People often forget that a chainsaw is a machine similar to a car. Funnily enough, despite the investments they make, rarely do chainsaw owners go for timely maintenance. Using a good-quality chainsaw oil will ensure that your saw runs effortlessly without causing any problems.
Suppose you happen to be a lumberjack or a DIY enthusiast wanting to chop disproportionate trees. In that case, you need to use premium quality chainsaw oil to ensure minimal wear and tear of the moving segments in your chainsaw. Additionally, it also provides longevity to your equipment by lubricating the components.
However, choosing chainsaw oil that has the correct viscosity and balance is of utmost importance. Hence, understanding your preferred chainsaw oil helps you reap the most out of this equipment.
In this detailed review, we will list the five best chainsaw oils to help you get started.
The Best Chainsaw Oils: Our Top Picks
- Royal Purple 11748 High Mileage Synthetic Oil
- Oregon 54-059 Bar and Chain Oil
- STP Premium Bar and Chain Oil
- Husqvarna Premium Mineral Bar and Chain Oil
- Husqvarna Forest and Garden Bar and Chain Oil
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Royal Purple 11748 High Mileage Synthetic Oil | • Exceptional oxidation stability • Reduces engine deposits • Superior corrosion protection | |
 | Oregon 54-059 Chainsaw Bar Oil | • Smoother Cuts • Made in the U.S.A. • Premium Formulation Delivers Extra Tackiness | |
 | STP Premium Bar And Chain Oil | • High-quality • Oil is ready for immediate use • Tackifier helps reduce high-speed oil throw-off | |
 | Husqvarna Premium Mineral Bar And Chain Oil | • Extends bar • For use with all chainsaws • Husqvarna's Premium Bar and Chain Oil optimizes | |
 | Husqvarna Forest And Garden Bar And Chain Oil | • Maintains its viscosity excellently • Usable in all weather conditions • Extends the lifespan of the chainsaw |
Read on to find detailed reviews of the products listed above.
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Best Chainsaw Oil Review
#1. Royal Purple 11748 High Mileage Synthetic Oil
Designed to curtail the depreciation of the engine significantly, the Royal Purple High Mileage Synthetic Oil is a highly potent motor oil for your chainsaw. Additionally, this oil is reinforced with zinc and phosphorus, which act as supplements, coating the engine parts with a thin oil film.
Moreover, as the name suggests, this lubricant is engineered to aid in the longevity of motors having over seventy-five thousand miles on them. It does so by reinforcing hardened seals and reducing friction during low-speed pre-ignition starts. Most importantly, this oil protects the metal components and prevents them from rusting.
While this product is also formulated to increase its compatibility with ethanol-based fuels, it is also more fuel-efficient. Furthermore, this 5W-30 oil is on par with a 5W-20 oil in terms of fuel economy. Above all, it also assists in drastically reducing harmful emissions from the machine.
You can choose between the three available pack sizes depending on your requirements. The smallest size available is the one quart can, which is just the right amount for any two-cycle or four-stroke chainsaw. However, if you have multiple machines to look after, you would be better off with the five-quart unit or a case of six one-quart cans.
An added bonus of using this lubricant is a reduction in the frequency of oil changes for your chainsaw. However, it is advisable to change the oil after clocking five thousand miles on the engine. With your chainsaw running smoother, you will be saving your hard-earned money on unwarranted oil changes.
What We Liked
- High endurance against LSPI
- Prolonged changing intervals
- Increased fuel efficiency and reduced emissions
- Added zinc helps in strengthening damaged seals
What We Didn’t Like
- Some locations don’t receive the delivery.
#2. Oregon 54-059 Chainsaw Bar Oil
If you are the proud owner of an electric or cordless chainsaw, then the Oregon Chain Bar and Chain Oil is the perfect fit for you. This chainsaw oil is thinner than a majority of its competitors and helps users escalate their engine power.
Due to the reduced horsepower in cordless chainsaws, this thin chainsaw oil is best suited for low-powered machines. Moreover, due to the light viscosity, this oil performs exceptionally well in both hot and cold climates.
Additionally, an oil-based unique formula helps in delivering extra tackiness to the oil. This means users will experience lesser oil throw-offs when handling their chainsaws. Although it can be used in all seasons, thin oil is more likely to deplete faster, thus increasing the frequency between oil changes.
Most importantly, the Oregon 54-059 Chainsaw Oil increases the lifespan of your chainsaw by preventing the accumulation of unwanted resin and sap in your equipment. While the boosted film strength of the oil prevents scuffing of moving parts, the Oregon 54-059 also protects your chainsaw against rust and corrosion.
It is available to users in the form of a larger one-gallon bottle and a smaller bottle of thirty-two ounces. Experts advise users of this oil to refill the oil reservoir in tandem with their gas tanks.
What We Liked
- Compatible with electric chainsaws and hedge trimmers
- An eco-friendly alternative which leaves no residue from the exhaust
- Increased tackiness reduces throw-offs
- High film strength
What We Didn’t Like
- Light viscosity makes it slightly hard to lubricate comfortably
- It dries out quicker compared to other brands
#3. STP Premium Bar And Chain Oil
As stated on the bottle, STP Premium Bar and Chain Oil has been scientifically engineered to reduce bar and chain wear. Not to forget, it also minimizes resin build-up on the chain and reduces throw-off, which occurs at high speeds.
Compared to other chainsaw oils in this list, the STP Premium Bar and Chain Oil is the most cost-effective option. Above all, it doesn’t cut any corners when it comes to performance, delivering maximum power to those who use this oil.
This oil has a thick viscosity making it suitable for all seasons, although it is not advisable to use it in extreme conditions. In addition, it is formulated with anti-wear chemicals like zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate, which provide superior protection against corrosion.
You can choose between a larger one gallon or a smaller one-quart container based on your requirements. Unfortunately, this premium oil comes at a price as the anti-wear additives are non-biodegradable, thus making the STP Premium Bar and Chain Oil a non-eco-friendly option.
What We Liked
- High quality and cost-effective
- Suitable for electric and gas chainsaws
- High viscosity makes it a perfect candidate for all seasons
- Minimizes resin build-up resulting in a smooth cutting experience
What We Didn’t Like
- Not biodegradable
#4. Husqvarna Premium Mineral Bar And Chain Oil
One of the most important parts of owning a chainsaw is to preserve it in a spick and span condition. The Husqvarna Premium Mineral Bar and Chain Oil contain all the qualities for just this task.
This oil is best used regularly, ensuring your equipment is always in optimal condition, providing the best experience when operating your machinery. This chainsaw oil works smoothly in any weather conditions and lubricates the bar and chain throughout.
The Husqvarna Mineral Bar and Chain oil put an end to gummy chains and resin build-up while maintaining its viscosity. Thus, this product effectively dissipates heat and reduces friction and wear on your chainsaw.
Crafted with premium minerals, this chainsaw oil is a brilliant option for use in electric and gas chainsaws. Additionally, if you are a regular at chopping wood, this oil will guarantee that your chainsaw will run efficiently.
The Husqvarna Mineral Bar and Chain oil also lubricates your bar and keeps your motor running smoothly. Keep in mind; this lubrication forbids the build-up of gunk that can potentially damage your chainsaw.
Note: This product is available in one-quart bottles.
What We Liked
- Best in class at reducing friction
- Suitable for use with all chainsaws
- Premium blend of components with a high oil base
- Minimizes heat while operating the chainsaw
- Enhances engine performance
What We Didn’t Like
- Slightly expensive due to the premium ingredients
- Challenging to pour out of the bottle
#5. Husqvarna Forest And Garden Bar And Chain Oil
Husqvarna is famed for delivering premium quality products. They strive towards ensuring your chainsaw remains in pristine condition for the longest time possible. However, premium quality products come at a price, which is the reason behind the high cost of the Husqvarna Forest and Garden Bar and Chain oil.
The main feature of this oil is its sharp viscosity. When compared to other chainsaw oils, this product fails to drip even when used in hot climates. Owing to such viscosity, this oil leads the race for all-weather chainsaw oils.
Additionally, due to the tackiness of this oil, users are required to use this lubricant in small proportions. The available quantity of one-gallon bottles is adequate to use for months. Certainly, this premium oil adheres to the chain, lubricating it at all times and increasing durability.
This means you can now use your favorite chainsaw for longer durations without risking throw-offs or leakages due to thinning of oils.
Remember, this product is compatible with all chainsaws. However, it is best suited for all Husqvarna chainsaws.
What We Liked
- Maintains its viscosity excellently
- Usable in all weather conditions
- Extends the lifespan of the chainsaw
- Reduces friction and optimizes performance
What We Didn’t Like
- Need’s a well-built reservoir.
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Buying Guide: Factors to Consider Before Buying The Best Chainsaw Oil
There are a plethora of chainsaw oils to choose from, and picking the best one can be a bit tricky -even more so when all of them have various alluring features.
To ensure you pick the best chainsaw oil, you must consider the following factors:
Viscosity And Tackiness
While viscosity and tackiness are often spoken of in the same breath, they are two different oil elements. To clarify, viscosity is the thickness of the fluid, while tackiness is its ability to bond with other surfaces.
Before buying any chainsaw oil, you must check the oil’s viscosity to ensure it is of the right consistency. Thinner oils will flow freely, but they may not lubricate all parts of a chainsaw. Similarly, thicker oils may add an unwanted load to your chainsaw.
In addition, the stickiness of the oil will ensure the chain runs smoothly along the bar. Simply put, a sticky oil will guarantee stability when working with your tools for prolonged durations. Choosing a tacky oil will ensure your oil doesn’t drip in hot weather and prevent heat build-up due to friction.
Despite being one of the prime factors to consider when buying chainsaw oil, manufacturers don’t need to publish viscosity measurements. Therefore, anyone buying chainsaw oil will have to rely on the experience of other users to gauge the viscosity of a specific brand and its suitable performance conditions.
It is essential to consider the viscosity and tackiness of the oil before purchasing a product for the best results.
Cleaning Properties
People often overlook the cleaning properties of a chainsaw oil before purchasing it. The oil serves another purpose in addition to lubricating the chain and bar. Since water causes rusting on metal surfaces, chain oil happens to be the best method to cleanse the surface of your chainsaw.
Good quality oil will cover the metal surfaces with a thin film that will act as a lubricant between moving parts. And as a result, it will keep the metal surfaces unblemished and prevent any damage to the blades.
Due to the nature of tasks the chainsaw is put through, unwanted debris like sawdust tends to accumulate on the equipment And thus, you may have to perform detailed cleaning from time to time.
Remember, selecting oils with additives to repel foreign particles will ensure your chainsaw works flawlessly in the long run.
Engine Power
The type of oil you use will significantly depend on the engine your chainsaw is running. To get the most out of your chainsaw, you will have to match the oil to the engine type. This means the oil should be able to withstand the speed of the chainsaw.
It is a common occurrence for a chainsaw to drip when spinning at high speeds. So if you have a four-stroke engine, you might want to consider oils that can combust easily. These are usually ester oils with additives like zinc.
On the other hand, if you own a two-stroke, you are better off with a product that has a low rate of combustion.
Above all, if your oil is not compatible with your chainsaw, you risk damaging your equipment due to unwanted friction. Choosing the appropriate oil based on your engine power is critical when buying the best chainsaw oil.
Climatic Conditions
Climatic conditions in your region play a key role in deciding which oil to buy. Most lubricants lose their potency under extreme weather conditions. Usually, lubricants will maintain their viscosity even in high temperatures.
But, in cold climates, most oils will start to thicken and hinder the performance of your chainsaw. Due to the difference in viscosity, you should consider using thinner oils in the winter months.
This is because the highly viscous fluid will flow naturally regardless of the temperature drop. Moreover, some brands infuse unique additives, thus helping the oil maintain consistency even in extreme climates.
Verdict
Maintaining your chainsaw is an absolute must if you want to prolong its lifespan. This includes frequently changing the oil and cleaning the blades.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate chainsaw oil comes with an ocean of benefits.
We have composed a list of the five best chainsaw oils in the review guide above to help you make the correct decision. Depending on your needs, you can pick the best chainsaw oil by addressing its pros and cons.
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