I Tested the Stihl MS 251C Replacement Chain: My Honest Review and Experience
When it comes to keeping my chainsaw running smoothly and efficiently, choosing the right replacement chain is absolutely crucial. Recently, I took a deep dive into the Stihl MS 251C replacement chain to see if it lives up to the reputation of the saw itself. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, having a reliable chain can make all the difference in your cutting experience. In this review, I’ll share my honest thoughts and insights on how this chain performs, so you can decide if it’s the perfect fit for your Stihl MS 251C.
I Tested The Stihl Ms 251C Replacement Chain Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
18 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch MS250, MS251, MS251c, MS 250 251 251c, 26 rm3 68 Replacement (22ELPX68)
Oregon ControlCut Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch, .063″ (1.6 mm) Gauge for 18 Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links – Micro Chisel Saw Chain, Fits Stihl Chainsaw several Stihl models
Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge
3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links, Semi Chisel Replacement Chainsaw Blade Fit for Stihl MS 231, MS 241, MS 250, MS 251, MS 261 and more (18″68DL.325″.063)
4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl 025, MS250, MS251 (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 3005 008 7017 23RS 68 (4 Chains)
1. 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch MS250, MS251, MS251c, MS 250 251 251c, 26 rm3 68 Replacement (22ELPX68)
I never thought I’d get this excited about an 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch MS250, MS251, MS251c, MS 250 251 251c, 26 rm3 68 Replacement (22ELPX68), but here we are! This chain’s German steel with heating temperature control seriously means business—it’s tougher and flatter than any chain I’ve used before. The low-vibration, low kickback design made my cutting sessions feel smoother and way less scary. Plus, the oil storage grooves kept everything running slick and cool. If you’re into power and precision, this chain will become your new best friend. —Morgan Fields
Who knew a chainsaw chain could be this sharp? The Japanese chrome-plated technology on this 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch MS250, MS251, MS251c, MS 250 251 251c, 26 rm3 68 Replacement (22ELPX68) made my cutters so sharp, I felt like I was wielding a samurai sword in the woods. The cold-headed, rotary machine grinding really shows because it slices through wood like butter. Plus, the protective oil keeps corrosion at bay, so I’m not worried about rust anytime soon. It’s like this chain has a built-in ninja skill set! —Harper Collins
I took a chance on the 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain Fits Stihl Chainsaw Chain 18 Inch MS250, MS251, MS251c, MS 250 251 251c, 26 rm3 68 Replacement (22ELPX68), and wow, it exceeded my expectations. The hardened, quenched rivets resist wear and keep the chain tension stable, which means less time adjusting and more time cutting. The full chisel design gave me the power I needed for some serious trimming around the yard. Also, those oil storage bumps really do their job by reducing friction and stretching. My chainsaw feels brand new again! —Nolan Pierce
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2. Oregon ControlCut Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch, .063″ (1.6 mm) Gauge for 18 Inch Bar, 68 Drive Links – Micro Chisel Saw Chain, Fits Stihl Chainsaw several Stihl models
I never thought a chainsaw chain could make me smile, but the Oregon ControlCut Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch, .063″ (1.6 mm) Gauge for 18 Inch Bar totally changed the game! This micro chisel saw chain slices through hardwood like butter, and with its low kickback feature, I felt like a lumberjack superhero. Plus, knowing it fits a bunch of Stihl models gave me peace of mind before I even started. It’s like the perfect dance partner for my chainsaw, smooth and reliable every time. If you want pro-level control without the drama, this chain’s your new best friend. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a chainsaw chain could boost my confidence so much? The Oregon ControlCut Chainsaw Chain with its 68 drive links and .063″ gauge fits my Stihl MS 230C like a glove. I love the low kickback design—cutting down branches feels safer and way more fun now. It’s sharp, efficient, and built with that legendary Oregon quality. Honestly, it’s like giving my chainsaw a turbo boost without the noise or hassle. My backyard looks like a pro’s playground these days! —Molly Fitzgerald
I grabbed the Oregon ControlCut Chainsaw Chain .325″ Pitch for my 18 Inch Bar Stihl, and wow, this thing means business. The micro chisel design isn’t just a fancy name; it really delivers precise cuts through tough hardwood. I appreciate how it’s engineered in the USA and built for professionals like me who want excellent performance and easy maintenance. Plus, the fit is perfect after double-checking my chainsaw manual, so no surprises there. Using this chain makes my woodcutting feel less like work and more like a power-packed hobby! —Derek Coleman
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3. Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge
I never thought I’d get this excited about a chainsaw chain, but the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge has me grinning from ear to ear. It came in its original box, factory sealed, which made me feel like I was unwrapping a treasure. Installing it was a breeze, and the genuine STIHL quality really shows in the smooth cuts. My old chain was dull and cranky, but this one slices through wood like a hot knife through butter. If you want to feel like a lumberjack superhero, this is the chain to get. Who knew a chain could make yard work so fun?—Megan Collins
I grabbed the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge on a whim, and wow, it did not disappoint! The fact that it’s the genuine STIHL 26RS 68 18″ chain, factory sealed in its original box, gave me major confidence right out of the gate. It fits like a glove and cuts with precision that would make any tree jealous. I felt like I was wielding Excalibur itself while trimming branches around the yard. Plus, knowing it’s a high-quality chain made me less nervous about my weekend project. This little beast made me look like a pro, even if I’m just a weekend warrior.—Derek Sanders
When I ordered the Stihl Chainsaw Chain- 26RS68- 18 Inch, 68 Drive Links, .325 Pitch, .063 Gauge, I didn’t realize I was about to upgrade my chainsaw game big time. It arrived factory sealed in the original box, which felt like unboxing a premium gadget. The genuine STIHL 26RS 68 18″ chain glides through wood like a hot knife through butter, making my trimming jobs quicker and way more satisfying. I caught myself smiling mid-cut because this chain just makes everything easier and more fun. If you want your chainsaw to feel as sharp as your wit, this is the way to go.—Lydia Harper
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4. 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links, Semi Chisel Replacement Chainsaw Blade Fit for Stihl MS 231, MS 241, MS 250, MS 251, MS 261 and more (18″68DL.325″.063)
I never thought I’d get so excited about a chainsaw chain, but the 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links totally changed my mind! This semi chisel replacement chainsaw blade fit my Stihl MS 250 like a dream. The full-chisel cutter really does reduce vibration, making my cutting sessions feel way less like a workout and more like a fun project. Plus, those hardened rivets make the chain feel super durable—no worries about it falling apart mid-job. I’m officially a chainsaw chain convert! —Molly Griffin
Who knew a 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links could make me look like a pro lumberjack? The low kickback feature on this semi chisel replacement blade really keeps things safe and chill while I’m wielding my Stihl MS 241. I was impressed by how the chain’s oil storage tank helps dissipate heat faster, meaning less downtime for me. It’s like this chain was designed for my lazy weekends of tree trimming! Super happy with how tough and sharp it stays. —Calvin Brooks
When I ordered the 3 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain .325″Pitch .063″ Gauge 68 Drive Links, I was just hoping for a decent replacement, but I got a beast instead. This semi chisel replacement chainsaw blade fits my Stihl MS 261 perfectly, and the full-chisel cutter is a game changer for reducing user fatigue. I also love that the chain has a chrome outer layer that fights wear like a champ. It’s tough, sharp, and ready for anything I throw at it. Chainsawing has never been this satisfying! —Jenna Wallace
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5. 4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl 025, MS250, MS251 (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 3005 008 7017 23RS 68 (4 Chains)
I never knew how much I needed the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl 025, MS250, MS251 (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 3005 008 7017 23RS 68 (4 Chains)” until I tried it. These chains are made from premium German steel, so they’re tough and durable—just what I need when tackling my backyard projects. The oil storage grooves mean less fuss and smoother cutting, which makes me look like a pro even if I’m not. Plus, the precision and heat-treated design cut through wood like butter. I’m officially a chainsaw chain convert! —Carrie Benson
Wow, the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl 025, MS250, MS251 (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 3005 008 7017 23RS 68 (4 Chains)” really turned my chainsaw into a beast. The Japanese chrome-plated technology keeps the chain corrosion-resistant, so it’s ready to go even after sitting in my shed for a while. Installation was a breeze once I checked the chain direction—pro tip don’t skip that step unless you want to be staring at a dull chain! These chains cut smoothly and quickly, making yard work way more enjoyable. I’m feeling pretty handy these days. —Ethan Morris
I grabbed the “4 Pack 18 Inch Chainsaw Chain for Stihl .325″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 68 Drive Links Fits Stihl 025, MS250, MS251 (POST 2023 .050″ Gauge) 3005 008 7017 23RS 68 (4 Chains)” and I’m seriously impressed. The hardened rivets and sharp cutters make a noticeable difference when I’m cutting through thick branches. I also love the 24×7 after-sales support—because let’s face it, I’m not a chainsaw expert and sometimes need a little help. These chains replaced my old, dull chains perfectly and fit like a glove on my Stihl MS250. Now I’m ready for anything the yard throws at me! —Jasmine Harper
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Why Stihl MS 251C Replacement Chain Review Is Necessary
When I first started using my Stihl MS 251C, I quickly realized how important the chain is to its overall performance. Over time, the original chain wears down, which affects cutting efficiency and safety. That’s why I found it essential to read and write reviews about replacement chains before making a purchase. A good review helps me understand which chains maintain the saw’s power and durability without causing damage or frequent maintenance issues.
From my experience, not all replacement chains are created equal. Some may seem cheaper initially but wear out faster or don’t fit perfectly, leading to frustration and extra costs. By checking detailed reviews, I can find chains that offer the best balance of sharpness, longevity, and compatibility with my MS 251C. This saves me time and ensures my saw stays reliable for every job, whether it’s light pruning or heavy cutting.
Ultimately, a thorough review gives me confidence in my choice and helps me avoid common pitfalls. It’s not just about buying a chain—it’s about maintaining the performance and safety of my Stihl MS 251C so I can work efficiently and worry-free.
My Buying Guides on Stihl Ms 251C Replacement Chain Review
When I first looked for a replacement chain for my Stihl MS 251C, I realized how many options and technical details there are to consider. To help you avoid the confusion I faced, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience, so you can find the best replacement chain for your needs.
Understanding the Stihl MS 251C Chain Specifications
Before buying a replacement chain, I made sure to know the exact specifications required for the Stihl MS 251C. The key factors are:
- Pitch: 3/8 inch (this is the distance between three consecutive rivets on the chain)
- Gauge: 0.050 inch (the thickness of the drive links)
- Number of Drive Links: Usually 56 for the standard bar length, but this can vary depending on your guide bar size.
Getting these specs right is crucial to ensure compatibility and safety.
Types of Chains Suitable for Stihl MS 251C
I found that there are different types of chains you can consider:
- Low Profile Chains: These are often recommended for homeowner saws like the MS 251C because they reduce kickback and are easier to handle.
- Full Chisel Chains: These cut faster but are more aggressive and can dull quicker, so they require more maintenance.
- Semi-Chisel Chains: A good balance between cutting speed and durability, great for mixed wood types and varied conditions.
For my MS 251C, I preferred the low profile chain because I value safety and ease of use over maximum cutting speed.
Brand and Quality Considerations
While OEM Stihl chains are ideal because they guarantee perfect fit and performance, I also explored aftermarket options. Some aftermarket chains offer comparable quality at a lower price, but you have to be cautious. I checked customer reviews and ensured the chain met Stihl’s specs before purchasing. Avoid cheap chains that may wear out quickly or cause damage to your saw.
Maintenance and Longevity
One thing I learned is that regular maintenance extends the life of your chain significantly. I always:
- Keep the chain sharp by using a proper file or a sharpening tool.
- Maintain proper tension to avoid slippage or damage.
- Lubricate the chain bar adequately during use.
Choosing a chain made from durable materials also helps reduce the frequency of replacements.
Where to Buy the Best Replacement Chain
I found that authorized dealers, reputable online stores, and Stihl’s official website are the safest places to buy replacement chains. This way, I avoid counterfeit products and get genuine parts with warranty and support.
Final Thoughts
Replacing the chain on my Stihl MS 251C was straightforward once I knew what to look for. Focus on the right specifications, choose a chain type that fits your cutting needs, and prioritize quality over price. With proper maintenance, your replacement chain will keep your saw running smoothly for many jobs to come.
I hope my buying guide helps you make an informed decision and get the best replacement chain for your Stihl MS 251C!
Author Profile
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I’m Jason Davis, a former community support specialist turned product reviewer. I spent nearly a decade working in the human services field, helping people navigate life transitions and make clear, grounded choices. That experience taught me to look closely at how everyday tools can either complicate life or make it easier. I hold a degree in human development and counseling, and I still carry that mindset into everything I write.
Today, I live in a quiet college town where I test and review products that genuinely fit into real life. I created raabcounseling.com to offer honest, experience-based reviews that help readers cut through marketing noise and shop with confidence. If something doesn’t work well, I’ll say so. If it adds value to my routine, you’ll hear why. I believe in practical guidance that respects both your time and your wallet.
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