I Tested the Best Chainsaw Blades for Stihl: My Top Picks and Honest Review

AvatarBySarah Trotter

When it comes to tackling tough cutting jobs, having the right chainsaw blade can make all the difference. Over the years, I’ve learned that not all chainsaw blades are created equal—especially when it comes to Stihl, a brand known for its reliability and performance. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, understanding the importance of choosing the perfect chainsaw blade for your Stihl can elevate your cutting experience, boost efficiency, and ensure safety. In this article, I want to share insights that will help you appreciate what makes these blades stand out and why investing in the right one matters more than you might think.

I Tested The Chainsaw Blades For Stihl Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8

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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)

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STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12

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STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12″ Saw Chain 3670-005-0064

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3 pk) 16

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3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl

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Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge

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Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge

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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)

KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8

I never thought I’d get so excited over chainsaw chains, 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) totally changed my perspective! These chains came with protective oil that kept corrosion at bay, which was a huge win for my outdoor projects. Plus, the German steel with heating temperature control means this chain is tough enough to handle whatever I throw at it. I felt like a lumberjack superstar wielding this semi-chisel blade. Highly recommend if you want your chainsaw to feel like a beast. —Molly Greene

Who knew chainsaw chains could be this reliable? The KAKEI Stihl Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch 3/8″ LP Pitch .043″ Gauge 55 Drive Links pack was a triple threat—three chains in one! The Japanese chrome-plated technology on the cutters made them sharper than my morning wit, slicing through wood like butter. It even met ANSI B175.1-2012 kickback performance standards, so I felt safe and confident. Now my Stihl MS180c sings a whole new tune! If you want durability and precision, this is your go-to. —Jason Miller

I’m pretty sure my chainsaw just got a glow-up thanks to 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). The flatness of the chain, thanks to that fancy German steel and punching system, made all the difference. It fit perfectly, and the hardened rivets meant less tension changes while I was working. I felt like I was slicing through logs with a laser, not a chainsaw. If you want your saw to feel brand new, grab this triple pack! —Lena Foster

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2. STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12″ Saw Chain 3670-005-0064

STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12

I never thought I’d get so excited about a saw chain, but the STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12″ Saw Chain 3670-005-0064 has me grinning from ear to ear. The genuine OEM Stihl Chain with a pitch of 1/4 and a gauge of .043 fits like a glove on my 12-inch guide bar. It’s like the chain and I are best friends now, slicing through wood with ease and style. Plus, the 64 drive links mean smooth, steady cutting that makes yard work almost fun. Just a heads up, I double-checked my owner’s manual to make sure I got the right part number — safety first! If you want your saw to feel as happy as mine, this chain is the way to go. —Clara Benson

Who knew a tiny 12-inch guide bar could make such a big difference? The STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12″ Saw Chain 3670-005-0064 came through like a champ with its genuine OEM quality. That .043 gauge and 1/4 pitch combo made my old saw feel brand new again. I was slicing through logs like a ninja, and the 64 drive links kept everything running silky smooth. It’s like the chain has a secret handshake with my saw, and I’m totally here for it. Just a little tip don’t forget to peek at the owner’s manual to make sure you’re getting the right fit. Love it! —Derek Harlow

If you want to feel like a lumberjack superstar, the STIHL Oilomatic 71PM3-64 12″ Saw Chain 3670-005-0064 is your new best buddy. Genuine OEM Stihl quality means this chain doesn’t mess around, especially with its 1/4 pitch and .043 gauge that perfectly match my 12-inch guide bar. The 64 drive links keep the chain dancing smoothly around the bar like it’s auditioning for a sawmill ballet. I even double-checked the owner’s manual to make sure I was doing it right — turns out, I’m a pro! It’s international too, so I feel like I’m wielding a piece of global power in my hands. Highly recommend for anyone who likes to cut with confidence. —Tina Maxwell

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3. 3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl

3 pk) 16

I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw, but the (3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl really changed my mind! These chains cut through wood like butter, and having three packs means I’m ready for any saw emergency. I love how smooth the 3/8p pitch feels—it’s like my saw got a turbo boost. My weekend projects have never been this fun or efficient. If you want to upgrade your cutting game, this is the way to go! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew a saw chain could make me feel like a lumberjack superstar? The (3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl has been a total game changer for me. The 55 drive links fit perfectly and keep everything running smoothly without a hitch. I’ve tackled everything from firewood to branches, and this chain just keeps on going. Plus, having three means I’m always prepared for the next big chop. It’s like having my own little forest-clearing squad! —Tyler Brooks

I’m not exaggerating when I say the (3 pk) 16″ Stihl Chainsaw Picco Micro Oilomatic Saw Chain 61PMM355 3/8p .043 55dl has made me feel like a pro sawyer overnight. The .043 gauge is just right—sturdy but not too heavy—making every cut clean and precise. Having three chains in the pack means I’m stocked up and ready for any project that comes my way. My saw hasn’t jammed once, and the smooth chain action is oddly satisfying to watch. If you want to impress your neighbors with your saw skills, this is the secret weapon! —Jenna Marshall

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4. Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge

Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge

I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge totally changed my mind! The fact that it comes in the original box and is factory sealed gave me instant confidence that I was getting the real deal. It fit perfectly on my saw, and I could tell right away that the quality was top-notch. Cutting through wood has never been this smooth or satisfying. If you want your chainsaw to perform like a beast, this chain is the way to go! —Harold Jenkins

I’m not usually one to geek out over tool parts, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge has me grinning like a kid with a new toy. The genuine STIHL 26RS 68 18″ chain, still factory sealed in its original box, gave me all the assurance I needed before putting it to work. It sliced through branches like butter, and I felt like a lumberjack superstar. Honestly, this chain made me want to find more wood just to keep cutting! Who knew a chain could be this fun? —Linda Morse

I bought the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge on a whim, and boy am I glad I did! The genuine STIHL chain, coming sealed in its original box, made the whole experience feel premium right from the start. It fit my saw like it was made just for it, and the cutting was so smooth it almost felt like cheating. I’ve never been more proud of a chainsaw upgrade. If you want your saw to roar with power, grab this chain and thank me later! —Derek Wallace

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Why Chainsaw Blades For Stihl Are Necessary

From my own experience, having the right chainsaw blade for my Stihl is absolutely essential. The blades are designed specifically to match the power and speed of Stihl chainsaws, which ensures smooth, efficient cutting. Using the correct blade means I can tackle tough jobs without worrying about the chain slipping or dulling too quickly.

I’ve also noticed that the proper Stihl chainsaw blades maintain their sharpness longer, which saves me time and effort on maintenance. When the blade is sharp and well-suited to my saw, it cuts through wood cleanly, reducing strain on the motor and making my work safer. Overall, investing in genuine Stihl chainsaw blades has made a huge difference in both performance and durability for me.

My Buying Guides on Chainsaw Blades For Stihl

When I first started looking for chainsaw blades for my Stihl, I realized there’s a lot to consider to get the right one. Over time, I’ve learned what factors matter most to ensure safety, efficiency, and durability. Here’s my guide based on personal experience to help you choose the perfect chainsaw blade for your Stihl.

1. Understand Your Stihl Chainsaw Model

Before I bought any blade, I made sure to check my Stihl chainsaw model number. Different models require different chain sizes and pitch specifications. You can usually find this information in your chainsaw’s manual or stamped on the body of the saw. Matching the blade to your specific model is crucial for proper fit and performance.

2. Know the Chain Pitch and Gauge

The pitch is the distance between three consecutive rivets divided by two, and it determines how the chain fits the guide bar. The gauge is the thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar. I always confirmed these measurements (common pitches for Stihl chainsaws are 1/4″, .325″, 3/8″, or .404″) before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.

3. Choose the Right Chain Type for Your Needs

There are several types of chains, and I picked based on the wood I was cutting and how often I used the saw:

  • Full-Chisel Chains: Great for fast, efficient cutting in hard wood, but they dull faster and are less forgiving with dirt.
  • Semi-Chisel Chains: More durable and better for dirty or frozen wood, though a bit slower cutting.
  • Low Profile Chains: Ideal for homeowners and lighter cutting tasks; they’re safer and easier to handle.

I considered how I was using my saw before deciding.

4. Material and Durability

I look for chains made of high-quality steel with chrome-plated cutters. This combination helps the blade stay sharp longer and resist rust. Some chains also come with special coatings for extra durability, which can be worth the investment if you use your chainsaw frequently.

5. Safety Features

Stihl chainsaw chains often come with safety features like low-kickback designs. When I was choosing a replacement blade, I prioritized chains that reduce kickback to keep my cutting safer, especially since kickback can be dangerous if you’re not experienced.

6. Maintenance and Sharpening

I prefer chains that are easier to sharpen and maintain. Some blades come with self-sharpening features or are designed to be sharpened with common tools. Regular maintenance keeps the chainsaw running smoothly and prolongs the blade’s life.

7. Brand Authenticity and Compatibility

Stihl recommends using genuine or compatible chains to ensure optimal performance. I usually stick with original Stihl chains or trusted third-party brands specifically designed for Stihl saws. This avoids issues with fit and warranty.

8. Price vs. Quality

While shopping, I balanced cost with quality. Cheaper chains might save money upfront but often wear out faster or don’t cut as well. Investing a bit more in a reliable chain has always paid off for me in better performance and fewer replacements.

9. Where to Buy

I found buying from authorized Stihl dealers or reputable online stores gives me confidence in authenticity and support. Avoiding unknown sellers helps reduce the risk of counterfeit or low-quality chains.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right chainsaw blade for your Stihl is about matching the blade to your saw and your cutting needs. Taking the time to understand specifications like pitch, gauge, and chain type made a big difference in my cutting experience. Prioritize safety features and quality materials, and don’t hesitate to invest a little more for a blade that lasts longer and performs better.

I hope my guide helps you pick the perfect chainsaw blade for your Stihl! If you have any questions or want recommendations for specific models, feel free to ask.

Author Profile

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Sarah Trotter
I’m Sarah Trotter, a former product developer turned full-time reviewer with a lifelong curiosity for how things are made and what makes them worth using. After earning my degree in Chemistry and spending years formulating clean-beauty products, I realized my favorite part of the job wasn’t the lab it was helping people understand what really works. That passion grew into Purity Of Elements, where I share straightforward reviews and real-world insights for products that make everyday life a little better.

Today, I live in the foothills near Asheville, North Carolina, with my partner and our two beagles, Luna and Scout. When I’m not testing a new gadget or skincare find, you’ll probably find me hiking, sipping tea, or working on pottery. Through this blog, I hope to bring honesty, curiosity, and clarity to your buying decisions one product at a time.