Chainsaw Chain Oil

[PC Electrics]

I've recently bought myself a small chainsaw. It came with a small bottle of chain oil which I put in the appropriate hole. The instructions however don't actually say what type or grade of oil it is. Doh! Anyone know?

Reason I ask is that it did seem quite thick like a hypoy gear oil and since I've got tons of gear oil was hoping to use that rather than buying more (at vastly inflated prices for 500ml bottles).

 

[Apache]

What make is the chainsaw?

If it's cheap I would use the gear oil you already have. A cheap electric one won't last forever.

I treat my Husky to expensive branded oil because I want it to last a long time!

Just make sure you don't run out of oil! Most petrol chainsaws the petrol runs out when the oil does so I always re-fill both. With electric you will have to keep a close eye on it!

 

[PC Electrics]

Thanks for that Chief.

It's a petrol Ryobi - 100 quid from Screwfix. It's only little but it suits my needs and just 'cos it was cheap doesn't mean I don't want it to last as best as poss. Think I'll use the hypoy, I've got no other use for it now cars are mostly FWD.

 

[Apache]

I nearly bought a Ryobi and was told they are very variable. If you get a good one they go on for years, but there are some bad ones about. My local dealer used to sell them but reckoned he got about 25% back with some problem or other. SF are good if things break.

My only thought would be if it had a lower viscosity then it would use up faster than the chainsaw oil. Whatever you do - don't run it with no oil!

 

[roys]

I believe chain oil is suppose to be bio-degradable, I am prepared to be shot down on this one. I usually buy my chain oil from SF.

 

[Andy™]

chainsaw is usually more 'sticky' so less is wasted (less falls off with the movement)

 

[PC Electrics]

I believe chain oil is suppose to be bio-degradable, I am prepared to be shot down on this one. I usually buy my chain oil from SF.

Screwfix have been out of stock for nearly 2 weeks now, hence the question.

The nearest place I could go to to get some would be a 16 mile round trip - not worth the effort for a tub of oil.

 

[Andy™]

i have used engine oil in a chainsaw before, didnt make any noticeable difference

 

[ryansdad]

In a previuos life i was a tree feller and my husky chainsaw was treated to the cheapest oil i could find!It doesn't really matter as it is only to lubricate the chain, if its good enough to lubricate an engine its good enough for a chain.Can't be too bad for it- same saw still going strong after 14 years!

 

[PC Electrics]

My Rover Turbo (petrol) gets treated to fully synthetic 5W40 every 4k miles. Not putting that in the chainsaw - far too good!

But I'm able to get Motaquip parts at massive (employee) discount so i'll pick some ordinary stuff up next time I'm there. Thanks for the tip.

 

[Apache]

In a previuos life i was a tree feller and my husky chainsaw was treated to the cheapest oil i could find!It doesn't really matter as it is only to lubricate the chain, if its good enough to lubricate an engine its good enough for a chain.Can't be too bad for it- same saw still going strong after 14 years!

That's good to know! I keep running out and having to stop cutting.