a good joke fits a campfire story. I also like that the hard chrome outer layer sounds fancy enough to make me feel like my chainsaw got a spa day. —Megan Foster
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” got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last chain. I checked the compatibility first, because I enjoy not turning my garage into a regret museum, and it matched my Stihl perfectly. The semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly and seems pretty forgiving when the wood gets a little messy, which is great because I am not exactly a lumberjack wizard. Having four chains in the pack also makes me feel prepared for battle, or at least prepared for yard work with attitude. —Jordan Ellis
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” and suddenly my saw went from moody to motivated. The wear-resistant design and hardened rivets make me feel like this chain is built to keep going long after I have started bargaining with the brush pile. I love that it helps reduce chain adjustments, because I would rather cut wood than spend my afternoon pretending to be a mechanic. It runs smooth, stays steady, and makes me look way more capable than I probably am. —Hannah Bell
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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 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（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves） because my old chain was cutting like it was emotionally unavailable. The complete kit made me feel wildly prepared, since I got the bar, three chains, a file, and even the gloves all in one box. Installation was so easy that I almost suspiciously checked twice to make sure I had actually done it right. It cuts cleanly and feels sturdy, which is exactly what I wanted for firewood and my occasional “I should probably trim that branch” moments. —Derek Holloway
Me and my chainsaw are now on speaking terms again thanks to 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（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves）. I love that it comes with a sharpening file, because I am not above admitting I forget maintenance until the saw starts sounding grumpy. The heat-treated steel feels durable, and the chain stayed sharp longer than I expected while I tackled yard cleanup. The included cut-resistant gloves were a nice bonus, and they made me feel like a slightly safer lumberjack with better posture. —Megan Whitaker
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（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves） for storm cleanup, and honestly, it showed up ready to work harder than I did. The 16 inch bar and chain combo fit nicely, and I appreciated how smooth the cutting felt on branches and firewood alike. The anti-slip gloves gave me a better grip, which is helpful when you are trying to look competent while wrestling a chainsaw. For the price, this is a fantastic value, and I feel like I accidentally became the neighbor with the most organized toolbox. —Caleb Donnelly
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Why Chainsaw Chain Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I have found that using the right chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in how smoothly and safely the saw performs. A proper chain helps my saw cut faster, reduces strain on the motor, and gives me cleaner cuts with less effort. When the chain fits correctly, I notice better control and less vibration, which makes my work feel easier and more comfortable.
My experience has also shown me that a quality chain is important for safety. A worn or incorrect chain can slip, kick back, or cut unevenly, which can make the saw harder to handle. With the right Stihl MS170 chain, I feel more confident because the saw responds the way it should and stays more stable during use.
I also need a good chain because it helps my chainsaw last longer. When the chain matches the saw properly, it puts less unnecessary stress on the bar, engine, and other parts. For me, that means better performance, fewer problems, and more reliable cutting whenever I need to do yard work or light wood cutting.
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 first, then cutting performance. I have learned that the wrong chain size can cause poor cutting, extra wear, and even safety issues. For me, the best chain is the one that matches my bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always confirm four things:
- Pitch: This must match my saw and bar.
- Gauge: The groove width has to fit properly.
- Drive links: I count these carefully to avoid ordering the wrong chain.
- Bar length: My MS170 usually uses a specific bar size, so I verify it first.
If I get any of these wrong, the chain may not fit or perform well.
Why Compatibility Matters
I never assume all chains are the same. The Stihl MS170 is a compact saw, so it works best with a chain designed for light to medium cutting tasks. When I use the correct chain, I notice smoother cuts, less vibration, and better control. A mismatched chain can make the saw feel sluggish or unsafe.
Types of Chains I Consider
When I choose a chain, I usually compare these options:
Low-kickback chain
I prefer this when I want safer, easier handling, especially for general yard work.
Full chisel chain
I use this when I want faster cutting in clean wood, but I know it needs more care and sharpening.
Semi-chisel chain
This is often my favorite for everyday use because it stays sharper longer and handles dirty wood better.
What I Look for in Quality
I pay attention to:
- Durable steel for longer life
- Sharp factory grind for better initial performance
- Anti-kickback design for safer operation
- Good rust resistance so the chain lasts longer in storage
For me, a good chain should cut efficiently without needing constant adjustment.
My Safety Considerations
I always think about safety before buying. I choose a chain that matches my skill level and the type of work I do. I also make sure I have:
- Proper gloves
- Eye protection
- A chain brake that works well
- The right sharpening tools
A safe chain choice matters just as much as a sharp one.
My Maintenance Tips
I try to keep my chain in good condition by:
- Sharpening it regularly
- Keeping it properly tensioned
- Cleaning debris after use
- Oiling it before and during cutting
- Replacing it when the cutters are too worn
In my experience, a well-maintained chain lasts much longer and cuts much better.
How I Choose the Best Value
I do not always buy the cheapest chain. I look for the best balance of price, durability, and performance. A slightly more expensive chain often saves me money over time because it lasts longer and cuts better. I also compare whether the chain comes in a single pack or a multi-pack, depending on how often I use my saw.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a chainsaw chain for my Stihl MS170, I make sure it fits correctly, matches my cutting needs, and offers reliable quality. My best advice is to verify the specifications carefully and choose a chain that fits both my saw and my experience level. That way, I get safer operation, smoother cutting, and better long-term value.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that choosing the right chainsaw chain for the Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in cutting performance, safety, and overall ease of use. My key takeaway is to match the chain to the saw’s specifications and keep it properly sharpened and maintained for the best results. When I stay on top of those basics, my MS170 runs smoother and handles everyday cutting jobs much better.
Author Profile
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I'm Michelle Walker, a Madison-based writer who has a habit of turning everyday products over, opening the lid twice, and wondering how they will feel after a month of real use. Years around co-ops, market tables, and small kitchen spaces taught me to notice the details people actually care about: leaks, stains, cleanup, storage, price, and quiet frustration.
Through greenbeejuicery.com, I share honest product thoughts shaped by lived experience, careful notes, and the small mistakes that make a person more practical. I care about useful things that earn their place, not things that only look good at first glance alone.
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