How Does a Chainsaw Oiler Work?

For two-stroke engines, lubrication is important. Without proper lubrication, the friction caused by the chainsaw chain moving on the guide bars can cause overheating and wear. This hot metal-on-metal action can damage chains, rods, and motors. In fact, you can end up breaking the entire chainsaw. It is critical to keep this rod and chain properly oiled. That's why it's so important to understand how chainsaw oilers work.

In "the old days", before the modern advances in chainsaw technology, a "chainsaw oiler" was a person (usually a newcomer). His job revolves around operating oil tanks. Basically, he had to manually drip oil onto the tools while an experienced lumberjack worked. This is usually his position until the older guy chops off a vital body part, at which point the younger guy is promoted to operate the saw.

The next evolution of the chainsaw oiler eliminated the assistant but still used a manual process. It includes an onboard thumb plunger located next to the throttle, thus eliminating the need for a "chainsaw box". This advance in chainsaw oiling technology lets the operator manually pump oil onto the saw blade while cutting. Some of these manual oilers are still in use today.

Ultimately, manufacturers figured out how to fit an auto-oiler onto their chainsaws. These have proven to be very reliable and effective solutions. In fact, automatic chainsaw oilers give users a more "set it and forget it" approach to keeping their equipment properly lubricated.

Most modern chainsaws use automatic refueling systems, but it helps to understand how they work. Specially designed chainsaw blade oil enters the oil tank. You'll need to keep up with the oil level as you cut, as running out of oil can cause the saw to warp or burn out.

Many manufacturers now include useful features such as translucent windows that make it easy to check the oil level. Both air and electric chainsaws require you to use oil to lubricate the chain and blade. No matter what power source you prefer, it's a good habit to top up the oil when refueling or changing batteries.

Your chainsaw oiler may use a fixed-flow or adjustable-flow oiling system. With a fixed-flow lubricator, the chainsaw releases lubricant onto the rod at a constant rate. This system works fine, but it won't let you adjust the oil release based on temperature changes, harder wood, etc.

With an adjustable flow system, you can adjust the flow by turning a screw on the oil pump. This allows you to take into account all of the above variables.

In these systems, the throttle valve engages both the electric motor and the oil pump. When you crank up the throttle, the worm drive engages the pump, delivering oil through a port that releases onto the rod. As the chain moves on the rod, it distributes the oil over the entire surface, reducing friction and heat generated when cutting.

Read the manufacturer's recommendations for stick oils. Chainsaw oil is designed to have a specific viscosity that ensures it adheres to all cutting parts. However, any bar and chain oil can generally be used. We even know a professional who uses biodegradable vegetable oils. It also helps break down wood chips that are covered with oil.

Weather can also affect the viscosity of chainsaw oil. Colder temperatures will thicken the oil, while summer heat will thin the oil. The oil that becomes too thick or too thin can cause all kinds of problems that shorten the life of the handlebar, chain, and motor. If the manufacturer fails to specify which oil to use at any given temperature, we recommend that you use grade SAE 30 in summer and SAE 10 in winter.

Before cutting anything, point the tip of the chainsaw at the work surface, but don't cut. You'll know your chainsaw oiler is working fine if the chain drips a small amount of oil onto the wood.

When you're done using your saw, you should double-check the oil port to make sure no sawdust or other debris has accumulated. If you notice any blockages, use a soft dry cloth to remove any dirt.

Tangentially related to all this, your bar probably has spinning sprockets that guide the chain around the front end. "Grease your nose," in this case, means throwing some grease into the small hole in the clubhead, which should allow those sprockets to move smoothly.

Understanding how a chainsaw oiler works isn't just a guide to buying any specific oiler or chain oil, it's more about maintenance. Keep the oil flowing to the handlebars and chain and you probably won't have any trouble on the road. You want to make sure the chain runs smoothly on the bar so you can focus on cutting and not have to replace the chain and bar prematurely.

As always, if you have any other pro tips on how to keep your chainsaw oiler up and running, or if you'd like to buy a chainsaw accessory, please contact us.

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