What kind of chainsaw oil

By Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis. Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process. Our Top Picks. Best Overall:. This bar oil is the best overall option in any type of weather. Best Budget:. For a reasonable price, it will keep your chain operating smoothly. Best for Summer:. A thinner oil that flows well while clinging to the chain. Best for Winter:.

This formula will coat the bar well even on extremely cold days. Best for Cordless Chainsaws:. Formulated to help you maximize engine power by reducing friction. Best Biodegradable:. An eco-friendly option made from a blend of seed oils. In This Article Expand. Our Picks. What to Look for. The 8 Best Chainsaws of View On Amazon.

The 7 Best Chainsaw Mills of The 12 Best Gardening Gloves of What to Look for Formula Chainsaw bar oils are either petroleum-based or bio-based formulated using vegetable oil.

Oil Weight Similar to motor oil, chainsaw bar oil is available in various weights. Additives Most formulas of chainsaw oil contain additives. Size Chainsaw bar oil is typically sold in quart-size or gallon-size bottles.

What is chainsaw bar oil? How much bar oil should a chainsaw use? What viscosity is chainsaw bar oil? Continue to 5 of 6 below. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for TheSpruce. At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data.

We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Some brands will even make bar and chain oil for their chainsaws. This is typically the best option if it is available. However, there are some chainsaw manufacturers who do not make the bar and chain oil for their chainsaws but instead recommend other brands. It is best to use the chainsaw oil your manufacturer recommends. Sometimes you may have trouble getting your hands on the products the manufacturer recommends.

In such cases, getting a close alternative is usually a great option. In fact, some chainsaw makers are well aware of this issue. This is why some chainsaw brands that will even go as far as allowing you to use motor oil on the bar and chain on your chainsaw.

It is important to use oil that has been recommended by the chainsaw manufacturer for the following reasons:. And under no circumstances, you resort to used motor oil or reclaimed vegetable oil is not good either because:. Lightweight oil is used in winter and heavier oil in summer. One manufacturer recommends using petroleum-based EP 90 transmission oil if bar oil is not obtainable.

Used motor oil is not recommended because it lacks adequate viscosity for lubing the chain. The oil you put in your chainsaw oiler must have good adhesion to the chain all the way around the bar to reduce friction and prevent damage. Some bar oils also keep sap and debris from sticking to the bar and causing clogs. Check if you have the right weight oil for the air temperature you are working in by holding the saw about 8 inches from a tree stump or white rag, and rev the engine to about 75 percent throttle for one minute.