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Chainsaws are high performing power saws capable of felling trees and chopping branches. The bar and chain oil is what keeps a chainsaw performing at its peak, and you need to use the right oil for your chainsaw. There’s a world of difference between having a choppy, clunky chain and a well-oiled machine.
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Top 5 Bar and Chain Oil Reviews
Getting the best bar and chain oil is important. Not only will it help the performance of your chainsaw, but it will ensure that it lasts longer. Here are my top picks for bar and chain oil.
1. Best Overall: Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
This bar and chain oil is in the sweet spot between too runny and too sticky. It reduces smoke while operating and prevents gunk buildup on the chain that might dull it in the future.
While not heavy like other brands on my list, Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil doesn’t seem to have a high “throw-off” problem. In other words, it doesn’t just fly everywhere as soon as the chainsaw starts.
It also helps with oil-slinging, which is the contamination of the surrounding environment with oil stains that stick there.
Product Specs
- 1 gallon
- 30W
Feature Highlights
- All-season bar and chain oil that works for all types of weather
- Reduced contamination levels
Pros
- Medium viscosity makes it perfect for all seasons
- High film strength to ensure an even coating
- Reasonable price compared to other products of the same quality
Cons
- Might be too runny for extreme tropical climates
2. Best Value: Mag 1 Bar and Chain Oil
The Mag 1 bar and chain oil is known for its lower viscosity, paired with a tackiness additive that prevents it from running all over the floor. However, it’s recommended for use in cooler temperatures to avoid excessive throw-off.
We should mention that you should use caution when using Mag1 during the warmer months. Some customers complained of a runny consistency, especially in areas that get a lot of sunlight.
This oil has the benefit of great value for money since the cost per gallon is lower than other brands. Plus, it offers the same great coverage as many of the more expensive brands, like Stihl.
Product Specs
- 1 gallon
- 30W
Feature Highlights
- Lower viscosity with a tackiness additive to prevent gunk buildup on the chainsaw.
- Better performance during the winter or cooler temperatures.
Pros
- Great value for money with specs comparable to more expensive brands.
- Makes for excellent coating due to its thinner consistency.
- One of the more affordable options on the list.
Cons
- Not suitable for hot climates because of low viscosity, unlike the Oregon Chainsaw Oil
3. Best Quality: Husqvarna X-Guard Premium
The Husqvarna X-Guard Premium is formerly known as the Husqvarna Premium. It’s the perfect pick for anyone who wants a higher-viscosity oil for higher temperatures. This top-quality oil keeps the blades running smoothly and provides a good coating even when it’s hot out.
Although it has the highest viscosity, you won’t notice any of it lingering to gunk up the chain blades. Many users even recommend it for chainsaw storage during the off-season.
The only drawback seems to be its low performance in icy weather. Unfortunately, the thick viscosity doesn’t do well in freezing temperatures, unlike the Mag 1 oil, which is less dense.
Product Specs
- 1 gallon
- 30W
Feature Highlights
- High viscosity that allows for minimum usage with the same coverage
- All-season oil, but with better performance during higher temperatures
Pros
- Less is more with this oil, as you don’t need much for good coverage
- Extends your Husqvarna chainsaw warranty
- Prevents excess friction and saves on battery life for battery-powered chainsaws
Cons
- A little more expensive than other brands.
4. Best Budget: Poulan Pro 952030204 Bar and Chain Oil
From the makers of Husqvarna, the Poulan bar and chain oil offers comparable results at a lower price tag. It has a loyal customer base that seems to enjoy the quality and consistency year after year.
Some also use the Poulan oil as a weed killer. This versatility makes it stand out from its competitors.
It’s also cost-effective. If you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to resort to cheaper alternatives like motor oil, stick with this one, it won’t disappoint.
Product Specs
- 1 gallon
- 30W
Feature Highlights
- Thinner consistency but has great coverage and minimal throw-off
- Can also be used as a weed killer
Pros
- The cheapest option on this list that offers great value for the price
- From the makers of Husqvarna and offers comparable quality
- Consistent quality makes it popular among customers
Cons
- Can be a little runny in warmer climates
5. Best Performance: Stihl Platinum Bar And Chain Oil
The Stihl Platinum lubricant is a somewhat more expensive bar and chain oil. Still, as with most things, you get what you pay for.
The concentrated tackiness additive keeps it on the blade and minimizes throw-off even for high-speed cutting. This is perfect if you want to keep the integrity of the parts for the longest time possible before replacing them.
Check with Stihl customer care to see if exclusively using their bar and chain oil will give you an extended warranty on your Stihl chainsaw.
Product Specs
- 1 gallon
- 30W
Feature Highlights
- Concentrated tackiness additive ensures minimal throw-off
- Protects the bar and chain from rust and corrosion, and delays the normal wear and tear
Pros
- Great all-season oil with a workable consistency year-round
- Extends the warranty on your Stihl chainsaw
- Perfect for high-speed cutting and prevents premature dulling of the chain blades
Cons
- The most expensive bar and chain oil on the list
Features to Consider While Choosing a Bar and Chain Oil
Here are some features to consider when buying the best bar and chain oil brand.
Tackiness
Some people use motor oil to lubricate the bar and chain on their chainsaws. It’s cheaper and more widely available. Yet, it lacks one essential feature: tackiness.
Tackiness additives prevent excessive friction between the bar and the chain, thus reducing engine strain and wearing out the bar and chain too fast.
Stay away from motor oil and look for a good quality bar and chain oil with the ideal amount of tackiness additive. Your chainsaw bar will thank you.
Smoking
There’s also the problem of heat and smoke caused by friction. The lack of proper lubrication causes excess heat from friction that causes smoke. It’s a common byproduct that occurs when you use motor oil as a lubricant, or low-quality bar and chain oils.
Aside from the environmental impact, it’s not something you want a lot of when working, even while wearing a gas mask.
Slipperiness
Bar and chain oils also contain additives that make them more slippery. This is an excellent feature because it helps prevent small particles like sawdust, tree sap, and resin from clogging up the blades.
You’ll notice the difference when your chain blades last longer and work more efficiently. You won’t have to replace your chain as frequently.
Viscosity
We mentioned earlier that my picks are all-season oils. In other words, their viscosity is ideal for both hot and cold temperatures.
However, if you live somewhere near the tropics or farther north, you may benefit more from buying a bar and chain oil for these highly specific temperature ranges.
You’ll know the heaviness or tackiness of the oil from a number on the bottle. On a scale from 10W to 50W, where ‘W’ stands for weight, 10 is the lightest and 50 is the heaviest. So, for a good all-season pick, you should look for an oil with a 30W heaviness.
FAQs
Take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions about bar and chain oils.
Can I Use the Bar and Chain Oil as a Fuel Additive?
You should not use bar and chain oil as a fuel additive for your chainsaw. Bar and chain oil is different from 2-cycle oils used as fuel additives to lubricate the engine. Since bar and chain oils need to stay on the moving parts, they tend to be heavier and denser than 2-cycle oils.
The oil may even damage the engine if added to the fuel mix. So, unless specified by the manufacturer, steer away from using bar and chain oil in place of 2-cycle oil.
Does It Make a Difference Which Oil I Choose if I’m Using a Gas or Electric-Powered Chainsaw?
All of my chainsaw oil recommendations are compatible with both gas and electric powered chainsaws. It never hurts to check for compatibility since some oils will fare better with either type of chainsaw.
It’s recommended to use lower-viscosity oils with smaller chainsaws that don’t heat up as much. This is because the heat from the parts loosens up the high-viscosity oil in cooler temperatures.
How Much Bar and Chain Oil Does My Chainsaw Require?
A chainsaw reservoir is what holds the bar and chain oil and releases it during usage. On average, most gas saws use a full tank of oil for every tank of gas.
Remember, never run your chainsaw as long as the bar and chain are adequately lubricated. If there’s too much or too little, it can have adverse results, like dulling the blade or overheating the bar. So, make sure to fill the oil reservoir and gas tank simultaneously to ensure optimal results.
Conclusion
Bar and chain oil is an essential product that helps keep chainsaw parts in good working condition. That said, however, it isn’t enough to just use motor oil and call it a day.
You should look for a high-quality oil that buffers the friction between the moving parts and prevents premature wearing of the chain belt, like my top pick: the Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil.
It also greatly reduces strain on the engine. Plus, it keeps the bar and chain from heating up and smoking during prolonged use.
A close runner-up is the Mag 1 Bar and Chain Oil. It offers reliable year-round performance. Coupled with reasonable pricing and dependable quality, this is one of the best on the market.
