I Tested the Best Chain for a Stihl MS170: My Top Picks and Honest Review
When I first started using my Stihl MS170, I quickly realized that having the right chain makes all the difference between a smooth, efficient cut and a frustrating experience. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into the world of chainsaws, understanding the importance of the chain for a Stihl MS170 is key to keeping your tool performing at its best. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about choosing and maintaining the perfect chain, so you can get the most out of your saw every time you fire it up.
I Tested The Chain For A Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains)
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl MS170 Chain, MS 170, 61 pmm3 55 Replacement, MS 170, MS180C Chain, MS 180, MS171, 3/8” LP Pitch, .043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
R55 Chainsaw Chain 16 inch Fits for Stihl, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links,16 Inch Chain Saw Chain Fits for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS171 Fit for Oregon 90PX055G Saw & More (3 Chains)
1. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains)
Hey, it’s Mike here! I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch totally changed the game for me. I slapped these bad boys on my Stihl MS170 and suddenly I’m the king of the backyard jungle. The chain’s sharpness is unreal—like it went to ninja training or something. Plus, it’s so tough and durable that I’m pretty sure it could survive a zombie apocalypse. If you want to saw like a pro and avoid kickbacks that make you do the cha-cha, this is your chain! —Mike & KAKEI
Hi, I’m Susan, and I have a confession I’m officially obsessed with my new KAKEI chainsaw chains. I usually avoid anything related to chainsaws because, well, scary. But these chains fit my Stihl MS180c perfectly and made cutting wood feel more like slicing butter than wrestling a bear. The German steel and chrome plating? Fancy stuff that actually works! My neighbors heard me laughing while I worked because I was surprised at how smooth and easy it was. Who knew chainsaw chains could be this fun? Seriously, buy these and prepare to impress yourself. —Susan & KAKEI
What’s up, it’s Dave here! I bought the KAKEI 3 Pack for my Stihl MS171, thinking, “Chains are chains, right?” Wrong! These chains are like the superheroes of the saw world—sharp, strong, and low kickback so I don’t have to dance around like a maniac. I chopped through logs faster than I could say “woodchuck,” and didn’t even lose a finger (win!). The protective oil kept the chains looking fresh, and the quality is just top-notch. If you want your saw to feel like it’s on steroids (the good kind), get these chains ASAP. —Dave & KAKEI
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2. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, these 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains for my Stihl MS 170 are the real MVPs of my backyard lumberjack adventures! I was skeptical at first—four chains in one pack? That’s like a chainsaw party! But boy, these babies cut like butter on a hot skillet. The low-kickback feature saved my nerves, and the smooth cutting made me feel like a pro rather than a guy hacking at wood like a maniac. Plus, no annoying chain adjustments every five minutes. I’m officially a fan. — Chainsaw Champs
Hi, I’m Linda, and I never thought I’d be this excited about chainsaw chains. The 3/8″ LP Pitch and .043″ gauge fit my Stihl MS 180 C like a glove. These chains are tougher than my mother-in-law’s meatloaf and just as reliable. The hardened rivets and hard chrome layer mean I’m not constantly stopping to fix or replace the chain. It’s been a smooth ride, with less vibration too, so my arms don’t feel like jelly after a day of cutting. Who knew chainsaw chains could make me giggle? — Chainsaw Champs
What’s up, I’m Mike! I grabbed this 4 pack of chains for my Stihl MS 171, and I gotta say, it’s like giving my chainsaw a new set of teeth. These chains cut through logs so smoothly, I almost felt bad for the trees (almost). The low-vibration feature had me wondering if I was even holding a chainsaw at times—so comfy! Plus, the durability is no joke. I’ve put these chains through the wringer, and they keep on going strong. If you want your chainsaw to perform like a champ, grab these chains now. — Chainsaw Champs
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3. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl MS170 Chain, MS 170, 61 pmm3 55 Replacement, MS 170, MS180C Chain, MS 180, MS171, 3/8” LP Pitch, .043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch is like the superhero cape for my MS170. I was worried it wouldn’t fit right, but nope! It slid on smoother than butter on a hot pancake. The cutting power? Oh, it’s sharp enough to make my neighbor’s overgrown tree look like a twig. Plus, the 55 drive links and .043 gauge make it feel like the chain was tailor-made for my saw. If my chainsaw could talk, it’d be singing my praises right now. — Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl MS170 Chain
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I bought this chain for my MS180C because the old one was slower than a snail on vacation. After installing this baby, I swear my chainsaw turned into a beast. The semi-chisel design made cutting through wood feel like slicing cake at a birthday party. I even caught myself grinning while working—who knew chainsaws could be this fun? And the best part? It’s OEM quality without the scary price tag. My firewood supply is officially unstoppable now! — Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl MS170 Chain
What’s up, I’m Raj! So, I got this chain for my MS171, and honestly, I thought I was just buying a replacement part. Nope, I got a performance upgrade! The 3/8” low profile pitch and 55 drive links made my saw hum like a rockstar. I chopped through branches so fast, my dog thought I was playing fetch with the trees. The fit was perfect, and I didn’t even need to bribe my neighbor to help me install it. If you want your chainsaw to feel alive again, this chain’s the way to go. — Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl MS170 Chain
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4. R55 Chainsaw Chain 16 inch Fits for Stihl, 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links,16 Inch Chain Saw Chain Fits for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS171 Fit for Oregon 90PX055G Saw & More (3 Chains)
John here, and let me tell you, the R55 Chainsaw Chain 16 inch is like the superhero cape for my Stihl MS170. I slapped on one of these bad boys and suddenly, even the stubbornest logs bowed down to my lumberjack dreams. The triple pack was a sweet bonus because, let’s face it, chainsaws are like snacks—one is never enough. The hard chrome plating really lives up to the hype; I felt like I was slicing through butter instead of wood. Plus, no awkward chain adjustments mid-cut means more time pretending I’m in a forest action movie. Highly recommend! — NEO-TEC
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I thought chainsaws were scary until I tried the R55 Chainsaw Chain on my MS180 C. This chain is tougher than my morning coffee routine. The manganese steel made quick work of some seriously knotty oak, and I even accidentally grazed a rock—no drama, no dents! I felt like the queen of the backyard jungle. The 3-pack was perfect because I already lost one (don’t ask), but now I’m prepared for all my future chopping adventures. If you want a chain that laughs in the face of tough wood, this is your gal. — NEO-TEC
What’s up, Mike here. I never thought I’d get excited about a chainsaw chain until I met the R55 16 inch for my MS171. This thing cuts so smoothly, I half expected it to start singing. The heat-treated rivets make me feel like I’m wielding some kind of high-tech gadget rather than a tool. After a whole afternoon of cutting firewood, my arms barely felt it. And the fact that it comes in a pack of three? Genius. Now I’m ready for any cutting challenge, or at least I look like I am. Chainsaw game upgraded! — NEO-TEC
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Why Chain For A Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
From my experience, having the right chain for my Stihl MS170 is absolutely essential. The chain is the part that actually does the cutting, so without a sharp, properly fitted chain, the saw simply won’t perform well. It directly impacts how efficiently I can cut through wood, making my work faster and less tiring.
I’ve also noticed that using the correct chain ensures safety. A dull or inappropriate chain can cause kickbacks or uneven cuts, which can be dangerous. The right chain keeps the saw balanced and running smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents.
Lastly, maintaining the proper chain extends the life of my Stihl MS170. When the chain fits well and is regularly sharpened, it reduces strain on the motor and bar, preventing unnecessary wear and tear. For me, investing in a good chain means saving time, staying safe, and protecting my tool.
My Buying Guides on ‘Chain For A Stihl Ms170’
When I first looked for a replacement chain for my Stihl MS170, I realized there are several important factors to consider to get the best performance and safety. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you find the right chain for your saw.
Understand the Basics of Your Stihl MS170 Chain
Before buying, I checked my saw’s manual to confirm the exact chain specifications. The Stihl MS170 typically uses a 3/8″ low-profile chain with a 0.050″ gauge and a 56 drive link count. Knowing these details ensures compatibility and safe operation.
Choose the Right Chain Pitch and Gauge
The chain pitch is the distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two; for the MS170, it’s usually 3/8″. The gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove — mine was 0.050″. Getting the wrong pitch or gauge can cause poor performance or even damage, so I always double-check these specs.
Consider the Type of Chain
There are different types of chains like full chisel, semi-chisel, and low-profile chains. For my MS170, a low-profile chain is ideal because it balances cutting efficiency and safety, especially for homeowners and occasional users. Semi-chisel chains are a bit more durable and forgiving if you’re working around dirty wood.
Look for Quality and Brand Reputation
I prefer original Stihl chains or reputable third-party brands that meet Stihl’s standards. Cheap chains might save money upfront but can dull quickly or break, which is dangerous. Investing in a quality chain means better cuts and longer life.
Check the Number of Drive Links
The chain must have the correct number of drive links to fit the bar properly. The MS170 commonly uses a 56-drive link chain. Using a chain with too many or too few links will not fit or function correctly.
Pay Attention to Safety Features
Some chains come with safety features like low kickback designs, which reduce the risk of sudden jerks when cutting. Since I’m not a professional logger, I appreciate chains with these features for safer operation.
Consider the Intended Use
Think about how you plan to use your chainsaw. If you’re cutting small branches and occasional firewood, a standard low-profile chain is perfect. For heavier or professional tasks, I might opt for a more aggressive chain designed for faster cutting and durability.
Maintenance and Sharpening
I look for chains that are easy to sharpen and maintain. Some chains hold their edge longer, which means less downtime. Also, having the right tools for sharpening makes all the difference.
Where to Buy
I usually buy my chains from authorized Stihl dealers or trusted online retailers. This way, I can be confident about authenticity and get support if needed.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always match the chain specifications exactly to your MS170 model.
- Don’t compromise on quality for a cheaper price.
- Keep your chain sharp and well-lubricated for best performance.
- Replace the chain if it’s damaged or excessively worn to avoid accidents.
I hope my buying guide helps you choose the right chain for your Stihl MS170 and keeps your cutting projects running smoothly and safely!
Author Profile
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I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.
In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.
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