Selecting Stihl MS 170 Chain Replacement: The "Hidden" Spec You Need to Know

If you own a Stihl MS 170 (the "Mini Boss"), you own one of the most popular chainsaws in Australia. It’s the perfect tool for weekend cleanups, camping trips, and pruning fruit trees in the backyard. 

Buy a Stihl MS 170 3/8" LP (pitch) | 0.043" (gauge) chain upgrade and you will be throwing chips in no time. 

But if you’ve ever tried to buy a replacement chain from a generic hardware store, you might have run into a frustrating problem: the new chain doesn't fit.

It looks like the right size. The box says "3/8 Low Profile." It says "14 inch." But when you try to seat it in the bar, it jams, or it feels dangerously loose.

At Alpine Chain Co., we help hundreds of Aussie MS 170 owners get the right gear every week. In this guide, we’ll explain the specific "hidden" spec of the MS 170 that trips everyone up, and help you find the perfect replacement chain to get your saw cutting like new.

The "Picco" Trap: Why Most Generic Chains Don't Fit

The Stihl MS 170 is unique. While most small chainsaws in Australia use a standard chain thickness (gauge), the MS 170 uses a narrower chain to put less stress on its smaller engine.

Here is the technical breakdown of what you need:

1. Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile (often called "Picco" or "3/8P" by Stihl).

2. Gauge (The Important Bit): .043" (1.1mm).

3. Drive Links: Depends on your bar length (see below).

The Problem: Most generic chains sold at big box stores are .050" (1.3mm) gauge. If you try to force a 1.3mm chain into the 1.1mm groove of your MS 170 bar, it will bind and ruin your guide bar.

The Solution: You need a specific 1.1mm gauge chain. At Alpine Chain Co., we manufacture white-label chains specifically to this OEM specification, ensuring a perfect, factory-level fit without the dealership price tag.

Which Size Bar Do You Have?

The MS 170 typically comes with one of three bar sizes in Australia. To order the right Alpine Chain, you just need to count your Drive Links (the shark-fin shaped links that sit inside the bar).

Tip: The drive link count is usually stamped on the tail of your guide bar. If it's worn off, take the old chain off and count the drive links manually.

Why Choose Alpine Chain Co. for your MS 170?

You have two choices when replacing your chain: pay a premium for the orange box at a dealer, or buy smart with Alpine Chain Co.

1. The "Hardwood" Edge

Generic chains from online marketplaces are often made of soft metal that dulls instantly on Australian hardwood. Our MS 170 chains feature Semi-Chisel cutters.

• Why Semi-Chisel? It has a slightly rounded corner that stays sharp longer when cutting dirty wood, dry gum, or seasoned firewood—conditions we deal with constantly in Australia.

2. Guaranteed Fitment

We don't sell "universal" chains. When you select an Alpine Chain for Stihl MS 170, you are getting the exact .043" (1.1mm) gauge required for your saw. No jamming, no bar damage.

3. Better Price, Same Cut

Because we sell directly to you, we cut out the middleman markup. You can often grab two Alpine loops for the price of one OEM loop, keeping you cutting longer.

How to Install Your New Chain

Replacing the chain on an MS 170 is simple:

1. Loosen the Side Cover: Unscrew the two nuts on the side of the saw.

2. Slack off the Tension: Turn the tensioning screw counter-clockwise.

3. Swap: Remove the old chain, clean the bar groove (important!), and loop on the new Alpine Chain. Ensure the sharp cutting edges on top of the bar are facing away from the engine.

4. Tension: Tighten the chain until it touches the bottom of the bar but can still be pulled freely by hand (wear gloves!).

5. Lock it down: Tighten the side nuts.

Ready to Upgrade?

Don't let a dull chain smoke your bar or waste your fuel. If your MS 170 is producing dust instead of chips, it's time for a swap.

Alpine Chain Co. - Stihl MS 170 compatible chain replacement.

Alpine Chain Co. – Premium Chains. Australian Owned. Delivered to your Door.