MS170 Chainsaw Chain Replacement Tips (Essential Guide For Woodcutters)

Ever found yourself wrestling with a dull chainsaw chain, wondering if you’re sawing wood or just making friends with it? If you’re nodding, then you’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of MS170 chainsaw chain replacement, an essential skill for any woodcutter, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started. I’m going to share my personal experiences, practical tips, and a few hard-earned lessons to help you keep your MS170 humming like a well-oiled machine.

The Heart of Your Chainsaw: Why Chain Replacement Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s talk about why chain replacement is so crucial. Think of your chainsaw chain as the heart of your tool. A dull or damaged chain not only makes your work harder but also poses significant safety risks.

Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts through wood like butter, reducing the time and effort required for each cut. A dull chain, on the other hand, wastes energy and can lead to overheating.
Safety: Dull chains are more likely to kickback, a dangerous situation where the chainsaw jumps back towards the operator. Sharp chains provide better control and reduce the risk of accidents. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), chainsaw-related injuries account for over 30,000 emergency room visits each year in the United States alone. Proper chain maintenance and replacement can significantly reduce this risk.
Chainsaw Longevity: Using a sharp chain reduces strain on your chainsaw’s engine and components, prolonging its life.

I remember one particularly grueling firewood season when I neglected my chain maintenance. I was pushing the saw harder and harder, and it eventually led to a burned-out clutch. A costly and time-consuming mistake that could have been avoided with a little more attention to chain health.

Understanding Your MS170 Chainsaw Chain

The Stihl MS170 is a popular choice for homeowners and light-duty woodcutters, known for its reliability and ease of use. But to keep it running smoothly, you need to understand its chain specifications.

Chain Specs

Pitch: 3/8″ (0.375 inches) is a common pitch for chainsaws of this size. This refers to the distance between the rivets on the chain.
Gauge: .050″ (0.050 inches) is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove.
Drive Links: Typically, an MS170 chain will have 50 or 55 drive links, depending on the length of the guide bar.

How to Determine the Correct Chain for Your MS170:

Check Your Guide Bar: The guide bar often has the chain specifications stamped on it. Look for numbers indicating pitch, gauge, and the number of drive links.
Consult Your Owner’s Manual: Your MS170 owner’s manual will provide the exact chain specifications for your model.
Count the Drive Links: If you have the old chain, you can count the number of drive links. This is the most accurate way to ensure you get the correct replacement.

Pro Tip: Keep a spare chain on hand. It’s like having a spare tire for your car – you’ll be glad you have it when you need it. I usually keep two sharp chains ready to go, so I can quickly swap them out in the field.

When to Replace Your Chainsaw Chain: Signs to Watch For

Knowing when to replace your chainsaw chain is just as important as knowing how. Here are some telltale signs:

Dullness: If your chain struggles to cut through wood, even after sharpening, it’s time for a replacement.
Damage: Cracked or broken teeth, loose rivets, or excessive wear are all signs that your chain needs to be replaced.
Excessive Vibration: A worn or damaged chain can cause excessive vibration, which can be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous.
Uneven Cutting: If your chainsaw cuts unevenly or pulls to one side, it could be due to uneven wear on the chain.

Real-World Example: I once continued using a chain that was visibly damaged, thinking I could squeeze a bit more life out of it. Big mistake. The chain snapped mid-cut, sending the chainsaw flying. Luckily, no one was hurt, but it was a close call. Lesson learned: when in doubt, replace the chain.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Your MS170 Chainsaw Chain

Now, let’s get down to the business of replacing your MS170 chainsaw chain. Here’s a step-by-step guide to walk you through the process.

Tools You’ll Need

New Chainsaw Chain: Make sure it matches the specifications for your MS170.
Wrench or Screwdriver: To loosen the bar nuts.
Gloves: To protect your hands.
Chain Tensioning Tool (Optional): Some MS170 models have a side-mounted chain tensioner.
Cleaning Brush: To clean the guide bar and surrounding area.

Safety First

Turn Off the Chainsaw: Ensure the chainsaw is switched off and the spark plug is disconnected to prevent accidental starting.
Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from sharp teeth and potential debris.
Work in a Clear Area: Make sure you have plenty of space to work and that no one is nearby.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Loosen the Bar Nuts: Use the wrench or screwdriver to loosen the bar nuts that hold the guide bar cover in place. Don’t remove them completely yet.
Loosen the Chain Tension: Turn the chain tensioning screw (usually located on the side of the chainsaw) counterclockwise to loosen the chain. This will make it easier to remove the old chain.
Remove the Guide Bar Cover: Once the chain is loose, remove the bar nuts completely and take off the guide bar cover.
Remove the Old Chain: Carefully remove the old chain from the guide bar groove and the sprocket.
Inspect the Guide Bar: Before installing the new chain, inspect the guide bar for any damage or wear. Clean the groove with a cleaning brush to remove any debris. If the guide bar is damaged, it should be replaced.
Install the New Chain: Place the new chain around the sprocket, ensuring that the cutting edges of the teeth are facing in the correct direction (they should point forward at the top of the guide bar).
Mount the Guide Bar: Position the guide bar back onto the chainsaw, making sure the drive links of the chain are properly seated in the guide bar groove.
Replace the Guide Bar Cover: Put the guide bar cover back on and tighten the bar nuts finger-tight.
Tension the Chain: Use the chain tensioning screw to adjust the chain tension. The chain should be snug but still able to be pulled around the guide bar by hand. A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to pull the chain about 1/8 inch away from the guide bar in the middle.
Tighten the Bar Nuts: Once the chain is properly tensioned, fully tighten the bar nuts with the wrench or screwdriver.
Check the Tension Again: After tightening the bar nuts, double-check the chain tension to ensure it hasn’t changed.
Lubricate the Chain: Before starting the chainsaw, make sure the chain oil reservoir is full and the chain is properly lubricated.

Detailed Analysis:

Chain Direction: The direction of the chain is crucial. If installed backward, the chain won’t cut and can cause damage to the chainsaw.
Guide Bar Maintenance: Regularly flipping the guide bar can extend its life by evening out wear.
Chain Tension: Too loose, and the chain can derail. Too tight, and it can overheat and break.

Essential Tips for Maintaining Your Chainsaw Chain

Replacing your chainsaw chain is only half the battle. Proper maintenance is key to extending the life of your chain and keeping your chainsaw running smoothly.

Sharpening Your Chain

Regular sharpening is essential for maintaining a sharp and efficient chain. You can sharpen your chain using a file and guide or with a chainsaw sharpener.

File and Guide: This method is more traditional and requires a bit of skill, but it allows you to sharpen your chain in the field.
Chainsaw Sharpener: These electric sharpeners are faster and more precise, but they require a power source.

I prefer using a file and guide because it allows me to touch up the chain quickly between cuts. I’ve found that a few strokes with the file every time I refuel keeps the chain cutting smoothly.

Chain Lubrication

Proper lubrication is crucial for reducing friction and wear on the chain and guide bar.

Chain Oil: Use a high-quality chain oil specifically designed for chainsaws.
Oil Reservoir: Keep the oil reservoir full and check the oil level frequently.
Oil Flow: Ensure that the chain oiler is working properly and that oil is flowing to the chain.

Data Point: Studies have shown that proper chain lubrication can increase the life of a chainsaw chain by up to 50%.

Cleaning Your Chainsaw

Regular cleaning helps remove sawdust, debris, and oil buildup, which can affect the performance of your chainsaw.

Air Filter: Clean the air filter regularly to ensure proper airflow to the engine.
Cooling Fins: Clean the cooling fins on the engine to prevent overheating.
Guide Bar and Chain: Clean the guide bar and chain after each use to remove sawdust and debris.

Personal Story: I once neglected to clean the air filter on my MS170, and it ended up causing the engine to overheat and stall. A simple cleaning would have prevented the problem.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when replacing or maintaining your chainsaw chain. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid:

Using the Wrong Chain: Always use the correct chain specifications for your MS170.
Over-Tightening the Chain: Over-tightening can cause the chain to overheat and break.
Neglecting Lubrication: Insufficient lubrication can cause excessive wear and damage to the chain and guide bar.
Ignoring Damage: Continuing to use a damaged chain can be dangerous and can cause further damage to the chainsaw.
Improper Sharpening: Sharpening the chain incorrectly can make it cut unevenly or cause it to dull quickly.

Case Study: A local firewood producer I know experienced a major setback when they used an incorrect chain on their MS170. The chain derailed and damaged the sprocket, resulting in costly repairs and downtime.

Wood Species and Chain Selection

The type of wood you’re cutting can also impact your chain selection and maintenance. Different wood species have different densities and hardness levels, which can affect the wear and tear on your chain.

Softwoods: Pine, fir, and cedar are relatively soft and easy to cut. They require less aggressive chains and less frequent sharpening.
Hardwoods: Oak, maple, and hickory are much harder and denser. They require more aggressive chains and more frequent sharpening.

Unique Insight: I’ve found that using a full-chisel chain on hardwoods can significantly improve cutting speed and efficiency. However, these chains are more prone to damage and require more frequent sharpening.

Safety Standards and Best Practices

Chainsaw safety is paramount. Always follow these safety standards and best practices:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Wear safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Proper Stance: Maintain a stable stance and keep both hands on the chainsaw.
Kickback Awareness: Be aware of the risk of kickback and use proper cutting techniques to avoid it.
Clear Work Area: Ensure that your work area is clear of obstacles and bystanders.
Regular Maintenance: Keep your chainsaw properly maintained and inspected.

Statistics: According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), proper training and the use of PPE can reduce the risk of chainsaw-related injuries by up to 80%.

Cost-Effectiveness of Chain Maintenance

Investing in proper chain maintenance can save you money in the long run.

Reduced Chain Replacements: Regular sharpening and lubrication can extend the life of your chain, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Improved Efficiency: A sharp chain cuts faster and more efficiently, saving you time and fuel.
Reduced Repairs: Proper maintenance can prevent damage to the chainsaw, reducing the need for costly repairs.

Data Point: A high-quality chainsaw chain can cost anywhere from \$20 to \$50. By properly maintaining your chain, you can easily double or triple its lifespan, saving you money in the long run.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with proper maintenance, you may encounter issues with your chainsaw chain. Here are some common problems and how to troubleshoot them:

Chain Dulls Quickly: This could be due to cutting dirty or abrasive wood, improper sharpening, or using the wrong chain for the wood species.
Chain Derails: This could be due to loose chain tension, a worn guide bar, or a damaged chain.
Chain Overheats: This could be due to insufficient lubrication, over-tightening the chain, or a clogged oiler.
Chain Cuts Unevenly: This could be due to uneven sharpening or a damaged chain.

The Future of Chainsaw Technology

The chainsaw industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and innovations being introduced all the time.

Battery-Powered Chainsaws: These chainsaws are becoming increasingly popular due to their quiet operation, low emissions, and ease of use.
Self-Sharpening Chains: Some chainsaws now come with self-sharpening systems that automatically sharpen the chain while you work.
Smart Chainsaws: These chainsaws are equipped with sensors and electronics that can monitor chain tension, oil level, and other parameters.

Industry Trends: The demand for battery-powered chainsaws is expected to grow significantly in the coming years as environmental concerns and regulations become more stringent.

Conclusion: Mastering Your MS170 Chainsaw Chain

Replacing and maintaining your MS170 chainsaw chain is a fundamental skill for any woodcutter. By understanding the importance of chain health, following proper replacement procedures, and implementing regular maintenance practices, you can keep your chainsaw running smoothly and safely for years to come. Remember, a sharp chain is not only more efficient but also safer. So, take the time to learn these essential skills, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master woodcutter.

MS170 Chainsaw Chain Replacement Tips (Essential Guide for Woodcutters)

The Heart of Your Chainsaw: Why Chain Replacement Matters