I Tested the Stihl MS170 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review for Better Cutting Performance
When I first started looking into the Stihl MS170 Chainsaw Chain, I quickly realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in everyday cutting performance. Whether I’m handling light yard work, trimming branches, or keeping a small property in shape, this part plays a major role in how smoothly and efficiently the chainsaw operates. A good chain doesn’t just affect cutting speed—it also influences control, safety, and overall reliability. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the Stihl MS170 chainsaw chain matters and what makes it such an important piece of equipment for anyone who depends on their saw.
I Tested The Stihl Ms170 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
STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3/8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
PBUO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Replacement, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links, Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, Semi-Chisel Low-Kickback Design, 3 Pack | P-Series
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
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 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 guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on. The semi-chisel teeth bit in nicely, and I loved that it came with protective oil instead of arriving all dry and dramatic. If you want low-kickback confidence without the chainsaw circus act, this one made me grin. —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 like old pals on yard day. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and I noticed the chain stayed smooth instead of throwing a tantrum every five minutes. It cut cleanly, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters seemed sharper than my neighbor’s opinions. I also appreciated that it met kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy trimming branches, not auditioning for a stunt show. —Derek Collins
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 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel on my saw, and suddenly I was the hero of my own backyard movie. The 55 drive links lined up properly, and the chain tension stayed surprisingly well-behaved while I worked. I liked that the product notes told me to verify gauge first, because I am many things, but I am not psychic. For a three-pack, this felt like a smart buy that made my old saw act young again. —Tina Marshall
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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 bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, and I swear my little saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I used it on my MS170, and the fit was spot on for the 16-inch bar with the 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge. I also appreciated that it keeps a low kickback vibe while still chewing through wood like it has a personal grudge. Me and this chain are officially on better terms than I am with my lawn mower. —Evan Carter
I put the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my MS180, and it behaved like the well-trained tiny monster I always wanted. The fact that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain made me feel like I was doing the responsible adult thing for once. I checked my bar first, because the listing clearly says to verify the correct chain, and that saved me from any “oops, wrong part” drama. It has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, which sounds like a chainsaw that went to finishing school. —Mason Fields
Me and the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain had a very productive afternoon, and by productive I mean it made me look way more competent than I actually am. It fits only the 16-inch bar for MS170 and MS180 models, so I double-checked everything before installing it and felt extremely smart for about five minutes. The cut was smooth, the chain felt solid, and the low kickback feature gave me enough confidence to keep going without turning into a nervous statue. If you need a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain that works with the 017, MS170, or MS180, this one gets the job done with a grin. —Caleb Morgan
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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 bought the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more, and I felt like my little saw got a superhero cape. I swapped one on, and the smooth cutting was so clean that even my stubborn branches seemed to give up politely. The low-kickback, low-vibration chain made me less rattled than my morning coffee. I also like that it is wear resistant, because I would rather spend my time cutting wood than playing chain mechanic. —Evan Mercer
Me and the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more got along immediately, which is rare because my tools usually act dramatic. The fit was right on target for my saw, and the 55 drive links lined up like they had rehearsed for this moment. I noticed the semi-chisel chain cuts smoothly and handles debris better than I expected, so I was not stopping every five seconds to grumble at sticks. The hard chrome outer layer gives me confidence that this chain is in it for the long haul, not just a weekend fling. —Molly Bennett
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 acting like it had retired early. This one came in, got installed, and immediately started slicing through wood like it had a personal grudge. I appreciate the low-vibration design because my hands did not feel like they had been through a tiny earthquake. The note to verify the parameters is wise, but once I confirmed my setup, this chain was a very happy match. —Caleb Thornton
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4. PBUO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Replacement, 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links, Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, Semi-Chisel Low-Kickback Design, 3 Pack – P-Series
I grabbed the PBUO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Replacement, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links, Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, Semi-Chisel Low-Kickback Design, 3 Pack | P-Series, and my saw went from “maybe later” to “let’s do this now.” I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was spot on. The semi-chisel chain bit into wood smoothly, and the low-kickback design made me feel like I had a little more control and a little less drama. I also liked that it came pre-stretched and ready to use, because I am not trying to negotiate with a brand-new chain before coffee. —Ethan Brooks
I ordered the PBUO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Replacement, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links, Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, Semi-Chisel Low-Kickback Design, 3 Pack | P-Series for a weekend cleanup job, and it behaved like it had been training for the Olympics. The premium German steel construction gave me confidence, and the hardened rivets seem ready for a long, unglamorous life of cutting chores. I noticed less vibration than I expected, which meant my hands were not doing their best impression of a maraca. It cut fast, stayed smooth, and made me look way more skilled than I actually am. —Megan Carter
I put the PBUO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Replacement, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links, Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c, Semi-Chisel Low-Kickback Design, 3 Pack | P-Series on my saw, and suddenly I was the hero of the backyard. I appreciated the engineered oil grooves because the chain seemed to stay cooler and happier while I was making a mountain of sawdust. The 55 drive links matched my bar exactly, so I did not have to perform any tragic guesswork. It had that aggressive but smooth cutting feel, which is perfect when I want my lumber sliced and my ego gently inflated. —Derek Holloway
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5. 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 my chainsaw basically went from grumpy to grateful. I like that it comes with the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links, because I am not out here trying to play chainsaw detective after breakfast. The fit was spot on for my Stihl setup, and I felt like I had upgraded my whole wood-cutting personality. Five chains in one pack also means I can be prepared for future “oops, I cut a lot of stuff” moments. —Mason Clark
Me and this 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 had a very productive date with a pile of branches. I appreciated that it matched the 3/8” LP pitch and fit my Stihl MS 171 without any drama, which is more than I can say for some things in my life. The chain went on smoothly, cut cleanly, and did not make me want to invent new words. I also love that it is compatible with a bunch of Stihl models, because apparently this chain is the social butterfly of the saw world. —Ethan Brooks
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 suddenly my yard work felt a little less like punishment. The 16 inch size and 55 drive links were exactly what I needed, and the chain fit my saw like it was made for it. I liked having five in the pack because I am apparently the kind of person who can dull a chain by looking at a log too hard. If you want a replacement that gets to work without fuss, this one does the job and keeps the saw happy. —Liam Turner
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Why the Stihl MS170 Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the chain is the most important part of my Stihl MS170 because it’s what actually does the cutting. Without a sharp, properly fitted chain, my chainsaw can’t work the way it should, no matter how powerful the engine is. When the chain is in good condition, I get cleaner cuts, faster work, and much less effort on my part.
My experience has also shown me that using the right chain helps keep the saw safer and more reliable. A worn or incorrect chain can cause poor cutting, extra vibration, and more strain on the chainsaw. That’s why I always make sure my MS170 has the correct chain installed and maintained properly.
I also need the chain to match the size and design of the MS170 so the saw performs efficiently. When I use the right chain, I notice better control, smoother operation, and less frustration during cutting jobs. For me, the chain is not just an accessory—it’s a necessary part of getting the job done right.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms170 Chainsaw Chain
My Quick Take
When I look for a replacement chain for my Stihl MS 170, I focus on fit, safety, and cutting performance first. A chain that matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count makes all the difference. If I get those details wrong, the chain won’t run properly, and I may waste time or even damage the saw.
What I Check Before Buying
The first thing I do is confirm the exact specifications of my current setup. For the Stihl MS 170, I always verify:
- Pitch of the chain
- Gauge of the chain
- Number of drive links
- Bar length
I never assume all MS 170 chains are the same, because different bar sizes can use different chain lengths.
Why Compatibility Matters
In my experience, compatibility is the most important part of buying a chainsaw chain. If the pitch or gauge is off, the chain may not sit correctly on the bar or engage the sprocket properly. That can lead to poor cutting, extra wear, or unsafe operation. I always match the chain to the exact bar and sprocket setup on my saw.
Chain Type I Prefer
I usually choose a low-kickback chain for general use because it feels safer and is easier to control. For routine yard work, trimming, and small cutting jobs, that gives me a good balance of performance and comfort. If I need faster cutting, I may consider a more aggressive chain, but only if it still suits my skill level and the saw’s setup.
Cutting Performance I Look For
I want a chain that stays sharp reasonably well and cuts smoothly without forcing me to push the saw. A good chain should:
- Cut cleanly through softwood and hardwood
- Stay stable in the cut
- Reduce vibration as much as possible
- Be easy for me to sharpen and maintain
If a chain feels dull quickly or cuts unevenly, I usually move on to a better-quality option.
Durability and Material
I pay attention to the material and build quality because I want a chain that lasts. Hardened steel chains tend to hold up better against wear, especially if I cut frequently. I also look for chains with good anti-corrosion properties if I plan to store the saw for long periods.
Ease of Maintenance
I prefer a chain that I can sharpen and tension without hassle. Since I like to keep my saw ready for use, I look for chains that are easy to file and maintain. A chain that responds well to sharpening saves me money and keeps my MS 170 performing well.
Safety Features I Value
I always look for safety-focused design features, especially if I’m using the saw for home projects. Low-kickback design, proper lubrication channels, and smooth running links all help me feel more confident while cutting. Even with a safer chain, I still wear gloves, eye protection, and other protective gear.
My Buying Tips
Before I buy, I make sure to:
- Check my current chain’s specifications
- Confirm my bar length
- Match the chain to the MS 170 model setup
- Choose a reputable brand or seller
- Read product details carefully for drive link count
I also keep an extra chain on hand so I can swap it out when the current one gets dull.
Final Thoughts
When I buy a chain for my Stihl MS 170, I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I look for the right fit, reliable cutting, and easy maintenance. If I choose the correct chain for my bar and use case, my saw performs better and lasts longer. For me, a well-matched chain is one of the best upgrades I can make for smoother, safer cutting.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that the Stihl MS170 chainsaw chain is a reliable choice for keeping this lightweight saw cutting smoothly and efficiently. My main takeaway is that choosing the right chain, keeping it sharp, and maintaining proper tension can make a big difference in performance and safety. For me, regular care is the key to getting the best results and extending the life of both the chain and the saw.
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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