Best Budget-Friendly Oil: Husqvarna 610000023 Bar & Chain Oil

Yes, you should be adding bar and chain oil every time you fuel up a chain saw. Or if you are using an electric or battery-powered chainsaw and notice it is running slowly, it is probably time to add bar and chain oil.

Based in Sweden, Husqvarna is one of the biggest makers of commercial-grade lawn and garden gear—including chainsaws. The company’s model 455 Rancher is one of the best-rated chainsaws, in recent lab report research we looked at. So it stands to reason the company’s bar and chain oil is also excellent.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Clings well to the chain.

• Helps keep chain cool.

• Blend of base stocks and tackifier additives.

• Affordable.

Best Overall: Oregon 54-026 Chainsaw Bar and Chain Oil

When you talk with folks who regularly use chainsaws, one brand comes up time and time again when it comes to best quality: Oregon.

The Oregon Saw Chain Manufacturing Corporation traces its roots back to 1947. . . these folks know a thing or two about chainsaws. Their bar and chain oil (54-026) is considered the gold standard, according to experts we interviewed for this article.

Yes, it is a bit pricey, but worth it in our opinion. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Long lasting.

• Excellent performance.

• High film-strength.

• Extra high tackiness.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

• Spout could be smaller.

Best Bulk Size Oil: Mag 1 Bar and Chain Oil, 1 gal. (MAG62456)

If our first two choices are unavailable, this would be a good substitute. And it is easy on the wallet, considering the bulk-size (gallon) container. If you regularly use your chainsaw, having a gallon of this bar chain oil around makes sense. Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Good viscosity.

• Affordable.

• Gets the job done.

• Large, gallon size container.

Best Tried & True Brand: STP Tools and Chainsaw Oil Treatment

This bar and chain oil’s claim to fame is its “anti-wear technology.” Basically, it is balanced viscosity . . . not to thin or too thick. And it works well.

What We Liked

• Good performance.

• Works well.

• Affordable.

What Needs Work

• Could be easier to pour. 

Why Trust Us

We’ve been rating and reviewing products for the home and families since 1994. We do extensive research (interviewing experts, pouring over lab test results, etc.) and then evaluate products with an eye toward quality, ease of use and affordability.

Here’s another key point: we don’t take money from the brands we review. No free samples, no sponsors, no “partnerships.” Our work is 100% reader-supported!