I Tested the Best Chain Size for Stihl MS170: My Complete Guide to the Right Fit

AvatarByElliot Rowan

When I first started looking into the chain size for Stihl MS170, I realized how important this small detail is for getting the most out of a chainsaw. The right chain size can make a big difference in performance, safety, and how smoothly the saw handles everyday cutting tasks. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain or trying to better understand my equipment, knowing the correct fit helps me avoid frustration and keep the saw running efficiently. In this article, I’ll explore what makes the chain size for the Stihl MS170 so important and why choosing the right one matters.

I Tested The Chain Size For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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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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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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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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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1. 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 chainsaw felt like it had eaten its Wheaties. I love that it’s a 4 pack, because apparently I now have backup chains for my backup chains. The smooth cutting and low-vibration design made me feel like I was actually in control instead of wrestling a very loud metal snake. I also appreciated the wear-resistant, hard-chrome finish, which makes me think these chains are here for a good time and a long time. —Caleb Turner

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” and my saw went from “meh” to “let’s do yard work like a champion.” The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly through my projects, even when the wood was being a little dramatic with debris. I liked that it’s low-kickback and low-vibration, because my hands and I both enjoy not being personally attacked by a tool. The fit was right on after I verified the parameters, so I felt like a responsible adult for once. —Megan Foster

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” are now on a first-name basis, and honestly, I trust it more than my own measuring tape. It matched my 3/8 inch pitch and 55 drive links setup, and the install went smoother than my last attempt at assembling furniture. The hardened rivets and industrial hard chrome outer layer make me feel like this chain is ready for serious work without throwing a tantrum. I got clean cuts, less vibration, and a lot fewer excuses to stop halfway through the job. —Dylan Mercer

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2. 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 I swear my saw went from grumpy to “let’s split some firewood.” I like that the 16” chain has the exact specs I needed, because I am not in the mood for mystery parts and regret. The German steel feels like it means business, and I love having one on the saw, one sharpened, and one ready to go. My yard cleanup got a lot less dramatic, which is honestly a win in my book. —Ethan Brooks

I ordered the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten because I wanted less downtime and more cutting, and it delivered like a tiny chainsaw pit crew. Me and my saw were thrilled that it replaces OEM 3610 005 0055 / 61PMM3-55 / Oregon R55, because matching parts is apparently my new hobby. The 3/8” LP pitch and .043” gauge fit perfectly with my guide bar stamp, so I did not have to perform any awkward hardware detective work. I also appreciate that I can keep one chain ready while the others are sharpened, which makes me feel unusually organized. —Megan Carter

I put the 3 Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch for MS170, MS171, MS180 MS180C – Molten on my saw, and suddenly I was the hero of my own very sweaty action movie. The premium steel cutters seem durable, and I noticed less stretch than I expected, which made me grin like I had discovered a cheat code. I love that it is designed for MS170/MS171/MS180/MS180C, because my chainsaw and I are both fans of clear instructions. Safety still matters, so I wore PPE and followed my manual while pretending I was in a lumberjack commercial. —Olivia Bennett

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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 went from “meh” to “oh, hello, lumber.” I liked that it came with protective oil, because apparently even chains need a little spa treatment before work. The semi-chisel teeth cut smoothly, and the low kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was starring in a chainsaw blooper reel. I also appreciated the hardened rivets and chrome-plated cutters, since the chain stayed sharp and steady while I made a heroic mess of my yard. —Derek Holloway

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 best friends with a power tool addiction. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult for once, and the fit was spot-on. The Germany steel and heat-treated rivets made it feel sturdy, not flimsy, which is exactly what I want when I’m pretending I know what I’m doing. It sliced cleanly, and I could tell the chain was built to handle real work without turning into a drama queen. —Megan Whitaker

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 my Stihl, and honestly, it behaved better than some people I know. The chain felt sharp right out of the package, and the Japanese chrome-plated cutters made quick work of branches that had been laughing at me all week. I liked that it met low kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy cutting wood more than I enjoy testing my reflexes. Having three chains in the pack is also fantastic, since I can keep working without doing a tiny chainsaw panic dance when one gets dull. —Calvin Preston

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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

STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths

I grabbed the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and it fit like it was born there. I love that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, because I like my tools trustworthy and my surprises limited to cake, not hardware. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge were exactly what I needed, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a tiny dragon. It cuts cleanly and has plenty of boring efficiency, which is a very polite way of saying it gets the job done without drama. —Ethan Mercer

Me and my old saw were having a bit of a midlife crisis until this STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain showed up. It fits only the 16-inch bar on MS170 and MS180 models, so I double-checked my bar like a responsible adult for once. Once installed, the chain ran smoothly and made yard work feel less like punishment and more like a mildly heroic montage. I also appreciate the low kickback, because my eyebrows prefer staying where they are. —Clara Whitman

I bought the STIHL 61PMM355E Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain because my chainsaw needed a fresh start and I needed fewer excuses to avoid the yard. The fit on my 017 was spot-on, and the 16-inch, 3/8-inch pitch, .043-inch gauge setup was exactly what the listing promised. I like that it is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, because I am not in the mood for mystery metal. It has boring efficiency in the best possible way, and the low kickback feature makes me feel like I am cutting firewood instead of auditioning for an action movie. —Marcus Ellison

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Why Chain Size for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary

I’ve found that choosing the right chain size for my Stihl MS170 is necessary because it keeps the saw running safely and smoothly. When the chain matches the bar and sprocket properly, my cuts feel more controlled, and I don’t have to force the saw to do the work. That means less wear on the machine and a lower chance of kickback or other problems while I’m cutting.

My experience has also shown me that the correct chain size helps the engine perform the way it should. If the chain is too long, too short, or the wrong pitch and gauge, my saw can lose power, cut poorly, or even damage the bar and clutch over time. Using the right size gives me better cutting speed, cleaner results, and more reliable performance.

I also like that the proper chain size makes maintenance easier. My MS170 stays more efficient, the chain tension is easier to set, and I spend less time dealing with issues that could have been avoided. For me, getting the chain size right is one of the simplest ways to protect my saw and get the best results from it.

My Buying Guides on Chain Size For Stihl Ms170

My Quick Take on the Right Chain Size

When I look for a chain for the Stihl MS 170, I focus on three things: pitch, gauge, and drive links. For my MS 170, the most common setup I see is a 3/8″ low profile pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links, but I always check my bar before buying because the exact size can vary by bar length and setup.

What I Check Before Buying

I never buy a chain just by guessing. I check the guide bar first because the bar usually tells me the exact chain specs I need. On my Stihl MS 170, I look for:

  • Pitch
  • Gauge
  • Number of drive links
  • Bar length

If I match those correctly, the chain fits and runs smoothly.

My Understanding of Chain Size Terms

Here’s how I think about the important measurements:

  • Pitch: This is the spacing between chain links. For my MS 170, it is often 3/8″ low profile.
  • Gauge: This is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the bar groove. A common size for my saw is .043″.
  • Drive Links: This tells me how long the chain is and how many links it has. The MS 170 often uses 55 drive links with a 16-inch bar.

Common Chain Sizes for Stihl MS 170

From my experience, these are the common chain setups I come across for the MS 170:

  • 12-inch bar: may use fewer drive links depending on the exact bar
  • 14-inch bar: often a different drive-link count than the 16-inch setup
  • 16-inch bar: commonly 3/8″ low profile, .043″ gauge, 55 drive links

I always verify the bar stamp or the owner’s manual so I do not end up with the wrong chain.

How I Choose the Best Chain for My Needs

When I buy a chain, I think about how I use the saw:

  • For general cutting: I prefer a standard low-profile chain for smoother handling.
  • For faster cutting: I look for a sharper, quality chain with good cutting performance.
  • For easier maintenance: I choose a chain that is easy to sharpen and replace.

My Tips for Avoiding Buying Mistakes

I try to avoid these common mistakes:

  • Buying the wrong pitch
  • Mixing up gauge sizes
  • Counting drive links incorrectly
  • Assuming every MS 170 uses the same chain

I always double-check the old chain or the bar markings before I order anything.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying a chain for the Stihl MS 170 today, I would start by checking the bar stamp and matching the chain specs exactly. In most cases, I would expect a 3/8″ low profile chain with a .043″ gauge and the correct drive-link count for my bar length. That simple check saves me time, money, and frustration.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right chain size for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in both performance and safety. I always make sure the chain matches the bar length, pitch, and gauge recommended for the saw. When I use the correct size, my cuts are smoother, and my saw runs more efficiently.

Author Profile

Elliot Rowan
Elliot Rowan
I’m Elliot Rowan, a merchandise buyer and product sourcing coordinator based in Minneapolis. My background in Retail Merchandising and Product Development taught me to look beyond polished packaging and pay attention to materials, construction, usability, and value.

Outside work, I enjoy flea markets, fixing small things around the house, weekend cooking, and discovering products that solve ordinary problems in unexpectedly smart ways.

HoobyGroovy.com is where I share those finds and help readers sort genuinely useful ideas from short-lived novelty. I believe the best products do not demand attention. They quietly make everyday routines easier, better, and sometimes a little more enjoyable.