The Stihl MS 170 takes a 3/8" low profile (Picco) chain in .043" (1.1mm) gauge — narrower than the .050" gauge sold at most hardware stores. Drive-link count depends on your bar: 44 for 12", 50 for 14", 55 for 16".
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.
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:
Pitch: 3/8" Low Profile (often called "Picco" or "3/8P" by Stihl).
Gauge (The Important Bit): .043" (1.1mm).
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 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).
| Bar Length | Drive Link Count (DL) | Pitch | Gauge | Best Use |
| 12 Inch | 44 Drive Links | 3/8" LP | .043" (1.1mm) | Carving / Light Pruning |
| 14 Inch | 50 Drive Links | 3/8" LP | .043" (1.1mm) | Standard Size (Most Common) |
| 16 Inch | 55 Drive Links | 3/8" LP | .043" (1.1mm) | Felling small trees |
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 — a slightly rounded corner that stays sharp longer when cutting dirty wood, dry gum, or seasoned firewood, exactly the conditions we deal with constantly in Australia. (More on this in our full chisel vs semi-chisel guide.)
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
Loosen the Side Cover: Unscrew the two nuts on the side of the saw.
Slack off the Tension: Turn the tensioning screw counter-clockwise.
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.
Tension: Tighten the chain until it touches the bottom of the bar but can still be pulled freely by hand (wear gloves!).
Lock it down: Tighten the side nuts.
Stihl MS 170 Chain — FAQ
What size chain does a Stihl MS 170 take?
A 3/8" low profile (Picco) chain in .043" (1.1mm) gauge. Drive-link count depends on your bar: 44 for a 12" bar, 50 for 14", 55 for 16".
Why won't a standard .050" chain fit my MS 170?
The MS 170 runs a narrower .043" (1.1mm) gauge than most hardware-store chains, which are typically .050" (1.3mm). Forcing the thicker chain into the narrower bar groove causes binding and can damage the bar.
How many drive links does a 14 inch MS 170 chain need?
50 drive links, which is the most common configuration since 14 inch is the standard MS 170 bar length in Australia.
What cutter profile is best for an MS 170 in Australian conditions?
Semi-chisel. Its rounded corner stays sharp longer in dirty wood, dry gum and seasoned firewood than a full-chisel profile.
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. Find your exact MS 170 chain in seconds — Search by Chainsaw and enter "MS 170," or Search by Bar Stamp if you've counted your drive links.
Get the exact chain for your saw
Enter your make and model and we'll match the right chain — or read the specs off your bar to search directly. Every chain is backed by our Guaranteed Fit promise, checked against your bar stamp before it ships.