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Before starting a chainsaw, be sure to top up the chainsaw bar oil. Bar and chain oil is not the same as two-cycle oil, a type of oil that is mixed with gasoline to lubricate the inner parts of two-stroke gas engines. Instead, bar oil works on the exterior moving parts of the power tool, keeping the chain, guide bar, and sprockets properly conditioned to cut efficiently.
With dozens of options available, it can be difficult to sort out which bar oil is right for your chainsaw and working conditions. Our favorite is the Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil. We like that it works at a wide range of temperatures, prevents corrosion and buildup, and has special additives that increase its tackiness, preventing it from being thrown off the chainsaw during operation.
For input on selecting the proper lubricant for keeping a chainsaw in tip-top shape, we interviewed Steve Sylva, a seasoned landscaper and owner of Steve’s Services in Malden, Massachusetts. Read ahead for a curated list of the best chainsaw bar oils, organized by category.
- BEST OVERALL: Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Toro Chainsaw Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SUMMER: Echo Power Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR WINTER: Poulan Pro Bar and Chain Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST ALL-SEASON: Husqvarna X-Guard All-Season Bar & Chain Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BIODEGRADABLE: Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro Bar and Chain Oil
↓ Jump to Review - BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Stihl Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant
↓ Jump to Review - ALSO CONSIDER: STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment
↓ Jump to Review
Chainsaw Bar Oil Comparison
| Product | Volume | Season | Tackifier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil | 128 ounces | All | Yes |
| Toro Chainsaw Oil | 32 ounces | All | Yes |
| Echo Power Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil | 128 ounces | All | Not specified |
| Poulan Pro Bar and Chain Oil | 128 ounces | All | Yes |
| Husqvarna X-Guard All Season Bar & Chain Oil | 128 ounces | All | Yes |
| Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro Bar and Chain Oil | 32 ounces | All | Yes |
| Stihl Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant | 32 ounces | All | Yes |
| STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment | 32 ounces | All | Yes |
Our Top Picks
We compiled these picks of the best bar oil by researching the recommendations of top chainsaw manufacturers. We then compared those results to bar oil brands with the most positive customer feedback. Read on for the results.
Best Overall
Oregon Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil
Buy at Amazon Buy at Ace Hardware Buy at Tractor Supply Co.
Pros
- Budget-friendly price
- All-season formula
- Extra tacky
Cons
- Thin viscosity is less oil-efficient in hot weather
- More expensive than bargain brands
Product Specs
- Volume: 128 ounces
- Season: All
- Dyed: No
Oregon Bar and Chain Oil is one of the best-selling bar oils. It is made with additives for increased tackiness compared to other brands and high-film strength to prevent corrosion and wear on the saw chain, bar, and sprockets. Plus, this oil reduces buildup of tree sap, gum, and resins on saw parts. This bar oil is suitable for all chainsaw types, as well as pole saws and hedge trimmers.
We like that the specially designed formula works in a wide range of temperatures, with extra tackiness to prevent throw-off. It has a somewhat runny consistency, which is perfect for working in most temperatures. Its lower viscosity allows chainsaw motors to work more efficiently, which may reduce fuel consumption but could also lead to increased bar oil usage.
Get the Oregon bar and chain oil at Amazon, Ace Hardware, or Tractor Supply Co..
Best Bang For the Buck
Toro Chainsaw Oil
Buy at Amazon Buy at Toro
What We Like
- All-season formula
- Engineered for low friction
- Safe for use in any chainsaw
What We Don’t Like
- Less tacky than other oils
- Small size; may not last long
Product Specs
- Volume: 32 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Yes
Toro Chainsaw Oil is engineered for low friction and smooth cutting. This all-season formula is the bar and chain oil recommended for Toro chainsaws and is also compatible with most other brands. The oil is colored red for improved visibility of the fill level through the oil reservoir indicator windows.
This is another good quality, general-purpose bar and chain oil. While the viscosity and tack are comparable to other premium-branded bar oils, this one comes in at about half the price. The quart size may not be adequate for frequent chainsaw users, but it is just right for occasional use.
Get the Toro chainsaw oil at Amazon or Toro.
Best For Summer
Echo Power Chainsaw Bar And Chain Oil
Buy at The Home Depot Buy at Walmart
What We Like
- Its thick viscosity is oil efficient in summer temperatures
- Comes in a large, gallon jug
- Convenient size for frequent use
What We Don’t Like
- Jug shape makes the oil somewhat difficult to pour
- Does not pour as easily in cold weather
Product Specs
- Volume: 128 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Not specified
In hot summer weather, a more viscous bar oil makes chainsaw work easier. Echo chainsaw oil is thick and efficient for summer work, helping you use less oil because it does not get runny in the heat. Additives help the oil stick to the chainsaw bar and chain in difficult work conditions for better protection and smoother cuts through hard, dense, and sappy wood. That means less strenuous work, a lower risk of overheating the saw, and less downtime to refill the bar oil.
Among all-season bar oils, Echo excels in the heat. It may become a bit too thick to easily pour from the jug in extremely cold weather.
Get the Echo bar and chain oil at The Home Depot or Walmart.
Best For Winter
Poulan Pro Bar and Chain Oil
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Thin viscosity is great for cold-weather work
- Excellent wear resistance
- Excellent tack reduces throw off
What We Don’t Like
- Thin oil is used up more quickly in hot weather
- High tack can make excess debris stick
Product Specs
- Volume: 128 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Yes
All-season Poulan Pro Bar and Chain Oil is a great choice for those who use their chainsaw in sub-freezing conditions. It has a lighter viscosity that flows well in the cold, but it retains its protective qualities for year-round use. This product was engineered for the logging industry, so you can expect a no-frills product that works well in harsh conditions.
Poulan Pro oil for chainsaw bars is engineered with additives to reduce wear on the bar and chain, prevent jamming, and improve tack. While we like that the slightly runny texture is excellent for low-temperature work, it may result in inefficient oil usage in hot weather.
Get the Poulan Pro bar and chain oil on Amazon.
Best All-Season
Husqvarna X-Guard All-Season Bar & Chain Oil
Buy at Amazon Buy at Lowe's Buy at Tractor Supply Co.
What We Like
- Flows well to a minimum temperature of 15 degrees Fahrenheit
- Maintains viscosity above 90 degrees Fahrenheit
- High tack content
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than the competition
- Awkward jug design for pouring
Product Specs
- Volume: 128 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Yes
Husqvarna X-Guard chainsaw bar lube offers excellent protection at higher and lower temperatures than other all-season bar oils. It has a minimum temperature rating of 15 degrees Fahrenheit, and it does not become excessively runny in hot weather. Premium anti-wear, anti-friction, and high tack additives keep the saw running its best and extend its working life.
This all-season chainsaw oil can be used in any chainsaw. At temperatures above 90 degrees, expect oil usage to increase.
Get the Husqvarna bar and chain oil on Amazon, Lowe’s, or Tractor Supply Co..
Best Biodegradable
Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro Bar and Chain Oil
Buy at Amazon Buy at Renewable Lubricants
What We Like
- Renewable and biodegradable
- Broad working temperature range
- Priced similarly to petroleum-based products
What We Don’t Like
- Difficult to find for purchase
Product Specs
- Volume: 32 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Yes
Whether you are motivated by concern for the environment or want to improve the operation of your chainsaw, Bio-Pro Bar and Chain Oil could be an excellent choice. It is made with renewable, biodegradable vegetable oils combined with additives for outstanding anti-wear and extreme pressure performance with a high level of tackiness. It even dissolves tree sap and pitch to keep saws running clean and smooth.
Renewable Lubricants Bio-Pro biodegradable chainsaw oil is safe to use in any chainsaw. It flows well in cool temperatures, and it maintains good viscosity in warm weather.
Get the Renewable Lubricants bar and chain oil at Amazon or Renewable Lubricants.
Best Heavy-Duty
Stihl Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Eliminates sap and resin buildup
- Reduces friction and heat
- Improved wear resistance
What We Don’t Like
- More expensive than other brands
Product Specs
- Volume: 32 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: Yes
This is the bar and chain oil made by the top-selling chainsaw brand in the world. Stihl Platinum Bar and Chain Lubricant is manufactured with highly refined oils blended with a concentrated tackiness additive. It is engineered for high-speed, heavy-duty cutting and works in any chainsaw.
Stihl Platinum Bar And Chain Lubricant includes additives to eliminate sap buildup on the bar and chain, improve wear resistance, and decrease friction heat buildup. This oil comes at a higher price than many of its competitors.
Get the Stihl bar and chain lubricant at Amazon.
Also Consider
STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment
Buy at Amazon
What We Like
- Minimizes sap buildup
- Lower viscosity, excels in cold weather
- Good bar and chain adherence
- Competitive price
What We Don’t Like
- Higher usage in hot weather
Product Specs
- Volume: 32 ounces
- Season: All
- Tackifier: No
STP has been a trusted machinery and tool lubricant brand for generations. Its value-priced chainsaw lubrication oil offers a combination of high-grade base oil blended with anti-wear and resin-cleaning ingredients plus tackifier to prevent throw-off. It’s a no-frills choice that simply works as intended to protect the saw’s moving parts and keep it running clean and smooth.
Available in either quart or gallon containers, STP Bar & Chain Oil is suitable for all-season use in any chainsaw.
Get the STP bar and chain oil on Amazon.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Chainsaw Bar Oils
Not all chainsaw bar oils are formulated the same way. Some offer better overall protection than others for your expensive equipment, while others enhance functionality under specific working conditions. “Different chainsaw types do require different considerations for bar oil. While powerful gas models and even lighter electric ones both need consistent lubrication, the oil’s viscosity should be matched to the operational demands and ambient temperature,” advises Sylva.
With these considerations in mind, our goal was to source and recommend bar oil formulations to address the most prevalent buyer concerns, including working in extreme temperatures, with dense wood, and within a budget. The products we selected represent a combination of chainsaw manufacturer recommendations and products that have been highly rated by verified customers. Although it may be true that “some oil is better than no oil,” we feel that these products will deliver superior results as you’re using your chainsaw.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Chainsaw Bar Oil
A chainsaw is a valuable tool that needs care and maintenance to work properly and keep you safe. While 2-stroke oil for chainsaw engines keeps the engine parts running smoothly, using the best bar and chain oil is another crucial step for a well-tuned machine. Using a proper lubricant is as important for cutting and maintenance as tightening the chainsaw chain or sharpening the blades. The following are some of the important factors to bear in mind as you shop.
Engine Type
Since bar oil works on the exterior parts of the saw, it may not be obvious that the engine type indirectly influences bar oil selection. Lightweight corded and cordless electric chainsaws work well with thinner, lower-viscosity electric chainsaw oil. Powerful gasoline engines generate more speed, force, and heat, and so these saws work best with high-viscosity, high-tack oils that will not break down under intense conditions.
These generalizations are not intended to be rules. Other factors related to the working conditions and even the oil itself should be considered before choosing the best bar and chain oil for your saw and cutting project.
Formula
The specific formula of the chainsaw oil makes a difference. For nearly a century, petroleum-based bar and chain oils were the only option. This has been problematic because bar oil is released directly into the environment while cutting. In recent years, biodegradable vegetable-based bar oil has shown superior results as an eco-friendly alternative. Unfortunately, the cost of biodegradable bar and chain oil in North America is currently much higher than petroleum.
Petroleum-based chainsaw lubricating oils may be either “conventional” or “synthetic.” Conventional oil is refined from crude oil and may be cheaper than synthetic. Synthetic oil is manufactured from modified petroleum products and other additives. Synthetic bar and chain oil is generally considered to be the higher-quality alternative.
Some formula pseudo-indicators on the label are less helpful and can be ignored. Terms like “premium,” “platinum,” and “master” are used for marketing and are not based on industry standards.
Oil Weight and Viscosity
Air temperature affects oil performance, says Sylva. “Colder temperatures in winter demand a thinner oil to flow effectively, while thicker oil is better in summer to maintain a proper film and prevent sling. For new owners, my best advice is to always consult your chainsaw’s manual for manufacturer recommendations and prioritize a high-quality, purpose-designed bar oil…”
To counteract the effects of air temperature, choose different oil weights for extreme conditions.
- All-season (approximately 10 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit), 30 to 40 weight
- Winter (32 degrees Fahrenheit and colder), 20 weight
- Summer (40 degrees Fahrenheit and warmer), 40 to 50 weight
Tackiness
Chainsaw users often ask if it is OK to use regular motor oil instead of bar oil. After all, motor oil is also designed to lubricate fast-moving metal parts under high temperature and pressure. However, the important difference between bar oil and motor oil is tackiness. Bar oil is made with a “tackifier” additive that makes it stick to the bar and chain at high speeds and temperatures. Motor oil quickly flies off the chainsaw chain in these conditions, making it far less effective.
Some bar oil brands use terms like “high tack” or “low sling” to indicate the oil’s ability to stay on the bar and chain. It is important to note that there is no industry labeling standard to quantify or compare tackiness among products, so these terms can be considered marketing tools.
Additives
Lubricant makers employ a variety of chemical additives to achieve performance results in addition to basic “slippery-ness.” In oil for chainsaw bars and chains, tackifier is one important example. Others may include dispersants, oxidation inhibitors, anti-wear agents, and viscosity improvers. These performance-enhancing products add to the price of the oil, so that the old adage that “you get what you pay for” is true.
More expensive branded bar and chain oils contain higher levels of these additives. With consistent use, results may include reduced oil usage, smoother cutting action, and longer saw life.
Some manufacturers add colored dyes to their bar and chain oils. Colored oils can be easier to see inside the oil reservoir, or through the reservoir “window” as an indicator to refill.
Size
Most chainsaw bar and chain oils are available in quart or gallon containers. The gallon size is the most cost-effective for those who cut lots of wood. Quart bottles may be a more convenient option for occasional users who don’t want to store extra oil for months at a time or longer.
FAQs
After reading up on our picks of the best chainsaw oil options, you may have a few questions about using them. Read on to learn more.
Chainsaw bar oil is a lubricant that protects the saw’s chain, bar, and sprockets from damage while cutting. It differs from engine oil in that it must be both viscous and tacky to withstand high heat caused by friction and adhere to the bar and chain at high speed.
Bar oil usage varies with differences in the oil makeup and the chainsaw. It is a good practice to top off the bar oil before starting work and during each fuel fill-up.
Bar oil is chemically engineered to protect the saw’s cutting parts. Motor oil and vegetable oil may be tempting to use as a substitute for chainsaw bar oil, but they are not as effective. Using other products as a chainsaw bar oil replacement may also void equipment warranties.
Never run the reservoir dry. Be sure to top off the bar oil at the start of work and each time you stop to fill the fuel tank.
Store chainsaw bar oil in a cool, dry, dark place. Make sure the lid is tightly sealed, and avoid placing it in a location with extreme temperature fluctuations.
Yes, biodegradable chainsaw oils often contain special additives that increase their tackiness and aid in reducing bar and chain wear, making them effective and environmentally friendly.
