Quick answer: many 16-inch Stihl MS170 and MS180 setups use a 3/8-inch low-profile chain with a .043-inch gauge and 55 drive links, but the model name alone is not enough. Bar and regional configurations can differ. Confirm all specifications stamped on your guide bar or listed in the saw manual before ordering.
Stihl MS170 and MS180 chain size checklist
| Specification | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Pitch | Commonly 3/8 inch low profile; match the bar and sprocket. |
| Gauge | Commonly .043 inch; the drive link must fit the bar groove. |
| Drive links | Often 55 DL on a 16-inch setup, but count or read the bar stamp. |
| Bar length | Useful for narrowing choices, never sufficient by itself. |
16-inch chain option to verify against your bar
ALBO 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8" LP .043" 55DL 3 PackWhy the exact combination matters
A chain can have the right nominal bar length and still be wrong. A different pitch will not mesh correctly with the sprocket. A different gauge will be too loose or too thick for the bar groove. A different drive-link count will prevent correct tensioning.
How to read the guide-bar stamp
Switch the saw off, remove the power source or disconnect the spark plug as directed by the manual, and clean the bar markings. Look for pitch, gauge, and drive-link count. If a value is missing, check the manual or the original chain packaging. Do not rely on a seller's model list without matching the physical specifications.
55 DL versus 56 DL
One drive link changes the loop length. A 56-DL chain is not a substitute for a 55-DL chain just because pitch, gauge, and bar length look similar. Buy the count specified for the installed bar.
Cutting profile and performance
A sharp, correctly tensioned low-profile chain is a practical match for homeowner saws. Cutter profile affects cutting behavior, but it never overrides the fit requirements. Follow the saw and chain manufacturers' filing angles, depth-gauge settings, lubrication, and tension instructions.
Before the first cut
- Confirm pitch, gauge, and drive-link count.
- Install the cutters in the correct direction.
- Seat every drive link in the bar groove and sprocket.
- Set tension to the manual's specification.
- Verify lubrication and use required protective equipment.
