Can automotive car oil be used as an alternative for bar/chain oil for a chain saw?

August 4th, 2010 by admin Leave a reply »
automotive18 Can automotive car oil be used as an alternative for bar/chain oil for a chain saw?
lift&shift 101 asked:


I have a pole saw at the house i use around once a year with a small tank on the side that takes bar/chian oil. After using it once the rest of the oil just leaks out over the rest of the year sitting.Can i use automotive oil as a chain and bar lube alternative so i dont have to keep buying chain/bar oil?

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3 comments

  1. puzzledinphx. says:

    I would say yes. Years ago, my father used to reuse the oil he saved when changing the oil from the cars. Never seemed to bother the profromance of the chain saw.

  2. dsgrieve says:

    Automotive oil is not viscous enough.

    I always pour the bar oil back into the container after using the saw (being careful not to get dirt in it). I also do the same with the fuel.

  3. reader says:

    That’s what I use in my Remington electric pole saw, I’ve had it for years and it’s still perfect. The manual for mine actually said that I could use motor oil. I’d go for it if I were you. After all, it isn’t like you’re putting it to heavy use. As far as draining the reservoir to save the oil, on my saw that would be a royal pain.

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