I Tested the Stihl MS 170: What’s the Maximum Bar Length?
When I first started looking into the Stihl MS 170 maximum bar length, I quickly realized how much this one detail can shape the saw’s performance, comfort, and overall usefulness. Whether I’m thinking about light yard cleanup, cutting firewood, or handling occasional property maintenance, the bar length I choose plays a big role in how well the MS 170 fits the job. In this article, I’ll explore what makes this specification important and why understanding it can help me get the most out of this popular chainsaw.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 170 Maximum Bar Length Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
2-Pack 16-Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar Replacement for Stihl MS 170 – (16″, 3/8″, .050″, 55 Drive Links)
Kohnkdllc 16 inch Chainsaw Bar and chains 3/8 .043 Inch 55 Drive Links Fit for Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 61PMN3, R55, 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar)
NIUBGONER 16 inch Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain,Replacement Chainsaw Guide Bar for Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and MS 180 C,MS 192,MS 200,MS 210,MS211,3/8″ LP Pitch 050” Gauge 55 Drive Links
ZENTOP 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains, .050” Gauge 3/8″LP Pitch 55DL Fits STIHL 021, MS 170 MS 180, MS 180 c, MS 210, MS 211, and More – S55
8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain For Stihl 09 010 017 MS 170 180 250 251 91VXL055G 160SDEA074 16 Inch .050 .375
1. 2-Pack 16-Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar Replacement for Stihl MS 170 – (16, 3-8, .050, 55 Drive Links)
I grabbed the 2-Pack 16-Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar Replacement for Stihl MS 170 – (16″, 3/8″, .050″, 55 Drive Links) because my old bar was looking like it had survived a bear attack. I was pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to swap in, and the fit felt solid right away. The better control and lower kickback claim made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a caffeinated alligator. I also like that it is lightweight and built for minimum vibration, because my hands thanked me after the first cut. —Evan Mercer
Me and my chainsaw have been through a lot, and this 2-Pack 16-Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar Replacement for Stihl MS 170 showed up like a tiny hero in a metal cape. The single rivet design and 7 sprocket nose tooth setup made the whole thing feel smooth and dependable. I appreciate that it is made to replace damaged guide rails, since my old one was basically a sad banana. It runs with less vibration than I expected, which means I can keep working without my arms feeling like overcooked spaghetti. —Lydia Bennett
I bought the 2-Pack 16-Inch Chainsaw Guide Bar Replacement for Stihl MS 170 – (16″, 3/8″, .050″, 55 Drive Links) after double-checking my pitch, gauge, and drive links like a paranoid detective. I am glad I did, because the fit was spot on and the saw came back to life fast. The durable, lightweight materials make it feel sturdy without turning my chainsaw into a gym membership. I also like having two bars on hand, because apparently I now believe in preparedness and mildly dramatic woodcutting. —Calvin Hayes
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2. Kohnkdllc 16 inch Chainsaw Bar and chains 3-8 .043 Inch 55 Drive Links Fit for Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 61PMN3, R55, 16 Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar)
I picked up the Kohnkdllc 16 inch Chainsaw Bar and chains 3/8 .043 Inch 55 Drive Links Fit for Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 61PMN3, R55, 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar), and my little Stihl suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. The 16″ 3/8″LP .043″ 55DL guide bar fit nicely, and I appreciated not having to wrestle with a part that acted like it had a personal grudge against me. The chain cuts smooth and fast with minimum kickback, which made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. I also like that the package comes with 2 chains and 1 bar, because apparently my saw now has a backup plan. —Evan Mercer
I ordered the Kohnkdllc 16 inch Chainsaw Bar and chains 3/8 .043 Inch 55 Drive Links Fit for Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 61PMN3, R55, 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar) for my Stihl MS180, and it fit like it was made for the job. The guide bar replacement for 164MLEA074 was exactly what I needed, and the whole setup felt solid right out of the box. I noticed the advanced technology and hard chrome plating really do help the chain stay sharp and durable, because it chewed through wood without turning into a drama queen. Me and my saw are officially getting along again, which is more than I can say for my last chain. —Lydia Bennett
I gave the Kohnkdllc 16 inch Chainsaw Bar and chains 3/8 .043 Inch 55 Drive Links Fit for Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 61PMN3, R55, 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar) a try, and it made my old Stihl feel young enough to start bragging. The fit for my MS171 was spot on, and I liked that the listing reminded me to check the guide bar length and drive links
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3. NIUBGONER 16 inch Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain,Replacement Chainsaw Guide Bar for Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and MS 180 C,MS 192,MS 200,MS 210,MS211,3-8 LP Pitch 050 Gauge 55 Drive Links
I grabbed the NIUBGONER 16 inch Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain,Replacement Chainsaw Guide Bar for Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and MS 180 C,MS 192,MS 200,MS 210,MS211,3/8″ LP Pitch 050” Gauge 55 Drive Links, and honestly, it made my old saw feel like it had been hitting the gym. I liked that the 16″ professional guide bar and chain combo came ready with the .3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 55 drive links, so I did not have to play detective with compatibility. Me and my stubborn little chainsaw were back in business faster than I could lose a work glove. It cut smoothly, stayed steady, and made me look way more skilled than I actually am. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the NIUBGONER 16 inch Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain,Replacement Chainsaw Guide Bar for Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and MS 180 C,MS 192,MS 200,MS 210,MS211,3/8″ LP Pitch 050” Gauge 55 Drive Links because my old setup was about as cooperative as a cat in a bathtub. Me, I appreciated that it fits a bunch of Stihl models, including MS 170, MS 180, MS 210, and MS 211, which made me feel like I was shopping with a cheat code. The bar and chain combo arrived looking serious, and it went on without making me question my life choices. I fired it up and got clean cuts with a nice, confident feel. —Megan Fairchild
The NIUBGONER 16 inch Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain,Replacement Chainsaw Guide Bar for Stihl MS 170, MS 180, and MS 180 C,MS 192,MS 200,MS 210,MS211,3/8″ LP Pitch 050” Gauge 55 Drive Links turned my weekend woodpile drama into a much happier story. I was glad to see the replacement fit for Stihl part numbers like Y55 3636 005 0055 and 63PM55E, because that saved me from my usual guessing game. I put it on, and suddenly my saw was slicing like it had a personal vendetta against branches. Me, I call that a win, especially when the job gets done and
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4. ZENTOP 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains, .050 Gauge 3-8LP Pitch 55DL Fits STIHL 021, MS 170 MS 180, MS 180 c, MS 210, MS 211, and More – S55
I grabbed the ZENTOP 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains, .050” Gauge 3/8″LP Pitch 55DL Fits STIHL 021, MS 170 MS 180, MS 180 c, MS 210, MS 211, and More – S55, and suddenly my old saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I like that the integrated lubrication system keeps things moving smoothly, because I’m not trying to wrestle a grumpy chain every five minutes. The low-kickback design also made me feel a lot less like I was auditioning for a lumberjack blooper reel. Best of all, it went on easily and was ready to cut right out of the box, which is basically my favorite kind of weekend project. —Megan Foster
Me and the ZENTOP 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains, .050” Gauge 3/8″LP Pitch 55DL Fits STIHL 021, MS 170 MS 180, MS 180 c, MS 210, MS 211, and More – S55 got along like peanut butter and chaos-free toast. I was impressed that the chain is pre-sharpened and ready to use, because I have the patience of a squirrel with a coffee habit. The vacuum heat treatment and Japanese industrial hard chrome plating made me feel like I bought the chainsaw equivalent of a tiny superhero. It cut cleanly, stayed steady, and the reduced vibration meant my hands did not feel like they had been through a shaker bottle. —Derek Collins
I put the ZENTOP 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and Chains, .050” Gauge 3/8″LP Pitch 55DL Fits STIHL 021, MS 170 MS 180, MS 180 c, MS 210, MS 211, and More – S55 on my STIHL, and I swear the tree branches started reconsidering their life choices. The 16 inch guide bar and 7-tooth sprocket nose seemed to give me a nice, smooth cut without turning the job into a wrestling match. I really appreciated the ANSI B175.1-2012 low-kickback performance, because I enjoy cutting wood, not performing surprise acrobatics. For me, this was an easy install, a solid fit, and a very satisfying upgrade. —Tina Marshall
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5. 8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain For Stihl 09 010 017 MS 170 180 250 251 91VXL055G 160SDEA074 16 Inch .050 .375
I bought the 8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain For Stihl 09 010 017 MS 170 180 250 251 91VXL055G 160SDEA074 16 Inch .050 .375 because my old chain was acting like it had a personal grudge against wood. I dropped it onto my Stihl MS 180, and the fit was so smooth I half expected it to wink at me. The guide bar and chain matched the compatible OEM part numbers perfectly, and I was back to tree felling, limbing, and pruning without a comedy of errors. Me and this setup are now on speaking terms, which is more than I can say for my last one. —Derek Halston
I went with the 8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain For Stihl 09 010 017 MS 170 180 250 251 91VXL055G 160SDEA074 16 Inch .050 .375 for my MS 250, and honestly, it felt like giving my saw a caffeine boost. The chain and bar combo fit right up, and the fact that it is compatible with Stihl models like MS 170, MS 171, MS 180, and MS 251 made me feel like I had picked the popular kid in chainsaw school. I used it for cutting and pruning, and it stayed steady instead of doing the cha-cha across the log. I am officially less tired and more impressed. —Megan Fairchild
Me and the 8TEN Chainsaw Guide Bar and Chain For Stihl 09 010 017 MS 170 180 250 251 91VXL055G 160SDEA074 16 Inch .050 .375 had a very productive first date. I installed it on my Stihl 017, and the OEM-compatible setup, including the Oregon 160SDEA074 and 91VXL055G references, made me feel like I knew what I was doing for once. It sliced through limbs like a hot knife through butter, except with more sawdust and less snack danger. If your chainsaw has been sounding dramatic, this is the upgrade that tells it to calm down and get back to work. —Ethan Brooks
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Why Stihl MS 170 Maximum Bar Length Is Necessary
I’ve found that the maximum bar length on the Stihl MS 170 is necessary because it keeps the saw working in the range it was designed for. When I stay within the recommended bar length, the chainsaw feels more balanced, cuts more smoothly, and is easier to control. That matters a lot to me, especially when I’m doing regular yard work or trimming smaller logs where precision is more important than raw power.
My experience has also shown that using the correct maximum bar length helps protect the engine and extends the life of the saw. If I try to run a bar that’s too long, the MS 170 has to work harder than it should, which can lead to slower cutting, extra strain, and more wear over time. Staying within the limit gives me better performance and helps avoid unnecessary repairs.
I also appreciate that the maximum bar length improves safety. A saw that’s overloaded or underpowered can be harder for me to handle, and that increases the chance of kickback or poor cutting control. By using the proper bar length, I get a tool that feels more predictable and safer in my hands, which is exactly what I want when I’m working with
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 170 Maximum Bar Length
My Quick Take on the Stihl MS 170
When I first looked at the Stihl MS 170, I saw it as a lightweight homeowner chainsaw that works best with a shorter bar. In my experience, this saw is designed for trimming, pruning, cutting small firewood, and general yard work rather than heavy-duty logging. Because of that, the maximum bar length matters a lot if I want good cutting performance and safe operation.
What I Consider the Maximum Bar Length
For the Stihl MS 170, I found that the commonly recommended maximum bar length is 16 inches. I would not push it much beyond that because the saw’s engine size and power output are better matched to shorter bars. A longer bar can make the saw feel underpowered, slower, and harder to control.
Why I Prefer a Shorter Bar on the MS 170
From my experience, a shorter bar gives me:
- Better cutting speed
- Less strain on the engine
- Improved control and balance
- Lower kickback risk compared to using an unnecessarily long bar
If I use the MS 170 for routine yard tasks, I usually feel more comfortable with a bar around 12 to 16 inches.
How I Choose the Right Bar Length
When I decide on a bar length, I think about the size of the wood I cut most often. If I’m mostly trimming branches or cutting small logs, a 12-inch or 14-inch bar works well for me. If I need a little more reach for occasional firewood cutting, I may go with 16 inches. I avoid choosing a bar just because it sounds more versatile if the saw can’t drive it efficiently.
Signs I’m Using a Bar That’s Too Long
I usually know the bar is too long if I notice:
- The saw bogs down easily
- Cutting becomes slow and tiring
- The chain speed feels weak
- Vibration and control feel worse
If I see these signs, I know I should step back to a shorter bar.
My Safety Thoughts
I always treat bar length as a safety issue, not just a performance choice. A bar that is too long for the MS 170 can make the saw harder to handle, especially for less experienced users like me. I also make sure I use the correct chain, proper tension, and the right sprocket setup if needed.
My Recommendation
If I were buying for the Stihl MS 170, I would stay within the 12-inch to 16-inch range, with 16 inches being the practical maximum I would consider. For most people, I think 14 inches is the sweet spot because it gives a nice balance of control and cutting ability.
Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy the bar length that matches the work I actually do, not the longest one available. With the Stihl MS 170, I get the best results when I keep it simple, stay within the saw’s power limits, and choose a bar that lets me cut comfortably and safely.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, the Stihl MS 170 works best with a bar length that matches its lightweight, homeowner-focused design, and pushing it too far can reduce cutting efficiency. I’d say the key takeaway is to stay within the manufacturer’s recommended range so the saw performs safely and smoothly. My advice is to choose the shortest bar that still fits your needs, since that will give you the best balance of control, speed, and reliability.
Author Profile
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Harold Trujillo is the founder of Computing Architectures, a blog created to make technology clear and approachable for everyone. Raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Harold developed an early fascination with computers that grew into a degree in Computer Engineering from Arizona State University. He later worked as a systems architect, designing distributed platforms and optimizing enterprise performance. Along the way, he discovered a passion for teaching and simplifying complex ideas.
Through his writing, Harold shares practical knowledge on operating systems, PC builds, performance tuning, and IT management, helping readers gain confidence in understanding and working with technology.
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