Top Skip Tooth Chainsaw Chain of 2026 for Big Timber

The KAKEI 20-inch skip-tooth chainsaw chain is a high-output cutting accessory built for power equipment utilizing a 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch gauge guide bar with 72 drive links. Designed with an aggressive full-chisel tooth profile spaced in a skip-tooth layout, this chain excels at clearing large chips out of deep cuts. It caters to experienced landowners, farm operators, arborists, and firewood processors who demand fast cutting rates when sectioning medium to large hardwood and softwood logs.

Real-world performance centers on cutting efficiency and saw balance. By providing wider spacing between working cutters, the skip-tooth arrangement requires less horsepower to pull through dense timber compared to standard full-complement chains. This characteristic helps mid-range saws maintain high chain speed without bogging down in 18- to 20-inch logs. The sharp full-chisel corners slice across wood grain cleanly, maximizing cutting production during seasonal firewood preparation or lot-clearing tasks.

Material quality is evident in the manufacturing choices. KAKEI uses German steel with controlled heat treating to produce a flat, resilient chain chassis that resists stretching under load. Rivets are quenched and hardened to minimize friction-induced wear at the tie-strap connections, helping the chain retain proper tension longer. Japanese chrome plating applied to each cutter face provides substantial surface hardness, reducing thermal wear and preserving the sharp edge across tough cutting jobs.

Maintenance and storage are very manageable. Because each loop features fewer cutters than a standard chain, hand-sharpening with a round file takes significantly less bench time. The three chains arrive coated in protective corrosion-inhibiting oil, allowing spare loops to rest inside a workshop drawer, garage cabinet, or chainsaw carry case without developing surface rust until needed.

A critical consideration is operator skill level and safety. This chain does not feature reduced-kickback bumper drive links, meaning it can produce severe kickback if the bar nose contacts limbs or pinch points incorrectly. Casual DIY users or beginner operators should seek low-kickback safety chains instead. Additionally, full-chisel teeth are sensitive to abrasive ground contact, making this setup best suited for clean, elevated bucking and felling.

For operators running compatible models such as the Husqvarna 455 Rancher, Husqvarna 460 Rancher, or Stihl MS311 and MS391 fitted with matching bar specs, this KAKEI three-pack offers a dependable, budget-conscious cutting solution that keeps chain saws operating at peak productivity.

The skip-tooth sequence on this 72-drive-link chain provides generous chip clearance space in the bar groove. In deep cuts where standard chains often pack with wood shavings, the extra gap allows sawdust to exit freely, reducing bar friction and motor strain.

Coupled with square-cornered full-chisel cutters, the chain delivers aggressive self-feeding action in both green timber and seasoned firewood. This configuration is particularly beneficial for operators using 50cc to 60cc saws who want to run a 20-inch bar without sacrificing engine RPM.

Matching your saw configuration is essential before ordering. This chain requires a 20-inch guide bar with a 3/8-inch pitch, .050-inch (1.3 mm) drive link gauge, and exactly 72 drive links. It fits select Husqvarna, Stihl, Poulan Pro, and Craftsman saws equipped with standard 3/8-inch sprockets and bars.

Always verify the stamped numbers on the tail end of your chainsaw guide bar to confirm drive link count, pitch, and gauge, as bar mount patterns and drive sprocket teeth can vary across specific model production years.