Best Bar and Chain Oil Brands

Written by YourMotorFixResearcher in Power Equipment

Every small engine needs some kind of lubricant to run well. Without the right oil the engine will overheat, which will eventually lead to significant damage. Bar and chain oil possesses the right viscosity for small engines like chainsaws, and will ensure the machines work well. 

The best bar and chain oil brand is STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment. This brand has received excellent reviews and comes at an affordable price. STP Oil works well in electric, gas, and battery-powered chainsaws. 

This article will show you what factors to consider when choosing a bar and chain oil, why you need this type of oil, and the quality aspects of different oil brands.

What Causes a Chainsaw To Seize?

What Is Bar and Chain Oil?

Bar and chain oil is used to lubricate the working parts of a chainsaw. The liquid reduces friction that can lead to engine damage over time. Bar and chain oil is also thicker than regular motor oil, so you can’t use ordinary motor oil in a chainsaw. 

In the winter, a thick and viscous bar and chain oil can help combat the cold. A thicker oil will help to cut down on the dust released by the saw and prevent the saw from gumming up when cutting sappy trees.

Conversely, you can use a thinner oil in summer as the weather is warm and you don’t need as much lubrication. The temperature affects the oil’s viscosity and ability to work on the saw, so it’s best to use the right kind according to the climate you’re operating in.

Here’s a YouTube video to give you a better understanding of bar and chain oil:

It’s Not The Same As Regular Motor Oil

Don’t mistake bar and chain oil for ordinary motor oil and pour it into your chainsaw. Bar and chain oil has a more sticky consistency that stays on the chain longer than standard motor oil. You can use regular motor oil if you’re in a tough spot, but avoid it as much as possible when lubricating your chainsaw. 

Which Bar and Chain Oil To Buy

With so many brands on the market, finding the best bar and chain oil can be a challenge. It’s best to look at the factors that distinguish some brands from others as this can help you choose the oil that works best for your small engine.

Best All-Season: Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil

Oregon Bar and Chain Oil has a unique formulation to give you faster cutting time, less friction, and additional tackiness for sawing. The thick consistency protects the chain and bar from scuffing, corrosion, and rust. Here are some features of this product:

  • Works equally well for electric and gas chainsaws.
  • Prevents oil throw-off with a tacky, thick formula to ensure smooth cuts.
  • Resists sap and gum build-up.
  • Improves the life of your small engine.
  • Made in the USA.
  • Formulated for all chainsaw brands and cutting systems.

Best Premium: STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment

STP Oil Treatment has a premium formulation that reduces the wear and tear of your chainsaw. This small engine oil is ready for immediate use with no mixing required. Here are some features of the product:

  • Engineered with Zinc Dialkyl Dithiophosphate to give an extra layer of protection to your chainsaw.
  • Formulated with premium components to reduce friction and prevent gum build-up.
  • Reduces throw-off at high speeds and ensures a smooth cut. 
  • Can be effectively used on gas, battery, and electric chainsaws.

Best Buy: Mag 1 Bar and Chain Oil

The oil from this brand typically comes at nearly half the price of other oils in the same quality range. The Mag 1 Bar and Chain oil gets the job done quickly while saving you some money on chainsaw maintenance. While some users claim that it’s thinner than other oils, Mag 1 still provides great value per use. Here are some features of the product:

  • Manufactured with Friction Management for extreme protection. 
  • Bonded molecules in the formula create a wear-resistant shield to protect against wear and tear.
  • Formulated to meet the needs of farmers for agricultural seasons when saw use is high. 
  • Keeps the equipment working reliably during harvesting and sowing seasons. 

Conclusion

When looking at which bar and chain oil to invest in, it’s important to take time to find the right fit for your requirements. Here are some factors to consider:

  • The correct viscosity for the seasonal temperature. 
  • An oil brand that prolongs the life of your saw.
  • Enough stickiness to cling to the chain and keep it lubricated. 

Most chainsaw owners say that the cost or the brand of oil doesn’t matter as long as it does the job well. By that logic, spend some time and find a brand that works for you and your small engine.

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