Best Skip Tooth Chains for Chainsaws to Boost Cutting Efficiency

Choosing the right skip tooth chainsaw chain is essential for effective cutting, especially when handling larger or hardwood trees. Skip chains feature fewer teeth but larger gaps, reducing friction and enabling faster cuts through tough wood. This article showcases some of the best skip tooth chainsaw chains available on Amazon, featuring top brands like KAKEI, 8TEN, and Husqvarna. We cover key specifications such as pitch, gauge, drive links, and material quality to help you find the perfect match for your chainsaw model.

Product Brand Size Pitch & Gauge Drive Links
KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch (3 Pack) KAKEI 20 Inch 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge 72
KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch (3 Pack) KAKEI 28 Inch 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge 91
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 20 Inch (1 Pack) 8TEN 20 Inch 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge 70
8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth 24 Inch (3 Pack) 8TEN 24 Inch 3/8″ Pitch, .050″ Gauge 84
Husqvarna C85S 28 Inch Skip Tooth Chain Husqvarna 28 Inch 3/8″ Pitch, .058″ Gauge

KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 72 Drive Links (3 Pack)

KAKEI Skiptooth 20 Inch Chainsaw Chain

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This KAKEI 20-inch skip tooth chainsaw chain comes in a convenient 3-pack, designed for users who want spares or to equip multiple chainsaws. It features a 3/8″ pitch and a .050″ gauge with 72 drive links, making it compatible with popular chainsaws such as Stihl MS311 and MS391, Husqvarna 455 Rancher, and Poulan Pro models.

Crafted from German steel with special temperature control and punching techniques, this chain provides excellent durability and toughness. Its full chisel skip tooth design ensures fast, aggressive cutting while maintaining reduced chain tension variations thanks to hardened rivets. Users should note it requires experience as it has kickback potential.

KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain 3/8″ Pitch .050″ Gauge 91 Drive Links (3 Pack)

KAKEI Skiptooth 28 Inch Chainsaw Chain

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This 28-inch skip tooth chain by KAKEI is ideal for larger chainsaws and heavier cutting tasks. Supplied in a 3-pack, it fits models like Stihl MS660, MS440, and MS391. With 91 drive links, 3/8″ pitch, and .050″ gauge, it ensures compatibility with a broad range of saws.

Made from high-quality German steel and featuring heat-treated rivets, the chain offers enhanced wear resistance and strength to reduce tension fluctuations. Its full chisel skip tooth cutter tooth design gives efficient penetration while decreasing the chance of clogging in dirty wood.

8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch .050 3/8 70DL (1 Pack)

8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain 20 Inch

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The 8TEN 20-inch skip tooth chain offers a reliable full chisel design for aggressive and efficient cutting. Compatible with popular models such as Echo CS-590, Poulan PP5020AV, Stihl 33RS370E, and Husqvarna chainsaws, it has a consistent 3/8″ pitch and .050″ gauge configuration with 70 drive links.

This single pack is made from tough materials and suits users seeking OEM-equivalent replacement chains. It works well for both professional and occasional users due to its solid steel materials and wear resistance, making it a dependable choice for frequent woodcutting.

8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch .050 3/8 84DL (3 Pack)

8TEN Full Chisel Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain 24 Inch

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This 24-inch 8TEN skip tooth chain is sold in a handy 3-pack, suitable for chainsaws such as Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Echo CS-590, and Stihl models. It features 84 drive links, a 3/8″ pitch, and a .050″ gauge, crafted from 68CrNiMo33 steel with hardened GCr15 rivets for extra longevity and wear resistance.

The full chisel cutters and skip tooth configuration give an efficient balance between fast cutting and minimal binding. This chain is designed for users who frequently need durable and high-performance options compatible with medium-sized bar lengths.

Husqvarna 585548993 C85S 28″ Skip Tooth Chisel Chainsaw Chain

Husqvarna 28 Inch Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain

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This OEM replacement chain by Husqvarna is tailored for specific Husqvarna models requiring the 585548993 part number. It features a 28-inch length and a .058″ gauge with 3/8″ pitch, designed to meet factory standards for performance and durability.

Being a genuine Husqvarna part, it ensures reliable fit and function aligned with your chainsaw’s original configuration. The skip tooth full chisel profile offers reduced friction and efficient cutting in demanding applications, especially in hardwoods and larger trees.

Buying Guide for Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chains

Selecting the best skip tooth chain involves understanding several critical features and matching the chain to your specific chainsaw model and intended use.

1. Chain Size and Compatibility

  • Length and Number of Drive Links: Ensure the chain’s length and drive link count match your chainsaw’s guide bar specifications. This prevents improper fit and operational issues.
  • Pitch: Common pitches are 3/8 inch and 0.325 inch. Confirm your chainsaw’s pitch to avoid compatibility errors.
  • Gauge: The thickness of the drive links that fit into the guide bar groove, commonly .050 or .058 inch. Select the gauge matching your bar groove width.

2. Tooth Type and Design

  • Skip Tooth: Fewer teeth with larger spaces, ideal for cutting larger wood with reduced clogging and heat build-up.
  • Full Chisel vs. Semi Chisel: Full chisel offers aggressive cutting and faster speed but requires more frequent sharpening; semi chisel tolerates dirt better with longer edge life.

3. Material Quality and Durability

  • Look for chains made from heat-treated alloys or specialized steel to enhance wear resistance and toughness.
  • Hardened rivets prolong chain life and reduce tension variations during operation.

4. Usage and Safety Considerations

  • Skip tooth chains can generate kickback. Only users with appropriate experience and protective gear should operate chainsaws with this chain type.
  • Check for OEM compatibility or trusted aftermarket brands for optimal safety and performance.

5. Package and Value

  • Multi-pack options offer value for those with multiple chainsaws or for keeping spare chains on hand for uninterrupted work cycles.
  • Single-pack chains can suit individual needs or budget constraints.