5 Best Bar And Chain Oils For Chainsaws (Reviews and Buyer's Guide) - The Clever Homeowner (2024)

This next oil is from another very reputable brand, formulated especially to reduce the amount of friction that you’ll get on your chain.

This oil has been made to maximize the performance of your chainsaw, meaning that it can run a lot faster and without glitches – introducing the Oregon CS1500 Self-Sharpening Corded Electric Chainsaw & Bar and Chain Oil.

This comes as a chainsaw and oil set, so if you want that extra value for money and are in the market for a new saw, then these two are a terrific package.

The size of the chainsaw itself is very compact, meaning that you can store it in the garage without much issue.

The oil itself is one of the tackiest on this list, giving you a longer and more reliable performance. It will give you very little throw-off, resulting in an overall safer and longer-lasting sawing session.

This oil also transfers heat from the motor very well and does not dry out even after you’ve been sawing for a few hours.

Our final oil is one that is definitely for the more environmentally-conscious chainsaw owner, with oils that are designed not to endanger the surrounding ecology after its use.

This is because it is often inevitable that oil will make its way from your chainsaw and into the natural habitat in which you’re working – introducing the Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro Bar and Chainsaw Oil.

This oil is made from seeds that are harvested in the USA.

It has been designed with the mentality that you’re not working in an isolated environment, that there will be children, wildlife and other creatures and flora that can be damaged by synthetic chain oil.

However, some users have stated that this oil is subpar when it comes to operation and keeping the blade of your chainsaw lubricated even in dry conditions.

This oil is a much safer option for use around your children and your pets, where having a well-running chain will be very important.

Pros:

  • This is perfect for minimizing the amount of gunk that will accumulate in the blades of your chainsaw, giving you the ability to be able to last a lot longer.
  • This formula is perfect for those who are more environmentally-conscious than your average chainsaw user. Those who want to reduce the emissions and oil runoff will definitely gravitate towards this oil.
  • This oil is perfect for those who want a bio-degradable solution to the problem of excess pollution that your chainsaw churns out.
  • If you have young children or pets in the immediate vicinity of your chainsaw, then you’ll certainly want to have oil that won’t leave a mark or won’t be toxic when consumed.

Cons:

  • This oil has been seen not to function as well as some of the other synthetic oils that you can use. So if you are looking for something that performs well, then we would suggest that you use a different brand.

Best Bar And Chain Oil Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to buying your bar and chain oil, then there are a few things that you’ll want to consider before splashing out the necessary cash.

If you don’t have the right amount of lubrication, then you can run the risk of your chainsaw burning out and damaging your engine permanently:

How Fast Does Your Chainsaw Consume Fuel?

If the fuel in your chainsaw is depleting a lot faster than usual, then this can be a sign that it is struggling to keep a faulty chain moving. If your chain is not lubricated, then the chances are that it will be grinding on itself and using more fuel.

If the motor is having more difficulty with moving the chain, then you can be certain that it will be using up way more fuel. Having a good bar chainsaw oil will be the perfect solution to this problem.

Do Your Blades Move Slower?

If your chainsaw is moving slower, then you can probably surmise that there is increased friction between the bar and the chain. This will lead to your chain overheating and having less RPM.

Again, having the right oil is the perfect way of keeping your chainsaw well lubricated and making sure that it runs smoothly for a longer period of time.

Is Your Chainsaw A Safety Hazard?

You must check to be sure that your chainsaw is running and the bar of your chainsaw is not overtly rubbing up against the chain. This will cause the engine to overheat and ultimately the inner mechanism of your chainsaw to malfunction.

One thing we would recommend that you do is to never run the chainsaw when it is low on oil. This will cause the remaining oil in the chamber to burn and you could expect your chainsaw to catch fire in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Run Your Chainsaw Without Bar and Chain Oil?

In short, no. This is because the main part of your chainsaw is made from metal parts that rub up against each other at incredibly high speeds.

If this portion is not lubricated enough, then you can be certain that it will overheat and cause harm to you.

One of the best methods of maintaining your chainsaw is by ensuring that it is lubricated with the right oil at least a few times a month.

How Long Does Chain Oil Last?

If you have kept your chain oil in the bottle that it came in, then you can be sure that it will last you for up to 30 days completely fresh. After this point, its consistency might start to alter, becoming thicker and dryer.

If you are using your chainsaw regularly, then this might not become a problem as you’ll be using the oil consecutively and buying more bottles regularly. Avoid your oil drying out by keeping the cap firmly screwed on after use and before storage.

5 Best Bar And Chain Oils For Chainsaws (Reviews and Buyer's Guide) - The Clever Homeowner (2024)

FAQs

What is the best oil for a chainsaw chain? ›

Hydraulic chainsaw oil – Hydraulic oil is perfect for heavy-duty chainsaws, stump grinders and wood chippers. The oil is specifically formulated to prevent rust, corrosion, and oxidation. Temperature does not affect the viscosity of this oil, which is of high quality.

What bar oil do loggers use? ›

Logger's Pride Chain Oil is a naphthenic base oil that has been hydro-treated for improved stability. A tack additive has been blended in to reduce sling-off.

Does it matter what chainsaw bar oil you use? ›

The brand of bar oil can make a significant difference, especially for heavy-duty or professional use. While mid-range oils might work for casual users, those relying heavily on their chainsaws should invest in high-quality brands for better performance and longevity.

What is the best bar lube for a Stihl chainsaw? ›

STIHL SynthPlus chain oil is a partially synthetic high-performance lubricant with high-quality fresh oils and is suitable for all STIHL chainsaws. This oil has. This chain oil also helps to prevent wear and gumming when the saw is not in use, even during longer periods of downtime.

What is the best oil mix for a chainsaw? ›

All STIHL gasoline-powered equipment uses a 50:1 gas and oil mixture. The 50 to 1 mix chart below can help you figure out the correct measurements to use.

Can you put too much chain oil in a chainsaw? ›

Technically speaking, you can't put too much bar oil into the bar oil tank of your chainsaw (unless it's overflowing, which would not be good).

Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil? ›

2. 5w30 Motor Oil. You may use 5w30 oil, just as 10w30 motor oil.

Can I use 3 in 1 oil for a chainsaw? ›

Use for lubricating moving parts, pivot points and bearings. Lubricate small to larger motors found in sewing machines, fans, lawnmowers and trimmers, drills, chainsaws, and other tools.

Is echo bar and chain oil good? ›

It is good bar oil but a little thick in cold weather. Cuts well for a battery Chain saw. Light and handled well, only problem was getting the knack of putting on the chain in the proper matter. Lubricates my chains and doesn't sling off.

What chainsaw oil is best? ›

STIHL SynthPlus: This semi-synthetic, high-performance lubricant provides outstanding protection against wear and tear, even in demanding conditions. STIHL ForestPlus: This mineral-based oil is a great all-around choice for everyday use.

What oil to use in a Stihl chainsaw? ›

STIHL 2-cycle engine oils are specifically formulated for all STIHL chainsaws and offer outstanding engine cleaning and lubrication.

What grade is chainsaw bar oil? ›

The proper viscosity for saw chain oil at ambient temperature above 15 C / 60 F would be a ISO 150 or a ISO 220 if really hot ambient temps exist such as fighting forest fires (when you really need your chainsaw to last). ISO is the viscosity grade designation for oils other than motor and gear lubricants.

What can I use in place of chainsaw bar oil? ›

Regular motor oil is a good substitute for your chainsaw guide bar and chain oil. It has a very high flash point and a perfect viscosity. Clean engine oil for your car lubricates the bar and chain faster than the conventional chainsaw chain and bar recommended oil.

Are all chainsaw chain oils the same? ›

Different chainsaws require different oils, and using the wrong oil or not enough oil can cause major problems. Knowing the available chainsaw oil options, learning how to choose the right one and determining the right fuel/oil ratio can help ensure your chainsaw runs smoothly every time.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dan Stracke

Last Updated:

Views: 5711

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dan Stracke

Birthday: 1992-08-25

Address: 2253 Brown Springs, East Alla, OH 38634-0309

Phone: +398735162064

Job: Investor Government Associate

Hobby: Shopping, LARPing, Scrapbooking, Surfing, Slacklining, Dance, Glassblowing

Introduction: My name is Dan Stracke, I am a homely, gleaming, glamorous, inquisitive, homely, gorgeous, light person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.