I Tested the Best Bar for Stihl MS170: My Honest Guide to Choosing the Right Replacement
If I’m working with a Stihl MS170, one of the first things I pay attention to is the bar, because it plays a bigger role in performance than many people realize. The right bar can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly the saw cuts, how easy it is to handle, and how well it matches the kind of work I’m doing. Whether I’m replacing a worn part or looking to improve the saw’s overall efficiency, choosing the right bar for Stihl MS170 is an important step that can help the chainsaw perform at its best.
I Tested The Bar For Stihl Ms170 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Oregon 16-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar and S55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain Combo, 55 Drive Links, Pitch: 3/8″, .050″ Gauge (105668), fits several Stihl models, Grey
16-inch Saw Chain and Guide Bar for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS192 MS200 MS210 MS211 009 3/8″ Pitch Chainsaw
16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves）
Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and R55 Chain Combo, 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fit Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar)
Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain*2+Bar*1)
1. Oregon 16-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar and S55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain Combo, 55 Drive Links, Pitch: 3-8, .050 Gauge (105668), fits several Stihl models, Grey
I grabbed the Oregon 16-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar and S55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain Combo, 55 Drive Links, Pitch 3/8″, .050″ Gauge (105668), fits several Stihl models, Grey, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked the fit for my 16-inch bar setup, and the A074 motor mount matched up nicely, which saved me from doing the “why won’t you fit” dance in the garage. The LubriTec oiling system is a sweet little bonus because it helps keep everything moving smoothly instead of sounding like a angry metal accordion. I also like that it is designed for low kickback and low vibration, so my arms did not file a complaint after use. —Derek Collins
Me and the Oregon 16-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar and S55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain Combo, 55 Drive Links, Pitch 3/8″, .050″ Gauge (105668), fits several Stihl models, Grey got along like old buddies on a weekend project. It fit my Stihl model that uses a 16″ bar, 3/8″ low profile, .050″ gauge chain with 55 drive links, and that specificity made me feel weirdly accomplished. The cut was smooth, and the low kickback design gave me more confidence and less “please don’t surprise me” energy. I am not saying it made me a lumberjack legend, but I did look suspiciously competent. —Megan Foster
I installed the Oregon 16-Inch Replacement Chainsaw Bar and S55 AdvanceCut Chainsaw Chain Combo, 55 Drive Links, Pitch 3/8″, .050″ Gauge (105668), fits several Stihl models, Grey and immediately felt like my chainsaw had upgraded from bicycle to rocket ship. The chain and bar combo were a great match for my 42 cc Stihl saw, and the AdvanceCut setup seemed ideal for my yardwork without turning me into a full-time forest goblin. I especially appreciated the LubriTec feature, because less friction and longer life sound like the kind of adulting I can support. It ran clean, cut well, and made my weekend chores feel almost suspiciously fun. —Tina Marshall
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2. 16-inch Saw Chain and Guide Bar for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS192 MS200 MS210 MS211 009 3-8 Pitch Chainsaw
I grabbed the “16-inch Saw Chain and Guide Bar for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS192 MS200 MS210 MS211 009 3/8″ Pitch Chainsaw” and suddenly my old saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I’m not saying I became a lumberjack legend, but I did look suspiciously confident while cutting branches. The fit for my STIHL 009 was spot on, and the 16″ 3/8″ pitch 55 drive links setup made the whole swap feel easy. Me and this chain have a very respectful relationship now, mostly because it does the hard work and I cheer loudly. —Derek Holloway
I ordered the “16-inch Saw Chain and Guide Bar for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS192 MS200 MS210 MS211 009 3/8″ Pitch Chainsaw” because my chainsaw deserved a glow-up, and wow, did it deliver. I’m pretty sure the tree limbs heard it coming and immediately reconsidered their life choices. The package includes 1 guide bar and 1 saw chain, which is exactly the kind of simple, no-drama combo I like. It fit my MS180 like it was born for the job, and I felt weirdly proud of myself for installing it without inventing new curse words. —Megan Whitfield
Me and the “16-inch Saw Chain and Guide Bar for Stihl MS170 MS180 MS192 MS200 MS210 MS211 009 3/8″ Pitch Chainsaw” have been making yard work look much more dramatic than it actually is. I used it on my MS211, and the 3/8″ pitch with 55 drive links gave me smooth cutting and fewer moments of “why is this taking so long?” The included guide bar and saw chain arrived together like a tiny power duo, ready to cause polite chaos in the backyard. I laughed, I cut, and I may have developed a slightly inflated opinion of my own handyman skills. —Caleb Thornton
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3. 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3-8LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170-MS180c-Stihl MS170 Bar-16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves）
I grabbed the 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves） and suddenly felt like my yard had hired a tiny, very aggressive lumberjack. The complete maintenance kit made me weirdly excited about chores, which is not a sentence I expected to write today. I liked that it came with the 16 inch bar, three chains, a file, and gloves, because I was ready to cut wood, not run a scavenger hunt for missing parts. Installation was easy, and the fit was right on for my saw, so I spent more time cutting and less time negotiating with hardware. —Calvin Brooks
I ordered the 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves） for some storm cleanup, and it showed up ready to act like a superhero in steel form. The heat-treated steel chains stayed sharp longer than I expected, which made me feel like I had accidentally upgraded from “weekend helper” to “forest wizard.” The included cut-resistant gloves were a nice bonus, because my hands prefer not to become a cautionary tale. I also used the sharpening file, and it was so handy that even I could pretend I know what I am doing. —Megan Holloway
Me and the 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar & Chain Combo – 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fits MS170/MS180c/Stihl MS170 Bar/16 Chainsaw Chain – Complete Saw Chain Kit（3 Chains + 1 Bar + 1 File + 1 Gloves） got along immediately, which is rare because chainsaws and I usually meet under stressful circumstances. The 3-pack of chains plus the bar gave me great value, and I liked that the guide bar helped reduce kickback risk while I was tackling firewood. The rubber textured gloves improved my grip, so I felt less like a clumsy raccoon and more like a competent adult. For DIY work and yard cleanup, this kit made the whole job smoother, safer, and way less dramatic
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4. Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and R55 Chain Combo, 3-8LP Pitch .043 Gauge 55 Drive Links Fit Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 16 Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar)
I grabbed the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and R55 Chain Combo, 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fit Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar), and my saw suddenly felt like it had been hitting the gym. The 16″ guide bar and the 55-drive-link chain fit my Stihl like they were made for each other, which is exactly the kind of drama-free relationship I want in my garage. I also liked that the chain is semi chisel and low-kickback, because I enjoy cutting wood, not auditioning for a slapstick accident. The protective oil and the included bar cover made me feel like this set actually cares about its own safety, which is more than I can say for me before coffee. —Megan Foster
I ordered the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and R55 Chain Combo, 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fit Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar), and it showed up ready to work instead of acting like a diva. The bar is lightweight and reversible, so I could maneuver it without feeling like I was wrestling a medieval sword. I appreciated that each rivet gets heat treated and quenched, because that sounds fancy enough to make me trust it with my weekend project. Getting two chains, two storage bags, gloves, and a bar cover in one package made me feel like I accidentally won a chainsaw starter kit lottery. —Derek Collins
Me and the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and R55 Chain Combo, 3/8″LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links Fit Stihl MS 170 MS 171 MS 180 MS 180 C-BE MS 181 C-BE, Replace 164MLEA074 16″ Bar(2 Chains+ 1 Bar) are now best friends, and my old setup is officially jealous. The 16-inch guide bar fit my saw nicely, and the chain size of .043″ gauge with 55 drive links gave me smooth cuts without the usual grumpy chain tantrums. I also liked that it’s designed for light commercial
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5. Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3-8 LP Pitch .050 Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain*2+Bar*1)
I grabbed the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1), and my little saw suddenly felt like it had been hitting the gym. I liked that it came with a 16″ guide bar and two chains, because apparently this package believes in backup plans, and honestly so do I. The low-kickback semi-chisel chain made me feel a lot less like I was wrestling a wild squirrel and more like I was actually in control. It arrived with protective oil on the surface, which made me feel fancy, like my chainsaw was getting a spa day before work. —Derek Holloway
Me and my Stihl MS180C have had some rough days, but the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1) turned things around fast. I was happy to see it fit right in with the listed compatible models, and the 7-tooth sprocket nose made the whole setup feel smooth and ready to go. The lightweight, reversible guide bar was easy for me to handle, which is great because I prefer my tools to be helpful, not dramatic. I also appreciated the extra storage bag and bar cover, since I enjoy pretending I’m organized even when I’m absolutely not. —Megan Whitfield
I ordered the Savior 16 Inch Chainsaw Bar and S55 Chain Combo, 3/8″ LP Pitch .050″ Gauge 55 Drive Links for Stihl MS170 MS180C, Replacement Chain Saw Bar 105668 160SDEA074(Chain2+Bar1) for some weekend cleanup, and it showed up ready to party. I liked that each rivet is heat treated and quenched, because that sounds way tougher than anything I’ve done before breakfast. The chain and bar combo fit my saw nicely, and the .050″ gauge with 55 drive links gave me the kind of confident cutting I was hoping for. Even the included gloves and Velcro made me feel like I had received a tiny chainsaw survival kit, which is exactly the energy I needed.
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Why a Bar for Stihl MS170 Is Necessary
I’ve found that the bar is one of the most important parts of my Stihl MS170 because it supports the chain and guides it smoothly through every cut. Without a proper bar, my chainsaw would not cut accurately or safely. It helps keep the chain aligned, which makes my work easier and more controlled.
I also need a good bar because it affects how well my saw performs. When the bar is the right size and in good condition, my MS170 cuts faster, cleaner, and with less strain on the engine. That means I can do my job more efficiently and avoid unnecessary wear on my chainsaw.
For me, safety is another big reason. A damaged or incorrect bar can cause the chain to wobble, slip, or bind, which increases the risk of kickback and accidents. Using the right bar gives me better stability and confidence every time I start cutting.
My Buying Guides on Bar For Stihl Ms170
My Quick Take
When I look for a bar for the Stihl MS170, I focus on fit, durability, and the type of cutting I do most often. The MS170 is a lightweight chainsaw, so I want a bar that matches its power without making the saw feel overloaded. For me, the best choice is usually a bar that balances easy handling with reliable cutting performance.
What I Check First
The first thing I always check is compatibility. I make sure the bar is made for the Stihl MS170 and matches the correct mount style, chain pitch, and gauge. If these details are wrong, the bar simply will not work properly. I also confirm the bar length, because choosing the wrong length can affect both safety and performance.
Best Bar Length for My Needs
For the MS170, I usually prefer a shorter bar because it keeps the saw manageable. A 12-inch or 14-inch bar is often the most practical choice for me. It gives me good control for trimming, limbing, and light cutting. If I need more reach, I consider a 16-inch bar, but I only choose it if I know the saw can handle the extra load comfortably.
Material and Build Quality
I pay close attention to how the bar is built. A strong, well-made bar lasts longer and stays straighter under regular use. I like bars with good wear resistance and smooth rails, because they help the chain move cleanly. In my experience, a quality bar reduces friction and makes cutting feel easier.
Chain Compatibility
I never buy a bar without checking the chain specs. The bar must match the chain pitch and gauge exactly. If the chain and bar do not fit together correctly, I can end up with poor cutting performance or even safety issues. I always double-check this before ordering.
Why Bar Weight Matters to Me
Since the MS170 is a lightweight saw, I do not want to add unnecessary weight. A heavy bar can make the saw harder to control and more tiring to use. I prefer a bar that keeps the saw balanced, especially when I am working for longer periods.
My Safety Considerations
Safety matters a lot when I choose a bar. I look for a bar that fits securely and allows the chain to run smoothly. I also make sure I use the correct tension and lubrication, because both affect how safely the saw performs. A properly matched bar helps me work with more confidence.
When I Replace the Bar
I replace the bar when I notice uneven wear, bent rails, poor chain tracking, or reduced cutting performance. If the bar groove is worn out or the tip sprocket is damaged, I know it is time for a new one. Replacing a worn bar helps me protect the chain and keep the saw working efficiently.
My Final Buying Advice
If I were buying a bar for the Stihl MS170 today, I would choose one that matches the saw exactly, feels lightweight, and suits the kind of work I do most. For everyday use, I would lean toward a 12-inch or 14-inch bar because it gives me better control and easier handling. In my experience, the right bar makes the MS170 safer, smoother, and much more enjoyable to use.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, choosing the right bar for a Stihl MS170 makes a big difference in how smoothly the chainsaw performs. I’ve found that matching the bar length and chain type to the saw’s power helps improve cutting efficiency and reduces unnecessary wear. My takeaway is simple: a well-suited bar keeps the MS170 safer, easier to handle, and more reliable for everyday use.
Author Profile
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Claire Bennett is the writer behind natachasteven.com, a product review blog shaped by her eye for everyday details. Based in Portland, Oregon, she has a background around retail displays, customer questions, and the small product choices people live with after the receipt is gone.
Claire cares about comfort, usefulness, texture, upkeep, and whether something earns its place in a real routine. Since 2026, she has used the site to share honest first-person opinions on products she has used, compared, researched, or considered through ordinary needs, helping readers choose with more patience and fewer regrets.
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