do electric chainsaws need oil?

Many people who switch to electric tools believe they have escaped all the maintenance hassles that come with using gas equipment. No more fuel mixing, no more oil changes, and certainly no need for lubricants of any kind – right? This common misconception leads many electric chainsaw owners to skip critical maintenance steps that can seriously affect the performance and lifespan of their tools.

Electric chainsaws require oil to lubricate the guide bar and chain. With this oil, they can work and last long enough to help you complete a variety of wood cutting or carving tasks.

So, what type of oil is electric chainsaw needed, and how much oil is needed? In this comprehensive guide, BISON will clear up the confusion and provide clear answers about electric chainsaw oil.

Why do chainsaws need oil?

To better understand why chainsaws need oil in the first place, we need to make some key distinctions between guide oil and the oil used in the fuel mixture.

A gasoline chainsaw has a 2-stroke engine that requires oil as fuel to operate. This keeps the engine temperature within a "healthy" range by lubricating the pistons and crankcase during engine operation.

For example, if you try to cut something with a gasoline chainsaw while running on raw gasoline (and without adding oil), the engine will likely overheat and fail within minutes.

In contrast, electric chainsaws do not have a gasoline engine. They are driven by an electric motor that uses only electricity as a power source. Therefore, it does not require fuel. The electric motor in a chainsaw typically features factory pre-lubricated sealed bearings. These sealing systems are designed, in most cases, to remain lubricated throughout the life of the tool. This is not to say that it does not require oil, they still require proper lubrication to operate effectively. A special oil is used to lubricate the saw blade and chain, which reduces friction and provides smooth cutting performance. This is something completely different.

What happens if you don't oil your chainsaw?

During operation, the chain saw's cutting chain travels around the guide bar at incredible speeds - typically 40-70 feet per second. This high-speed motion creates two significant challenges:

1. Continuous metal-to-metal contact: Each link of the chain slides over the rails of the guide bar with every rotation, creating constant metal-to-metal friction.

2. Heat generation: This friction naturally converts kinetic energy into heat, causing rapid temperature increases during use. This can permanently damage the guide bar due to heat damage.

When the chain encounters the wood, the additional resistance increases friction and heat generation, which exacerbates these problems. In severe cases, you may see smoke coming from the chain. Poor lubrication causes the engine to work harder, which can damage internal components.

How oil protects your guide bar and chain?

Guide bar and chain oils provide multiple layers of protection that work together to combat these destructive forces:

• Forms a protective barrier: The oil forms a microscopic film between the chain and guide bar, preventing direct metal-to-metal contact.

• Reduces the coefficient of friction: This lubricating layer significantly reduces the coefficient of friction, allowing the chain to slide more freely around the guide bar.

• Protects against wear: By preventing direct metal-to-metal contact, the oil significantly reduces the wear that causes the cutting teeth to dull, and the drive links to wear.

• Protects against rust and corrosion: Quality chain oils also contain additives that help prevent oxidation and corrosion, which is especially important when storing your chain saw between uses.

• Prevents overheating: Adequate oil coverage helps dissipate the heat generated during operation, preventing components from reaching temperatures that could damage the tool or increase the risk of an accident.

• Improves cutting performance: A well-lubricated chain cuts more smoothly and efficiently, requiring less effort from the motor and operator.

• Reduces power consumption: With less friction, the motor doesn't have to work as hard to maintain cutting speed, potentially extending battery life on cordless models.

• Consistent cutting speed: Proper lubrication helps maintain a consistent chain speed even under load, making cutting behavior more predictable.

• Reduces vibration levels: A properly lubricated chain generally produces less vibration, which improves comfort over extended use and reduces wear on the tool itself.

How to oil an electric chainsaw?

Properly oiling an electric chainsaw is a simple process, but it's important to pay attention to detail. You’ll need to check the oil level before each use and periodically during long cutting sessions. Most models have a sight glass or gauge that allows you to monitor the oil level without opening the tank. Refill when the oil level drops to about one-quarter full - do not wait until the oil is completely empty. Following these steps will ensure your chainsaw stays well lubricated for optimal performance and longevity.

#1 Preparation:

For safety reasons, wear work gloves. Unplug the saw and turn it off. If battery-powered, remove the battery. Place the chainsaw on a flat, stable surface. To ensure no dust or debris gets into the oiler, use a towel or cloth to wipe the top of the saw and the oil filler cap.

#2 Find the oil tank

Most electric chainsaws come with an easily accessible oil tank, usually located on the side of the chainsaw body, usually near the front handle. If you can't easily find the oil tank, your owner's manual will have a diagram pointing to its exact location.

#3 Open the oil tank

Remove the oil cap by slowly turning it counterclockwise. Some models may have a quarter-turn cap or require a tool to open. Then place the cap somewhere clean.

#5 Fill the oil tank

If the opening is small, use a clean funnel to prevent spills. When refueling, make sure to steady the chainsaw so you don’t spill anything. Then slowly pour the oil until the tank is almost full, leaving a small air gap at the top. But avoid overfilling, as this can lead to leaks and waste.

It would be beneficial if you also planned a place to store the oil in case of leaks. Concrete can easily get stained by guide bar and chain oil, and it can also leave stains on lawns. A few pieces of cardboard work well to absorb excess oil.

#6 Secure the cap

Wipe off any spilled or dripping oil on the outside of the chainsaw. Turn the oil cap clockwise until it is properly seated and sealed, but be careful not to overtighten it.

Finally, when the chainsaw is running, a small oil pump delivers a steady stream of oil to the chain. Some advanced models offer adjustable oil flow to accommodate different cutting conditions.

Choosing the right bar and chain oil for your electric chainsaw

As mentioned earlier, guide bar oil has the dual function of protecting and lubricating the guide bar and chain. To do this, the guide bar oil must be able to stick to the chain and not fly out as soon as you turn on the chainsaw.

Chain lube is an oil specifically formulated to handle saw blades and chains. For optimal performance, most chainsaw manufacturers make their own lubricants; others recommend a specific brand. In either case, your owner's manual has the exact solution. Recommended types:

Specialized bar and chain oil

Specially formulated chainsaw guide oils contain a binder that allows them to adhere to the chain even at high speeds. This "high tack" property ensures that the oil stays on the chain and doesn't fling off during operation. While some sources recommend using motor oil or waste cooking oil as an alternative, these oils lack the necessary adhesion and may void your warranty. Avoid cheap or recycled oils; misapplied oils can damage drive sprockets, clutch components, chains, and bars.

Viscosity considerations

Choose an oil viscosity that is appropriate for your climate.

• Summer use: Oils with higher viscosities (thicker) provide better adhesion in warm weather.

• Winter use: Oils with lower viscosities (thinner) flow better in cold temperatures, where standard oils may become too slow.

• All-season formulas: Many manufacturers now offer multi-viscosity oils designed to perform adequately across the entire temperature range.

Biodegradable options

For the environmentally conscious user, several manufacturers now offer plant-based, biodegradable guide oils that reduce environmental impact while providing comparable performance.

Conclusion

While electric chainsaws do not require oil to operate, they do require oil for maintenance. A properly lubricated chainsaw cuts more efficiently, requires less power, and is safer and more precise to operate. When it comes to oil, one should keep in mind the basic specifications and follow the manufacturer's oiling guidelines or maintenance manual. Be careful to use only oils specifically formulated for chainsaw applications. BISON recommends oiling the guide bar and chain regularly for better performance and longer life. This simple operation only takes a few seconds but provides maximum protection for your valuable chainsaw.