Best Full Skip Chainsaw Chains for Higher Clearance and Efficient Cutting
When choosing a full skip chainsaw chain, look for durability, compatibility with your bar length, and skip-tooth design for better chip clearance and reduced kickback risk when used by trained operators. This guide highlights top picks that fit popular brands and bar lengths, helping you find a reliable option for demanding cutting jobs. The selections below emphasize full-chisel skip teeth, robust steel, and drive link counts aligned with common saws.
The following summary table lists five strong contenders selected for their relevance to full skip chains, bar compatibility, and performance characteristics.
| Product | Bar Length | Pitch / Gauge | Drive Links | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch | 20 in | 3/8″ / .050″ | 72 | KAKEI |
| 8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 20 Inch | 20 in | 3/8″ / .050″ | 72 | 8TEN |
| KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch | 28 in | 3/8″ / .050″ | 91 | KAKEI |
| 8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 28 Inch | 28 in | 3/8″ / .050″ | 93 | 8TEN |
| Oregon 72EXJ072G Skiptooth | 20 in | 3/8″ / .050″ | 72 | Oregon |
KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain
Specifications include a 20-inch length, 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 72 drive links with skip tooth design and full chisel geometry. The chain is engineered with Germany steel for improved toughness and flatness, with hardened rivets designed to resist wear. A warning emphasizes proper handling and training due to potential kickback. Verify fit using the bar side stamp or owner’s manual, and contact KAKEI support for guidance on compatible chains and bar numbers.
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 20 Inch Chain
Designed as a full chisel skip tooth chain, this 20-inch option features a 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 72 drive links. It is marketed for use with Husqvarna and Stihl models and is constructed from 68CrNiMo33 steel with GCr15 rivets for durability. Review fitment against OEM part numbers before purchase to ensure compatibility with your machine’s guide bar and sprocket arrangement.
KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain
This 28-inch skip tooth chain features a 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 91 drive links. The full chisel design aims to improve cutting efficiency on larger trees and heavy-duty work. As with other KAKEI chains, it includes guidance on identifying the correct chain length by checking the bar side stamp and owner’s manual, and it warns about kickback if the operator lacks training.
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 28 Inch
This 28-inch chain uses a skip tooth pattern with 93 drive links, 3/8″ pitch, and .050″ gauge. The chain is labeled as compatible with a broad range of Husqvarna, Stihl, Echo, and other brands through a comprehensive list of OEM part numbers. The product emphasizes the need for compatibility verification and notes the steel composition and rivet material for wear resistance and strength.
Oregon 72EXJ072G PowerCut 20″
Oregon’s PowerCut skip tooth chain features a 20-inch length, 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 72 drive links. The skip sequence is designed to improve clearance and chip flow, while LubriTec technology helps keep the chain and bar lubricated for reduced friction and longer life. It fits many saws with 20-inch bars and aligns with common skip tooth applications.
2PK Oregon 72EXJ084G 24″ Skip Chain
This two-pack offers 24-inch, 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge chains with 84 drive links per chain, designed for skip tooth configurations. The product notes compatibility with specific 33RSF84E and H47S-84 models and emphasizes proper sizing through bar and standard guides. Buyers should confirm whether their saw matches the listed drive link count and bar length.
STIHL 33 RSF 84 Oilomatic Skip Tooth Chain
This STIHL skip tooth chain features 84 drive links with 3/8″ pitch and is designed for chainsaws with 25″ or 24″ guide bars. It represents a widely compatible option for skip tooth cutting on popular STIHL models, with emphasis on proper bar length and chain sizing for safe operation.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
When choosing a full skip chainsaw chain, consider the following:
- Bar length and drive-link count: Ensure the chain length and drive link number match your guide bar and sprocket for proper tension and cutting performance.
- Pitch and gauge compatibility: Common combinations are 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge; verify these specs match your chainsaw’s requirements as listed in the manual.
- Skip-tooth design benefits: Skip tooth reduces chain-to-bar contact in high-cleaning environments, improving chip clearance and cooling, but verify it’s appropriate for your application and operator training.
- Chain material and rivets: Look for hardened rivets and durable steel (e.g., 68CrNiMo33 or GCr15 variants) to resist wear and maintain tension.
- Fitment verification: Always cross-check the bar stamp, operator manual, and OEM part numbers before purchasing third-party chains to avoid mismatches.
- Safety and training: Kickback potential exists with skip tooth chains; use protective gear and ensure operator training, especially for larger bar lengths and heavy-duty use.
- Brand and compatibility breadth: Renowned brands often offer broader compatibility with various saw models, reducing the risk of misfit and maintaining performance across equipment.
Additional Considerations
Performance can vary by saw model, bar type, and application. For seasoned users, skip tooth chains can offer faster chip removal on large-diameter logs, especially when cutting under load. Ensure regular maintenance, proper lubrication, and tensioning to maximize life and safety. If you frequently switch between brands, consider chains with documented compatibility across Stihl, Husqvarna, Echo, and Oregon lines to simplify replacements.