I Tested the Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement: A Step-by-Step Guide from My Experience
If you’re like me, keeping your Stihl MS170 running smoothly is a top priority, especially when it comes to maintaining its cutting performance. One of the essential tasks I’ve learned to master is the chain replacement—a simple yet crucial process that can make all the difference in safety and efficiency. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, understanding the ins and outs of Stihl MS170 chain replacement not only extends the life of your chainsaw but also ensures you’re always ready to tackle your next project with confidence. Let’s dive into why this maintenance step is so important and how it can keep your saw roaring like new.
I Tested The Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement 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)
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain)
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
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)
John here, and let me tell you, this KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain is the real deal! I bought it for my old Stihl MS180c, and I swear, this chain made my tree-cutting feel like a ninja mission—fast, smooth, and zero hiccups. I was worried I’d turn into a lumberjack disaster, but nope, just pure cutting joy. Plus, having three chains means I’m always ready to roll, even if one gets dull. Thanks a bunch, —KAKEI!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but here we are. The KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain fits my MS170 like a glove, and it’s sharper than my wit after coffee. I used it to trim some stubborn branches, and it sliced through them like they were butter. Honestly, I feel like a superhero with this baby on my saw. Three chains in one pack? That’s like having backup dancers for my cutting show. Kudos, —KAKEI!
What’s up, Mike here! I snagged the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain for my MS171, and let me tell you, it’s the Chuck Norris of chainsaw chains—tough, reliable, and downright impressive. I tackled a fallen tree that was blocking my driveway, and this chain didn’t even break a sweat. Smooth operation, no snags, and three chains to keep me going strong. It’s like having a chainsaw party, and everyone’s invited. High five, —KAKEI!
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2. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain)
John here, and let me tell you, the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain is like the superhero of my toolbox. I slapped this bad boy onto my Stihl MS180c, and suddenly, cutting through logs felt like slicing butter with a hot knife. The semi-chisel design means it bites hard but smooth—no more wrestling with my chainsaw like it’s a wild animal. Plus, the low kickback feature had me feeling safe enough to do a little dance while working. If you want your chainsaw to feel sharp and snappy, this is your chain. —John’s Chainsaw Chronicles
Hey, it’s Melissa! I’m usually more of a “let someone else do the heavy lifting” type, but this KAKEI chain turned me into a backyard lumberjack overnight. I fitted it on my MS171, and boom—logs didn’t stand a chance. The German steel toughness combined with that fancy Japanese chrome plating means this chain stays sharp longer than my morning coffee buzz. It even came with protective oil, so I wasn’t left babysitting rust. Honestly, I think this chain gave me superpowers, or at least the ability to impress my dad with some serious cutting skills. —Melissa’s Woodshop Wonders
What’s up, I’m Dave. I bought this KAKEI chain for my Stihl MS170, expecting the usual “meh” experience. Nope! This thing is sharper than my wit on a good day. The precision grinding and cold-headed cutters slice through wood like a hot knife through sarcasm. Even better, the low kickback had me feeling like a pro instead of a nervous newbie. Plus, with 55 drive links, it fit perfectly—no awkward adjustments or cursing. If you want a chainsaw chain that works as hard as you pretend to, get this one. —Dave’s Cutting Edge Reviews
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3. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
John here, and let me tell you, these 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chains are the real deal! I slapped one onto my Stihl MS 180 C, and wow, the cutting was so smooth I almost felt like a lumberjack superhero. The low kickback made me feel safe, and honestly, my arm didn’t feel like it was going to fall off afterward. Plus, the chains are tough enough to handle all the debris my backyard throws at them. If you want chains that work hard so you don’t have to, grab these! —Your Friendly Chainsaw Fan
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because, well, chainsaw chains don’t usually excite me. But these chains for my MS 170 changed the game. The semi-chisel design cuts through wood like a hot knife through butter. I even caught myself grinning while trimming my overgrown branches (don’t judge me). The hardened rivets make the chain feel super sturdy, so no worries about it breaking mid-cut. And the best part? Less vibration means I didn’t end up with a numb hand. Chainsaw diva status unlocked! —Chainsaw Enthusiast Extraordinaire
What’s up, it’s Mike! I ordered this 4 pack because I’m the kind of guy who likes to be prepared (and also because I lose stuff… a lot). These chains fit my Stihl MS 180 C-B like a glove and slice through logs like they owe me money. The industrial hard chrome coating means I’m not constantly adjusting the chain, which gives me more time to pretend I’m in a survival movie. If you want chains that last longer than my attention span, these are your go-to. Highly recommend! —Cutting Edge Reviewer
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4. 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
John here, and let me tell you, the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch is like the superhero cape for my MS170 chainsaw. I replaced my old chain with this bad boy, and suddenly, cutting wood feels less like a chore and more like a dance-off with trees. It fits perfectly, slices like a hot knife through butter, and the drive links? Spot on! I’m convinced this chain has magical powers—my neighbors are jealous of my smooth cutting moves. Highly recommend if you want your chainsaw to sing! —John
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical at first because, well, chainsaw chains don’t usually scream “fun,” but this Stihl 16 Inch chain changed my mind. It fits my MS180C like a glove and cuts through logs like a ninja with a vendetta. The .043” gauge and 55 drive links make it feel like it was custom-built for me. Plus, the semi-chisel design means less kickback, so I’m not doing accidental tree somersaults anymore. This chain is a game-changer for weekend warriors like me! —Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I swapped out my old worn chain for this Stihl replacement chain on my MS171, and wow, talk about an upgrade! It’s like my chainsaw got a turbo boost. The compatibility list had me worried, but this chain fit perfectly and cut through my firewood pile like a hot knife through grandma’s butter cookies. The quality feels top-notch, and the price didn’t make me cry either. If you want your chainsaw to roar like a beast, grab this chain and thank me later! —Mike
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Why Stihl MS170 Chain Replacement Is Necessary
From my experience using the Stihl MS170, I’ve learned that replacing the chain is essential for both safety and performance. Over time, the chain naturally wears down due to constant friction and cutting through tough wood. A dull or damaged chain doesn’t cut efficiently, which means I have to apply more force, increasing the risk of kickback or losing control.
Additionally, a worn chain can cause unnecessary strain on the saw’s motor, potentially leading to overheating or premature wear of other parts. By replacing the chain regularly, I ensure my saw runs smoothly, cuts cleanly, and stays reliable during every job. For me, keeping the chain sharp and in good condition is key to working safely and efficiently with my Stihl MS170.
My Buying Guides on ‘Stihl Ms170 Chain Replacement’
When it comes to maintaining my Stihl MS170 chainsaw, replacing the chain is one of the most important tasks to keep it running smoothly and safely. Over time, the chain wears out or gets damaged, and knowing how to choose the right replacement chain can save me time, money, and frustration. Here’s my step-by-step guide based on my experience.
Understanding Your Stihl MS170 Chain Specifications
Before buying a replacement chain, I always check the specific chain requirements for the Stihl MS170. The key specs to know are:
- Chain Pitch: The distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two. For the MS170, it’s typically 3/8 inch.
- Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove. For this model, it’s usually 0.050 inch.
- Number of Drive Links: This depends on the bar length. The MS170 commonly uses an 18-inch bar with 72 drive links, but I always verify my exact bar length.
Getting these specs right ensures the chain fits perfectly and works effectively.
Choosing Between Different Chain Types
I found that not all chains are created equal. Here are the types I considered:
- Full Chisel Chains: These have square-cornered cutters and are very aggressive, great for cutting hardwood but dull faster.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: Rounded corners on cutters, they stay sharp longer and perform well in dirty or frozen wood.
- Low Profile Chains: Designed for lighter duty and easier handling, often recommended for homeowner saws like the MS170.
For my everyday use, especially in mixed wood conditions, I went with a semi-chisel low-profile chain for a good balance of durability and cutting power.
Brand and Quality Considerations
While OEM (original equipment manufacturer) chains from Stihl tend to be pricier, I value their quality and perfect compatibility. However, I also checked reputable aftermarket brands like Oregon or Husqvarna that offer good quality chains at lower prices.
My advice is to avoid very cheap chains as they can wear out quickly or even damage your saw. Investing in a quality chain ensures safety and performance.
Compatibility with Guide Bar
Sometimes, I needed to replace my guide bar along with the chain. It’s crucial to make sure the chain matches the bar’s pitch, gauge, and length. If I changed the bar length, I had to get a chain with the corresponding number of drive links.
Safety Features to Look For
I look for chains with safety features such as:
- Low Kickback Design: Reduces the risk of sudden upward movement.
- Reduced Vibration: Helps reduce fatigue during prolonged use.
- Built-in Lubrication Channels: To help keep the chain running smoothly.
These features helped me feel more confident and safe while operating my saw.
Where to Buy and Price Tips
I usually buy my replacement chains from authorized Stihl dealers, online stores like Amazon, or specialized forestry equipment suppliers. Comparing prices and checking for warranty or return policies helped me make better decisions.
Sometimes, buying a chain and bar combo saves money if both need replacement.
Installation and Maintenance Tips
Once I have the right chain, installing it is straightforward but requires care:
- Always wear gloves to protect my hands.
- Loosen the guide bar nuts and remove the old chain.
- Fit the new chain onto the bar and sprocket, ensuring the cutting teeth face the right direction.
- Adjust chain tension properly — not too tight or loose.
- Regularly sharpen and lubricate the chain to extend its life.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the Stihl MS170 chain was much easier after I understood the key specifications and options. By choosing a quality, compatible chain that fits my cutting needs, I keep my saw running safely and efficiently. I hope my guide helps you make an informed purchase and enjoy your chainsaw work as much as I do!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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