You want lubrication of the actual chain against the bar. You don’t want to chain to burn – which is what might happen if there’s too much friction. Without oil, it causes frictional force on the motor in the chainsaw as well.
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. Common Issues if Chainsaw Oil Is Bad. Chainsaw engine oil can go bad. Two-cycle oil is good for up to five years when sealed, and many manufacturers list the oil’s shelf life on the container. “One thing we do for our customers who buy a chainsaw that requires an oil/gas mix is we have them buy a gas can and we write the formula right on the can with a big black Sharpie. Then, the next time they need to make the mixture, they can dump in the right amount of oil and take the can to the gas station and pump in the right amount of gas.”
Electric chainsaws don’t require added oil, but there is a way you will use oil with your electric chainsaw. Electric chainsaws have specific bar and chain lubrication oil that is to be used on them. Although electric chainsaws do not use gasoline and oil as a gasoline-powered chainsaw would, you will need to lubricate the bar and chain as you would any chainsaw.
Use replacements if you run out: You can also buy lubricants that can substitute bar oil and allow your saw to run for short periods without actual bar oil, such as WD-40, cooking spray oil, or vegetable oil. You can use engine oil: Standard motor oil can be used in place of bar oil. You would need to check and fill your bar oil tank more often if motor oil is used instead. I would say that motor oil does provide enough lubrication, but it possesses a slightly higher viscosity which is not ideal for use in a chainsaw.
do i need chainsaw oil Related Question:
What happens if you dont use chainsaw oil?
Without lubricant, the speed at which the chain moves over the chainsaw bar can cause some serious friction. A slowed-down chain and excessive fuel burning mean there’s a lot of friction between your bar and chain, which means a lot of heat is being produced that could do major damage to your saw.
Can you use any oil for chainsaw bar oil?
Generally, chainsaws can handle a wide range of lubricants. Vegetable and canola oils work well, and automobile motor oil will too, as long as you observe the SAE ratings and use the appropriate oil weight for the season. Always use fresh, never used, oils.
Can you use normal oil for chainsaw?
While motor oil is not the best substitute for chainsaw bar oil, it will work as a temporary measure if find you have no other option. The downside of motor oil is that it’s not sticky enough to stay on the bar and chain. So, when you’re using the chainsaw, the motor oil will fling off as you cut and make quite a mess.
Is chainsaw oil the same as motor oil?
Bar and chain oil is stickier than regular motor oil, so it stays on the chain longer. Motor oil flings off the chain more quickly, so if you try Terry’s tip, be prepared to refill the oil on your chain saw more quickly than with regular bar and chain oil.
Do cordless chainsaws need oil?
Due to the constant metal-on-metal friction between the bar and chain of a chainsaw, the bar needs to be continually lubricated with oil. This allows the chain to run smoothly. Without it, chains break easily. Look for a rechargeable chainsaw with an automatic bar oiler, which will constantly apply oil to the bar.
Can I use 10w30 for chainsaw bar oil?
As a matter of fact, you can actually use regular 10w30 motor oil on a chainsaw as one of the alternatives in case you don’t have bar and chain oil. That’s because 10w30 oil has enough thickness and viscosity that will allow it to withstand the friction that is happening whenever you are using a chainsaw.
What is bar oil equivalent to?
Canola oil It is thinner than regular vegetable oil, meaning it will tend to fly off the chainsaw more quickly – but it has a more suitable viscosity at lower temperatures so makes a good substitute for chainsaw oil when it is too cold to use vegetable oil.
Can you use vegetable oil chainsaw?
Effective – Vegetable oils have natural properties including good lubricity, resistance to shear, a high flash point, and a high viscosity index. These qualities lend themselves to chain lubricant requirements similar to petroleum-based chain oils, and do not contribute to chain or bar wear over time.
How long does bar and chain oil last?
Two- stroke oil will last for a couple of years when it is not mixed with petroleum. Once mixed with petroleum we would not recommend keeping for more than 3-4 months in a sealed air tight approved storage container.