What Weight is Chainsaw Bar Oil Used For?
A chainsaw bar oil is usually petroleum-based or vegetable oil. It is used for lubricating the chain of a chainsaw. It also transfers heat so that the chainsaw does not get hot.
The chainsaw bar oil helps with adhesion as it is sticky. Vegetable oils produce more environment-friendly steam than petroleum-based oils.
The weight of a chainsaw oil is necessary as it provides different levels of performance in seasonal variations (summer and winter). The weights of chainsaw bar oil and its significance are discussed below.
What is Standard Oil Weight Measurements?
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) rates the viscosity of oil according to how it flows at 210 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the temperature at which most motors operate.
However, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) does not grade Chainsaw bar oil. Nonetheless, the chainsaw bar oil is rated for usage in the summer or winter.
This can be distinguished because, some brands of bar oil may have SAE weights on them. Such as the brand called ‘Champion’.
What is the Chainsaw Bar Oil Weight?
Unlike engine oil, bar oil contains tackifiers. Bar oil may be either 20W or 30W. 20W is preferable for cold weather. The Tractor Supply Bar Oil is very thick at colder temperatures.
That being said, they are probably all about the same once the saw warms up. SAE 10W, 30W and 40W oil can be used according to outside temperatures. SAE 5-20 W is good for 40 degrees Fahrenheit (cold weather).
But Does Weather Really Influence The Weight Of The Bar Oil?
Almost all the forums in the internet will tell you otherwise. Especially as the weights are distinguished based on summer and winter. But no, it doesn’t matter.
The heat of the saw will warm it up. So the weather doesn’t affect the oil weight it once its in the saw. Sure it’s slow while refueling, but no real hardship.
However, if you are overworking the saw, (like cutting oak wood), its better to use engine oil.
What Other Oil Can Be Used Instead of Bar Chain Oil?
Bar chain oil, particularly the 10w30 oil contains highly refined mineral oil. It also includes a bar and chain oil additive mixture.
In case of motor oil, it delivers a same performance as the bar oil. But after a while, it gets very thin. It also lacks the tackiness of the bar oil.
Other than that, there is no difference on bearings )wear and tear) with bar oil vs motor oil.
“Clean, lubricate, and protect” is what “CLP” stands for in Breakfree CLP gun oil. The fundamental idea of 3-in-1 oil is the same. So it can also be used in bar oil.
But it may be too light for routine use. But for emergency use, it might be viable.
Other than this, using premium gas or, ethanol-free premium (even better) oil is also better.
How to Check if the Chainsaw Is Oiling the Bar Chain?
To check if there’s proper oiling inside the chainsaw, follow the steps below:
Step 1:
First, start the chainsaw. Run it with the chain spinning but do not cut through wood.
Step 2:
Then stop the chainsaw.
Step 3:
Touch the chain. See if there’s slight oil on your fingers from touching the chain.
Step 4:
Another thing you can do is lift the chain from the bar. The drive links should produce strings of oil when you take them out. This might be easier done underneath the bar.
Step 5:
Look at the chain in such a way that a source of light reflects on it. You can see that an oil film is reflecting light.
Alternative method:
Take a piece of cardboard and run your chainsaw in front of it. The chainsaw should not cut through the cardboard. But it should be very close.
After running the chainsaw for a while, you will see many drops of oil on the cardboard.
It will create a single line of oil. If it doesn’t, then the chainsaw bar is not getting proper oil.
How to Oil a Chainsaw Bar?
Here’s how to oil your bar chain:
- At first, disconnect the battery.
- Then take out the clutch cover and clean the debris. You can do this with a small scraping tool. Properly clean around the driver too. Wipe and reassemble the cover.
- Take the chain of the chainsaw. Put it in a zip bag. Then put the bar oil (or any oil you are using) in the bag and let the chain soak the oil.
- After letting it sit for half a day or overnight, take the chain out and assemble it on the chainsaw.
Best Bar Oil in 2023
Some of the best oils used on chainsaw bars are listed below:
| Name | Type | Current Price on Amazon |
| Oregon Bar and Chain Oil | Petroleum Based | $7.49/quart |
| Husqvarna X-Guard Premium | Petroleum Based and all seasons | $28.95/gallon |
| Stihl 0781 Platinum | Petroleum Based | $46.89/gallon |
| Dewalt Chainsaw Oil | Plant Based (soy based) | $74.5/pound |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if the bar oil is too thick?
The chainsaw will fail to start and will not run smoothly when the bar oil is too thick. Some chainsaws are better at oiling the bar. Otherwise, these problems occur.
What is the best vegetable oil to use as chainsaw bar oil?
Apply rapeseed oil. Better for the environment, cleaner for everyone, less expensive, and thinner than standard bar oil. It also doesn’t clog up like Stihl’s bio-oil. It also maintains its liquid state at -20 C. However, it does not have tackifiers.
How often should you check for bar and chain oil?
Every time you refuel.
