Can I Use Motor Oil for Chainsaw Bar & Chain?

Oiling the chainsaw bar & chain with the correct oil is part of its maintenance.

However, can I use motor oil for the chainsaw bar & chain?

It is a commonly raised query by most new chainsaw users, and the answer is yes, but only as a substitute for lubrication or an alternative option.

Continue reading the following article to have an in-depth knowledge of which oil is ideal for chainsaws or which one to avoid and everything else to maintain perfect lubrication of your chainsaw.

Can I Use Motor Oil for Chainsaw Bar & Chain?

The short answer is yes, but not ideal for chainsaws, and you can only use motor oil as a substitute or temporary alternative. 

If you do not have any other option and only have some motor oil left after using it on your stock, you can use it as an emergency backup solution to lubricate your chainsaw bar temporarily.

Motor oil such as the 10W30, SAE30, or SAE10 is acceptable for the chainsaw.

The 10W30 type has multi-weight and can become thicker during summer as well as turns thinner during winter, so use it in both seasons as an alternative substitute.

Also, SAE10 oil is preferable for summer times. On the contrary, the SAE10 motor oil has variations and viscosity more suitable for cold temperatures.

Why Should I Avoid Using Motor Oil for Chainsaw?

The first con is that the motor oil is less sticky and will not stay on the bar and chain for long. Motor oil tends to fling off as you start cutting with the machine.

When you use motor oil, it tends to get low much quicker than any standard bar & chain lubricating oil would and as a consequence,you will have to refill the bar oil reservoir more frequently.

Motor oil is also dangerous for environmental well-being.

That’s why it is ideal to avoid using motor oil for chainsaws.

Is It Necessary to Oil the Chainsaw Chain & Bar?

Definitely, it is necessary to oil the chainsaw bar & chain because it keeps the bar & chain lubricated.

Whether you are using a gas or electric chainsaw, when you run the chainsaw, it generates friction between the bar & chain due to constant contact between these two during the process.

Now when the chainsaw bar & chain is not lubricated with the correct oil, the friction will become extreme and produce extra heat. This increased friction & high heat limits the usual flow of the chain. The chain struggles to move around the bar and eventually stops moving due to a lack of lubrication.

But when the bar & chain are well-lubricated, the generated extreme friction between the bar & the chain will no longer restrict the smooth flow of the chain. As a result, you will see that the chain is moving or turning around the guide bar smoothly.

In short, the bar and chain are the major components of the chainsaw. Lubrication is mandatory to keep these two components alive & active during work.

If you avoid lubricating them regularly, it will effectively affect the overall performance of your chainsaw. You will notice that your chainsaw has become slower and consumes much more fuel than usual. Even the generated additional heat can damage other major components of your chainsaw.

What Kind of Oil Can I Use on My Chainsaw?

Experts highly recommend & advise using the specific bar & chain oil recommended by your chainsaw manufacturer, and you will get this info mentioned in your user manual.

Use Petroleum-based oil or lubricants for your chainsaw chain & bar because these types of lubricants are not only formulated to provide necessary lubrication but also provide enough adhesion required for the chainsaw chain & bar.

When the chainsaw starts cutting, the chain gradually starts spinning around the bar at high speed. Therefore, the bar & chain oil you choose must be stickier enough so that it won’t fly off and cause extreme friction between the bar & chain.

Always pick the top-ranked bar and chain oil to lubricate your chainsaw well, such as Oregon Bar and Chain Oil, Husqvarna X-Guard Premium, or STP Premium Oil.

What Other Substitute Oil Can I use For Chainsaw Bar & Chain?

Besides motor oil, you can also use Hydraulic oil, Vegetable oil, or Canola oil as a temporary substitute for your chainsaw. But only when you do not have any other option.

Hydraulic oil is similar to motor oil but tends to dry quicker than motor oil, so won’t last any longer.

Therefore, the refilling frequency of Hydraulic oil is more than motor oil. Also, it can be extremely dangerous at higher pressure conditions.

Vegetable oil is the most available handy option when you do not have petroleum-based oil left in your stock.

Vegetable oil is comparatively more environmentally friendly than motor & Hydraulic oil because its much thinner & contains lower viscosity than the other two oils.

However, have to fill the oil reservoir very often to keep the chainsaw well-lubricated during demanding jobs.

Canola oil is excellent in handling high heat and outdoor temperatures. Therefore, it will effectively protect the bar and chain from damaging friction.

Canola oil is especially suitable as a substitute option during cutting wood in colder weather. But have to fill the oil repeatedly just like other substitute options.

Remember, those earlier discussed substitutes are only suitable for a shorter period. But in the long run, you will have to use the standard oil recommended by your chainsaw manufacturer.

Tips To Consider While Oiling Your Chainsaw Bar & Chain:

• Ensure that your chosen oil contains additives to control corrosion, increase tackiness, and reduce build-up debris.
• While oiling or lubricating the bar & chain on your chainsaw, wait a minute or so after putting oil so that the oil can set on the chain & bar properly. Then close the cap.
• If you are going to grease the bar, better do it every time you use the chainsaw or never the bar at all. Because some bars have grease holes up at the front sprocket and these holes tend to fill up with dirt after multiple uses. As you grease the bar, that grease takes all dirt and pushes it into the bearing. That won’t be good for your chainsaw.
• If you own a battery chainsaw, always remember to take the battery out while performing or doing any maintenance like oiling or lubricating the chainsaw chain & bar. This action prevents you from accidentally hitting the trigger and getting the chain to move or spin.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Verdict

There are two types of oil used in a modern chainsaw, one for the chainsaw motor or engine and another for chain & bar maintenance.

Therefore, one needs to know which oil type is suitable for the engine and which is ideal for bar & chain lubrication. So, next time you plan to lubricant your chainsaw, be sure you are picking the right oil.