Finding the right skip tooth chain can boost wood-cutting speed, reduce drift, and improve debris clearance. This guide highlights five top-performing skip tooth chains that fit a variety of popular saws. Each option emphasizes durability, precise tooth geometry, and compatibility with common guide bars. Use the included buying guide to compare key factors like pitch, gauge, and drive links to select the best fit for your chainsaw tasks.
| Product | Pitch | Gauge | Drive Links | Recommended Saws |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch (3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 72 DL) | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 | Stihl MS311/MS391, Husqvarna 455/460 |
| KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch (3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 91 DL) | 3/8″ | .050″ | 91 | Stihl MS660/MS440, MS391 |
| 8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth (20 Inch, .050 gauge, 72 DL) | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 | Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Stihl MS 270 |
| KAKEI Skiptooth 24 Inch (3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 84 DL) | 3/8″ | .050″ | 84 | Husqvarna 460 Rancher, Stihl MS390/MS310 |
| Oregon 72EXJ072G PowerCut (3/8″ Skip, .050″ Gauge, 72 DL) | 3/8″ | .050″ | 72 | Various 25″–bar saws |
KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain
- Specifications: 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 72 Drive Links, skip tooth, full chisel
- Full Chisel design provides aggressive cutting and easier entry in seasoned wood
- Germany steel with controlled heating and punching for toughness and flatness
- Rivets hardened and quenched to resist wear and reduce tension changes
- Package: 3 chains for versatile bar lengths
KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain
- Specifications: 28 Inch, 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 91 Drive Links, skip tooth
- Full Chisel teeth optimize performance on hard or seasoned wood
- Durable construction with hardened rivets to minimize tension changes
- Includes guidance on sizing via owner’s manual and bar stamps
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain
- Specifications: 20 Inch, 72 Drive Links, 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge
- Materials: 68CrNiMo33 steel rivets with GCr15 rivets for strength
- Compatibility notes listed to verify fit with specific Husqvarna and Stihl models
- Skip Tooth design supports faster chip flow and aggressive cutting
KAKEI Skiptooth 24 Inch Chainsaw Chain
- Specifications: 24 Inch, 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge, 84 Drive Links, skip tooth
- Full Chisel design with flat and tough gear for reduced wear
- Guidance emphasizes accurate sizing via manual or bar stamp
- Rivets hardened and quenched to minimize chain tension fluctuations
Oregon 72EXJ072G PowerCut 3/8″ Skiptooth Chain
- Skip sequence design for better chip clearance
- Pitch: 3/8″, gauge .050″ and 72 drive links
- LubriTec helps keep chain and guide bar oiled for lower friction
STIHL 33 RSF 84 Oilomatic Skip Tooth Chain
- Specifications: 84 Drive Links, 3/8″ Pitch, fits 25″ bars
- Designed for rapid cutting and efficient clearance on larger saws
- Widely compatible with many 25″ or 24″ bar saws
Husqvarna 585548993 C85S 28″ Skip Tooth Chain
- Specification: 28″ length, .058 gauge, 3/8″ pitch
- OEM Husqvarna replacement for specific models
- Replaces obsolete part numbers with a genuine option
Buying Guide
Key considerations when selecting a skip tooth chain include compatibility, performance, and safety. Start by confirming pitch, gauge, and drive link count to match your guide bar and saw design. Consider chain material and heat-treating processes for durability, particularly if you cut hardwood or work in challenging conditions. Skip tooth chains offer faster chip flow, but may require more careful handling and proper kickback awareness. For large-diameter or long-bar applications, higher drive-link counts can improve stability and reduce chain tension changes during cutting. Lubrication features, such as LubriTec, can extend life and reduce friction. Finally, verify compatibility with your specific saw model using the owner’s manual or bar stamps, and consult manufacturer guidance if kickback concerns are present.
Versus And Fit Considerations
- Smaller bars benefit from shorter drive-link counts to maintain tension and flexibility.
- Longer bars typically require higher drive-link counts for balanced cutting and chip clearance.
- Full chisel designs offer aggressive cutting but may demand sharper or more frequent maintenance.
- Kickback safety varies by chain design; always operate with proper training and PPE.
Table above summarizes the chosen products to help compare core specs at a glance. When possible, verify each chain’s listed specs against your saw’s manual and bar stamping to ensure a precise fit.