The Stihl MS170 is a favorite among homeowners for its lightweight design and ease of use during light property maintenance, but many users find themselves frustrated by how quickly the chain seems to lose its edge. A chainsaw is only as effective as the chain it carries, and when the cutters become dull, the engine has to work significantly harder to pull through the wood. This not only slows down your progress but also increases the risk of kickback and premature wear on the guide bar. Understanding the factors that contribute to a dull chain and recognizing when it is time to switch to a high performance replacement like a Trilink or Stens chain can transform your cutting experience.
Common Culprits for Rapid Chain Dulling
If you find that your Stihl MS170 starts out cutting perfectly but becomes sluggish after just a few logs, the issue is often related to the environment or the technique rather than the saw itself. Wood is a natural material that can be surprisingly abrasive, especially if it has been sitting on the ground.
Several factors can lead to an accelerated loss of sharpness:
- Contact with the soil: Even a momentary touch of the spinning chain against the dirt can instantly round off the sharp edges of the cutters.
- Dirty or "skidded" logs: Logs that have been dragged through the mud or sand carry tiny particles of grit in the bark that act like sandpaper on the steel cutters.
- Cutting dry or frozen wood: Hardwood that has dried out completely or logs that are frozen solid are much more difficult to cut and generate more heat, which tempers and softens the metal edge.
- Presence of hardware: Accidentally hitting a nail, wire, or stone embedded in the tree will cause immediate and severe damage to the chain.
By being mindful of where your bar tip is and ensuring your wood is clean before you begin cutting, you can significantly extend the time between sharpenings.
The Role of Proper Lubrication
A chainsaw chain moves at incredibly high speeds around the guide bar, and without proper lubrication, the friction creates intense heat. This heat is a silent killer of a sharp edge. When the metal cutters get too hot, the steel loses its temper, making it softer and much more susceptible to dulling quickly. On the Stihl MS170, the automatic oiler is responsible for delivering bar and chain oil to the drive links.
If the oiler is blocked or if you are using low-quality oil, the chain will "heat stretch" and lose its edge almost immediately. You should check for the following lubrication issues:
- Ensure the oil output hole on the chainsaw body is clear of sawdust and gunk.
- Check the small oil holes on the guide bar itself to make sure they aren't plugged.
- Always use a dedicated bar and chain lubricant with a "tackiness" additive rather than standard motor oil.
- Monitor your oil levels, a good rule of thumb is that you should run out of chain oil at roughly the same time you run out of fuel.
Properly lubricated chains from brands like Trilink are designed with specific oil reservoirs in the drive links to help carry that oil all the way to the tip of the bar, keeping the heat down and the edge sharp.
Signs It is Time to Replace the Chain
While sharpening a chain is a standard part of maintenance, there comes a point where the metal has been filed away too many times or the damage is too severe for a simple touch up. Recognizing when a chain is beyond saving is critical for the safety of the operator and the health of the MS170.
Look for these indicators that your Stihl MS170 needs a new chain from xtremeope.com:
- The chain creates fine sawdust instead of thick wood chips, indicating the cutters are scraping rather than slicing.
- You have to put physical pressure on the saw to make it cut, the saw should pull itself into the wood.
- The chain cuts at an angle or "walks" to one side, which usually means the cutters on one side have more damage than the other.
- The "mark" or witness line on the top of the cutter has been filed away, meaning there is no more useful metal left to sharpen.
- You notice cracks in the drive links or rivets, which could lead to a dangerous chain break.
When you reach this stage, continuing to sharpen is a waste of time. Investing in a high-quality replacement chain from Trilink or Stens ensures that you are starting with a factory ground edge that is designed to stay sharper for longer under residential workloads.
Why Choose Trilink or Stens Replacements?
When it comes time to buy a new chain for your Stihl MS170, you aren't limited to just the original manufacturer parts. High performance aftermarket brands like Trilink and Stens offer exceptional value and engineering that often matches or exceeds the original specifications. These chains are specifically designed to fit the MS170’s 3/8 inch Low Profile pitch and 0.043 or 0.050 gauge bars.
Trilink chains, in particular, are favored by many DIYers because of their chrome plated cutters and low vibration design. The chrome plating provides a harder surface that resists the abrasive nature of dirty wood, while the "semi chisel" tooth design is more forgiving than "full chisel" chains, staying sharp longer even when the conditions aren't perfect. By purchasing these brands through a trusted supplier like Xtreme OPE, you are getting a professional grade part that keeps your MS170 running efficiently.
Tips for Installing Your New Chain
Once you have your new replacement chain, proper installation is key to preventing it from dulling prematurely. A chain that is too loose will "slap" the bar and damage the drive links, while one that is too tight will create excessive friction and heat.
Follow these simple installation tips for your MS170:
- Always wear gloves when handling a new chain, as the cutters are extremely sharp.
- Ensure the cutters are facing the correct direction, the sharp "hook" should face forward on the top of the bar.
- Adjust the tension so that you can still pull the chain around the bar by hand, but the drive links do not hang out of the bottom of the bar groove.
- "Break in" your new chain by running it at half throttle for a minute and then re-tensioning it, as all new chains will stretch slightly during their first few rotations.
Taking these extra steps ensures that your new investment is protected and that your Stihl is ready to tackle your property maintenance tasks with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the type of wood I cut affect how fast the chain dulls? Absolutely. Softwoods like pine or cedar are much easier on a chain than hardwoods like oak, hickory, or locust. Additionally, wood with high sap content or very thick bark can cause more heat buildup, which leads to faster dulling.
Can I use a 0.050 gauge chain on a 0.043 gauge bar? No. The gauge must match your bar exactly. A 0.050 chain will be too thick to fit into a 0.043 bar groove. Conversely, using a 0.043 chain in a 0.050 bar will cause the chain to lean to the side, resulting in crooked cuts and potential damage to the bar rails.
How many times can I sharpen my chainsaw chain? Most chains can be sharpened 5 to 10 times depending on how much metal is removed during each session. Once the cutter tooth is less than 4 millimeters long or the witness mark is gone, the chain must be replaced.
Why is my new chain smoking? If a new chain is smoking, it is likely lacking lubrication or the tension is too tight. Check your oil levels and ensure the bar oil holes are clear. It is also possible the chain was installed backward, which causes intense friction without any cutting.
Is it worth buying a "low kickback" chain? For homeowners and occasional users of the MS170, a low kickback chain (often identified by a green link or a humped drive link) is highly recommended. These designs, common in Trilink and Stens lineups, significantly reduce the risk of the saw kicking back toward the operator without sacrificing significant cutting speed.
Keep Your Stihl MS170 Cutting Like New
A chainsaw is a powerful tool, but its performance is entirely dependent on the quality of its chain. By understanding what causes your chain to dull and knowing when it is time to move on to a fresh replacement, you can ensure your Stihl MS170 remains a reliable part of your tool kit. Whether you are clearing brush or prepping firewood, starting with a sharp, high quality chain makes the work faster, safer, and much more enjoyable. For the best selection of Trilink and Stens replacement chains that perfectly fit your Stihl equipment, visit the experts at XtremeOpe.com
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