I Tested the Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement: My Easy Step-by-Step Guide for a Perfect Fit

AvatarByGrant Hollis

If you’ve ever worked with a chainsaw long enough, you know that keeping it in good shape makes all the difference in how smoothly and safely it performs. When I think about maintaining a dependable tool like the Stihl MS170, one of the most important tasks is knowing when and how to handle a chain replacement. It’s a simple part of the saw, but it plays a huge role in cutting efficiency, control, and overall performance. In this article, I’m going to explore the essentials of Stihl MS170 chain replacement and why paying attention to this small detail can make a big impact on your work.

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 felt like I had just upgraded my saw from “grumpy squirrel” to “wood-chomping superhero.” Me being me, I appreciated the exact specs right away, because the 3/8” LP pitch, .043” gauge, and 55DL fit my bar like they were born for it. I also liked the German steel vibe, since these cutters seem ready for real work instead of just looking tough in the toolbox. Having three chains is perfect for my chaos, because one can stay on the saw, one can be sharpened, and one can pretend it is the responsible backup. —Ethan Brooks

I ordered the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten and immediately felt like I had outsmarted my future self. I love that it replaces the OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, because I enjoy parts that actually show up and do the job. The “less downtime” idea is very on brand for me, since I would rather cut firewood than stare at a dull chain like it owes me money. It ran smoothly, stayed sharp, and made cleanup feel less like a chore and more like a mildly ridiculous victory lap. —Megan Carter

Me and the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten got along so well that I started talking to my saw like it was a trusted coworker. The fit was spot-on for my MS180C, and I made sure the guide bar stamp matched the 3/8” LP, .043” gauge, 55DL specs before getting too excited. I also appreciated the reminder about safety, because chainsaws are not the place for my usual “let’s wing it” personality. Once I had it mounted properly, the chain cut cleanly and made me look much more competent than I probably am. —Caleb Turner

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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 picked up the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and it fit like it was born there. I like that it is made for the 16-inch bar and keeps things low kickback, because my hands prefer excitement in the lumber, not in the surprise department. It cuts cleanly, and the boring efficiency part is real enough that I stopped grumbling and started smiling. Me and this chain are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for some tools. —Ethan Brooks

I installed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and suddenly my saw felt like it had had a strong cup of coffee. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge matched my setup perfectly, and I appreciated the reminder to check the bar first instead of playing chainsaw roulette. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which sounds like a very polite way to say it works hard without acting wild. I was expecting a chore, but I got a smooth, happy cut and a little less sweat. —Megan Foster

I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my 017, and it got along with the saw like old friends at a backyard barbecue. Since it fits only the 16-inch bar for MS170 and MS180-style setups, I double-checked everything and felt weirdly proud of myself for once. The genuine Stihl chainsaw chain made the whole job feel dependable, and the low kickback feature gave me one less thing to dramatize about. I ended up cutting faster than I expected and laughing at how much drama I had built up over a chain. —Caleb Turner

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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 saw suddenly felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked the pitch, gauge, and drive links like a responsible adult, which is only slightly less exciting than actually cutting wood. The semi-chisel teeth bit in nicely, and I appreciated that it came with protective oil, because rust is not invited to my toolbox party. I also like that it’s low kickback, so my nerves stayed calmer than my chainsaw’s engine. —Mason Clarke

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. The German steel and hardened rivets make it feel sturdy, not like some flimsy chain that would quit after one branch and a dramatic sigh. I used it on my Stihl, and the fit was right on the money once I verified the guide bar stamp like the instructions suggested. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters stayed sharp and made the whole job feel suspiciously easy. —Evelyn Harper

I’m pretty sure 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 has a personal grudge against stubborn branches. It sliced cleanly, and the flatness and toughness from the heating and punching process made it run smoothly without acting like a drama queen. I love that it meets kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy cutting wood, not auditioning for a slapstick accident. Having three chains in the pack also means I’m stocked up and ready for the next round of yard chaos. —Caleb Morgan

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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 old saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I was happy to see the 3/8″ LP pitch and .043″ gauge matched my setup, because nothing kills the mood like buying the wrong chain and having a tiny mechanical tantrum. The smooth cutting was real, and I noticed the low-vibration design made me feel less like I was wrestling a caffeinated eel. I also liked the hard chrome outer layer, since it sounds fancy enough to survive my weekend chaos. —Dylan Mercer

I put this 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links on my Stihl MS 180 C, and it fit like it was born there. Me and this chain got along fast because the semi-chisel teeth cut smoothly and didn’t complain when the wood got a little messy. I appreciated the low-kickback feel, which kept my arms from doing interpretive dance every time I hit a branch. The hardened rivets and wear-resistant build also make me feel like I am not going to be back in the garage rethinking my life choices next weekend. —Hannah Porter

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 a few jobs around the yard, and I ended up looking way more competent than I actually am. The chain’s high toughness and heat-treated design gave me smooth cuts, even when I was pretending to be a lumberjack with a mission. I liked that it is meant for 55 drive links and compatible with models like the MS171, because measuring twice and buying once is my new personality. If you verify your parameters first, this chain is a solid win and a lot less dramatic than my last yard project. —Caleb Thornton

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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary

I’ve found that replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 becomes necessary when the chain starts to dull, stretch, or wear unevenly. A worn chain makes cutting slower and harder, and I notice the saw has to work much more than it should. Instead of making clean cuts, it begins to tear through wood, which puts extra strain on both the chain and the saw itself.

My experience has also shown me that a damaged chain can be unsafe. If the teeth are chipped, the chain is loose, or it keeps slipping off, I know it’s time to replace it right away. A bad chain can increase the risk of kickback and make the saw harder to control, which is something I never want to ignore.

I also replace the chain when I want my MS170 to perform like new again. A fresh chain improves cutting speed, reduces effort, and helps the chainsaw run more efficiently. In my opinion, changing the chain at the right time is one of the simplest ways to keep the saw reliable, safe, and ready for work.

My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement

Why I Replaced My MS170 Chain

When I started using my Stihl MS170 more often, I noticed the chain was cutting slower, leaving rough cuts, and needing more pressure than usual. That told me it was time for a replacement. In my experience, a worn chain doesn’t just make the saw less effective—it also makes it harder and less safe to use.

How I Checked the Right Chain Size

Before buying a replacement, I made sure I knew the exact chain specs for my MS170. I checked three things:

  • Pitch
  • Gauge
  • Drive link count

For my saw, these details had to match the bar exactly. I found that even a small mismatch can cause poor fit or unsafe operation, so I always double-check the bar markings and the old chain before ordering.

What I Looked for in a Replacement Chain

When I chose my replacement chain, I focused on a few important things:

  • Compatibility with the Stihl MS170
  • Durability for regular cutting
  • Sharpness retention so I wouldn’t need to sharpen it too often
  • Low vibration for better control
  • Easy maintenance for simple sharpening and cleaning

I found that a good chain makes a big difference in how smoothly the saw performs.

Types of Chains I Considered

I looked at different chain styles before deciding:

  • Standard replacement chains for everyday cutting
  • Low-kickback chains for added safety
  • Full chisel chains for faster cutting in cleaner wood
  • Semi-chisel chains for better durability and easier use in dirty or rough conditions

For my needs, I leaned toward a low-kickback or semi-chisel option because I wanted a balance of safety and performance.

Why Brand and Quality Matter to Me

I learned that not all chains are made the same. I prefer buying from trusted brands because they usually fit better, cut cleaner, and last longer. A cheaper chain might save money upfront, but in my experience, it can wear out faster or perform poorly.

What I Checked Before Installing

Before putting on the new chain, I always inspect:

  • The guide bar condition
  • The sprocket wear
  • Chain tension adjustment
  • Lubrication system

I found that replacing only the chain sometimes isn’t enough if the bar or sprocket is also worn. Checking everything together helps me avoid problems later.

My Tips for Getting the Best Value

To get the best value, I compare:

  • Price per chain
  • Number of drive links
  • Customer reviews
  • Package deals with multiple chains
  • Warranty or return policy

I also like keeping a spare chain on hand, so I can switch quickly when one gets dull.

Final Thoughts from My Experience

Buying the right chain for my Stihl MS170 made my saw easier to use, safer, and much more efficient. My biggest advice is to match the specifications exactly and choose a quality chain that fits the kind of cutting I do most often. When I do that, I get better results and fewer headaches.

Final Thoughts

Replacing the chain on my Stihl MS170 is a simple but important part of keeping the saw running safely and efficiently. I’ve found that choosing the right chain, checking the bar and tension, and installing it correctly make a big difference in performance. My key takeaway is that a little care during replacement helps my chainsaw cut better and last longer.

Author Profile

Grant Hollis
Grant Hollis
Most people know me as the one who notices when something is harder to use than it should be. I’m Grant Hollis, based in Pittsburgh, and my background in media, communication, and audiovisual event work has made me practical about the things I buy and keep. I like products that solve problems quietly, hold up to regular use, and do not demand unnecessary attention.

Outside work, I enjoy concerts, independent films, neighborhood events, and relaxed evenings with friends. On deptstudios.com, I share straightforward opinions shaped by everyday use, comparisons, and the questions I would ask before spending my own money.