Skil 14 IN. Chain Saw Chain

Why I reached for this chain

I keep a small 14-inch brushless saw in the truck for pruning, limbing storm fall, and breaking down firewood to a size I can manage on the splitting block. That saw lives and dies by a sharp, properly spec’d chain. The Skil 14-inch chain slotted into my routine because it matches the common low-profile spec many compact saws use and promises low kickback without turning the cut into a slog. After several weeks of mixed softwood and hardwood work, it has earned a spot in my kit—though it’s not without limits you’ll want to understand.

Fit, specs, and setup

If you’re chain shopping, compatibility is nonnegotiable. This chain is the 3/8-inch low-profile pitch (0.375"), 0.043" gauge, with 52 drive links. That combination is common on modern 14-inch battery saws, and it paired perfectly with my low-profile 14-inch bar. Double-check your bar stamping and manual before buying; the drive link count and gauge must match, and 3/8 LP is not the same as full-size 3/8.

Specs at a glance:
- Bar length: 14 in
- Pitch: 3/8 in low-profile (0.375")
- Gauge: 0.043 in
- Drive links: 52
- File size: 4.5 mm (approx. 11/64 in)
- Part type: replacement chain

Installation was straightforward. Out of the package, the chain was properly lubricated and the cutters were evenly ground. I always flip the bar, clean the groove and oil holes, and check the sprocket before mounting a fresh loop. Pay attention to orientation; the cutter’s sharp edge should lead on the top run of the bar. After tensioning to where the chain snaps back into the bar groove but still pulls freely by hand, I let it run at low speed for 20–30 seconds to seat. As with any new chain, it stretched a touch in the first 10 minutes of cutting. A quick re-tension solved it.

Cutting performance in the real world

On smaller limbs and green brush, the Skil 14-inch chain is a clean, predictable cutter. The low-profile design produces a narrow kerf, which translates to less drag and better runtime on battery saws. In 4–8 inch pine and spruce, it sliced without complaint, and chip evacuation was consistent as long as I kept the bar rails clean and oil flow healthy.

Where I really judge a chain is on tougher, drier hardwood. I put it through seasoned maple and some knotty oak rounds in the 10–12 inch range. It didn’t scream through like a full-chisel chain on a gas saw, but it maintained steady progress and stayed controllable. Semi-chisel-like cutters resist dulling from light soil and bark grit better than aggressive full-chisel profiles, and that held true here. After several cuts through dirty bark, I could still noodle kindling without feathering the throttle.

Kickback behavior is another highlight. The bumpers and depth gauge setup tame the bite when the bar nose touches material. It will still kick if you force the tip, but you have a wider margin of error compared to more aggressive loops. For limbing above shoulder height or cutting in awkward stances, that matters.

Sharpening and upkeep

A big part of the value of any chain is how well it accepts and holds a touch-up. This one wants a 4.5 mm (11/64 in) round file. I had good results using a simple file guide at the standard 30-degree top-plate angle and keeping depth gauges around 0.025 in. Two or three strokes per cutter after each battery swap kept it biting. The chrome layer on the cutters felt consistent—no soft spots or mystery burrs—and the working corner came back quickly even after a minor rock strike.

Pro tips that helped:
- Keep chain oil flowing. Narrow-kerf chains are efficient, but they can run hot if starved of oil. Verify your oiler is feeding properly, especially in dry hardwood.
- Touch up early and often. Low-profile chains respond well to frequent light maintenance rather than infrequent heavy filing.
- Watch your raker height. If cuts start producing dust instead of chips and you’ve already honed the cutters, check the depth gauges; a few passes with a raker tool can restore feed.

As for stretch, it stabilized after the initial break-in and didn’t require constant attention. That said, 0.043" chains are inherently a bit more sensitive to damage from pinch or side loading than heavier 0.050" loops. Let the saw do the work, and avoid twisting the bar in the cut.

Control and comfort

Battery saws paired with low-profile chains are easy on the body, and this loop fits that profile. Vibration is minimal, and the cut feels steady rather than grabby. In brushy limbing where precise control matters, I appreciated the predictable feed rate. The reduced kerf also means fewer stalls when you set the rakers conservatively—ideal for smaller saws that don’t have the torque of a gas unit.

Noise isn’t a trait of the chain itself, but the smoothness of cut does translate to fewer sudden pitch changes from bogging or grabbing. If you work in neighborhoods or shared spaces, that matters.

Durability and value

In terms of edge retention, I’d rate it as above average for a low-kickback, low-profile chain. It’s not a miracle worker if you bury it in dirt, but it shrugged off typical yard grit and the occasional dusty log without hemorrhaging performance. The tie straps and rivets stayed tight; I saw no signs of early stretch or hot spotting on the drivers.

Value depends on how you cut. If you run a 14-inch brushless saw for yard work, storm cleanup, and occasional firewood, this is a sensible, cost-effective choice. It supports the strengths of compact saws—control, efficiency, and safety—rather than trying to turn them into something they’re not.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Excellent control with a genuinely low-kickback feel
- Efficient, narrow kerf that favors battery runtime
- Easy, predictable sharpening with a common 4.5 mm file
- Good chip clearance in softwoods and clean hardwoods
- Reliable fit on bars spec’d for 3/8 LP, .043, 52 DL

Limitations:
- Not the fastest option in dense hardwoods if you’re chasing production speed
- The .043" gauge is less forgiving under heavy side loads or pinching than .050"
- Limited to low-profile guide bars; won’t fit full-size 3/8 bars or different gauges/drive counts

Compatibility notes worth repeating

Chains get returned or blamed for poor cutting far too often when the mismatch is about the bar and sprocket. Before buying:
- Confirm pitch, gauge, and drive link count on your bar (usually stamped near the tip).
- Ensure your sprocket matches the chain pitch (3/8 LP in this case).
- Stick with low-profile bars; mixing LP chain with non-LP components is a non-starter.

If your numbers are 14", 3/8 LP, .043", and 52 drive links, you’re in the right neighborhood.

The bottom line

The Skil 14-inch chain is a well-executed, low-kickback loop that pairs neatly with modern 14-inch brushless saws. It cuts cleanly, stays controllable in awkward limbing, and rewards consistent maintenance with steady performance. While it won’t keep pace with aggressive full-chisel chains in dense hardwood, that’s not its mission. For homeowners, property managers, and pros who keep a compact saw on the truck for trimming, storm response, and light firewood, it hits a very practical sweet spot.

Recommendation: I recommend this chain for anyone running a 14-inch low-profile setup who prioritizes control, safety, and efficiency over raw speed. It’s a dependable replacement that sharpens easily, makes the most of battery-powered saws, and delivers predictable results across common yard and jobsite tasks. If your work leans toward heavy hardwood bucking or you demand maximum cutting aggression, consider a more assertive chain and heavier gauge—paired with a saw built for it. For everyone else, this is exactly the kind of straightforward, reliable loop that keeps a small saw productive.