N
Luxe Prestige Chronicle

stihl ms170 chain

Author

Andrew Henderson

Updated on May 24, 2026

Oregon R55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain for 16-Inch Bar -55 Drive Links – low-kickback chain fits several Stihl models | Oregon Products.

How do I know what chain to buy for my Stihl chainsaw?

If you are replacing a Stihl® chain, you can look at the numbers on the side of the chain to determine pitch, gauge, and other characteristics of the chain. Example: Your chain has the number 33RM2 stamped in the side of it. The last three numbers (or letters) denote characteristics of the chain.

Can I put a 16 bar on a Stihl MS170?

Stihl recommends that its MS 170, MS 171, MS 180, MS 181, MS 192 and MS 211 homeowner models be equipped with guide bars between 12 and 16 inches.

Can you use any chain on a STIHL chainsaw?

Stihl manufacturers replacement parts, including chains, as well as chain saws. Stihl recommends using its own chains as replacements, but after-market manufacturers produce similar chains that may be used on a Stihl chain saw.

Can I put a bigger bar on my MS170?

Can you put a bigger bar on MS170? No, you can’t use a bar bigger than 16 inches on your MS170.

What does MS stand for on a Stihl chainsaw?

Every STIHL chainsaw model name starts with MS, MSA, or MSE. The common part, MS, stands for Motorsäge which is German for chainsaw. MSA indicates that it’s a battery chainsaw and MSE tells us that it’s an electric model.

How do I know the size of my chainsaw chain?

To get the correct size, simply count 3 rivets on the chain and measure the distance between them from the centre points. Now divide this by half to get your size. As an example, three rivets that measure ½ an inch across divided by two gives you a pitch of a ¼ inch.

What is the difference between .325 and 3/8 chain?

The . 325 may be smaller and faster, but it may not be your best bet for your everyday needs. The three-eighths-inch chain is durable and lasts longer than its smaller cousin. This makes it one of the more popular switches for chainsaw users who want to get more out of their saw.

Will a Oregon bar fit a Stihl chainsaw?

The Oregon 180TXLBA074 SpeedCut chain saw bar is compatible with select Stihl chain saw models included 021, 025, 025C, MS230 and MS250. Check the Fit Guide to see if this bar works with your saw.

Can I put a different size bar on my chainsaw?

Most chainsaws can operate up to three different bar sizes. Guide bars are measured in length, from the tip of the bar to the heel, and range in size from 14 to over 40 inches. Check the specifications in your model’s operator’s manual to see what size bars you can run on your saw.

Does Stihl make a 12 inch chainsaw?

Homeowner Chainsaws: Stihl’s small chainsaw models range from 12-inch to 16-inch models.

Can you put an 18 inch bar on a Stihl ms180?

Yes you can use any brand of bar and chains providing the mounting pattern suits the ms180 (3005 mount). You can also change gauge from .

How tight should a chainsaw chain be?

A properly-tensioned chainsaw chain should still be just a little loose on the chainsaw guide bar, but the chain needs to be tight enough that you can’t pull the drive links out of the bar nose.