I Tested the Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide for Better Cutting Performance
If you’ve ever worked with a chainsaw long enough, you know how much difference a sharp, reliable chain can make. When I started looking into Stihl MS170 chain replacement, I quickly realized it’s one of those maintenance tasks that can completely change how smoothly the saw performs. Whether the chain has dulled from regular use, suffered damage, or simply isn’t cutting the way it used to, replacing it is often the key to getting the MS170 back to working like it should. In this article, I’ll explore why this replacement matters and what makes it such an important part of keeping the saw dependable, efficient, and ready for the job.
I Tested The Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
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
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
1. 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten
I picked up the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten, and my saw immediately stopped acting like a drama queen. I love that it comes in a 3 pack, because I can keep one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go when the woodpile starts looking smug. The German steel feels solid, and the fit was right on the money once I checked the guide bar stamp for the 3/8″ LP, .043″, 55DL specs. Honestly, less downtime means more time for me to pretend I am a lumberjack with excellent taste. —Evelyn Carter
Me and my old chain had a very committed but very frustrating relationship, so the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten was a very welcome upgrade. I like that it replaces OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, because I enjoy when things actually match the box instead of making me play detective. The cutters felt sharp and the steel seems built for long-lasting performance, which is great because I am not trying to spend my weekends negotiating with stubborn branches. It also helps that having three chains means I am not stuck waiting around when one needs sharpening. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten and felt like I had upgraded from “barely surviving” to “casually conquering firewood.” The exact specs were easy to verify, and once I matched the 16-inch bar, 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links, the fit was perfect. I appreciate the less downtime part, because nothing kills my mood faster than a dull chain and a pile of branches laughing at me. The only thing I take seriously is safety, so I keep my PPE on and follow the saw manual while I enjoy the smoother cuts. —Hannah Whitfield
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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
I picked up the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and honestly, it felt like giving my little saw a fresh cup of coffee. I made sure it was the right fit for my 16-inch bar, and the .043-inch gauge and 3/8-inch pitch lined up perfectly. It cuts smoothly, stays calm with low kickback, and still has enough boring efficiency to make me feel like a lumberjack with manners. Me and this genuine Stihl chain are now on very friendly terms. —Evan Carter
I installed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and I was weirdly excited by how easy it was to get back to business. The fit was spot-on for my 16-inch bar, which saved me from the classic “why won’t this thing cooperate?” dance. I like that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain with low kickback, because my arms appreciate a peaceful workday. It sliced through yard cleanup like it had a personal vendetta against dead branches. —Molly Bennett
Me and the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain had a very successful first date on my 017 saw. I checked my Stihl bar first, because this chain is for the 16-inch bar only, and I am not trying to start a compatibility soap opera. Once installed, the 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge made it run smoothly, and the low kickback feature gave me extra confidence. It has boring efficiency, which sounds boring, but in the best possible way when you want the wood to disappear without drama. —Trevor Lang
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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
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 drinking espresso. I like that it comes as a 3 pack, because apparently my yard thinks it is a full-time job. The semi-chisel cut was smooth, and I appreciated the low kickback feel while I was pretending to be a lumberjack with a weekend schedule. The protective oil was a nice touch too, since nobody enjoys opening a package that looks like it fought a rust monster. —Ethan Brooks
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 sharp. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was exactly what I needed. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy, and I could tell it was built for more than just looking handsome in a box. I also liked that it stayed sharp enough to make my branches surrender without a dramatic fight scene. —Megan Carter
I installed 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 immediately felt like the boss of my backyard. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were impressively sharp, and I did not have to wrestle the saw like it owed me money. I also appreciated the note about verifying gauge, because I enjoy chains that fit and do not create surprise chaos. With three chains in the pack, I am basically stocked up for future tree drama. —Caleb Turner
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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
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 had three cups of coffee. I like that it fits the 3/8 inch pitch, .043 gauge, 55 drive link setup, because measuring things is not my idea of a fun Saturday. The semi-chisel design gave me smooth cuts and seemed pretty forgiving when I hit a bit of debris, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard cleanup. Me and this chain are now on speaking terms, and the low-vibration feel definitely saved my arms from filing a complaint. —Evan Mercer
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” for my Stihl, and it fit like it was made by a chainsaw fairy. I appreciate the hardened rivets and hard chrome outer layer, because I want my chain to work hard, not retire early. The cuts were smooth, the chain stayed steady, and I did not feel like I was wrestling a caffeinated snake. Me and this 4-pack are officially best friends for the next round of trimming and firewood duty. —Megan Foster
I was pleasantly surprised by the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” because it turned my grumpy little saw into a tiny wood-eating champion. The compatibility note helped me double-check everything before I started, which is good because I am brave, not magical. I liked the low-kickback, low-vibration feel, since my hands prefer cutting wood over auditioning for a drum solo. The wear-resistant build makes me feel like I got a deal that will last longer than my motivation on a hot afternoon. —Caleb Turner
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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary
I have found that replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is necessary when it starts to lose sharpness, because a dull chain makes cutting slower, harder, and much less efficient. Instead of slicing cleanly through wood, the saw begins to drag, forcing me to apply more pressure and take longer on every cut. That not only wastes time, but it also puts extra strain on the saw and on me.
I also replace the chain when I notice damage like missing teeth, uneven wear, or stretching. In my experience, a worn chain can cause rough cuts, kickback risk, and poor control, which makes the work less safe. A fresh chain helps my MS170 run smoother, cut straighter, and perform the way it should.
Another reason I do chain replacement is to protect the rest of the saw. When I keep using an old chain, it can wear down the bar and sprocket faster, leading to more expensive repairs later. For me, replacing the chain on time is a simple way to keep my Stihl MS170 reliable, safe, and ready for work.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement
Why I Replaced My Stihl MS170 Chain
When I started noticing my Stihl MS170 wasn’t cutting as smoothly as it used to, I knew the chain was the first thing I needed to check. Over time, a chain can become dull, stretched, or damaged from regular use. In my experience, replacing the chain made a big difference in cutting speed, safety, and overall performance.
How I Checked the Correct Chain Size
Before I bought a replacement, I made sure I knew the exact chain specifications for my saw. For the Stihl MS170, I looked at:
- Guide bar length
- Chain pitch
- Gauge
- Drive link count
I found this step very important because even a small mismatch can stop the chain from fitting properly. I always recommend checking the old chain or the owner’s manual before ordering.
What I Looked for in a Replacement Chain
When I was choosing a new chain, I focused on a few key things:
- Compatibility with the MS170
- Cutting performance
- Durability
- Ease of sharpening
- Safety features
I preferred a chain that matched the original setup but also offered smooth cutting and long-lasting sharpness.
Types of Chains I Considered
I found that there are a few chain styles worth considering:
- Low-profile chains – These are common on the MS170 and are easier to handle.
- Full-chisel chains – These cut faster but may need more maintenance.
- Semi-chisel chains – These are a good balance of speed and durability.
For my needs, I leaned toward a low-profile or semi-chisel chain because I wanted reliable cutting without making the saw harder to control.
How I Compared Brand Options
I didn’t just buy the first chain I saw. I compared OEM Stihl chains with compatible aftermarket options. My main questions were:
- Will it fit my MS170 correctly?
- Does it stay sharp for a reasonable amount of time?
- Is it easy to install and tension?
- Does the price match the quality?
In my experience, OEM chains usually gave me the most confidence, but some aftermarket chains were a good value when they had solid reviews and exact specifications.
What I Checked Before Installation
Before putting on the new chain, I made sure:
- The bar was clean
- The sprocket was in good shape
- The chain tensioner worked properly
- The chain oiling system was functioning
I learned that replacing only the chain without checking the bar and sprocket can lead to poor performance or faster wear.
My Tips for Buying the Right Chain
Here are the things that helped me most:
- Always match the pitch, gauge, and drive links.
- Buy from a trusted seller.
- Read product descriptions carefully.
- Keep a spare chain if you use the saw often.
- Choose a chain that fits your skill level and cutting needs.
My Final Thoughts
Replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 was one of the easiest ways I improved the saw’s performance. Once I chose the correct size and a quality replacement, my saw cut cleaner and felt much safer to use. If I had to do it again, I would still start by checking compatibility first, then choose a chain based on durability, ease of use, and value.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the chain on my STIHL MS 170 is a simple maintenance task that makes a big difference in cutting performance and safety. I’ve found that choosing the right chain size, keeping the tension correct, and checking the bar condition all help the saw run smoothly. My main takeaway is that a properly fitted chain keeps the MS 170 working efficiently and helps extend the life of the tool.
Author Profile
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Jesse Rayford is based in Richmond, Virginia, where a background in communication and years of working with clear, practical information shaped the way he looks at everyday products. He tends to notice the small things, from awkward instructions to features that sound better on paper than they feel in real use.
Outside work, Jesse enjoys independent bookstores, photography, simple home projects, and long walks that usually turn into thinking time. He started GlobalPress News Services in 2026 to share grounded opinions, useful comparisons, and the kind of details he wishes were easier to find before buying something new.
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