Best Skip-Tooth Chainsaw Chains for Faster Cutting
Find top skip-tooth chains designed for aggressive wood removal, enhanced chip clearance, and reduced kickback risk with trained operation. The following picks prioritize 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and compatible drive links, covering popular brands and bar lengths to fit common American saws. Each option includes build quality notes, fitment guidance, and practical considerations for safe use.
| Product | Brand | Length | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain | KAKEI | 20 Inches | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 |
| KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain | KAKEI | 28 Inches | 3/8″ | .050″ | 91 |
| 8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain | 8TEN | 20 Inches | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 |
| KAKEI Skiptooth 24 Inch Chainsaw Chain | KAKEI | 24 Inches | 3/8″ | .050″ | 84 |
| Oregon 72EXJ072G PowerCut Skiptooth | Oregon | 20 Inches | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 |
KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain
Specifications show a three-pack offering 20-inch chains with 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 72 drive links in skip-tooth format plus full chisel design. The chain uses Germany steel with enhanced toughness and a heating process to improve flatness and wear resistance. Rivets are hardened and quenched to resist wear and maintain tension. A potential caution highlights kickback risk, emphasizing the need for experienced operation and training. Use the owner’s manual to verify pitch, gauge, length, and drive link numbers. KAKEI supports a wide range of sizes and offers customer assistance for fitment.
KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain
This 28-inch chain offers 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 91 drive links in a skip-tooth, full-chisel configuration. The packaging notes kickback risk and advises operating experience for safe use. Fit verification relies on the owner’s manual or bar stamp information (PITCH, GAUGE, LENGTH, DRIVE LINK). KAKEI highlights Germany-made steel and manufacturing controls to bolster chain toughness, flatness, and wear resistance, helping maintain chain tension with use. KAKEI provides support for a broad assortment of sizes through their store.
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain
The 8TEN 20-inch skip-tooth chain features 72 drive links, 3/8″ pitch, and .050″ gauge. It is constructed with 68CrNiMo33 steel rivets and GCr15 steel rivets, designed to be compatible with Husqvarna and Stihl OEM configurations, including a broad list of model compatibility. The product page emphasizes fit verification against model-specific part numbers and cautions about verifying compatibility before installation. The chain is described as full chisel with skip tooth for aggressive cutting and improved chip clearance, suitable for heavy-duty use when matched to the right bar and saw model.
KAKEI Skiptooth 24 Inch Chainsaw Chain
With 24 inches of reach, this KAKEI chain features 3/8″ pitch, .050″ gauge, and 84 drive links in a skip-tooth, full-chisel design. The chain is described as having Germany-made steel for toughness and flatness, with rivets hardened and quenched to resist wear. It explicitly notes kickback risk and recommends careful fitment checks via the owner’s manual or bar side stamp. KAKEI’s 60+ size range is highlighted for consumers seeking multiple SKUs for various saws, as part of their product ecosystem.
Oregon 72EXJ072G PowerCut Skiptooth
Oregon’s 72EXJ072G PowerCut skiptooth chain is designed for improved chip flow with a 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge, featuring 72 drive links on a 20″ bar. LubriTec provides ongoing lubrication to reduce friction and extend chain life. The skip sequence design contributes to cleaner cuts and efficient debris removal. This option is positioned as a straightforward, widely compatible choice for users seeking a reliable aftermarket chain with known Oregon engineering backing.
STIHL 33 RSF 84 Oilomatic Skip Tooth
STIHL’s 33 RSF 84 Oilomatic skip tooth chain features 84 drive links and 3/8″ pitch, designed for select 25″ guide bars. It is presented as an OEM-grade option intended for compatible STIHL saws, with skip-tooth geometry intended to enhance debris clearance and cutting speed. Prospective buyers should verify compatibility with their bar length and model as listed in STIHL documentation and ensure proper tensioning and lubrication for optimal performance.
Husqvarna 585548993 C85S Skip Tooth Chain
Husqvarna’s genuine OEM C85S skip tooth chain replaces older part numbers and is designed for models requiring the 585548993 configuration. It’s specified for 3/8″ pitch and tailored to fit compatible Husqvarna saws, with the expectation of precise matching to the correct bar length and drive link count. Consumers should confirm model compatibility and bar requirements to ensure proper operation and to maintain safety standards during cutting tasks.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations For Skip-Tooth Chains
- Bar length compatibility: Ensure the chain length matches your guide bar length (20″, 24″, or 28″). Using a chain longer or shorter than the bar can cause tensioning issues and safety concerns.
- Pitch and gauge accuracy: Most skip-tooth chains in this list use 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge. Verify these specs against your saw’s bar side stamp and owner’s manual to avoid mismatches.
- Drive links count: Drive link numbers (72, 84, 91, etc.) correspond to bar length and chain design. Matching drive links prevents tension changes and ensures smooth operation.
- Full chisel vs semi-chisel: Full chisel skip tooth chains cut rapidly in softwood but may dull faster in dirty or dirty wood; consider wood type and maintenance expectations when choosing.
- Kickback considerations: Skip-tooth designs can affect kickback risk depending on bar, chain quality, and user technique. Always use proper PPE and training for safe operation.
- Material and durability: Chains with hardened rivets and German steel or premium steel alloys offer improved wear resistance and longer service life under demanding cutting tasks.
- Brand and compatibility: Reputable brands like KAKEI, Oregon, STIHL, Husqvarna, and 8TEN provide model-specific guidance and support. Always verify fitment via owner’s manual, bar stamp, or brand support.
- Lubrication and maintenance: Chains with LubriTec or similar lubrication aids reduce friction, extend bar life, and require consistent lubrication during use for best performance.
- Safety and training: Some listings warn about kickback. Review training resources and practice in controlled environments to minimize risk.
- Availability of sizes: If you own multiple saws, consider a supplier with a broad size range and compatibility options to simplify replacements over time.