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Chainsaw bar and chain care for firewood season

Firewood season means long days on the saw. A sharp chain, the right tension and steady bar oil make it faster, safer and easier on the saw.

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This page focuses on the cutting end of the saw: bar, chain, sprocket and oiling. For engine storage and fuel, see the chainsaw care page. Always wear proper protective gear, follow the saw maker’s manual, and keep the chain brake and chain catcher in working order.

Signs the chain needs attention

  • The saw makes fine dust instead of chips.
  • You have to push the saw through the cut.
  • The saw pulls to one side or cuts crooked.
  • Smoke from the cut even with the oiler working.

Bar oil and the oiler

The bar and chain need a steady supply of oil. Check the oil level every time you fuel up; on many saws the bar oil runs out at about the same time as the fuel. Cold weather thickens oil, so watch the oiler output on cold mornings: hold the running saw over a light-colored surface and look for a line of oil thrown off the chain.

Firewood season checklist

  1. Fill bar oil every time you fuel.
  2. Check chain tension with the saw off and the chain brake set; adjust as it warms and stretches.
  3. Sharpen often. Touch up the cutters with a file after a tank or two, or when chips turn to dust.
  4. Keep the chain out of the dirt. One pass through soil or a hidden stone dulls a chain fast.
  5. Clean the bar groove and oil holes when you change chains.
  6. Flip the bar periodically to even out rail wear, and dress burrs off the rails.
  7. Inspect the drive sprocket and replace it per the manual when it shows wear.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use motor oil as bar oil?

Bar oil is formulated to cling to the chain; motor oil tends to fling off quickly. Use a bar and chain oil.

How tight should the chain be?

Tension specs vary. Generally the chain should be snug on the bar but still pull around by hand with gloves on. Follow your manual.

Why does my chain stretch so much at first?

New chains often stretch during the first cuts. Check and adjust tension frequently early on.

AMSOIL products for this job

  • AMSOIL Semi-Synthetic Bar and Chain Oil. AMSOIL says: “Ideal for chainsaws and bicycle chains”; “Tacky formula clings to metal surfaces better than other oils”; “Anti-wear additives extend the life of bar-and-chain applications”.
  • AMSOIL SABER Professional 100% Synthetic 2-Stroke Oil. AMSOIL says: “Stabilizes fuel during storage”; “Use in all handheld two-stroke equipment or other applications that specify JASO FD, ISO-L-EGD or API TC”.

For mix ratios, see the 2-stroke mix calculator. Always use the ratio your saw maker specifies.

Product wording above is quoted or summarized from amsoil.com. Read each product’s label and data sheet for directions.

Use AMSOIL’s official lookup guide to see what is listed for your vehicle or equipment, then order online whenever it suits you.