Let me make it clear from the start!
Do mini chainsaws need oil?
Yes, mini chainsaws do need oil in order to lubricate the bar & chain and run smoothly. Without proper lubrication, the bar & chain will generate excessive friction, resulting in heavy wear and tear.
Here’s a guide on how to properly oil a mini chainsaw:
- Get a small container or bottle with a nozzle.
- Fill it with the bar & chain lubricating oil.
- Hold your saw firmly in one hand and apply a few drops of oil onto the chain using the nozzle.
- Run the saw for a few seconds to allow the oil to distribute evenly.
Wait! Don’t leave yet!
In this article, I’ll go through all the important aspects of oiling a mini chainsaw, including –
- ✅ how often to do it,
- ✅ what type of oil to use,
- ✅ can you use vegetable oil, and
- ✅ tips for maintaining the chain.
Are you ready?
Let’s get started!
These days, nearly all mini chainsaws come with an oil tank, making it easier than ever to keep your saw well-lubricated and functioning at its BEST!
Plus, it eliminates the need for frequent manual oiling, saving you time and effort.
Here’s how you can oil your mini chainsaw with an oil tank: 👇
- Hold your saw firmly in one hand & open up the oil tank.
- Pour bar & chain lubricating oil into the tank until it reaches about 3/4th of capacity. (Don’t overfill as it can cause leakage!)
- Close the tank properly & wipe off any excess oil that may have spilled.
- Press the oiler button on your saw (the “bubble” like button on the top) 2-3 times to apply oil onto the chain.
- Let your saw run for a few seconds to allow the oil to distribute evenly throughout the chain.
- Check the oil level in the tank periodically and refill as needed.
Easy, right?
But what if your mini chainsaw doesn’t come with an oil tank?
How to Oil a Mini Chainsaw Without an Oil Tank?
Your mini chainsaw doesn’t have an oil tank?
You’re not alone! My Saker mini didn’t come with an oil tank either. 🐸
But don’t worry, you can still keep your saw well-oiled and running smoothly!
Here’s how you can oil a mini chainsaw without an oil tank: 👇
- Get a small container or bottle with a nozzle. (usually comes with the saw!)
- Fill it with the bar & chain lubricating oil.
- Remove the protective cover over the bar for easy access. (Optional)
- Hold your saw firmly in one hand & apply a few drops of oil onto the chain using the nozzle.
- Run the saw for a few seconds to allow the oil to distribute evenly.
- Repeat this process every time you use your mini chainsaw, or whenever you feel that it needs more oil.
Remember, keeping your mini chainsaw lubricated is essential for its performance and longevity. So don’t skip this step!
Which Type of Oil is Best for Mini Chainsaws?
In my opinion, the most suitable lubricating oil for mini chainsaws is the one that has been specially designed for use on chainsaw bars and chains.
Chainsaw bar & chain oil is formulated to provide the necessary lubrication and protection for the chain and bar of your saw.
But how is it different from other types of oil?
Well, there are 4 BIG reasons: 👇
- ✅ High viscosity: Bar & chain oil has a high viscosity, which means it’s thick and sticky. This allows it to stay on the chain and bar (even at high speeds), providing non-stop lubrication!
- ✅ Tackiness: It’s designed to be “tacky”. It clings to the chain and bar, reducing sling-off and preventing it from flinging off the chain during operation.
- ✅ Anti-Wear Additives: This type of oil often contains additives that reduce wear and tear on the chain and bar.
- ✅ Environmental Friendly: Some bar & chain oils are formulated to be biodegradable (which can be important if you’re working in environmentally sensitive areas).
How Much Does Chainsaw Bar & Chain Oil Cost?
On average, a quart (946 ml or 32 oz.) size bottle of bar & chain oil can cost you between $10-$15, depending on the brand and quality.
And, if you pick a smaller bottle, it shouldn’t cost you more than $7.
Frankly speaking, I don’t think that’s too much for something that can make your saw perform better and last longer!
In fact, a quart of bar & chain oil can last you for several months (depending on how often you use your mini chainsaw and the size of your oil tank).
So it’s definitely worth investing in a good quality bar & chain oil for your mini chainsaw.
Here are 3 bar & chain oils that I’ve used and recommend: 👇
- Oregon Bar & Chain Oil (My personal favorite! 👑)
- Husqvarna X Guard (Cheap + GOOD quality)
- Sun Joe SWJ Premium Bar (Value for money)
Can I Use Vegetable Oil Instead of Bar & Chain Oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil like canola oil, sunflower oil, or even cooking oil as a substitute for bar & chain oil. But as with anything, there are pros and cons!
| ✅ PROS | ❌CONS |
|---|---|
| It's environmentally friendly. | It has a lower viscosity compared to bar & chain oil, meaning it's not as sticky and might get flung off the chain easily (and you may notice some leaking!). |
| It's way cheaper than bar & chain oil. | It smells like you're frying chicken! |
| NO need to worry about any harmful chemicals. | It doesn't contain any anti-wear additives. |
| It's readily available. (You probably already have it in your kitchen!) | If you leave your saw unused for 3-6 months, the oil may gum up and seize up your saw (which requires a great deal of effort in cleaning, btw!). |
To be honest, mini chainsaws don’t seem to mind veggie oil that much. I’ve used it a couple of times as an experiment, and my saw worked just fine.
No damage or anything!
If you’re comfortable with the cons, you can definitely give it a try.
But personally, I think I’ll stick to bar & chain oil! 🙂
Can You Use a Mini Chainsaw Without Oiling?
No, you can’t use a mini chainsaw without oiling it!
The chain and bar of a mini chainsaw are made of metal, and when they rub against each other at high speeds, it creates a lot of friction and heat!
Without proper oiling, this can lead to wear and tear, causing the chain to snap or the bar to become damaged.
(Think of oil as a protective layer between two metal parts!)
If you’re out of bar & chain oil, at least grab some vegetable oil or any kind of lubricating oil you have around (even motor oil can work in a pinch!).
How Often Should You Oil Your Mini Chainsaw?
You should oil your mini chainsaw before every use and once every 5-10 minutes of operation.
If your saw has an oil tank, check the oil level after each use and refill if necessary.
And if you’re using a mini chainsaw without an oil tank (like most of us!), make sure to apply a few drops of oil on the chain every time before you start using it.
When you’re cutting, make sure to take a break every 5-10 minutes to oil the chain again.
I like to keep a small bottle of bar & chain oil in my tool kit, so I always have it handy whenever I need to oil my mini chainsaw.
