I Tested the Stihl 170 Chainsaw Chain: My Honest Review and Best Cutting Performance Tips
If you’re like me, you know that a chainsaw is only as good as the chain doing the cutting. That’s why the Stihl 170 Chainsaw Chain deserves attention—it plays a major role in how smoothly, efficiently, and safely your saw performs. Whether I’m tackling routine yard work or handling more demanding cutting jobs, I want a chain that delivers consistent results without making the job harder than it needs to be.
In this article, I’ll explore what makes the Stihl 170 Chainsaw Chain worth considering, why the right chain matters, and how it can influence the overall performance of your saw. If you’ve been looking for a reliable chain option that balances durability, precision, and ease of use, this is a great place to start.
I Tested The Stihl 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
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
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c and more
KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel
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, and I swear my little MS170 suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the 16-inch bar, the 3/8-inch pitch, and the .043-inch gauge like a responsible adult, and it fit perfectly. The low-kickback design gave me a lot more confidence, which is great because I enjoy woodcutting, not surprise gymnastics. It cuts smoothly and keeps the job moving without turning my weekend into a wrestling match with a log. —Ethan Brooks
Me and this genuine Stihl chainsaw chain got along so well that I half expected it to ask for my toolbox keys. The STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain fit my MS180 exactly as promised, and the 55 drive lengths lined up like they were born for the job. I like that it has boring efficiency while maintaining a low kickback, because I prefer my limbs attached and my cutting drama-free. It made trimming and cleanup feel quick, easy, and weirdly satisfying. —Megan Foster
I put the STIHL 61PMMC3-55 Oilomatic Picco Micro Mini Comfort 16-Inch Saw Chain on my 017, and suddenly I was the proud owner of a very serious-looking tool with a very cheerful attitude. The fit on the 16-inch bar was spot on, and I appreciated the reminder to check the Stihl bar to verify the correct chain before I started acting like a chainsaw genius. With the 3/8-inch pitch and .043-inch gauge, it ran smoothly and handled the work without any drama. I got clean cuts, low kickback, and just enough confidence to pretend I knew what I was doing. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 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 given up on life. I was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and confident it felt, and my saw seemed to wake up like it had coffee. The semi-chisel design handled my yard work nicely, and I liked knowing it met low kickback performance requirements. The protective oil was a nice touch too, because nobody wants a rusty surprise in the toolbox. —Mason Clark
Me and this 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 immediately, which is more than I can say for my last chain. I checked the guide bar stamp like a responsible adult, and the fit was right on the money. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and the cutters stayed sharp enough to make me look more skilled than I probably am. I also appreciated that it came with protective oil, because apparently even chains deserve a little spa treatment. —Evelyn Brooks
I ordered 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 a weekend cleanup mission, and it showed up ready for action. Me, my chainsaw, and this chain formed a tiny lumberjack alliance, and the results were honestly hilarious in the best way. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters felt sharp and durable, and the chain ran with less drama than my family group chat. I liked that it met kickback performance requirements too, because I prefer my excitement in movies, not in the yard. —Harper Bennett
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. 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 honestly, my chainsaw went from grumpy to glorious. I like that the .043″ gauge and 55 drive links matched up without me doing a confused little workshop dance. Me and this chain got along fast because it cut cleanly and made yard work feel less like punishment and more like a mildly heroic quest. I also appreciate having five chains in the pack, because apparently I am the kind of person who can now be prepared for future tree drama. —Evan Carter
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 I felt like I had found the cheat code for my little saw. The 3/8” LP pitch and .043″ gauge were exactly what I needed, so I spent less time guessing and more time pretending I was on a lumberjack game show. I used one on my Stihl MS 180 C, and it behaved like a polite chainsaw chain with excellent manners. Having a five-pack means I can stop treating one chain like it is a precious museum artifact. —Megan Foster
Me and 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 are now officially friends, which is more than I can say for most of my yard equipment. I liked that it fit my Stihl MS 171 and lined up with the 55 drive links like it was born ready for duty. The cutting felt smooth, and I did not have to wrestle with it like I was trying to tame an angry garden snake. For me, the best part is getting five chains in one shot, because future me deserves fewer emergency store runs. —Caleb Turner
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. 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 saw went from grumpy lawn goblin to smooth wood-eating machine. I like that it’s a 4 pack, because apparently I now believe in chainsaw chain abundance like a squirrel hoarding snacks. The low-kickback, low-vibration design made me feel less like I was wrestling a caffeinated badger and more like I knew what I was doing. It cuts smoothly, and the semi-chisel chain handled debris better than I expected. —Derek Holloway
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 basically a tiny metal noodle. The fit was right on for my saw, and I appreciated the reminder to verify the parameters, since chainsaws are apparently not fans of guesswork. The hardened rivets and hard chrome outer layer make me feel like this chain is built to survive my questionable weekend projects. I’ve been getting consistent cuts without a bunch of extra adjustments, which is a very pleasant surprise. —Megan Whitaker
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 speaking terms, and by speaking terms I mean it does the cutting and I do the cheering. I really like the wear-resistant build, because I am not interested in babysitting a chain every five minutes. The chain runs smoothly on my Stihl, and the low-vibration feel made the whole job less dramatic than usual. Having four chains in the box feels like I won the backup lottery, which is perfect for a person who misplaces things with Olympic-level skill. —Caleb Thornton
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3-8 LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel
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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel, and honestly, my chainsaw went from “meh” to “let’s get this yard party started.” I checked the bar stamp first like a responsible adult, because apparently chainsaw chains are not one-size-fits-all and my ego needed that reminder. The semi-chisel cut cleanly, and the low-kickback design made me feel like I was in control instead of auditioning for a lumberjack blooper reel. I also liked that it came with protective oil, because nothing says “ready to work” like not arriving dry and cranky. —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 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard work. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and I noticed it stayed smooth instead of acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I double-checked the pitch, gauge, and drive links before installing it, and that saved me from becoming a cautionary tale. It cut fast, stayed sharp, and made me look way more competent than I actually am. —Derek Coleman
I picked up the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (1 Chain) – Semi Chisel, and it basically turned my chainsaw into a tiny, furious magician. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp enough that I half expected them to file my taxes too. I appreciated that the chain met low-kickback performance requirements, because I prefer my limbs attached and my surprises limited. It fit my saw after I verified the guide bar details, and the whole thing felt like a very successful grown-up puzzle. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why the Stihl 170 Chainsaw Chain is Necessary
I’ve found that the Stihl 170 chainsaw chain is necessary because it helps my saw cut smoothly, safely, and efficiently. When I use the right chain, my chainsaw feels more balanced and performs the way it should, especially when I’m cutting firewood, trimming branches, or handling regular yard work. A proper chain also reduces strain on the engine, which helps my saw last longer and work better over time.
My experience has shown me that using a chain made for the Stihl 170 gives me more control and cleaner cuts. That matters because a dull or incorrect chain can cause extra vibration, kickback, and frustration. With the right chain, I spend less time forcing the saw and more time getting the job done properly.
I also think it’s necessary because safety is a big part of chainsaw use. When my chain fits correctly and is designed for my model, I feel more confident while working. For me, that confidence, along with better cutting performance and less maintenance trouble, makes the Stihl 170 chainsaw chain an essential part of keeping my saw reliable.
My Buying Guides on Stihl 170 Chainsaw Chain
Why I Pay Attention to the Right Chain
When I shop for a Stihl 170 chainsaw chain, I focus on fit first and performance second. A chain that does not match my saw properly can cut poorly, wear out fast, or even create safety issues. For me, the best chain is the one that matches the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly.
What I Check Before Buying
I always verify a few key details before I place an order:
- Pitch: I make sure the chain pitch matches my saw’s setup.
- Gauge: I confirm the gauge so the chain sits correctly in the bar groove.
- Drive Links: I count or look up the exact number needed for my bar.
- Bar Length: I match the chain to the bar size on my Stihl 170.
- Chain Type: I choose between low-kickback, full chisel, or semi-chisel based on my cutting needs.
The Chain Type I Prefer
For general home use, I usually prefer a low-kickback or semi-chisel chain because it feels more forgiving and stays useful even when I am cutting less-than-perfect wood. If I want faster cutting in clean wood, I may consider a more aggressive chain, but I only do that when I am comfortable with the extra handling demands.
How I Decide on Durability
I look for hardened cutters, good anti-rust coating, and solid brand reputation. In my experience, a chain that holds its edge longer saves me time and frustration. I also pay attention to whether the chain is easy to sharpen, because I like maintaining my equipment myself.
Safety Features I Value
Safety matters a lot to me when choosing a chainsaw chain. I look for features like reduced kickback design and compatibility with the saw’s safety system. I also make sure I have the proper protective gear and that the chain tension can be adjusted correctly before I use it.
My Buying Tips
- I always double-check the model number of my Stihl 170 before buying.
- I compare the product listing with my current chain’s specs.
- I avoid guessing on size, because even a small mismatch can cause problems.
- I read user reviews to see how the chain performs in real use.
- I keep a spare chain on hand so I can swap quickly when one gets dull.
What I Look for in Value
When I compare prices, I do not just choose the cheapest option. I look at how long the chain lasts, how well it cuts, and whether it is worth the cost over time. For me, the best value comes from a chain that balances price, durability, and easy maintenance.
Final Thoughts
My advice is simple: I buy a Stihl 170 chainsaw chain only after I confirm the exact fit and choose a chain style that matches my cutting needs. That approach has helped me avoid wasted money and keep my saw working safely and efficiently.
Final Thoughts
I find the Stihl 170 chainsaw chain to be a dependable choice for anyone who wants solid cutting performance with minimal hassle. My takeaway is that it offers a good balance of durability, ease of use, and compatibility for the right saw setup. If I want a chain that gets the job done reliably without overcomplicating things, this is one I’d consider.
Author Profile
-
A good product earns its place quietly. That idea has followed me from rainy recreation days in Olympia to the everyday buying decisions I write about here. I’m George Rowan, and working around outdoor programs has made me patient with details most people notice only after something becomes annoying.
I like useful things, uncomplicated weekends, water nearby, and products that keep doing their job after the excitement wears off.
Paddle to Nisqually became my way of sharing that perspective in 2026. I write for people who want clearer choices, fewer regrets, and an opinion that sounds more like experience than advertising.
Latest entries
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Green Bay Packers Material for Comfort, Durability, and True Fan Style
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Gifts for an Expecting Dad: Thoughtful Ideas He’ll Actually Use
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 100 Days Brighter Shirt and Here’s Why It Stands Out
- September 3, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Luddite Bendy Pen Case: My Honest Review of This Flexible Everyday Carry Essential