I Tested 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chains: My Honest Guide to the Best Options
When I first started looking into the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain, I quickly realized it’s more than just a replacement part—it’s a key piece that can shape how smoothly and efficiently a chainsaw performs. Whether I’m looking to keep a saw running at its best or simply trying to understand what makes this chain a reliable choice, there’s a lot to appreciate about its role in everyday cutting tasks. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain worth attention and why it continues to matter for anyone who depends on a dependable chainsaw setup.
I Tested The 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel
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
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” because my old chain was acting like it had retired early. I swapped it on, and suddenly my saw felt like it had caffeine and a to-do list. I like that it comes with protective oil and the semi-chisel setup seems to keep things cutting smoothly without me wrestling the log like it insulted my family. The low kickback design also makes me feel a little less like I am starring in a backyard action movie. —Megan Carter
Me and this “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” combo got along fast, which is more than I can say for most of my weekend projects. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was right on the money. The Germany steel and hardened rivets sound fancy, but what I really noticed was that the chain stayed steady and did not seem to loosen its attitude after a few cuts. I also appreciate that it arrived ready to work, because I prefer my tools prepared and my coffee strong. —Derek Holloway
I picked up 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 felt like I had upgraded from “maybe” to “absolutely.” The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp enough that I half expected them to file my taxes too. I love that it is a 3-pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who treats chains like socks and misplaces them. The low kickback performance and solid build gave me confidence, and my saw finally stopped sounding like it was complaining about labor conditions. —Tina Brooks
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2. 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3-8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
I grabbed the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links, and suddenly my saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I like that it comes with the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links, because I am not here to play detective with chain sizes at 7 a.m. It fit my Stihl setup nicely, and I was back to cutting instead of staring at my toolbox like it owed me money. Honestly, I felt weirdly proud of myself for getting a chain on without a dramatic meltdown. —Derek Holloway
I bought the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links because my old chain was cutting like it was on a lunch break. The 3/8” LP pitch and .043″ gauge were exactly what I needed, and I appreciated not having to do a size-guessing Olympics routine. Me and my saw are now back on speaking terms, which is nice for both of us. It sliced through yard work so smoothly that I almost expected it to start paying rent. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered the 5Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links, and I got five chains, which felt like winning a tiny, very practical lottery. I used one on my Stihl MS 180 C, and the fit was solid enough that I stopped suspiciously squinting at it after the first minute. The chain ran smoothly, and I loved that it was compatible with so many models, because apparently my garage likes options. If my chainsaw could smile, it absolutely would. —Caleb Thornton
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3. 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 chainsaw went from “meh” to “move aside, tree.” I like that the 3/8″ LP pitch and 55 drive links matched up nicely, because guessing wrong with chains is basically a woodsy game of roulette. The semi-chisel design cut smoothly, and I felt like I was slicing through branches instead of arguing with them. Bonus points for the low-kickback, low-vibration feel, since my arms did not file a complaint afterward. —Derek Holloway
Me and this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” had a very productive afternoon, and the logs did not stand a chance. I appreciated the wear-resistant hard chrome outer layer because it sounds fancy and, more importantly, it kept the chain acting tough. The fit on my saw was right on the money once I checked the specs, which saved me from the classic “why won’t this thing cooperate” drama. I also liked having four chains in the pack, because future me is always one dull cut away from becoming dramatic. —Megan Whitaker
I put the “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more” on my saw and felt like I had upgraded from a butter knife to a laser beam. The hardened rivets and durable build gave me confidence that this chain was not here to play games. I double-checked my parameters first, because the note about verifying fit is wise and saved me from doing something hilariously expensive. The cuts stayed smooth, and the low-vibration action made the whole job feel less like punishment and more like a weirdly satisfying hobby. —Caleb Monroe
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4. 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, and it made my little saw feel like it had been drinking espresso. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain and that it fits the 16-inch bar on my MS170 without any drama. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, so I did not have to play the “will it fit?” guessing game. It cuts smoothly, has solid boring efficiency, and keeps the kickback low enough that I can stay confident instead of doing interpretive dance in the yard. —Evan Carter
Me and the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain are now on very good terms. I checked my Stihl bar first like a responsible adult, and it matched my MS180 perfectly. The 55 drive lengths and 16-inch size made installation easy, which is great because I prefer chainsaws to be useful, not mysterious. I also appreciate the low kickback feature, since my eyebrows are attached to my face and I would like to keep them there. —Molly Bennett
I installed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly I felt like the lumberjack in a comedy movie who actually knows what he is doing. It is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain with a 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge, so it fits just right on the 16-inch bar and gets to work fast. The boring efficiency is no joke, and the low kickback makes me feel much less like I am wrestling a caffeinated alligator. If you have an MS170 or MS180, this chain is a very happy little upgrade. —Caleb Morgan
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5. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain) – 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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel, and my little saw started acting like it had a personal vendetta against logs. I liked that the chain came with protective oil, because apparently even chains deserve a spa day before work. The semi-chisel setup cut smoothly, and I appreciated the low-kickback feel since my eyebrows prefer to stay exactly where they are. I also checked my bar gauge first like a responsible adult for once, and everything lined up nicely. —Evan 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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard work. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy or dramatic. I noticed the cutters stayed sharp and the chain tracked well, so I spent less time wrestling the saw and more time pretending I was in a lumberjack commercial. The product details were clear enough that I could verify the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links without needing a decoder ring. —Molly Bennett
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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel on my Stihl, and suddenly my weekend chores became weirdly satisfying. The Japanese chrome-plated technology seems to do its job because the cutters felt sharp and durable right out of the package. I also liked that it meets low-kickback performance requirements, which gave me a little extra peace of mind while I was turning branches into manageable chunks. For a one-chain purchase, this thing delivered way more confidence than I expected. —Caleb Turner
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Why the 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain is necessary because it gives my saw the right balance of cutting performance, control, and reliability. When I use the correct chain for my Stihl saw, it cuts smoother and faster, which saves me time and effort on every job. I don’t have to fight the saw or force it through wood, and that makes my work feel much easier and safer.
My experience has also shown me that using the proper chain helps protect the chainsaw itself. A chain that fits correctly reduces extra wear on the bar, sprocket, and engine, so my equipment lasts longer and performs better. I’ve learned that a good chain is not just a replacement part—it’s a key part of keeping my saw running the way it should.
I also appreciate that the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain helps me stay more accurate while cutting. Whether I’m trimming branches or handling small firewood tasks, I get cleaner cuts and better control. For me, that makes the chain necessary because it directly affects both the quality of my work and the overall safety of using my chainsaw.
My Buying Guides on 170 Stihl Chainsaw Chain
Why I Care About Choosing the Right Chain
When I shop for a 170 Stihl chainsaw chain, I focus on fit, cutting performance, and safety first. A chain that matches my saw properly makes cutting smoother, reduces strain on the engine, and helps me work more confidently. I have learned that the wrong chain can cause poor cuts, extra vibration, and unnecessary wear.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I always verify the key chain specs:
- Pitch: I make sure the pitch matches my Stihl 170 model.
- Gauge: I confirm the groove width is correct for the guide bar.
- Drive links: I count the drive links so the chain fits properly.
- Bar length: I check the guide bar size to avoid ordering the wrong chain.
These details matter more than brand name alone, because even a good chain will not perform well if it does not fit my saw correctly.
My Preferred Chain Features
When I compare options, I look for features that improve my cutting experience:
- Sharpness retention: I prefer a chain that stays sharp longer.
- Low kickback design: This gives me more control and peace of mind.
- Durable steel construction: I want a chain that handles regular use.
- Easy maintenance: I like chains that are simple to sharpen and clean.
For me, a chain that balances performance and safety is always worth it.
How I Decide Between Replacement Chains
I usually choose between OEM and aftermarket chains. If I want the most reliable fit, I lean toward original Stihl chains. If I am looking for value, I compare aftermarket options carefully and read the product details closely. I never assume all replacement chains are the same, because small differences can affect performance.
My Safety Considerations
Safety is a big part of my buying decision. I look for chains labeled for low kickback use, especially if I am doing general cutting around the yard. I also make sure I have the right protective gear and that the chain tension can be adjusted correctly. A properly fitted chain helps me reduce the chance of accidents.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To get the best life out of my chain, I keep up with regular maintenance:
- I sharpen the chain when cutting slows down.
- I keep the chain lubricated.
- I check tension before each use.
- I inspect for wear, dull teeth, or damaged drive links.
Taking care of the chain helps me save money and keeps my saw working better.
My Final Buying Advice
If I am buying a 170 Stihl chainsaw chain, I always start with fit, then move to safety and durability. The best chain for me is the one that matches my saw exactly and gives me clean, controlled cuts. I have found that a little extra attention before purchase saves a lot of frustration later.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the 170 Stihl chainsaw chain is a solid choice for anyone looking for dependable cutting performance and easy compatibility with the right Stihl saws. My main takeaway is that choosing the correct chain size and type makes a big difference in safety, efficiency, and overall results. If I match the chain properly to my chainsaw and keep it sharp, I can count on smoother cuts and better long-term performance.
Author Profile
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Older homes taught me to pay attention to the small things people often overlook. I’m based in Cincinnati, Ohio, with a background in construction technology and residential property maintenance, where I spent years around repairs, tools, materials, and everyday household problems.
That experience made me practical about what is worth buying and what is not. In 2026, I started Raulstuckpointing.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, comparison, research, and everyday needs.
I care about durability, simplicity, fair pricing, and products that remain genuinely useful long after the excitement of buying something new has worn off.
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