Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil Substitute: Top Picks & Reviews

Anyone who has ever used a chainsaw knows how crucial it is to keep the chain and bar sufficiently oiled. This proper lubrication will keep the chainsaw blades running smoothly and prevent friction from occurring which can cause damage to your tool and also dangerous heat build-up.

Your chainsaw’s manufacturer will have recommendations for what bar and chain oil works best for your specific chainsaw, and you will be able to find this information in the user’s manual, or by contacting them directly. However, the lubricants they recommend can often be costly and maybe the recommended choice simply is not available when you need it.

Fear no more! We have compiled a list of common alternatives to expensive chainsaw bar and chain oil, including our reviews of each one in hope that we can save you time and money!

Table of Contents

• Why Do You Need Chainsaw Bar Oil
• 5 Best Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil Substitutes
  • 1. Vegetable Oil
  • 2. Canola Oil
  • 3. Motor Oil
  • 4. Diluted Hydraulic Fluid
  • 5. Gear Oil
• What Oil Can Be Used For Chainsaw Bar Oil?
• Emergency Options for Chainsaw Bar Oil Substitute
  • 1. Diluted Drained Motor Oil
  • 2. Diluted Drained Hydraulic Fluids
• How to Filter Used Motor Oil and Hydraulic Fluid
  • Filtering Motor Oil
  • Filtering Hydraulic Fluid
• Chainsaw Bar & Chain Oil Substitute Key Considerations
  • Safety & Ecology
  • Viscosity
  • Flash Point
• Chainsaw Chain & Bar Substitute Oil Tips
• FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Why Do You Need Chainsaw Bar Oil

Chainsaw bar oil is not just an optional accessory; it’s a fundamental component of chainsaw maintenance that ensures the tool operates smoothly, efficiently, and safely. Neglecting to use bar oil can lead to premature wear, increased risk of accidents, and potentially costly repairs, emphasizing the importance of regular lubrication in chainsaw upkeep.

5 Best Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil Substitutes

Now, let’s get into the bar and chain oil substitutes. Here are the top 6 options for a chainsaw oil substitute:

1. Vegetable Oil
2. Canola Oil
3. Motor Oil
4. Diluted Hydraulic Oil
5. Gear Oil

Oil Substitute	Pros	Cons
Vegetable Oil	Inexpensive, non-toxic, biodegradable, sticky, high flash point	Can clump at low temperatures
Canola Oil	Non-toxic, biodegradable, good cold weather performance, high flash point	Not very sticky, better as an additive
Motor Oil	Viscous, stays on chain, high flash point, easy to find	Harmful if inhaled, can’t be used on plants
Diluted Hydraulic Fluid	Discourages rust and corrosion, good in low temps, high flash point	Extremely dangerous, not sticky, harmful to plants
Gear Oil	High viscosity, withstands pressure	Not designed for chainsaw use, can attract debris

1. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oil is one of the safest alternatives available to oil your chainsaw, hence why we’re starting here! Given that it is completely non-toxic and biodegradable, it can be used to trim live trees without the danger of hurting you or the plants! And what makes it even better is how cheap it is, you probably even have some in your kitchen already.

Traditional chain saw bar and chain oils are petroleum-based, which of course comes with some environmental drawbacks and health hazards. These vegetable oil-based lubricants operate efficiently, even at low temperatures. While also being environmentally conscious, bio-degradable, and resulting in fewer health problems from inhalation or ingestion.

The viscosity of vegetable oil also means that you will be able to use it without dilution if required. But the tradeoff here is that this oil is typically prone to clumping and becoming unusable in colder weather environments.

Pros

• Inexpensive
• High flash point
• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Sticky and fairly viscous

Cons

• It will clump at lower temperatures

Chainsaw Bar Oil vs Vegetable Oil

Chainsaw bar oil and vegetable oil are two different types of lubricants with different properties and uses. Chainsaw bar oil is specifically designed to lubricate the bar and chain of a chainsaw, whereas vegetable oil is a cooking oil commonly used in food preparation. Chainsaw bar oil is formulated to stick to the bar and chain and provide adequate lubrication in outdoor conditions, while vegetable oil is not intended for use as a lubricant. Using vegetable oil instead of chainsaw bar oil can result in decreased performance and potentially harm your chainsaw, as well as create a fire hazard.

How to Use

1. Choose the Right Oil: Opt for a high-quality vegetable oil that maintains a stable viscosity across a range of temperatures. Canola oil is a popular choice due to its relatively low viscosity and good performance in a variety of temperatures.
2. Clean the Chainsaw: Before switching to vegetable oil, clean the chainsaw thoroughly, especially the oil reservoir, to remove any residues of conventional oil. This helps to prevent any potential reactions or clogging issues.
3. Fill the Reservoir: Use vegetable oil just as you would traditional chainsaw bar oil: Fill the chainsaw’s oil reservoir with the vegetable oil, ensuring not to overfill it.
4. Test the Chainsaw: After filling, test the chainsaw to make sure the vegetable oil is being properly dispensed onto the chain and bar. You may need to adjust the oil flow settings if your chainsaw allows it, as vegetable oil can have a different flow rate compared to standard bar oils.
5. Monitor Performance and Lubrication: Regularly check the chain and bar for adequate lubrication during use. Vegetable oil might require more frequent application or adjustments to the flow rate to ensure proper lubrication.
6. Consider Weather Conditions: Be mindful of the temperature when using vegetable oil. In colder environments, vegetable oil can thicken, which might impede its flow and reduce its lubricating properties. Some users mix vegetable oil with a small amount of petroleum-based oil to improve its cold-weather performance, though this may reduce the environmental benefits.
7. Regular Maintenance: Continue regular maintenance on your chainsaw, including cleaning and sharpening the chain, and cleaning the oil reservoir periodically to prevent any buildup or blockages.

2. Canola Oil

Similar to vegetable oil, canola oil is another super-safe and cheap chainsaw oil substitute. Canola is made solely from rapeseed oil and is generally significantly less sticky than vegetable oil.

Canola oil will cling to the chain much better when used in lower temperatures. It has to be said, some do-it-yourselfers advocate using canola oil straight out of your pantry as a bar and chain oil alternative and you will likely come across reviews swearing to this.

One drawback is its viscosity, as it does not make canola oil a great permanent solution, but it can be incredibly useful for diluting other oils or use on snowy days!

Pros

• Non-toxic and biodegradable
• Produces little to no fumes
• Performs well in lower temperatures
• Has a high flash point

Cons

• Not very sticky, better as an additive

Chainsaw Bar Oil vs Canola Oil

Chainsaw bar oil and canola oil are two different types of lubricants with different properties and uses. Chainsaw bar oil is specifically designed to lubricate the bar and chain of a chainsaw, whereas canola oil is a cooking oil commonly used in food preparation. Chainsaw bar oil is formulated to stick to the bar and chain and provide adequate lubrication in outdoor conditions, while canola oil is not intended for use as a lubricant. Using canola oil instead of chainsaw bar oil can result in decreased performance and potentially harm your chainsaw, as well as create a fire hazard.

How to Use

1. Choose a high-quality canola oil: It should be pure and not mixed with other types of oils to ensure consistency in performance. The quality of the oil can affect its lubrication properties and how well it performs in different temperatures.
2. Clean the Chainsaw: Before switching to canola oil, clean your chainsaw thoroughly. Pay special attention to the oil reservoir and the oiling system to remove any residues of the previously used bar oil. This helps prevent any potential clogging or mixing issues that could affect lubrication.
3. Fill the Reservoir with Canola Oil: Use canola oil just like you would traditional chainsaw bar oil. Fill the chainsaw’s oil reservoir with canola oil, ensuring not to overfill it. Make sure the cap is secured properly to avoid leaks.
4. Adjust the Oiler, if Necessary: Depending on your chainsaw model, you might need to adjust the oiler to ensure the proper flow of canola oil, as its viscosity can differ from that of standard chainsaw oils. Start with the manufacturer’s recommended setting and adjust as needed based on the oiling performance observed during use.
5. Test the Chainsaw: Test your chainsaw after filling it with canola oil to make sure the oil is being dispensed properly onto the chain and bar. Look for a consistent thin film of oil on the bar and the presence of oil splatter at the tip of the bar when the saw is running. This indicates proper lubrication.
6. Monitor and Adjust: Regularly check the lubrication of the chain and bar while working. Canola oil might require more frequent application or flow rate adjustments to maintain adequate lubrication, especially under heavy use or varying temperature conditions.
7. Consider Temperature Effects: Be mindful that canola oil, like other vegetable oils, can thicken in cold temperatures, which might reduce its flow and effectiveness as a lubricant. In colder climates, storing the oil and chainsaw in a warmer place before use can help maintain the oil’s fluidity.
8. Perform Regular Maintenance: Maintain your chainsaw as recommended by the manufacturer, including regular cleaning and sharpening of the chain, and periodic cleaning of the oil reservoir to prevent buildup.

3. Motor Oil

If you don’t have either of the previous oils at hand, motor oil can make a decent, last-resort oil for your chainsaw. You will find it sitting around in most people’s garages, likely yours, and it has excellent viscosity along with a high flash point.

Chainsaw bar and chain oil aren’t rated by SAE like traditional automobile motor oils are. Instead, chainsaw bar and chain oil manufacturers recommend summer and winter weights. If your manufacturer’s recommended bar and chain oil is unavailable, many users swear by using SAE 30-weight motor oil to lube your chain during the summer and then SAE 10-weight during the winter.

However, it should be noted that motor oil should not be used to replace the chain and bar oil recommended by your chainsaw’s manufacturer, only a temporary solution. When using a chainsaw, droplets of oil are flung everywhere by the spinning blades. This includes the air, the surrounding environment, and the operator.

Motor oil is toxic to plants, so you should not use it in your garden or on living trees. And you surely don’t want to be possibly breathing in motor oil on a regular basis now do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so. That’s why it is better to use it sparingly or in emergencies as an occasional dilution of safe oil.

Pros

• Is incredibly viscous and will stay on the chain
• Has a high flash point
• Easily found in most garages

Cons

• Contains cleaners, not just oil
• It May be harmful to inhale
• Cannot be used on living plants

Chainsaw Bar Oil vs Motor Oil

Chainsaw bar oil and motor oil are two different types of lubricants with different properties and uses. Chainsaw bar oil is specifically designed to lubricate the bar and chain of a chainsaw, whereas motor oil is used to lubricate the internal combustion engine of a vehicle or other machinery. The properties of chainsaw bar oil and motor oil can vary, but chainsaw bar oil is typically formulated to stick to the bar and chain and provide adequate lubrication in outdoor conditions, while motor oil is formulated to provide a balance of wear protection, cleanliness, and fuel efficiency. Using the wrong type of lubricant can result in decreased performance and potentially harm your equipment.

How to Use

1. Choose the Right Type of Motor Oil: Select a motor oil with an appropriate viscosity for your operating conditions. Lighter oils (e.g., 10W-30) are better for cold weather, while heavier oils (e.g., SAE 30) might be more suitable for warmer conditions. However, motor oils generally do not perform as well as genuine bar and chain oils in extreme conditions.
2. Clean the Chainsaw: Before using motor oil in your chainsaw, clean the chainsaw thoroughly, especially the oil reservoir. This ensures that any residues from previously used oils are removed, preventing potential clogging or mixing that could affect lubrication performance.
3. Fill the Reservoir: Use the motor oil as you would normally use chainsaw bar oil by filling the chainsaw’s oil reservoir with it. Be cautious not to overfill and ensure the cap is securely fastened to prevent leaks.
4. Test the Chainsaw: After filling the chainsaw with motor oil, test it to ensure that the oil is being properly dispensed onto the chain and bar. Check for adequate lubrication by looking for a slight sheen of oil on the bar and observing oil splatter at the tip of the bar when the saw is running.
5. Monitor Lubrication and Performance: Keep an eye on the chain and bar lubrication during use. You might need to adjust the oil flow settings if your chainsaw allows it, as motor oil can have a different flow rate compared to standard bar oils. Ensure the chain remains well-lubricated to prevent wear and overheating.
6. Regular Maintenance: Continue with regular chainsaw maintenance, including cleaning and sharpening the chain and cleaning the oil reservoir periodically. This helps in preventing any buildup or blockages that could impair lubrication.

4. Diluted Hydraulic Fluid

Hydraulic fluid has similar traits to motor oil in that it also has a high flash point and superior lubrication abilities. You will find it being used in automotive brake systems, so, you may already have some hydraulic fluid in your garage.

A drawback here is that hydraulic fluid is significantly less viscous and will not stick to the chain well. But if you are dangerously low on your regular oil, hydraulic oil can be added to what you’ve got left to extend your usage period, hence, why I’ve labeled this suggestion as diluted.

It’s very important you don’t ever use hydraulic fluid without proper safety gear. It can be extremely dangerous at high pressures, and you should seek to avoid any contact with skin or inhalation. Just to reiterate, the hydraulic fluid should be a backup like motor oil, but never your go-to alternative.

Pros

• Discourages rust and corrosion
• Good for use in extremely low temperatures
• High flash point

Cons

• Is extremely dangerous and should never contact with the skin, or be inhaled
• Mineral oil-based and not sticky
• Can be harmful to living plants

Chainsaw Bar Oil vs Diluted Hydraulic Fluid

Chainsaw bar oil and diluted hydraulic fluid are two different types of lubricants with different properties and uses. Chainsaw bar oil is specifically designed to lubricate the bar and chain of a chainsaw, whereas hydraulic fluid is used to transmit power in hydraulic systems, such as those found in construction equipment and manufacturing machinery. Chainsaw bar oil is formulated to stick to the bar and chain and provide adequate lubrication in outdoor conditions, while hydraulic fluid is formulated to have a high viscosity to withstand high pressure and prevent leaks in hydraulic systems. Using diluted hydraulic fluid instead of chainsaw bar oil can result in decreased performance and potentially harm your chainsaw, as well as create a fire hazard due to the flammable nature of hydraulic fluid.

How to Use

1. Dilution: If you decide to dilute hydraulic fluid to attempt to match the viscosity of standard chainsaw bar oil, use a light carrier oil that is compatible with hydraulic fluid. However, determining the correct dilution ratio can be challenging without specific knowledge of the fluid’s properties and the operating conditions of your chainsaw.
2. Test in Small Quantities: Before committing to using the diluted hydraulic fluid for an extended period, test it in small quantities to observe how well it lubricates the chain and bar and to ensure it does not cause immediate damage or operational issues.
3. Monitor Performance Closely: Pay close attention to the chainsaw’s performance and the condition of the bar and chain. Look for signs of inadequate lubrication, such as increased friction, overheating, or accelerated wear.
4. Clean the Chainsaw Thoroughly After Use: After using the chainsaw with diluted hydraulic fluid, clean it thoroughly to remove any residue that could gum up the bar, chain, or oiling system. This is crucial to prevent long-term damage.
5. Switch Back to Recommended Lubricants ASAP: As soon as possible, revert to using the manufacturer-recommended chainsaw bar oil. Proper lubrication is critical for the longevity and safe operation of your chainsaw.

5. Gear Oil

Chainsaw Bar Oil vs Gear Oil

Chainsaw bar oil and gear oil are two different types of lubricants with different properties and uses. Chainsaw bar oil is specifically designed to lubricate the bar and chain of a chainsaw, whereas gear oil is used to lubricate gears in gearboxes and transmissions. Chainsaw bar oil is formulated to stick to the bar and chain and provide adequate lubrication in outdoor conditions, while gear oil is formulated to have a high viscosity to withstand high loads and pressures in gear systems. Using gear oil instead of chainsaw bar oil can result in decreased performance and potentially harm your chainsaw, as gear oil is not designed to function in the conditions and temperatures that chainsaws typically operate in.

How to Use

1. Select Appropriate Gear Oil: If you decide to use gear oil, opt for a lighter grade (e.g., 80W-90) to ensure it does not overly thicken in colder temperatures, which could impede its flow and reduce its effectiveness as a lubricant.
2. Clean the Chainsaw: Before introducing gear oil to the chainsaw, thoroughly clean the oil reservoir and the oiling system to remove any remnants of the previously used lubricant. This helps prevent any potential reactions or clogging issues.
3. Fill the Reservoir Sparingly: Fill the chainsaw’s oil reservoir with the gear oil, but do so sparingly. Gear oil’s higher viscosity means it will flow differently than standard bar oil, and overfilling could lead to excessive oil on the chain and work area.
4. Adjust Oiling Settings If Possible: If your chainsaw allows for adjustments to the oiling rate, you may need to adjust it to accommodate the thicker nature of gear oil. Start with a lower setting and adjust as needed based on observation of the oiling effectiveness.
5. Monitor Lubrication Closely: Pay close attention to the lubrication of the chain and bar during use. Gear oil’s thicker consistency might require more frequent checks and adjustments to ensure adequate lubrication and to prevent overheating or excessive wear.
6. Regular Maintenance: Maintain vigilance with cleaning and maintenance practices. Gear oil can attract more dirt and debris than standard bar oil, potentially leading to increased wear or clogging in the oiling system.

What Oil Can Be Used For Chainsaw Bar Oil?

You should first be checking your manufacturer’s instructions before adding any alternative bar oil to your chainsaw. Generally, chainsaws are capable of handling a wide range of lubricants, which is good.

You’ll find that vegetable and canola oils work well, and automobile motor oil will too, as long as you adhere to the SAE ratings and use the appropriate oil weight for the time of year.

An oil with an SAE rating of 5-10 should suffice. But, the oil should be tacky enough to stick to the bar at high speeds. Therefore, an oil with an SAE rating of 30 would be ideal. And of course, a multi-weight oil is an obvious winner for use.

It’s advised to always use fresh oils rather than used oils.

Most oils will appear quite similar to the eye, but you don’t want to fill up with the wrong oil accidentally. This rule applies to chainsaws just like it does to automobiles and large engine machines because chainsaws are just as sensitive when it comes to bar oil.

Bar oil plays a specific and important role in the performance of the chainsaw. The bar oil needs to be slippery and thin enough to help the chain rotate around the bar smoothly and through the wood chips and wood pulp without any issues.

Emergency Options for Chainsaw Bar Oil Substitute

Now, if you don’t have any of the four options listed above available, and you need a quick fix to finish the last 15 minutes of a job, these two options below can keep you cutting:

1. Diluted drained motor oil
2. Diluted drained hydraulic fluid

As mentioned above, motor oil and hydraulic fluid can be mixed with the existing chainsaw bar and chain oil to extend its lifespan. However, by no means, should these be seen as permanent solutions.

On top of this, it’s generally recommended for your safety that you only attempt to use hydraulic fluid with your chainsaw if you are experienced in handling dangerous materials. Safety first!

1. Diluted Drained Motor Oil

As a backup to add volume to your last bit of chainsaw oil, used motor oil is a super cheap, effective way to finish your task. If you have a car parked on your property, you will definitely have some used motor oil to nab!

You should first filter the motor oil to prevent clogs and nasty buildup. Bare in mind that used motor oil has already been through an engine and will have collected contaminants on its way. Used oils often contain water and air, and some will have additives and abrasive particles like metal that could very easily damage your chainsaw.

I would like to reiterate, that this certainly isn’t the safest option for you or any plants within proximity. It’s not recommended to use motor oil on a regular basis anyway, never mind motor oil that has been drained from a car engine.

Filtering used motor oil is a messy, time-consuming, and not-so-easy process. I will provide some tips for the process further down this article.

Pros

• High flash point
• Very sticky and viscous

Cons

• Contains cleaners, not just oil
• It may be harmful to inhale
• Using used oil may affect long-term performance
• The filtering process may not remove all contaminants

2. Diluted Drained Hydraulic Fluids

Hydraulic fluid that has been drained from other machinery is also another great short-term way to lubricate your chainsaw, or even stretch out your usual chainsaw bar and chain oil.

One of the main things you must keep in mind, however, is the hazards that hydraulic fluid can potentially cause. We must emphasize how it is inadvisable to allow any to come into contact with your skin, and when highly pressurized it is extremely dangerous.

On top of this, we now have a used hydraulic fluid that is full of contaminants from its use and is likely to be degraded in some way. These contaminants will include water, air, and even abrasive substances that have managed to leak into the fluid.

Once again, filtering is advised, but it is not advised to push for long-term use of used hydraulic fluid because this may affect the lifespan of your chainsaw.

Pros

• High flash point
• Good for use in extremely low temperatures

Cons

• Hazardous
• Filtering may not remove all contaminants
• Cannot use around living trees
• Not so sticky due to the mineral base
• Can affect long-term performance

How to Filter Used Motor Oil and Hydraulic Fluid

Filtered used oil is not the same as reclaimed or recycled oil, which is free of contaminants, impurities, and debris. With filtered oil, you’re simply removing the larger debris like tiny shards of metal but it does not remove the impurities caused by combustion.

Again, before providing some filtering methods, we’d like to remind you that filtered used motor oil is not a good long-term solution for chainsaw bar and chain oil.

Because you generally won’t be needing a large amount of motor oil or hydraulic fluid as you’re topping up your remaining chainsaw oil, you could filter the used oil or fluid in several ways:

Filtering Motor Oil

Method 1: The Quick & Easy Way

The first and most obvious method is to use a large, empty plastic bottle, a funnel, and some clean, semi-porous fabric cloth. Stretch the fabric across the funnel and pour the oil gently through the fabric.

Method 2: The Long & Time-Consuming Way

Save your used motor oil in a 55-gallon steel drum, cover it, and let sit for a month or two. The debris and loose materials will eventually settle to the bottom. When you see a clear separation between viscous fluids you can skim the oil from the top, being careful not to disturb the surface tension too much.

I’m giving you this method as an example, but we all know the likelihood is we’re not going to do this as we should only be using used motor oil in an emergency.

Filtering Hydraulic Fluid

You could filter your used hydraulic fluid the quick & easy way mentioned above for motor oil, but, you’d be getting into foolish territory. Anybody who’s familiar with hydraulic fluid would be using a special hydraulic fluid filtration cart.

Chainsaw Bar & Chain Oil Substitute Key Considerations

Whether you use bar and chain oil, traditional motor oil, or a vegetable oil-based lubricant, always make sure you’re using fresh oil when you fill your chain saw’s bar oil reservoir.

Although it’s possible, as we have detailed in this article, we advise against ever using waste oil that you drained from your car or boat. When seeking a bar and chain oil substitute, you should always keep the following in mind as they’re your key considerations:

• Safety & Ecology
• Viscosity
• Flash point

Safety & Ecology

Because chainsaws will undoubtedly splatter the bar and chain oil you choose all over the place, it is recommended to only use non-toxic oil whenever it’s possible. For some projects like pruning a living tree, sawing in your garden, or working near a river or pond, non-toxic oil is essential.

Viscosity

Chainsaw lubricant needs to be suitably viscous and tacky in order to stick to the rapidly spinning chain. If an oil is too thin it won’t coat the chain at all and will just be spat out!

Flash Point

The “flash point” of any given substance is the lowest temperature at which its vapors can ignite. The higher the flash point, the hotter the substance needs to be before there is any chance of combustion.

Therefore, choosing a bar and chain oil with a high flash point is incredibly vital due to the extreme speeds and resulting temperatures that chainsaws can reach.

When deviating from the manufacturer’s recommended bar and chain oil you should stick to high flash point alternatives, to avoid fires and harmful fumes.

Chainsaw Chain & Bar Substitute Oil Tips

Remember, safety first. You should never try to fill your bar oil reservoir when your chain saw is running and never run your chain saw when the bar oil reservoir is dry.

If your chainsaw suddenly starts using more fuel than usual, the reason is that there is probably increased friction between the bar and the chain. It could be that the substitute oil you started using just isn’t cutting it anymore, or maybe it is running low.

It’s generally advised to top up your fuel and oil together so that you never run out of oil and cause damage to your chainsaw. As your chainsaw’s blades rotate when you’re operating it, they will also be flinging the oil you are using to lubricate it off into the air. For safety, your regular bar and chain oil should be non-toxic, you should cover any exposed skin before starting, and only use the chainsaw in an area that has proper ventilation.

More oil posts:

• Oil for Electric Chainsaw
• Chainsaw Oil Types Guide

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)