It happened last Tuesday. I was in my back yard. I was cutting a big oak branch. I stopped to check my saw. My jug of bar oil was empty.
I saw a bottle of 10W-30 motor oil on my shelf. I asked myself: Can I use engine oil for a chainsaw?
The short answer is yes. But there is a catch.
I used it that day. It saved my project. But it is not perfect. Here is what I learned.
The Big Difference: The “Sticky” Factor
Real bar oil is special. It has a “tackifier” in it. This makes the oil sticky like honey.
My chain spins very fast. The sticky oil holds on tight. It stays on the metal.
Motor oil is different. It is thin. It flows fast. It does not stick.
When I used the motor oil, two things happened:
- I made a mess. Oil flew off the tip. It got on my boots. It got on the wood.
- I used more oil. The tank went dry fast. I had to fill it up often.
When to Use Engine Oil
Do you have a few cuts left? Is the store closed? You can use it. It works for a short time.
The weather changes which oil I use.
- In the Summer: I use SAE 30. It is thick. It stays on the chain better in the heat.
- In the Winter: I use 10W-30. It is thinner. The cold makes oil thick. This flows better.
My Tip: Does your saw have an oil screw? Turn it up. I set mine to “Max.” This keeps the chain wet.
READ MORE: Best 2 Stroke Oil for Chainsaw
A Good Backup: Vegetable Oil
I also like Canola oil. It works well if I am out of bar oil.
Why? It is surprisingly sticky. It oils the chain well. It is also safe for my grass. Engine oil kills the grass. Canola oil does not.
Note: Do not leave it in the saw for a long time. It can get hard and gummy.
The One Rule: Never Use Old Oil
There is one big rule I follow. Never use old oil.
Do not use the black oil from your car. It is dirty. It has tiny metal bits in it. These bits act like sandpaper.
They ruin the oil pump. They dull the chain. The smoke also smells bad. It is bad to breathe in.
Quick Comparison: How They Work
I made this table to show you the difference.
| Oil Type | Stickiness | Mess | How well it oils | Best Use |
| Bar & Chain Oil | High | Low | Great | Daily Use |
| SAE 30 Motor Oil | Low | High | Good | Summer Backup |
| 10W-30 Motor Oil | Very Low | Very High | Okay | Winter Backup |
| Vegetable Oil | Medium | Medium | Good | Eco-Friendly |
| Used Motor Oil | Low | High | Bad | NEVER |
My Final Thoughts
So, can you use engine oil for a chainsaw? Yes.
If you are in a pinch, go for it. It will not hurt your saw for a day. Just be ready to wipe oil off your boots.
But for big jobs? I stick to real bar oil. It saves me money. It protects my saw.
FAQs – Can I Use Engine Oil for Chainsaw
Can I use engine oil for chainsaw work every day?
No, do not do that. Engine oil is thin. It flies off the chain fast. Your bar will get dry and hot. Use it once if you must, but get real sticky bar oil very soon.
Is vegetable oil better than motor oil?
Yes, I like it better. Vegetable oil sticks well to the chain. It is safe for the soil too. But use it fast. It can get hard if it sits in the tank for a long time.
What oil weight should I use in the cold?
In the winter, use 10W-30 oil. It flows well when it is cold out. Thick oil like SAE 30 is too hard to pump in the snow. This helps keep your chain wet and safe.
Why is used motor oil bad for my saw?
Old oil is very dirty. It has tiny metal bits in it. These bits cut your pump like sand. The smoke is also bad for you to breathe. Please use only clean, new oil.
Does motor oil ruin the oil pump?
Clean motor oil is safe for the pump. But it is not great for the bar. It runs off too fast. This causes heat. That heat is what hurts your bar in the long run.