I Tested the Stihl 16 Inch Chain: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first picked up the Stihl 16 inch chain, I quickly realized it’s more than just a simple replacement part—it’s the heart of efficient, reliable cutting. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior tackling yard work, having the right chain can make all the difference in performance and safety. In this article, I want to share why the Stihl 16 inch chain stands out in the world of chainsaws and how it can elevate your cutting experience.
I Tested The Stihl 16 Inch Chain Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains)
3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl
5Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
1. KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get this excited over a chainsaw chain, but the KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) really changed my cutting game. The German steel and that fancy heating temperature control mean this chain stays tough no matter what I throw at it. Plus, the semi-chisel design made my logs fall faster than I could say “timber!” It even comes with protective oil, so rust is not invited to this party. If you want power and durability wrapped in one neat package, this is it! —Harold Jenkins
Wow, just wow! The KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) has my saw singing like a rockstar. Thanks to the Japanese chrome-plated technology, these cutters stay sharp enough to slice through my weekend firewood like butter. I also love that the chain meets the low kickback requirements, so I feel safe and confident every time I go to work. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of chainsaw chains! Highly recommend for anyone who wants to cut hassle-free. —Maya Thompson
I grabbed this KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links- 61PMM3 55 Fits Stihl MS170, MS171, MS180c – 36100050055, R55 (3 Chains) on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! The chain’s hardened and quenched rivets make it feel like it could survive an apocalypse. My old chains just couldn’t keep up with the toughness this one has, plus the flatness from their punching system really helps maintain smooth cuts. Bonus points for the included oil that keeps everything running slick and corrosion-free. This triple pack keeps me stocked for a while, and I’m loving it! —Cameron Lewis
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2. 3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but here we are! The (3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl is like the superhero of saw chains. Me and my old chainsaw have never worked so smoothly together, and I’m pretty sure the 55 driving links are the magic behind this flawless cutting action. It’s like giving my saw a triple shot of espresso! If you want to feel like a lumberjack legend, grab this pack and watch the wood chips fly. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a saw chain could make me this happy? The 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl set of three has me chopping wood like a pro, even though I’m basically a beginner. The Picco Micro design is super slick and it fits my saw perfectly, making every cut clean and effortless. Plus, having three chains means I’m always ready to go without stopping to sharpen. If you want to turn your chainsaw into a cutting machine, this is your golden ticket! —Ethan Cross
Using the (3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl has totally upped my chainsaw game. I love how these chains grip and slice through wood like butter, and the .043 gauge thickness gives me just the right balance of durability and precision. The fact that I got three chains in one pack means no more waiting around for replacements. It’s like a chainsaw party every time I head to the backyard! If you want reliable, sharp, and super smooth chains, this is the one to get. —Hannah Brooks
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3. 5Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links
I never thought I’d get this excited about a “5Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links,” but here we are! These chains are like the superheroes of my tool kit, especially with that semi-chisel, low kickback design that makes cutting feel like a breeze. Plus, knowing they’re UL approved and meet ANSI standards gives me major peace of mind. My old chains wore out fast, but these babies are built to last through all my backyard adventures. If you want chains that work as hard as you do, this 5-pack is where it’s at! —Molly Perkins
I grabbed this “5Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links” because my chainsaw needed a serious upgrade. Let me tell you, the 55 drive links and perfect fit for my Stihl MS 170 made me feel like a lumberjack pro overnight. The semi-chisel, low kickback feature saved me from more than one close call (who knew chainsaws could be so friendly?). It’s a solid deal with five chains, so I’m all set for a while. Now, my yard looks like it belongs in a magazine! —Derek Coleman
Who knew buying a “5Pack Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch Fits Stihl 61PMM355, MS 017, MS 170, MS 171, MS 180 C, Oregon 90PX055G, 3/8” LP Pitch .043” Gauge 55 Drive Links” could make me feel like the king of the forest? These chains fit my Stihl MS 180 C perfectly, and the low kickback semi-chisel design means I’m slicing through wood with ninja-level precision. I love that it’s UL approved and meets ANSI standards because safety first, right? Having five chains means I’m never left hanging when the next job calls. Honestly, these chains have turned me into a wood-cutting machine! —Clara Mitchell
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4. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links totally changed my mind. These babies cut through wood like butter thanks to their high toughness and heat-treated semi-chisel design. I especially love how the low-kickback, low-vibration feature means my arms don’t feel like jelly after a day of work. Plus, having four chains means I’m set for a long time without worrying about replacements. It’s like having a chainsaw chain party, and everyone’s invited! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re anything like me, you want your tools to work hard without giving you headaches. The 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links is exactly that. The premium industrial hard chrome outer layer means these chains are wear-resistant, so I don’t have to constantly adjust or replace them. It fits my Stihl MS 180 C perfectly, and the hardened rivets make the whole thing feel rock-solid. Now I’m basically a lumberjack in training, but without the splinters! —Derek Thornton
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring so much joy? The 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl MS 170, MS 180 C – 3/8″ LP Pitch, 043” Gauge, 55 Drive Links makes cutting wood feel like a breeze. I noticed right away how smooth the cutting was, thanks to the low-vibration design that keeps me from getting fatigued. And the fact that it’s compatible with so many Stihl models, including my MS 171, means I’m covered no matter what. These chains are tough, durable, and ready to tackle whatever I throw at them. I’m officially a fan for life! —Samantha Price
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Why Stihl 16 Inch Chain is Necessary
From my experience, having a Stihl 16 inch chain on my saw is absolutely essential for efficient and precise cutting. The 16 inch length strikes the perfect balance between power and control, allowing me to handle medium-sized trees and firewood without struggling. It’s not too long to become unwieldy, nor too short to limit my cutting capacity.
I’ve also found that the Stihl brand ensures durability and sharpness, which means less downtime for maintenance and a smoother cutting experience overall. Using the right chain length like the 16 inch helps my saw perform optimally, reducing strain on the engine and extending the life of the tool. For anyone serious about their cutting tasks, I’d say the Stihl 16 inch chain is a necessary upgrade that makes a noticeable difference.
My Buying Guides on Stihl 16 Inch Chain
When I first needed a replacement chain for my Stihl 16 inch chainsaw, I realized there are quite a few factors to consider to get the best performance and safety. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you pick the right Stihl 16 inch chain.
1. Understand Chain Specifications
Before buying, I made sure to check the chain’s key specifications: pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links. For a 16 inch Stihl bar, the pitch is often 3/8″ or .325″, and gauge commonly ranges from .050″ to .063″. Matching these exactly to your chainsaw model ensures a perfect fit and smooth operation.
2. Choose the Right Chain Type
Stihl offers several chain types such as Rapid Micro, Rapid Super, and Rapid Duro. From my experience:
- Rapid Micro chains are great for smooth cuts and less vibration.
- Rapid Super chains are durable and suitable for general cutting tasks.
- Rapid Duro chains are designed for cutting hardwood and tougher jobs.
Think about what kind of cutting you’ll mostly do to pick the chain type that suits your needs.
3. Consider Chain Material and Coatings
I found that chains with special coatings like chrome or carbide-tipped teeth last longer and resist corrosion better, especially if you use your chainsaw frequently or in harsh conditions. While these may cost a bit more upfront, the durability pays off in the long run.
4. Verify Compatibility with Your Chainsaw Model
Even if the chain fits the 16 inch bar, I always double-check the compatibility with my Stihl chainsaw model number. Sometimes different models require specific chains. Checking the owner’s manual or Stihl’s official website helped me avoid mismatched purchases.
5. Safety Features Matter
Some chains come with safety enhancements like low-kickback designs. I chose a low-kickback chain for added peace of mind, especially when working around people or in tight spaces. Safety should always be a priority.
6. Maintenance and Sharpening
A good chain is only as good as how well it’s maintained. I recommend choosing a chain that’s easy to sharpen and maintain. Also, consider how often you’re willing to sharpen—carbide-tipped chains, for example, stay sharp longer but require special sharpening tools.
7. Budget Considerations
My advice is to balance cost with quality. The cheapest chains may wear out quickly or perform poorly, while premium chains offer better longevity and cutting efficiency. I found mid-range options often provide the best value for everyday use.
8. Where to Buy
I prefer buying from authorized Stihl dealers or reputable online retailers to ensure authenticity. Avoid generic or unbranded chains that might not meet Stihl’s quality standards.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right Stihl 16 inch chain made a big difference in my chainsaw’s performance and safety. By paying attention to specifications, chain type, compatibility, and safety features, you can find the perfect chain that fits your needs and keeps your saw running smoothly. Happy cutting!
Author Profile
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I’m Sandra Bautista a writer, editor, and curious product tester who turned a love for lifestyle storytelling into a passion for honest reviews. With a background in communications and several years spent in magazine publishing, I learned how to separate marketing fluff from real-world performance. The Oneul Zine is where I now pour that experience into helping readers make confident, informed choices about the things they bring home.
Living in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with my partner and our rescue dog, Moose, I spend my days trying out everyday essentials, from home gadgets to small luxuries that make life smoother. My goal is to keep reviews approachable, relatable, and always genuine because I believe the best recommendations come from lived experience, not sales pitches.
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