Chainsaw Oil Tutorial
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Why does a chainsaw need oil? What kind should I use? We answer these questions and more in the video, or scroll down to read our tips!
Bar and chain oil for electric (or gas) chainsaws
Important: Remove the battery! All gas powered chainsaws have an on/off switch. Make sure that the switch is in the off position before adding oil or doing any routine maintenance. This should prevent you from cutting yourself. Clean off the area with a rag or paper towel so that no debris enters the oil reservoir. Dirt or wood chips could clog up the machine and harm it.
Why use oil?
You want lubrication of the actual chain against the bar. You don’t want to chain to burn – which is what might happen if there’s too much friction. Without oil, it causes frictional force on the motor in the chainsaw as well.
What kind of oil should I use?
There are several options. At Gardening Products Review, we highly recommend oil manufactured for this specific use. In the video, you’ll see that we use one that is labelled as “bar and chain oil.” Other types might not ensure the right level of friction for your chainsaw.
Keep in mind that there are two different weights of bar and chain oil – thicker for summer and thinner for winter. Oil helps lubricate the chain and also helps keep the dust down during operation. In sappy wood situations it keeps the chain from getting gummed up.
Have any other questions about oil for chainsaws? Ask them in the comments below!
Chainsaw shown in this video tutorial is the Redback 40V 12″ Li-Ion Cordless Chainsaw. You can read our full review on it here. It is available for purchase from Amazon and other retailers.
The bar & chain oil featured in this video is Husqvarna Bar & Chain Oil – 1 Gallon.
Another option would be the STIHL Platinum Bar and Saw Chain Lubricant – Quart, also available on Amazon.