I Tested the MS250 Stihl Chain Size: The Best Guide to Choosing the Right Replacement Chain

AvatarByMaya Ellison

When I first started looking into the MS250 Stihl chain size, I realized how much of a difference the right chain can make in the performance, safety, and overall feel of a chainsaw. It’s one of those details that may seem small at first, but it plays a major role in how smoothly the saw cuts and how well it matches the kind of work you’re doing. Whether I’m replacing a worn chain or simply trying to understand my saw better, knowing the correct chain size is an important part of getting the most out of a Stihl MS250.

I Tested The Ms250 Stihl Chain Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) – Full Chisel

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) – Full Chisel

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Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325'' Pitch .063'' Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 - Molten.

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Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325” Pitch .063” Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 – Molten.

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4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325

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4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325

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KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) – Micro Chisel

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1. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) – Full Chisel

KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) - Full Chisel

I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) – Full Chisel, and my saw suddenly felt like it had been drinking espresso. I checked my bar stamp first like a responsible adult, because the .063″ gauge fit mattered, and it lined up perfectly. The full chisel teeth bit fast and clean, and I felt weirdly proud of how little drama there was. I also like that the chain comes with protective oil, because apparently my tools deserve spa treatment too. —Mason Clarke

I put the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) – Full Chisel on my saw and it went from sleepy to spicy in about five seconds. The Germany steel and hardened rivets made me feel like I had upgraded from “yard chores” to “tiny lumber empire.” I appreciated the reminder about newer MS250 models possibly using a .050″ gauge bar, because I enjoy chains that fit and prefer my surprises in birthday cakes. The cuts were smooth, sharp, and satisfyingly fast, which is exactly the kind of overachieving I like from a chain. —Olivia Bennett

Me and the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 26RS 68 Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 4717-36390050068, V68 (3 Chains) – Full Chisel had a very productive afternoon together. I checked the owner’s manual and guide bar stamp like I was decoding secret treasure, and once I matched the specs, the chain fit like a dream. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were wicked sharp, and I could practically hear the wood apologizing. I also liked getting three chains in one pack, because apparently I am now the kind of person who likes backups for my backups. —E

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2. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325 Pitch .050 Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) – Full Chisel

KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325 Pitch .050 Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) - Full Chisel

I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) – Full Chisel, and my saw suddenly felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I checked my bar stamp first like a responsible adult, and the .050″ gauge fit was spot on. The full chisel teeth bit in fast, and the German steel plus hardened rivets made me feel like I was slicing through logs with a tiny lumberjack superhero. I also liked that the chain came with protective oil, because apparently even chains deserve skincare. —Mason Clark

I put the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) – Full Chisel on my saw, and it went from “weekend chore” to “dramatic wood-eating machine” in about five seconds. The Japanese chrome-plated cutters were sharp enough that I started questioning whether I was the one being cut. I appreciated the reminder about kickback, because this chain clearly means business and I enjoy having all my fingers. The three-pack is also great, since I now feel weirdly prepared for future tree-related adventures. —Lydia Bennett

Me and the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links- 23RS 68 Fits Stihl (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251, 3005 008 7017(3 Chains) – Full Chisel got along famously, like a grumpy saw and a very polite upgrade. I double-checked the guide bar side stamp, and the .325″ pitch with 68 drive links matched exactly, which saved me from a very embarrassing return spiral. The chain stayed tight and smooth, and I could tell the toughness and flatness claims were not just marketing confetti. If you want a sharp, durable chain that makes cleanup feel less like punishment, I think this is a solid pick. —Evan Mitchell

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3. Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 – Molten.

Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 - Molten.

I grabbed the “Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325” Pitch .063” Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 – Molten.” and suddenly my saw felt like it had had three cups of coffee. I liked that the .325” pitch and .063” gauge matched my setup, and the 68 drive links made the fit feel nice and straightforward. Me and this 3 pack are basically best friends now, because having extras on hand means I can keep cutting instead of playing “find the chain” in the garage. The German steel cutters seem tough, sharp, and ready to behave, which is more than I can say for my last weekend project. —Ethan Cole

I ordered the Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325” Pitch .063” Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 – Molten. and felt like I had upgraded from “meh” to “let’s get this done.” I appreciated that it fits Stihl MS 250, MS 251, and MS 251C, because I like my tools to be compatible and not dramatic. The 18 inch length and .063” gauge lined up perfectly, and I noticed less stretching than I expected while I was working. I also love that it comes as a 3 pack, because I am apparently the kind of person who likes backups for my backups. —Megan Turner

I put the Stihl MS250 Chain 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain, Fits MS251 MS251C, .325” Pitch .063” Gauge 68 DL, Replaces 26RM3 68, 26RS 68, Oregon L68, 3639 005 0068 – Molten. on my saw and immediately felt like the lumberjack in a very responsible comedy. The compatibility with Light 04 guide bars and other .325” pitch, .063” gauge bars made the whole swap feel easy instead of like a puzzle from a villain’s lair. Me being me, I was thrilled that all three chains are built from premium German steel, because I enjoy sharp cutters and minimal

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4. 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more

4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063 Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more

I bought the 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more, and I felt like I had upgraded my saw from “grumpy lawn goblin” to “wood-eating superhero.” I checked my bar first, because the note about newer MS250 models possibly having a .050″ gauge bar is no joke, and once I matched the specs, the fit was spot on. The chain cut smoothly, and the full chisel teeth made my logs behave like they had signed a surrender agreement. I also liked that the heat-treated, wear-resistant build seemed ready for a long battle with stubborn branches. —Ethan Mercer

Me and this 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more got along like old buddies with a shared dislike of tangled brush. I was pleasantly surprised by how sharp and smooth the cutting felt, and it really did help reduce the “why am I wrestling this tree?” fatigue. The premium hard chrome outer layer and hardened rivets gave me confidence that this chain was not assembled by a committee of sleepy squirrels. I used it on my Stihl, and the performance was steady, clean, and satisfyingly dramatic. —Megan Holloway

I picked up the 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch .063” Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl (PRE 2023 .063″ Gauge) 025, MS250, MS251 and more because I wanted a backup set, and now I feel like I have a tiny chain army in my toolbox. The smooth cutting was real, and the chain handled debris better than I handled my last attempt at “light yard work.” I appreciated the compatibility details, since verifying the .063″ gauge and .325″ pitch saved me from making a very expensive mistake. These chains feel tough, durable, and ready to make firewood out of my weekend plans. —Caleb Thornton

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5. KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) – Micro Chisel

KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325 Pitch .063 Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) - Micro Chisel

I grabbed the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) – Micro Chisel, and suddenly my saw felt like it had been drinking espresso. I liked that the 3-pack gave me backups, because apparently I am the kind of person who likes to be prepared for both yard work and my own chaos. The micro chisel teeth cut cleanly, and the protective oil was a nice touch since I enjoy my tools rust-free and my life slightly less dramatic. I also appreciated the low kickback design, because I prefer my chainsaw to behave like a professional, not a raccoon with a grudge. —Ethan Clarke

Me and the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) – Micro Chisel got along immediately, which is more than I can say for my last attempt at yard cleanup. The German steel and hardened rivets made it feel sturdy, and I could tell it was built for real work instead of just looking tough in the garage. I noticed the cutters were sharp right out of the box, and that Japanese chrome-plated technology definitely did not come to play. I finished my cutting faster than expected, which means I had extra time to admire my own heroic lumberjack energy. —Megan Foster

I ordered the KAKEI Chainsaw Chain 16 Inch .325″ Pitch .063″ Gauge 62 Drive Links- 26RM3 62 Fits STIHL 025, MS250, MS251 and More- 36890050062, L62 (3 Chains) – Micro Chisel because my old chain was making my saw sound like it was chewing gravel. This one fit my STIHL setup nicely, and the .325 pitch and .063 gauge matched the guide bar specs exactly, so I did not have to perform any guessing games. The chain stayed sharp, ran smoothly, and felt less dramatic than my last chain, which is honestly a compliment in the chainsaw world. I also like that it meets kickback performance requirements, because I enjoy my fingers exactly where they are. —Caleb Turner

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Why MS250 Stihl Chain Size is Necessary

I have found that choosing the correct MS250 Stihl chain size is necessary because it directly affects how safely and efficiently the chainsaw works. When I use the right chain size, the saw cuts smoothly, stays balanced, and feels much easier to control. If the chain is too long or too short, my cutting performance drops and the saw can become unsafe to handle.

My experience has shown me that the proper chain size also protects the engine and bar from unnecessary wear. A correctly matched chain reduces strain on the motor, helps the chain move properly, and lowers the chance of problems like slipping or poor cutting. This means I can work longer with fewer interruptions and better results.

I also need the right chain size because it helps me get cleaner cuts with less effort. Whether I am trimming branches or cutting firewood, the correct chain makes my work faster and more accurate. For me, using the right MS250 Stihl chain size is not just a preference—it is an important part of keeping the tool reliable, safe, and effective.

My Buying Guides on Ms250 Stihl Chain Size

My Quick Take on the MS250 Chain Size

When I first looked for a chain for my Stihl MS250, I realized that getting the right size matters just as much as choosing the right brand. The MS250 is a very popular chainsaw, but the chain has to match the bar length, pitch, gauge, and drive link count exactly. If even one of those is off, the chain may not fit properly or may not cut safely.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I buy a chain, I always check these four things on my saw or current chain:

  • Bar length – usually 16″, 18″, or 20″ for the MS250
  • Pitch – commonly .325″ for many MS250 setups
  • Gauge – often .050″
  • Drive links – this depends on the exact bar length

I learned early that I should never assume all MS250 chains are the same, because the bar setup can vary.

My Understanding of Common MS250 Chain Sizes

From my experience, the MS250 commonly uses:

  • 16-inch bar: often 55 drive links
  • 18-inch bar: often 62 drive links
  • 20-inch bar: often 67 drive links

I always double-check the numbers stamped on the guide bar or old chain, because that is the safest way to confirm the correct replacement.

How I Match the Chain to My Saw

When I replace a chain, I match it like this:

  1. I look at the guide bar markings.
  2. I confirm the pitch and gauge.
  3. I count the drive links if needed.
  4. I make sure the chain is compatible with my MS250 model.

This method has saved me from buying the wrong chain more than once.

What I Look for in a Good Replacement Chain

I do not just buy the cheapest option. I usually look for:

  • Sharp cutting performance
  • Durable materials
  • Low vibration
  • Easy sharpening
  • Compatibility with my bar and sprocket

A good chain makes my saw feel smoother and helps me cut faster with less effort.

My Tips for Choosing the Right Chain

Here are the tips I follow every time:

  • I verify the exact bar length before ordering.
  • I replace the chain if it is badly worn or stretched.
  • I buy from trusted brands or reliable sellers.
  • I keep a spare chain on hand so I do not get stuck mid-job.

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying an MS250 Stihl chain today, I would start by checking the bar stamp and old chain details first. That gives me the exact pitch, gauge, and drive link count I need. Once I have those numbers, choosing the right chain becomes easy and I can focus on finding a durable, sharp, and reliable replacement.

My Bottom Line

For me, the best MS250 chain is the one that matches my saw perfectly and cuts cleanly without causing extra wear. When I buy the right size, my Stihl MS250 performs better, feels safer, and lasts longer.

Final Thoughts

In my experience, choosing the right MS 250 Stihl chain size comes down to matching the chain to the bar length and the saw’s specifications. I’ve found that using the correct chain helps the saw cut more efficiently, stay safer to use, and reduce unnecessary wear. My main takeaway is to always double-check the pitch, gauge, and drive links before buying a replacement chain.

Author Profile

Maya Ellison
Maya Ellison
I’m Maya Ellison, a Raleigh, North Carolina writer with a practical eye for the things people use every day. Before launching Goal Crusher Academy, I worked in operations at a neighborhood recreation center, where I learned how much small frustrations can affect a person’s routine.

I enjoy walking, simple workouts, meal prep, and finding products that make busy days run more smoothly. I write with everyday life in mind, not perfection.

Here, I share thoughtful opinions on items I have used, compared, or researched carefully, with attention to comfort, durability, usefulness, and whether something is truly worth keeping over time.