How To Oil Chainsaw Bar Properly (5 Pro Tips For Optimal Flow)

“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” – Abraham Lincoln

This quote perfectly encapsulates the importance of preparation and maintenance in any task, especially when dealing with powerful tools like chainsaws. Properly oiling your chainsaw bar is not just a maintenance chore; it’s a fundamental practice that dictates the lifespan, efficiency, and safety of your saw. In my years of experience felling trees and processing wood, I’ve seen firsthand the devastating effects of neglecting this crucial step. A dry bar leads to excessive friction, overheating, rapid wear, and, in worst-case scenarios, a seized-up chainsaw.

In this guide, I’ll share five pro tips for optimal chainsaw bar oil flow, drawn from years of hands-on experience and countless hours spent in the field. Whether you’re a seasoned logger or a homeowner tackling occasional tree trimming, mastering these techniques will significantly improve your chainsaw’s performance and extend its life.

Understanding the Importance of Bar Oil

Before diving into the “how,” let’s understand the “why.” Chainsaw bar oil serves three primary functions:

Lubrication: Reducing friction between the chain, bar, and drive sprocket is the oil’s most crucial role. Without proper lubrication, these components grind against each other, generating immense heat and causing rapid wear.
Cooling: The oil helps dissipate heat generated by friction, preventing the bar and chain from overheating and warping.
Cleaning: The oil flushes away sawdust and debris from the bar groove and chain, preventing clogging and ensuring smooth operation.

Using the correct type of bar oil and ensuring adequate flow are essential for maximizing these benefits.

Pro Tip 1: Choosing the Right Bar Oil

The market offers a wide range of chainsaw bar oils, each with varying properties and intended uses. Selecting the right oil is the first step toward optimal bar lubrication.

Viscosity Matters

Viscosity refers to a fluid’s resistance to flow. Bar oils come in different viscosity grades, typically indicated by an ISO (International Organization for Standardization) number. Higher numbers indicate thicker, more viscous oils.

I generally recommend using an ISO 68 or ISO 100 bar oil for most chainsaw applications. These oils provide a good balance of lubrication and flow in various temperatures. However, consider the following factors:

Temperature: In colder climates (below freezing), a lower viscosity oil (e.g., ISO 46) is preferable to ensure adequate flow. Thick oil can become even more viscous in cold temperatures, hindering its ability to reach critical areas. In hot weather, a higher viscosity oil (e.g., ISO 150) may be necessary to prevent the oil from thinning out too much and losing its lubricating properties.
Wood Type: When cutting hardwoods like oak or maple, which generate more friction, a higher viscosity oil can provide better protection. For softer woods like pine or fir, a lower viscosity oil may suffice.
Chainsaw Size: Larger, more powerful chainsaws typically require higher viscosity oils to handle the increased demands of heavy cutting.

Types of Bar Oil

Petroleum-Based Bar Oil: This is the most common and affordable type of bar oil. It provides excellent lubrication and cooling properties. However, it’s derived from fossil fuels and is not biodegradable.
Vegetable-Based Bar Oil: These oils are made from renewable resources like canola or soybean oil. They are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. While they offer good lubrication, they tend to be more expensive than petroleum-based oils and may not perform as well in extreme temperatures. I often use vegetable-based oils when working near water sources or in environmentally sensitive areas.
Synthetic Bar Oil: Synthetic oils are engineered for superior performance in demanding conditions. They offer excellent lubrication, cooling, and wear protection, even at high temperatures. However, they are typically the most expensive option.

Avoid Using Motor Oil

Never use motor oil as a substitute for bar oil. Motor oil is designed for internal combustion engines and lacks the necessary tackifiers to adhere to the bar and chain. It will fling off quickly, providing inadequate lubrication and potentially damaging your chainsaw.

Takeaway: Choose a bar oil with the appropriate viscosity for your climate, wood type, and chainsaw size. Consider using vegetable-based or synthetic oils for environmentally sensitive applications or demanding cutting tasks.

Pro Tip 2: Adjusting the Oiler Output

Most chainsaws have an adjustable oiler that allows you to control the amount of oil delivered to the bar and chain. Adjusting the oiler output is crucial for ensuring adequate lubrication without excessive oil consumption.

Finding the Adjustment Screw

The oiler adjustment screw is typically located on the bottom of the chainsaw, near the bar mount. Refer to your chainsaw’s owner’s manual for the exact location and adjustment procedure. Some chainsaws have an external adjustment screw, while others require you to remove the bar and chain to access it.

The Newspaper Test

A simple way to check the oiler output is the “newspaper test.” Start the chainsaw and hold it about six inches above a sheet of newspaper. Run the chain at full throttle for about 30 seconds. A visible spray of oil should appear on the newspaper. If there’s no spray or only a faint mist, increase the oiler output. If there’s excessive oil pooling on the newspaper, reduce the oiler output.

Adjusting for Conditions

Hardwoods/Hot Weather: Increase the oiler output to provide extra lubrication and cooling.
Softwoods/Cold Weather: Decrease the oiler output to prevent excessive oil consumption and potential oil starvation in cold temperatures.

Visual Inspection

Regularly inspect the bar and chain during operation. A properly lubricated chain will have a thin film of oil on all its surfaces. If the chain appears dry or smoky, increase the oiler output.

Takeaway: Adjust the oiler output based on the wood type, temperature, and visual inspection of the bar and chain. The newspaper test is a simple way to check the oiler output.

Pro Tip 3: Cleaning the Bar and Oiler

A clean bar and oiler are essential for maintaining proper oil flow. Sawdust, debris, and hardened oil can clog the bar groove, oiler port, and oil filter, restricting oil flow and leading to premature wear.

Cleaning the Bar Groove

The bar groove is the slot that guides the chain along the bar. It’s a prime location for sawdust and debris to accumulate.

Frequency: Clean the bar groove every time you sharpen the chain or replace the bar.
Tools: Use a bar groove cleaner, a small screwdriver, or a piece of wire to remove debris from the groove.
Technique: Insert the cleaning tool into the groove and run it along the entire length of the bar, removing any packed-in sawdust or debris. Pay particular attention to the area around the oiler hole.

Cleaning the Oiler Port

The oiler port is the small hole on the bar that delivers oil from the oiler to the chain. It can become clogged with hardened oil or debris.

Frequency: Clean the oiler port every time you clean the bar groove.
Tools: Use a small wire or needle to clear the oiler port.
Technique: Gently insert the wire into the oiler port and rotate it to dislodge any debris. Be careful not to damage the port.

Cleaning the Oil Filter

The oil filter prevents debris from entering the oil pump and clogging the oiler system.

Frequency: Clean the oil filter every 25 hours of operation or whenever you notice a decrease in oil flow.
Location: The oil filter is typically located inside the oil tank, near the oil pickup line. Refer to your chainsaw’s owner’s manual for the exact location.
Procedure: Remove the oil filter from the tank. Clean it with a solvent or compressed air. If the filter is damaged or excessively clogged, replace it.

Flushing the Oil Tank

Periodically flush the oil tank to remove any accumulated sediment or debris.

Frequency: Flush the oil tank every 50 hours of operation or whenever you change bar oil brands.
Procedure: Empty the oil tank. Pour a small amount of solvent (e.g., mineral spirits) into the tank. Shake the chainsaw vigorously to loosen any sediment. Drain the solvent and allow the tank to air dry before refilling it with bar oil.

Takeaway: Regularly clean the bar groove, oiler port, and oil filter to maintain proper oil flow. Flush the oil tank periodically to remove sediment and debris.

Pro Tip 4: Inspecting and Maintaining the Oiler System

The oiler system is responsible for delivering oil from the oil tank to the bar and chain. Regular inspection and maintenance of the oiler system are crucial for preventing oil flow problems.

Checking the Oiler Pump

The oiler pump is a small pump that draws oil from the oil tank and delivers it to the bar.

Inspection: Inspect the oiler pump for signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, leaks, or worn gears.
Testing: To test the oiler pump, remove the bar and chain. Start the chainsaw and observe the oiler port. Oil should flow steadily from the port. If there’s no oil flow or only a weak trickle, the oiler pump may be faulty.
Replacement: If the oiler pump is faulty, replace it with a new one. Refer to your chainsaw’s owner’s manual for the replacement procedure.

Checking the Oiler Lines

The oiler lines are the hoses that connect the oil tank to the oiler pump and the oiler pump to the bar.

Inspection: Inspect the oiler lines for signs of cracks, leaks, or kinks.
Testing: To check for leaks, start the chainsaw and observe the oiler lines. If you see any oil leaking from the lines, replace them.
Replacement: If the oiler lines are damaged, replace them with new ones.

Checking the Worm Gear

Some chainsaws use a worm gear to drive the oiler pump.

Inspection: Inspect the worm gear for signs of wear or damage, such as worn teeth or cracks.
Replacement: If the worm gear is damaged, replace it with a new one.

Checking the Bar Oiler Hole Alignment

Ensure the oiler hole on the bar aligns correctly with the oiler outlet on the chainsaw body. Misalignment can restrict oil flow.

Takeaway: Regularly inspect the oiler pump, oiler lines, and worm gear for signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty components. Ensure the bar oiler hole aligns correctly with the oiler outlet.

Pro Tip 5: Proper Bar and Chain Maintenance

Proper bar and chain maintenance plays a significant role in optimizing oil flow and extending the life of your chainsaw.

Sharpening the Chain

A sharp chain cuts more efficiently, reducing friction and heat. A dull chain requires more force to cut, increasing the load on the bar and chain and generating more heat.

Frequency: Sharpen the chain whenever it becomes dull or after hitting dirt or rocks.
Tools: Use a chainsaw file, a chainsaw sharpener, or a professional sharpening service.
Technique: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for sharpening the chain. Maintain the correct filing angles and depth gauges.

Filing the Depth Gauges

The depth gauges are the small projections in front of each cutting tooth. They control the amount of wood the chain removes with each pass. If the depth gauges are too high, the chain will cut slowly. If they are too low, the chain will grab and kick back.

Frequency: File the depth gauges every few sharpenings.
Tools: Use a depth gauge tool and a flat file.
Technique: Place the depth gauge tool over the depth gauge. File the depth gauge until it’s flush with the tool.

Rotating the Bar

Rotating the bar periodically distributes wear evenly across the bar’s surfaces.

Frequency: Rotate the bar every time you sharpen the chain or replace the bar.
Procedure: Remove the bar and chain. Flip the bar over and reinstall it.

Cleaning the Drive Sprocket

The drive sprocket is the toothed wheel that drives the chain. Sawdust and debris can accumulate around the drive sprocket, hindering chain movement and increasing friction.

Frequency: Clean the drive sprocket every time you sharpen the chain or replace the bar.
Tools: Use a brush or compressed air to remove debris from the drive sprocket.

Checking Chain Tension

Proper chain tension is crucial for safe and efficient cutting. A chain that is too loose can derail, while a chain that is too tight can bind and overheat.

Frequency: Check the chain tension before each use and periodically during operation.
Technique: With the chainsaw turned off, lift the chain in the middle of the bar. The chain should lift about 1/8 inch. Adjust the chain tension as needed.

Regular Bar Grinding

Over time, chainsaw bars can develop burrs or uneven wear patterns, impacting chain alignment and oil distribution. Grinding the bar with a specialized bar grinder restores its flat surface, ensures proper chain fit, and optimizes oil flow, extending the life of both the bar and chain.

Takeaway: Sharpen the chain regularly, file the depth gauges, rotate the bar, clean the drive sprocket, and check the chain tension to maintain proper bar and chain performance.

Safety First

Working with chainsaws can be dangerous. Always follow these safety precautions:

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including safety glasses, hearing protection, gloves, and chainsaw chaps.
Read and understand the chainsaw’s owner’s manual.
Never operate a chainsaw when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Keep a firm grip on the chainsaw with both hands.
Maintain a safe distance from other people and obstacles.
Be aware of your surroundings and potential hazards.
Never cut above your shoulder height.
Use caution when cutting small branches or limbs, as they can kick back.
Turn off the chainsaw and engage the chain brake when you are not cutting.
Store the chainsaw in a safe place, out of reach of children.

Troubleshooting Common Oiling Problems

Even with proper maintenance, you may encounter oiling problems. Here are some common issues and their solutions:

No Oil Flow:
- Check the oil level in the tank.
- Clean the bar groove, oiler port, and oil filter.
- Inspect the oiler pump and oiler lines for damage.
- Ensure the bar oiler hole aligns correctly with the oiler outlet.
Insufficient Oil Flow:
- Adjust the oiler output.
- Use a lower viscosity bar oil.
- Clean the bar groove, oiler port, and oil filter.
Excessive Oil Flow:
- Adjust the oiler output.
- Use a higher viscosity bar oil.
Oil Leaks:
- Inspect the oil tank, oiler pump, and oiler lines for leaks.
- Replace any damaged components.

Final Thoughts

Properly oiling your chainsaw bar is a critical aspect of chainsaw maintenance. By following these five pro tips, you can ensure optimal oil flow, extend the life of your chainsaw, and improve its performance. Remember to choose the right bar oil, adjust the oiler output, clean the bar and oiler regularly, inspect and maintain the oiler system, and practice proper bar and chain maintenance. Always prioritize safety when working with chainsaws.

From felling towering pines in the Pacific Northwest to meticulously shaping firewood in my backyard, I’ve learned that a well-oiled chainsaw is a happy chainsaw. And a happy chainsaw means a more efficient, safer, and more enjoyable wood processing experience. So, take the time to properly care for your chainsaw, and it will reward you with years of reliable service.