One of the most common questions that we get is ‘What can I use for chainsaw bar oil substitute?’ In fact, we get this question so often that we deiced to write a blog post on it. In this article, we’ll answer in details what can you use for chainsaw bar oil substitute.
Simply, the answer is – Regular motor oil you can use as a substitute for chainsaw bar oil.
Motor oil gives an extra shine on the chainsaw blades and it lubricates faster than any other chainsaw bar oil. To keep the chainsaw chains and bars working properly, bars must be lubricated with the motor oil.
Here is another substitute
Canola oil can replace chainsaw bar oil. Canola oil is also thinner and versatile like chainsaw bar oil. The oil serves as a natural substitute for the chainsaw and bar. Also, canola oil is environment-friendly, so using it as a chain lubricant offers no danger to the environment.
Oil misting can happen with chainsaws as they run on high RPMs. As a result, the user can be affected by dermal absorption or inhalation. Canola-based chain oils contain a low amount of vapor pressure, which decreases the fume inhalation. Thus, canola oil is much safer for you.
After applying it on the chainsaw give it a minute to dry. The oil gives a dry grip on the chains after drying up and works perfectly on all type of chainsaws.
Lastly, a 4 liter of chain oil costs $12.99 ($3.24/liter) while a 3 liter of canola oil costs $7.99 ($2.66/liter). So, it is much cheaper.
Chainsaw Bar Oil Substitute?
There are 3 oils that can be considered as a substitute to chainsaw bar oil.
- Motor oil.
- Vegetable oil.
- And Drained Hydraulic Fluids.
These three substitute is best for chainsaw bar besides Pole saw bar. Motor oil produces more smoothness on the chainsaw chains and vegetable oil provides natural thickness on the chain. On the other hand, Hydraulic fluids provide more brush and keep it lubricated.
Motor Oil
Motor oil is high Flammable. We mainly use petroleum-based motor oil for chainsaw. It needs to be refined before using on the chainsaws. However, the positive part of using petroleum-based motor oil is it gives a better grip on the chainsaw bar.
Vegetable Oil
Vegetable oils come with many desirable natural properties such as good resistance to shear, good lubricity, high viscosity index and a high flashpoint.
The only drawback of using vegetable oil is you can’t use it during cold seasons.
Hydraulic fluid
Hydraulic fluids are not as viscous as other oils. As a result, it dries up much faster than the alternatives. The solution is to get a thicker consistency by mixing it with other oil (recommend by the manufacturer).
When choosing an alternative oil, keep in mind the lubrication properties and check if it is eco-friendly or not. Some oils need to be modified before you can use them. Using an oil without the correct properties can significantly lower the lifetime of your chainsaw.
In comparison, vegetable oil is much safer than petroleum-based oils.
Can I Use Regular Motor Oil As My Chainsaw Bar Oil?
Yes, you can but read this part very carefully.
Regular motor oil can be used on chainsaw bar and chains but all type of motor oil isn’t recommended. SAE 30 oil is suitable for summer. On the other hand, you can use SAE 10 during winter to lube the chainsaw.
Motor oil is inexpensive since it is actually car oil. You should only use filtered motor oil. Collecting the oil while it is still hot will make filtering much easier. Also, in this way, the oil will get much cleaner.
Used motor oil can sling off the chainsaw faster than other oils. This is because used motor oil is already broken down. It doesn’t have the sticky additive that is commonly found in bar oil.
This additive keeps the oil in the bar chain and groove. Having to replace oil more frequently will end up eating up any savings.
As well, there is a high chance of finding more oil spatters at the time of using the chainsaw. You’ll have to clean your boots, pants, and gear more frequently.
Don’t use hydrated motor oil as it’s harmful to blades and to you too. Hydrated or unrefined motor oil is highly flammable as well and can be dangerous for the environment.
Chainsaw Bar Oiling Tips
- Before oiling, set your chainsaw on a ground-level surface and keep the bar side down so that it lays flat.
- Use a small funnel to oil the chainsaw bars and chains.
- After oiling the chains and bar, allow it a minute to settle the poured oil.
- Before oiling, unscrew all the parts of the chainsaw including chainsaw bar, chainsaw belt, and chainsaw reservoir.
- Make sure you don’t over pour oil on the chainsaw parts.
- Select a dry place to oil the chainsaw blades and bar. The dry place helps the chainsaw parts to consume the oil into it properly. Too much fast oil consuming can be harmful to the blades and bar. You’ll have to oil again if this happens.
- During the summer season keep the chainsaw away from direct sun rays. On the other hand, keep it in a warm place away of fire when the weather is cold.
- Keep your chainsaw clean. Clean your chainsaw with a dry clean cloth or soak the cloth into the water and then clean it.
- Do not pour water directly on the chainsaw as it’s harmful to the internal machine.
- After oiling the chainsaw blades and bar, keep it away for a 1 hour. It will allow everything to work smoothly like a new machine.
Read Full Guide Here: How to Oil a Chainsaw
Final Words
We hope by now, you have got a complete answer to the question ‘What can I use for chainsaw bar oil?’. After all this writing on chainsaw oils, if you ask our opinion, we would recommend you to use a reputed chainsaw bar oil because it’s safe to use and easier to find.
You can also buy Oregon 54-059 Chainsaw Chain Oil. It’s slightly thinner and fully light compared to other oils. It will be the best chainsaw oil to use on your loving chainsaw.
