Q: I have a chainsaw. Can I use regular motor oil in the reservoir for the bar and chain lubricant?
A: Chainsaw bar and chain oil are highly recommended for this application. Bar and chain oil comes in two different weights of oil–one for summer use, and one that’s a little thinner for winter use. Both have special additives, so the oil sticks to the chain and doesn’t fling off when running. Chainsaw engines run from 10,500 RPM to 14,000 RPM at full throttle. At those speeds, the chain rotates around the bar pretty quickly. The bar lubricant has to be able to adhere to the chain for complete lubrication around the bar.
