Stihl MS 170 Chain Size: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Perfect Chain for Your Chainsaw

There’s a whisper in the wind, isn’t there? A subtle hum that signals the start of a new project, a clearing, or perhaps just tidying up after a storm. For countless homeowners and seasoned landscapers alike, that hum often comes from a trusty Stihl MS 170. It’s a workhorse, an unsung hero of the backyard, known for its reliability and ease of use. But like any hero, it’s only as good as its tools. And for a chainsaw, the most critical tool is its chain. Choosing the right chain isn’t just about making your work easier; it’s about safety, efficiency, and getting the most out of your investment.

Have you ever stopped to think about the intricate dance between wood and steel that happens hundreds of times a second when your saw bites into a log? It’s mesmerizing, yet often taken for granted. We tend to focus on the engine, the power, the shiny newness of it all. But the chain, that seemingly simple loop of metal, is where all the magic – or misery – happens. Get it wrong, and you’re fighting your saw, struggling through cuts, and potentially putting yourself at risk. Get it right, and your MS 170 sings, slicing through timber with effortless precision. So, let’s peel back the layers and discover the ultimate guide to selecting the perfect chain for your Stihl MS 170.

The Stihl MS 170: Your Trusted Companion

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of chains, let’s take a moment to appreciate the Stihl MS 170 itself. Why is this particular model so popular? It’s often the first chainsaw many people own, and for good reason. It’s lightweight, relatively quiet for a gas-powered saw, and incredibly versatile for light-duty tasks like limbing, felling small trees, and cutting firewood. It’s designed for the homeowner who needs reliable performance without the bulk or complexity of professional-grade machines. Think of it as the dependable friend who’s always there to lend a hand – but even the best friends need the right gear to perform at their best.

Its compact design and user-friendly features make it a go-to for many. But even with its inherent qualities, the performance ceiling of your MS 170 is directly tied to the chain you choose. A poorly matched chain can turn a pleasant afternoon of cutting into a frustrating ordeal, while the right chain can transform the experience entirely. It’s a small detail with huge implications.

Unpacking the Chain: Pitch, Gauge, and Drive Links

To truly understand chain selection, we need to speak its language. Chainsaw chains aren’t just generic loops of metal; they’re precision-engineered components with specific measurements. Three key terms are absolutely vital here: pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links. Misunderstand any of these, and you’re likely to end up with a chain that either won’t fit or won’t perform correctly.

What is Chain Pitch?

Imagine measuring the distance between three consecutive rivets on your chain, then dividing that number by two. That’s your pitch. It’s essentially the average distance between the drive links. Common pitches include 1/4″, .325″, 3/8″ (standard), and .404″. For the Stihl MS 170, you’ll almost exclusively be looking at a 3/8″ low profile pitch. This specific pitch is a fantastic balance for smaller saws, offering good cutting speed without putting undue stress on the engine. It’s a crucial measurement, as the sprocket on your chainsaw must match the chain’s pitch perfectly. If they don’t align, the chain won’t move smoothly, leading to premature wear and potential damage.

Understanding Chain Gauge

Now, picture the thickness of the drive links – those little teeth that sit in the groove of your guide bar. That thickness is the chain gauge. Typical gauges are .043″, .050″, .058″, and .063″. For the Stihl MS 170, the standard gauge is usually .043″ (1.1 mm). Why does this matter? Because the gauge must match the groove width of your guide bar. If the chain is too thin, it’ll wobble in the bar, leading to inaccurate cuts and increased wear. If it’s too thick, it simply won’t fit. It’s like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole, only with more potential for damage.

Counting the Drive Links

This one’s perhaps the most straightforward. Drive links are the triangular or rectangular projections on the underside of the chain that ride in the guide bar groove and engage with the saw’s sprocket. The number of drive links determines the overall length of the chain. This count must be precise for your specific guide bar length. The Stihl MS 170, depending on its guide bar length, will use a specific number of drive links. For example, a 14-inch bar typically takes 50 drive links, while a 16-inch bar might take 55 or 56. Always count your existing chain’s drive links or check your saw’s manual to be certain.

The Stihl MS 170’s Typical Chain Specifications

So, what does all this mean for your Stihl MS 170? Generally, the MS 170 comes with either a 14-inch or 16-inch guide bar. These bars are specifically designed to work with a 3/8″ low profile pitch chain and a .043″ gauge. Here’s a quick reference:

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For a 14-inch (35 cm) Guide Bar: You’ll typically need a chain with 50 drive links.n
For a 16-inch (40 cm) Guide Bar: You’ll typically need a chain with 55 or 56 drive links (always double-check your existing chain or manual).n

It’s always a good idea to confirm these numbers by looking at your current chain or the guide bar itself. Stihl often stamps these specifications right onto the guide bar for easy reference. Don’t guess; verify!

Beyond the Basics: Different Chain Types

Knowing pitch, gauge, and drive links gets you a chain that fits, but what about a chain that performs optimally for your specific tasks? Not all chains are created equal, even if they share the same basic measurements. The design of the cutter teeth plays a significant role in how the chain performs.

Full Chisel vs. Semi-Chisel: What’s Your Cutting Style?

This is where things get interesting. You’ve got two main types of cutter teeth:

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Semi-Chisel Chain: This chain features cutters with rounded corners. It’s more forgiving, less prone to kickback, and maintains sharpness longer, especially when cutting dirty wood or in abrasive conditions. It cuts slower than full chisel, but the smooth action and reduced maintenance make it a favorite for general home use. For the Stihl MS 170, a semi-chisel chain is often the recommended choice, providing a good balance of safety and cutting performance for typical homeowner tasks.n
Full Chisel Chain: With sharp, square-cornered cutters, full chisel chains slice through wood aggressively and quickly. They’re designed for maximum speed and efficiency in clean wood. However, they’re more prone to kickback, dull faster in dirty conditions, and require more precise sharpening. While a full chisel chain might offer faster cutting for a skilled operator, it’s generally not recommended for the Stihl MS 170, which is primarily a homeowner saw. The saw’s power output is better matched with the smoother, safer cut of a semi-chisel.n

Low Profile/Low Kickback Chains: Safety First

Most chains designed for smaller chainsaws like the MS 170 are inherently low profile and feature low kickback designs. These chains have specific features, often guard links or ramped depth gauges, that reduce the risk of kickback – a sudden, violent upward and backward movement of the saw. For anyone using a chainsaw, especially beginners or those doing occasional work, prioritizing a low kickback chain is a non-negotiable safety measure. Always look for chains that meet ANSI B175.1 standards for low kickback. Stihl’s Picco Micro™ (PM3) chain is a prime example of a low profile, low kickback chain perfect for the MS 170.

When to Replace Your Chain: Signs of Wear

Even the perfect chain won’t last forever. How do you know when it’s time for a replacement? Beyond obvious damage like broken cutters or stretched links, there are performance indicators. If your saw is struggling to cut, producing fine sawdust instead of chips, or pulling to one side, it might be a dull or worn chain. If you’ve sharpened it multiple times and the performance is still subpar, or if the cutter teeth are simply too small to be effective, it’s time for a fresh start. Don’t wait until it becomes a safety hazard or an exercise in frustration.

Maintaining Your Chain: A Little Care Goes a Long Way

Once you’ve got the right chain, proper maintenance is key to extending its life and maintaining peak performance. Keep it sharp! A dull chain is inefficient and dangerous. Learn to sharpen it yourself or have it professionally sharpened regularly. Also, ensure your chain tension is correct – too loose, and it can derail; too tight, and it causes excessive wear. And, of course, always keep your chain well-lubricated with quality bar and chain oil. A well-maintained chain is a happy chain, and a happy chain makes for a happy operator.

A Personal Anecdote: The Day the Saw Sang

I remember a client once, a retired carpenter named Frank, who was utterly frustrated with his Stihl MS 170. He’d bought it for light limbing around his property, but every cut felt like a battle. He’d sharpened the chain countless times, checked the tension, but the saw just wasn’t performing. When I visited, the first thing I noticed was the chain. It was a generic, aggressive full-chisel chain that he’d bought online, thinking “faster is better.” The MS 170 simply didn’t have the horsepower to drive it efficiently, and it was causing excessive vibration and kickback. We switched it out for a genuine Stihl Picco Micro 3, a semi-chisel, low-profile chain with the correct pitch, gauge, and drive links. The transformation was immediate. Frank took a deep breath, fired up the saw, and the look on his face as the saw effortlessly glided through a branch was priceless. “It sings now!” he exclaimed, a wide grin spreading across his face. It was a powerful reminder that sometimes, the simplest adjustment can make all the difference.

Making the Right Choice: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Choosing the perfect chain for your Stihl MS 170 doesn’t have to be daunting. Here’s a quick recap to guide your next purchase:

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Identify Your Bar Length: Check the guide bar itself (it’s often stamped) or your saw’s manual. Common for MS 170 are 14-inch (35 cm) or 16-inch (40 cm).n
Confirm Pitch and Gauge: Again, look at your current chain or the guide bar. For the MS 170, it’s almost always 3/8″ low profile pitch and .043″ (.050″ in some regions, always confirm!) gauge.n
Count Drive Links: Remove your old chain and count the drive links carefully. This is crucial for length.n
Choose Your Cutter Type: For general homeowner use with the MS 170, a semi-chisel, low-kickback chain (like Stihl Picco Micro 3) is the safest and most efficient choice.n
Buy Quality: Invest in a reputable brand, ideally Stihl original chains, to ensure compatibility, durability, and performance.n

The Final Cut

Your Stihl MS 170 is a fantastic piece of equipment, capable of handling a wide range of tasks around your property. But its true potential is unlocked only when paired with the right chain. Taking the time to understand the specifications – pitch, gauge, and drive links – and selecting a chain suited to your tasks and skill level isn’t just about optimal performance; it’s about making your work safer, more enjoyable, and ultimately, more productive. Don’t settle for anything less than the perfect match. Your saw, and your safety, deserve it.