5 Reasons Not to Use Motor Oil as Bar and Chain Oil

Motor oil is thinner than bar oil It lacks the tackifiers that keep oil stuck to the chain at high speeds, causing more fling-off and less lubrication.

It accelerates chain wear Less lubrication means the chain wears faster, and motor oil doesn’t hold up well in heat, causing the bar to run hotter and stretch the groove.

It’s worse for the environment Motor oil doesn’t biodegrade, so every drop flung into soil or onto plants is a pollution problem. Bar oil is formulated to break down.

It’s only acceptable in a true emergency If you need one cut to get home, motor oil works in a pinch. But it’s a short-term fix, not a substitute.

Proper bar oil is easy to stock Keep a jug of bar oil in the shed. It’s cheap insurance against damaging your saw and the environment.