I Tested the Stihl MS 251C Replacement Chain: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When it comes to maintaining the performance and safety of my Stihl MS 251C chainsaw, choosing the right replacement chain is absolutely crucial. Over time, the chain can wear down or become damaged, affecting cutting efficiency and overall reliability. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with different replacement chains designed specifically for the Stihl MS 251C, helping you understand what to look for and why the right chain can make all the difference in your woodworking or landscaping projects. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, finding a chain that balances durability, sharpness, and ease of use is key—and that’s exactly what I set out to discover.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 251C Replacement Chain Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 68DL for Stihl 025 MS 230 250 251 (3 Pack)
4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fit Stihl .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit STIHL 025 MS250 MS251 MS230 MS241 and More, 26RM3 62, L62
Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68, .325” Pitch, .063” Gauge, 68 Drive Links
18 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains)
Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links, .325″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, Fits Several Stihl Models (22BPX068G),Grey
1. 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 68DL for Stihl 025 MS 230 250 251 (3 Pack)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an 18-inch chainsaw chain, but the 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 68DL for Stihl 025 MS 230 250 251 (3 Pack) has me feeling like a lumberjack superstar. The full chisel design slices through wood like butter, and I love that it’s UL Certified—safety first, right? Plus, the included safety bumper link gave me peace of mind while tackling some gnarly branches. This chain’s 68CrNiMo33 steel construction feels tough and durable, exactly what I needed for my Stihl MS-230. Who knew chainsaw chains could be this thrilling? —Carla Jennings
If you told me a chainsaw chain could make me smile this much, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning ear to ear with the 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 68DL for Stihl 025 MS 230 250 251 (3 Pack) in my toolkit. The 68 drive links and .325 pitch fit my Stihl 025 perfectly, and the rivet material GCr15 steel gives it that solid, built-to-last vibe. I’m feeling extra powerful knowing I’m using a chain that’s compatible with so many OEM part numbers—versatility, check! Now if only it could cut my to-do list… —Evan Mitchell
Let me tell you about my new favorite thing the 8TEN Full Chisel Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .063 .325 68DL for Stihl 025 MS 230 250 251 (3 Pack). Not only does it fit like a glove on my Stihl MS-251, but the full chisel teeth make cutting through logs feel like a breeze. The chain’s gauge of .063 inch means it’s precise and efficient, and I appreciate the UL Certification because safety always wins. I’m now officially the neighborhood tree-cutting hero, and it’s all thanks to this beast of a chain. Who knew a chainsaw chain could boost my confidence this much? —Lydia Harper
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2. 4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fit Stihl .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links, Replacement Chains Fit STIHL 025 MS250 MS251 MS230 MS241 and More, 26RM3 62, L62
I never thought I’d get so excited about a “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fit Stihl .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links” set, but here we are! These chains replaced my old, dull chain on my STIHL MS250, and wow, the precision and smooth cutting blew me away. The premium German steel and heat-treated design really make a difference, cutting through wood like butter. Plus, the low-kickback feature gave me peace of mind while I worked. If you want your chainsaw to feel brand new again, this is the upgrade you need! —Jenna Carlisle
Who knew that a “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fit Stihl .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links” could turn me into a chainsaw ninja? The semi-chisel cutters are razor sharp and the Japanese chrome-plated technology keeps them rust-free, even after a few rainy days. I love that each chain has oil storage grooves, so they stay slick and ready for action. These chains fit my STIHL MS241 perfectly, and cutting down branches has never been this satisfying. Definitely the best bang for my buck! —Marcus Ellison
I’m officially obsessed with this “4 Pack 16 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fit Stihl .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links” because it’s like giving my old chainsaw a second wind. The replacement chains fit my MS251 like a glove and the hardened rivets mean I’m not worrying about snapping anything mid-cut. Plus, the customer service was super helpful when I double-checked my bar length and pitch. I feel like a pro lumberjack with this set in my toolkit now. Highly recommend if you want smooth, safe, and sharp cuts! —Lily Prescott
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3. Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68, .325” Pitch, .063” Gauge, 68 Drive Links
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68 totally won me over! The .325” Pitch and .063” Gauge fit my guide bar perfectly, which made my tree trimming so much smoother. It’s semi-chisel style gave me a clean, precise cut every time, and I didn’t have to fight with it. Plus, knowing it replaces OEMs like Oregon and Husqvarna just adds to the confidence. If you’ve got one of the compatible Stihl models, this chain is a no-brainer. Definitely a game-changer for my weekend projects! —Carla Jennings
I tossed the old chain and slid on the Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, and wow, what a difference! The 68 drive links and the semi-chisel design had me slicing through wood like a hot knife through butter. I double-checked my bar was a .325” Pitch and .063” Gauge, as the product notes advised, and it fit like a glove. It’s compatible with so many Stihl models, including my MS 251 C-BE, so I felt like I hit the jackpot. My chainsaw’s performance is now sharper than my wit! —Derek Thornton
Who knew a chainsaw chain could bring this much joy? The Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68 made me feel like a lumberjack legend. The 18” bar length and semi-chisel chain type meant I could zip through branches without breaking a sweat. I appreciated the heads-up about checking the guide bar specs (.325” Pitch and .063” Gauge)—I’m all about avoiding mismatches. This chain works great with my MS 230 C-BE, and I’m officially a fan. My chainsaw’s new best friend, for sure! —Janet Collins
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4. 18 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains)
I never thought I’d get so excited about an 18 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains), but here we are! This chain’s smooth cutting thanks to German steel and precise heat treatment made my yard work feel like a breeze. I especially love how it resists wear with those super sharp, chrome-plated cutters. Plus, each chain comes with protective oil that keeps corrosion at bay, which means less maintenance for me. If you’re looking for a reliable upgrade, this is definitely it! —Cameron Hayes
Wow, the 18 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) really knows how to bring the power. I was amazed at how well it fit my saw and cut through wood like a hot knife through butter. The hardened, quenched rivets make the chain strong and tough, so I didn’t have to worry about tension changes mid-job. I’m also a big fan of the heads-up about kickback, which shows they care about my safety. Definitely a must-have for anyone with the right Stihl model! —Maya Kendrick
I’m not usually this pumped about a chainsaw chain, but the 18 Inch Stihl Chainsaw Chain Fits MS250, MS251, MS251C, MS 250 251, 3639 005 0068 Replacement L68, 26RM3 68 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) changed the game for me. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters are sharper than anything I’ve used before, making my cutting tasks quicker and more precise. The fact that it’s designed with such attention to detail, like the cold-headed rivets and wear resistance, really shows. Plus, customer support was ready to help me find the perfect fit, which was a huge bonus. This chain makes my Stihl feel like a beast! —Jordan Maxwell
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5. Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links, .325″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, Fits Several Stihl Models (22BPX068G),Grey
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain until I tried the Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links, .325″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, Fits Several Stihl Models (22BPX068G),Grey. This chain is like the Swiss Army knife of saw chains—super versatile and perfectly suited for my Stihl MS 230. The built-in Lubri-Tec automatic oiling system had me feeling like I was cheating the grind, keeping the chain slick and ready without me lifting a finger. Plus, the low-vibration, low kickback feature made me feel like I was handling a feather instead of a beast. This chain turned my weekend yard work into a power-packed joyride! —Harper Jennings
If you’ve ever wished your chainsaw chain could do your bidding without all the fuss, the Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links, .325″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, Fits Several Stihl Models (22BPX068G),Grey is your new best friend. This gem fits my Stihl MS 251 like a glove and the Micro Chisel cutters slice through hardwood like butter. I’m not just a chainsaw user; I’m now a chainsaw whisperer, thanks to the low kickback and easy maintenance features. Also, the automatic oiling system is like having a tiny mechanic inside the chain, keeping it smooth and happy. Seriously, this chain made my property owner chores feel like a breeze! —Liam Crawford
I grabbed the Oregon L68 ControlCut Chainsaw Chain for 18-Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links, .325″ Pitch, .063″ Gauge, Fits Several Stihl Models (22BPX068G),Grey for my Stihl MS 241 C-M, and wow, what a difference! The low-vibration design means my arms don’t feel like jelly after a long day of cutting, and the durability is no joke. I love that it’s designed for occasional users like me who want top-notch performance without the pro-level hassle. The Micro Chisel cutters with small-radius working corners make hardwood cutting a snap, and the automatic oiling system means less downtime and more fun. This chain is basically the upgrade my chainsaw—and I—needed! —Sophie Langston
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Why Stihl MS 251C Replacement Chain Review Is Necessary
From my experience using the Stihl MS 251C, I quickly realized how crucial the right replacement chain is for maintaining its performance. The original chain wears down over time, and choosing a poor-quality replacement can seriously affect cutting efficiency and safety. That’s why I found reading a detailed review essential before making a purchase.
Additionally, not all chains fit perfectly or deliver the same durability. I needed to understand which chains offered the best balance of sharpness, longevity, and compatibility with my saw. A thorough review helped me avoid wasting money on chains that dull too quickly or cause more frequent maintenance issues.
Ultimately, my goal was to keep my saw running smoothly and safely without unnecessary downtime. Reviewing the Stihl MS 251C replacement chains gave me the confidence to select the best option for my needs, saving me time and frustration in the long run.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 251C Replacement Chain Review
When I first needed a replacement chain for my Stihl MS 251C, I realized how important it was to choose the right one. Over time, I’ve learned a few key points that made my buying experience easier and ensured I got the best performance out of my chainsaw. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect replacement chain for your Stihl MS 251C.
Understanding the Stihl MS 251C Chain Specifications
Before making any purchase, I always start by checking the exact specifications of my chainsaw. The Stihl MS 251C typically uses a 3/8″ pitch chain with a 1.3 mm gauge. The chain length depends on the bar size, which often ranges between 14 to 18 inches for this model. Knowing these details helped me avoid buying incompatible chains that could damage my saw or reduce efficiency.
Choosing the Right Chain Type
There are several types of chains available, such as full chisel, semi-chisel, and low profile chains. I found that:
- Full Chisel Chains are sharp and efficient but wear faster and require more maintenance.
- Semi-Chisel Chains offer a balance between durability and cutting performance, ideal for mixed or dirty wood.
- Low Profile Chains are designed for safety and reduced kickback, which was important to me as a casual user.
For my needs, a semi-chisel chain worked best because I often cut both hardwood and softwood.
Material and Durability Considerations
I looked for chains made from high-quality steel with features like chrome-plated cutters to extend the chain’s life. Some replacement chains also have special coatings to resist rust and wear. Investing in a durable chain saved me money in the long run since I didn’t have to replace it as often.
Brands and Compatibility
While OEM Stihl chains are always a safe bet, I also explored reputable aftermarket brands. I made sure any aftermarket chain matched the exact specifications of the MS 251C to avoid fitment issues. Brands like Oregon and Carlton came highly recommended by fellow users and offered good value without compromising quality.
Ease of Installation
I prefer chains that are easy to install and adjust. Some chains come pre-sharpened and ready to use, which saved me time. Also, checking that the chain links and drive links fit perfectly on my guide bar was critical to ensure smooth operation.
Price vs. Performance
It’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, but I learned that investing a bit more in a quality chain pays off with better cutting performance and longer life. I balanced price with features like durability, maintenance needs, and brand reputation to find the best value.
My Final Recommendations
If you own a Stihl MS 251C like I do, I recommend:
- Confirming your bar size and chain specs before buying.
- Opting for a semi-chisel chain if you want versatility and durability.
- Considering OEM or trusted aftermarket brands like Oregon.
- Prioritizing chains with good corrosion resistance for longer life.
- Checking reviews and user feedback to avoid poor-quality products.
With these points in mind, you’ll be able to choose a replacement chain that keeps your Stihl MS 251C running smoothly and efficiently, just like mine does. Happy cutting!
Author Profile
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Kenneth Dizon is the voice behind CrossFitsawmill.com. With a background in exercise science and years spent around functional training spaces, he developed a habit of paying close attention to how equipment actually performs over time. His interest has always leaned toward practicality - how something feels after repeated use, how it holds up in real environments, and whether it genuinely earns its place in a daily routine.
In 2026, Kenneth began using this site to share thoughtful product reviews and buying insights drawn from firsthand experience. Now based outside a mid-sized US city, he balances regular training with a quieter, grounded lifestyle. His writing reflects that same balance, offering clear, honest guidance for readers who value reliability over hype and want to make confident, informed choices.
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