Chain saw oil type. Chain saw oil type
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LIGHT Chainsaw Oil WINTER
Winter Weight Chain Oil is specially formulated for superior lower temperature operation and performance in cold environments. This lightweight grade maintains a suitable viscosity, pour point and flow allowing for continued protection in severe operating conditions at temperatures from.6 °C to as low as.40 °C.
Special additives provide the following characteristics:
- Light weight oil provides excellent flow and coverage at low temperatures experienced during winter season
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
MEDIUM Chainsaw Oil ALL SEASON
All Season Chain Oil is specifically designed for the lubrication of chains and guide bars on chain saws operating under a variety of conditions. It is recommended for spring, summer and fall over a range of ambient temperatures from.5 °C to 40 °C. It can also be used in applications where tacky anti-wear oil is preferred, including chain drives and plain bearings.
Formulated with special additives to achieve the following characteristics:
Use Vegetable Oil to Replace Chainsaw Bar Oil
- Medium weight oil resists throw off across temperature range, reducing oil consumption
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
HEAVY Chainsaw Oil SUMMER
Summer Chain Oil is specifically designed for the lubrication of chains and guide bars on chain saws operating under warm conditions. This heavy weight grade is recommended for summer use over a range of ambient temperatures from 4°C to 40 °C. It can also be used in applications where tacky anti-wear oil is preferred, including chain drives and plain bearings.
Formulated with special additives to achieve the following characteristics:
- Heavy weight oil provides excellent flow and coverage at high temperatures experienced during summer season
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
NOTE: For best results, pre-soak a new chain in light chain saw oil overnight. For longer chain life, clean in Recordsol Paint Thinner or other mineral spirits from time to time and soak in oil, as this will remove accumulated dirt deposits.
LIGHT Chainsaw Oil WINTER
Winter Weight Chain Oil is specially formulated for superior lower temperature operation and performance in cold environments. This lightweight grade maintains a suitable viscosity, pour point and flow allowing for continued protection in severe operating conditions at temperatures from.6 °C to as low as.40 °C.
Special additives provide the following characteristics:
- Light weight oil provides excellent flow and coverage at low temperatures experienced during winter season
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
MEDIUM Chainsaw Oil ALL SEASON
All Season Chain Oil is specifically designed for the lubrication of chains and guide bars on chain saws operating under a variety of conditions. It is recommended for spring, summer and fall over a range of ambient temperatures from.5 °C to 40 °C. It can also be used in applications where tacky anti-wear oil is preferred, including chain drives and plain bearings.
Formulated with special additives to achieve the following characteristics:
Bar Chain Oil Fill | Dewalt Electric Chainsaw (DCCS670X1)
- Medium weight oil resists throw off across temperature range, reducing oil consumption
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
HEAVY Chainsaw Oil SUMMER
Summer Chain Oil is specifically designed for the lubrication of chains and guide bars on chain saws operating under warm conditions. This heavy weight grade is recommended for summer use over a range of ambient temperatures from 4°C to 40 °C. It can also be used in applications where tacky anti-wear oil is preferred, including chain drives and plain bearings.
Formulated with special additives to achieve the following characteristics:
- Heavy weight oil provides excellent flow and coverage at high temperatures experienced during summer season
- Protects against rust and corrosion, increasing chain bar life
- Excellent metal surface coverage provides protection and reduced wear
- Non-staining red colour allows easy visual reference of chain lubrication while in operation and helps distinguish it from engine oil
NOTE: For best results, pre-soak a new chain in light chain saw oil overnight. For longer chain life, clean in Recordsol Paint Thinner or other mineral spirits from time to time and soak in oil, as this will remove accumulated dirt deposits.
Packaging
| 14-004 (Winter) | 3.78 L | 4 | 056438140047 | 40056438140045 |
| 14-104 (All Season) | 3.78 L | 4 | 056438141044 | 40056438141042 |
| 14-204 (Summer) | 3.78 L | 4 | 056438142041 | 40056438142049 |
| 24-009 | Winter (Light) | 205 L | NA | NA | NA |
| 24-009-1000 | Winter (Light) | 1000 L | NA | NA | NA |
| 24-209 | Summer (Heavy) | 205 L | NA | NA | NA |
| 24-209-1000 | Summer (Heavy) | 1000 L | NA | NA | NA |
Chainsaw Oil
What’s the best chainsaw oil to use in your new or used chainsaw?
That’s a common question many people who heat with wood have.
Even if you’re more on the experienced side, knowing what options you have for chainsaw bar oil is essential, as it can really help you out in a pinch.
Here are some tips on finding the right oil to fit your needs.
What Types Of Chainsaw Oil Can You Use?
Before you do anything else (or Google anything else!) check the user manual for your chainsaw.
It will tell you if there is a specific brand (and product number) recommended for your specific make and model of saw.
When given the choice, you should always use the bar and chain oil that is recommended by your manufacturer.
Certain chainsaw bars and chains need lubricants with certain properties to help the parts run as smoothly as possible.
Chains spin at high speeds, so it’s essential that the bar oil be adhesive enough to remain on the chain as it continues to spin.
If it’s not sticky enough, it can come off the chain and lead to friction against the bar.
This can cause damage to your chainsaw.
For best results, therefore, use the standard chainsaw oil that is recommended by your user manual.
You can also use replacement oils that are acceptable for your specific saw.
There are some common substitutions you can use for chainsaw bar oil when your usual pick isn’t around.
While the proper bar and chain oil is definitely recommended over any substitution, there are some options you can consider. and motor oil is one of them.
Motor oil isn’t the greatest substitute for bar and chainsaw oil, since it’s not sticky enough to stay on your chain and your bar.
You will have to be careful using it, as it can come off as you are cutting and create quite the mess.
Motor oil can also be damaging to the environment.
Since it doesn’t stay on a chainsaw well, it’s more likely to stick to trees and other vegetation.
You’ll find that your saw goes through motor oil quite quickly too, particularly when compared to using standard bar and chain oil.
The upside to using motor oil?
It’s readily available, and you’re likely to have it around the house. It’s a good, quick fix if you’re in a pinch.
Hydraulic oil is another potential substitute.
Like motor oil, you can use it if you’re in a pinch and don’t have any bar and chain oil around.
The one advantage to hydraulic oil over motor oil is that it dries up faster than motor oil, so you won’t have as many problems with it flying all over the place.
However you will have to use more of it in one shot to keep your chain and your bar adequately lubricated.
Vegetable oil by far is the most readily available oil around. If you cook. even just a small amount! you probably have a bottle of vegetable oil in your kitchen cupboards.
It is thinner and has a lower viscosity than both hydraulic and motor oil, so it’s more environmentally-friendly.
However, although it’s better for the environment, you’ll have to constantly refill to keep up with your cutting.
Canola oil is another option that works similarly to vegetable oil.
On the plus side, it can handle high heat (it is commonly used for frying, after all) and can help protect your bar and chain, at least temporarily, from friction.
It is also a good alternative if you’re cutting in the winter.
Although it’s one of the best substitutions for high temperatures, it also holds up well to the cold.
Fill Your Chainsaw Without Making A Mess. Easy Hack
Chances are if you’ve tried to fill your chainsaw with bar oil you’ve spilled it everywhere. especially if you’re using a gallon jug.
So how can you easily fill up your bar oil without making a mess?
An old 1 gallon liquid Tide laundry detergent bottle or Era jug that has the push valve at the bottom works perfectly.
I just unscrew the cap and use a funnel to add a gallon of chainsaw bar oil to the used 1 gallon detergent tub.
Obviously you’ll want to make sure you clean out any excess detergent, but the bottle will last for years.
I don’t recommend using the jug for fuel because it can eat away at the jug, but they work perfectly for chainsaw oil.
How To Mix 2 Cycle Oil Into Gas
When you’re adding standard bar and chain oil to your chainsaw, you’ll quickly learn that chainsaw engines aren’t necessarily the same as other types of engines.
You need to use a mixture of gasoline and oil to help your saw function properly.
Most chainsaws, along with string trimmers, pole saws, brushcutters, leaf blowers, and other kinds of equipment, run with a two-stroke engine.
These engines require that a mixture of oil and fuel be added to the tank for proper lubrication and combustion.
If you only use gasoline, your engine will suffer.
To figure out the proper mixing ratio for your chainsaw, you will need to check when and by whom your saw was manufactured.
Check your user manual for specific ratios and instructions.
However, as a general rule of thumb, know that equipment made prior to 2003 requires a 32:1 gasoline to oil ratio.
For equipment manufactured after this date, you’ll want to use a mixture at a ratio of 40:1.
Pour the oil into an empty gasoline can before adding a gallon of fresh gasoline.
You don’t need to shake or otherwise agitate the mixture, but always use fresh gas to prevent potential problems.
If you plan on storing the mixture for more than a month or so, you may want to use a fuel stabilizer to increase the shelf life of the mixture.
Also, as a side note, you may want to avoid using gasoline with an ethanol content higher than 10%, as it attracts moisture when it is exposed to air.
The longer you have the mixture sitting in your gas can, the more disastrous the results can be for your engine’s carburetor.
What’s The Best Chainsaw Oil
Keep in mind that if you use motor oil (or any of the other substitutes besides standard bar and chain oil), they aren’t necessarily approved by chainsaw manufacturers.
Therefore, they can void your warranty.
If you use these substitutes in the long term without eventually filing your chainsaw with standard chainsaw oil, some long term damage can occur.
So, you should only use motor oil or any of these other substitutes when you absolutely have to. and only for a short period of time.
Ultimately, the best chainsaw oil for your saw is going to be the one that is recommended by your manufacturer.
However, feel free to use any of the selections above for a brief period. but only if you’re in a pinch!
Do Electric Chainsaws Need Oil
Adding oil to an electric chainsaw is simple. There is only one cap to find on any electric chainsaw. In this example, the oil reservoir is on the top of the chainsaw. In other chainsaws the cap may be on the side of the machine.
Be sure to keep the chainsaw steady as you add oil so you don’t spill any. Funnels, like these made by Arcan, are great for keeping the oil in the chainsaw.
- SET INCLUDES MULTIPLE SIZES: 2″ funnel (3.25″ long), 3″ funnel (4.25″ long), 4″ funnel (5″ long), and a 5″ funnel (6.25″ long).
- APPLICATIONS: All-purpose funnels that can be used for both motorcycles and cars for transferring transmission oil, engine oil, and other automotive.
- DURABLE: Made of oil resistant plastic, ideal for use with chemicals, with a flexible design that fits into hard to reach areas.
You should also prepare an area for you to pour in the oil in case of a spill. Bar and chain oil can easily stain concrete and can leave a bare spot in your lawn. Some left over cardboard boxes work very well to absorb the extra oil.
What type of oil do electric chainsaws need?
Electric chainsaws use the same type of bar and chain oil which gas chainsaws use. Using a great quality bar and chain oil will keep the friction low and properly lubricate all the moving parts. The best oil which we’ve found is the bar and chain oil by Husqvarna.
How often do you need to fill up the oil reservoir of electric chainsaws?
You’ll need to fill up the bar and chain oil reservoir prior to every use and periodically check it to make sure it is not empty. A good rule to follow, is to check the oil reservoir when changing batteries. For gas powered chainsaws, the rate of use is usually commensurate with the fuel use.
Your oil use gets more difficult to gauge while using corded chainsaws since you won’t run out of power. A good rule with corded chainsaws is to check the reservoir after every 20 minutes of use. You may find you need to fill it more often based on use.
Can you manually lubricate an electric chainsaw?
Yes, you can manually lubricate an electric chainsaw. As with any cutting tool, you can use a good spray lubricant for temporary lubrication like this one from Ballistol. This is my favorite lubricant for all my tools.
- Since 1904: The Original CLP. Cleans, Lubricates and Protects
- Multi-Purpose: Preserves and protects metal, wood, leather, rubber and plastics
- Lubricates and Cleans: Perfect for lubricating and cleaning tools, knives, marine parts, firearms and just about anything else
However, manual lubrication is very limited and wears out quickly. You’ll need to lubricate much more frequently, as often as every cut. We really do not recommend manual lubrication if your chainsaw has an automatic lubricating mechanism, as with most electric chainsaws on the market today.
If you still decide to use manual lubrication, do not use conventional WD-40. It is not a lubricant despite it seeming like it. The big risk is that your chainsaw will attract dirt and will destroy all the moving parts.
Is bar and chain oil safe?
Bar and chain oil is by no means an oil which you want to eat or ingest. However, the flash point of most bar and chain oils is above 500 degrees F, meaning it is highly unlikely for your chainsaw to catch fire due to heating the lubricating oil.
What happens if you don’t lubricate a chainsaw?
The first thing to give out is the chain. Quickly changing shape, due to the circular track, places a lot of stress on the chain. It is very likely that the chain will bind and not be able easily glide on the track.
Next, there will be lots of friction between the chain and the guide bar. This can cause permanent damage to the bar due to heat deformation. Remember that all the guide bars are precisely machined to fit a certain thickness chain, if you manage to damage that guide rail you will not be able to use that bar and will need to replace it.
If it is bad enough, you may see smoke coming from the chainsaw. Poor lubrication will make the engine work harder which can damage the internal components.
Angel is a Cuban immigrant who grew up with backyard chickens and a yard-loving abuela. He is our “gear guy” who can never have too many pairs of gloves or weed whacker attachments.
Protect your chainsaw’s working parts and keep the saw running smoothly with these premium bar and chain lubricants.
By Mark Wolfe | Published Mar 31, 2022 2:28 PM
We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
Before starting a chainsaw, be sure to top up the bar oil. Bar and chain oil is not the same as two-cycle oil, a type of oil that is mixed with gasoline to lubricate the inner parts of two-stroke gas engines. Instead, bar oil works on the exterior moving parts of the saw, keeping the chain, guide bar, and sprockets properly conditioned to cut efficiently.
With dozens of options available, it can be difficult to sort out which bar oil is right for your chainsaw and working conditions. To help clarify the choices, we have compiled the following list of the best chainsaw bar oil, with detailed product reviews later in the article.
- BEST OVERALL:Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Toro 38914 Chainsaw Oil
- BEST FOR SUMMER:Echo 6459007 Power Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
- BEST FOR WINTER:Poulan Pro 952030204 Bar and Chain Oil
- BEST ALL-SEASON:Husqvarna X-Guard All Season Bar Chain Oil
- BEST BIODEGRADABLE:Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro Bar and Chain Oil
- BEST FOR CORDLESS:Makita 181116-A Bar and Chain Oil
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY:STIHL 0781 516 5003 Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant
- ALSO CONSIDER:STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment, 18591
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chainsaw Bar Oil
A chainsaw is a valuable tool that needs care and maintenance to work properly and keep you safe. Using the best bar and chain oil is one of the easiest ways to prevent breakdowns. Following are some of the important factors to bear in mind as you shop.
Engine Type
Since bar oil works on the exterior parts of the saw, it may not be obvious that the engine type indirectly influences bar oil selection. Lightweight corded and cordless electric chainsaws work well with thinner, lower-viscosity bar and chain oil. Powerful gasoline engines generate more speed, force, and heat, and so these saws work best with high-viscosity, high-tack oils that will not break down under intense conditions.
These generalizations are not intended to be rules. Other factors related to the working conditions and even the oil itself should be considered before choosing the best bar and chain oil for your saw and cutting project.
Formula
The specific formula of the chainsaw oil makes a difference. For nearly a century, petroleum-based bar and chain oils were the only option. This has been problematic because bar oil is released directly into the environment while cutting. In recent years, biodegradable vegetable-based bar oil has shown superior results as an eco-friendly alternative. Unfortunately, the cost of biodegradable bar and chain oil in North America is currently much higher than petroleum.
Petroleum-based chainsaw oil may be either “conventional” or “synthetic.” Conventional oil is refined from crude oil and may be cheaper than synthetic. Synthetic oil is manufactured from modified petroleum products and other additives. Synthetic bar and chain oil is generally considered to be the higher-quality alternative.
Some formula pseudo-indicators on the label are less helpful and can be ignored. Terms like “premium,” “platinum,” and “master” are used for marketing and are not based on industry standards.
Oil Weight and Viscosity
Air temperature affects oil performance. Cold winter temperatures make oil thicker, or more viscous, and difficult to pour into the reservoir. Hot summer weather makes it runny, or less viscous, which increases oil consumption and decreases the oil’s effectiveness. To counteract the effects of air temperature, choose different oil weights for extreme conditions.
- All-season (approximately 10 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), 30 to 40 weight
- Winter (32 degrees Fahrenheit and colder), 20 weight
- Summer (40 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer), 40 to 50 weight
Tackiness
Chainsaw users often ask if it is OK to use regular motor oil instead of bar oil. After all, motor oil is also designed to lubricate fast-moving metal parts under high temperature and pressure. However, the important difference between bar oil and motor oil is tackiness. Bar oil is made with a “tackifier” additive that makes it stick to the bar and chain at high speeds and temperatures. Motor oil quickly flies off the chain in these conditions, making it far less effective.
Some bar oil brands use terms like “high tack” or “low sling” to indicate the oil’s ability to stay on the bar and chain. It is important to note there is no industry labeling standard to quantify or compare tackiness among products, so these terms can be considered marketing tools.
Additives
Lubricant makers employ a variety of chemical additives to achieve performance results in addition to basic “slippery-ness.” In chainsaw oil, tackifier is one important example. Others may include dispersants, oxidation inhibitors, anti-wear agents, and viscosity improvers. These performance enhancing products add to the price of the oil, so that the old adage that “you get what you pay for” is true.
expensive branded bar and chain oils contain higher levels of these additives. With consistent use, results may include reduced oil usage, smoother cutting action, and longer saw life.
Some manufacturers add colored dyes to their bar and chain oils. Colored oils can be easier to see inside the oil reservoir, or through the reservoir “window” as an indicator to refill.
Size
Most bar and chain oils are available in quart or gallon containers. The gallon size is the most cost-effective for those who cut lots of wood. Quart bottles may be a more convenient option for occasional users who don’t want to store extra oil for months at a time or longer.
Our Top Picks
We compiled these picks of the best bar and chain oil by researching the recommendations of top chainsaw manufacturers. We then compared those results to bar oil brands with the most positive customer feedback. Read on for the results.
Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
Oregon Bar And Chain Oil is one of the best-selling bar oils. It is made with additives for increased tackiness compared to other brands and high-film strength to prevent corrosion and wear on the saw chain, bar, and sprockets. Plus this oil reduces buildup of tree sap, gum, and resins on saw parts. This bar oil is suitable for all chainsaw types, as well as pole saws and hedge trimmers.
The specially designed formula works in a wide range of temperatures, with extra tackiness to prevent throw-off. It has a somewhat runny consistency, which is perfect for working in most temperatures. Its lower viscosity allows chainsaw motors to work more efficiently, which may reduce fuel consumption but could also lead to increased bar oil usage.
Product Specs
- Thin viscosity is less oil-efficient in hot weather
- expensive than bargain brands
