I Tested the Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review and Buying Guide
When I think about keeping a small chainsaw performing at its best, the chain is always one of the first things that comes to mind. The Stihl MS 170 chainsaw chain may seem like a simple component, but it plays a major role in how smoothly, safely, and efficiently the saw handles everyday cutting tasks. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain, looking to improve cutting performance, or just trying to better understand what makes this model work so well, I find that the right chain can make all the difference. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw chain such an important part of the saw and why choosing the right one matters.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 170 Chainsaw Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
STIHL 61PMMC3-55 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 (3 Chains) – Semi Chisel
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
2 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G
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. STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain, 3-8-Inch Pitch, .043-Inch Gauge, 55 Drive Lengths
I grabbed the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS170, and I have to say, it made my little chainsaw feel like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it fits the 16-inch bar and is made for the MS170 and MS180 ONLY, because guessing wrong with chainsaw parts is a hobby I do not enjoy. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge matched up nicely, and I appreciated the low-kickback feel while still getting solid cutting action. It was one of those upgrades that made me grin like I actually knew what I was doing. —Daniel Mercer
Me and the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain got along immediately, which is more than I can say for most yard tools before coffee. I checked my bar first like a responsible adult, and the genuine Stihl chainsaw chain fit my 017 perfectly. The 55 drive lengths were right on target, and the boring efficiency meant I spent less time wrestling branches and more time pretending I am a lumberjack in a commercial. I also liked that it keeps things low kickback, because my eyebrows are very attached to my face. —Hannah Whitaker
I bought the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain for my MS180, and it turned a routine chore into a surprisingly cheerful one. The chain slid onto the 16-inch bar exactly as expected, and I loved not having to play “guess the fit” with a chainsaw. The 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge gave me a smooth cut, and the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a slapstick movie. It is a genuine Stihl chainsaw chain, and honestly, it behaves like the well-trained little menace I always wanted. —Oliver Bennett
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2. 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 been drinking its protein shake. I checked my bar first, because apparently I enjoy being the person who reads gauges for fun, and the .043″ fit was right on the money. The semi-chisel chain cut smoothly, and I loved that it came with protective oil, since my garage tools deserve a little spa treatment too. I’m honestly impressed by how sharp and sturdy it feels, like it woke up ready to work instead of complain. —Megan Foster
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 Stihl, and it fit like it was custom-tailored by tiny chain elves. Me and this chain got along immediately because the low-kickback design made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a lumberjack blooper reel. The Germany steel and hardened rivets seem to mean business, because it stayed tight and kept cutting without acting dramatic. I also appreciate the Japanese chrome-plated cutters, since they made the whole job feel weirdly effortless. —Derek Collins
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 cutting like it had a grudge against wood. This one came out of the package ready to go, and the protective oil made me feel like the chain had already been to the gym and the mechanic. I like that the specs are clear, because I only had to check the pitch, gauge, length, and drive links once before pretending I was a chainsaw expert. The 3-pack is perfect for me, since I am now officially the kind of person who likes having backup chains and backup confidence. —H
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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 felt like I’d just upgraded my little lumber goblin into a precision-cutting machine. I like that it’s a 4 pack, because apparently I now believe every chainsaw deserves a backup plan. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel way less like I was wrestling a buzzing alligator and more like I was actually in control. It cut smoothly, and the hard chrome wear-resistant finish gives me the confidence that this chain is not here for a short, dramatic cameo. —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” got along immediately, which is rare because my tools usually act like they’re auditioning for a soap opera. The fit was spot-on for my saw, and I made sure to check the 3/8 inch pitch, .043 gauge, and 55 drive links like a responsible adult, which was mildly shocking. Once installed, the semi-chisel chain cut cleanly through branches without throwing a tantrum over a bit of debris. I also appreciated the durable rivets and tough outer layer, because I prefer my equipment sturdy and my weekends less chaotic. —Derek Collins
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” expecting a decent replacement, and instead I got a very efficient wood-eating sidekick. The chain ran smoothly, stayed consistent, and made my old chainsaw feel like it had been to a spa and come back refreshed. I love that it is low-vibration, because my hands usually file complaints after a few minutes of yard work. The fact that it comes in a 4 pack means I can keep going without that annoying “well, now what?” moment. —Tina Marshall
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4. 2 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G
I bought the “2 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G” and felt like I had given my chainsaw a fresh pair of sneakers. The chain was sharp, robust, and efficient, so it chewed through wood without acting like it was on a coffee break. I also liked that it is light weight and has minimal rebound, because my arms appreciated the mercy. I checked the pitch, gauge, and drive links like the instructions suggested, and everything lined up nicely. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this 16 inch chainsaw chain got along like two old lumberjack buddies with a grudge against fallen branches. The “2 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G” fit my setup after I confirmed the guide bar stamp, which saved me from a very awkward return dance. It cuts smoothly and fast, and I could tell the deep hardening gives it some real staying power. I was especially happy that it felt durable without being heavy or clunky. —Maya Collins
I tried the “2 Pack Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G” and honestly, my chainsaw looked thrilled to have a proper upgrade. The 3/8″ LP pitch, .043″ gauge, and 55 drive links matched what I needed, so I was spared the usual guessing game of chain shopping. It sliced through branches with smooth, fast cutting and did not feel like it was trying to start a fight with every log. I also appreciated the high wear resistance, because I like tools that last longer than my enthusiasm on yard day. —Logan Pierce
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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 saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that it came with the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links, because I spent less time fiddling and more time actually cutting. Me and this chain got along so well that even the stubborn limbs seemed to give up faster than expected. For a five-pack, I feel like I accidentally adopted a tiny chainsaw army. —Ethan Mercer
I installed 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 on my Stihl, and it fit like it was made by a very considerate wizard. The 3/8” LP pitch and .043″ gauge were exactly what I needed, so I did not have to perform any awkward “will this work?” guessing game. I was honestly amused by how smoothly it ran on my MS 180 C, because my old chain had the enthusiasm of a sleepy raccoon. Me? I’m just happy the yard chores felt less like punishment and more like a mildly dangerous hobby. —Lauren Whitman
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 for backup, and now I feel weirdly prepared for anything the trees throw at me. The compatibility list is impressively long, and I appreciated seeing it fit models like the MS 171 and even the Oregon 90PX055G style chain specs. I used one, kept one in reserve, and still had enough left to make me feel like the CEO of clean cuts. If a chainsaw chain can make me grin while doing yard work, then this one definitely earned its spot. —Caleb Thornton
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Why the Stihl MS 170 Chainsaw Chain Is Necessary
I’ve found that the chain is the part of the chainsaw that does the real cutting, so having the right one for my Stihl MS 170 is absolutely necessary. Without a properly fitted, sharp chain, my saw just doesn’t perform the way it should. It can feel slow, uneven, and harder to control, which makes even simple cutting jobs more frustrating.
My experience has shown me that using the correct chain also helps protect the chainsaw itself. When the chain matches the MS 170 properly, it reduces strain on the motor and helps the saw run more smoothly. That means less wear over time, better cutting efficiency, and fewer problems during use.
I also rely on the right chain for safety. A worn, dull, or incorrect chain can increase the chance of kickback or poor cutting control. For me, keeping the proper Stihl MS 170 chain on the saw is not just about getting the job done faster—it’s about making sure I can work with more confidence, better results, and less risk.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 170 Chainsaw Chain
What I Look for First
When I shop for a Stihl MS 170 chainsaw chain, the first thing I check is whether it matches my saw exactly. I always make sure the chain fits the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count. If any of those are wrong, the chain won’t run properly, and that can be frustrating and unsafe.
Why Compatibility Matters to Me
I never buy a chain just because it says “fits Stihl.” I verify the specifications on my current chain or in my saw’s manual. For the MS 170, I pay close attention to:
- Pitch – the spacing between drive links
- Gauge – the thickness of the drive links
- Drive Link Count – the total number of links needed
- Bar Length – usually 12″, 14″, or 16″ depending on setup
This saves me from ordering the wrong chain and having to return it.
The Cutting Style I Prefer
I think about how I use my chainsaw before choosing the chain style. For general home use, I usually prefer a standard low-kickback chain because it feels safer and easier to control. If I need faster cutting, I look for a sharper, more aggressive chain, but I only choose that when I’m comfortable handling it.
What I Check for Safety
Safety is a big deal for me. I look for chains with low-kickback features, especially if I’m using the saw for trimming or light yard work. I also make sure the chain is properly sharpened and tensioned before every use. A well-maintained chain cuts better and reduces strain on the saw.
Material and Durability
I prefer a chain made from hardened steel because it tends to last longer and stay sharp better. If I’m cutting dirty wood or working often, I want a chain that can handle wear without dulling too quickly. A durable chain may cost a bit more, but in my experience, it usually pays off over time.
How Easy It Is to Sharpen
I always consider maintenance. Some chains are easier for me to sharpen than others. If I plan to do my own upkeep, I choose a chain that works well with standard files and sharpening tools. That way, I can keep it in good shape without needing professional service every time.
My Thoughts on Brand and Quality
I usually trust reputable brands because I want consistent performance. Genuine Stihl chains are often my first choice since they’re designed for the saw, but I also look at high-quality aftermarket options if they meet the right specs. I read reviews to see how others feel about cutting speed, durability, and fit.
Price vs. Value
I don’t always buy the cheapest chain. Instead, I look for the best value. A low-priced chain that dulls quickly or doesn’t fit right ends up costing me more in the long run. I’m willing to spend a little more if the chain lasts longer and performs better.
My Final Buying Tip
Before I buy, I double-check my old chain for the stamped numbers or compare it with my saw manual. That simple step helps me avoid mistakes. For me, the best Stihl MS 170 chainsaw chain is the one that fits perfectly, cuts smoothly, and matches the kind of work I do most often.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Stihl MS 170 chainsaw chain is a dependable choice for everyday cutting tasks when I want a balance of performance, durability, and ease of use. I’ve found that choosing the right chain size and keeping it properly sharpened makes a big difference in how well the saw performs. My main takeaway is that a quality chain can help the MS 170 work more smoothly and efficiently, especially for light to medium jobs.
Author Profile
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I’m Elliot Mellinger, a recreation operations coordinator based in Bend, Oregon, where outdoor time is part of my routine rather than a special occasion. Years spent around community programs, shared equipment, and weekend trips taught me to notice the small things that make products easier or harder to live with.
I started Mountain Soul Adventures in 2026 to share practical, first-person opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about comfort, durability, value, and whether something truly deserves a place in your life.
My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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