Bar oil alternative

[stretch5881]

My fil used drain oil with stp added to it for decades. 12 cord of firewood a year. Never any problems.

 

[Loony661]

I think about this a lot as I cut in woods daily: sometimes I wonder if I could get by any cheaper without any negative affects. I currently buy/use Mystik Bar and Chain oil that I buy for about $8/gallon from Fleet Farm. My chain teeth are always the first to go - the tie straps usually show some wear on the bottom as they should, but never extreme amounts. I just worry about bar life. Yes some bars are inexpensive, but when you start using the Lightweight bars, the price double or triples.. There’s probably no right answer, but if I could buy cheaper, or make my own, I would be interested in exploring that option.

 

[Skiptooth Fred]

I might have found a drum of 80/90 wt gear for cheap, it is lightly contaminated with water. What's the option of gear oil on saw chains?

Use it if you have no genuine bar oil

 

[Skiptooth Fred]

I think about this a lot as I cut in woods daily: sometimes I wonder if I could get by any cheaper without any negative affects. I currently buy/use Mystik Bar and Chain oil that I buy for about $8/gallon from Fleet Farm. My chain teeth are always the first to go - the tie straps usually show some wear on the bottom as they should, but never extreme amounts. I just worry about bar life. Yes some bars are inexpensive, but when you start using the Lightweight bars, the price double or triples.. There’s probably no right answer, but if I could buy cheaper, or make my own, I would be interested in exploring that option.

Maybe look out for some 85w140 gear oil, or ask anyone doing oil changes, if its used oil from a vehicle differential thats ok as long as its still pretty clean, filter it through cloth, it takes some time, or let it stand in clear containers and it will settle, pour the clean off the top(its a long wait process, stack them away in your shed) thiese hypoid gear oils will help in bar life 50/50 with your 150weight chain and bar oil

 

[Loony661]

Maybe look out for some 85w140 gear oil, or ask anyone doing oil changes, if its used oil from a vehicle differential thats ok as long as its still pretty clean, filter it through cloth, it takes some time, or let it stand in clear containers and it will settle, pour the clean off the top(its a long wait process, stack them away in your shed) thiese hypoid gear oils will help in bar life 50/50 with your 150weight chain and bar oil

I ended up just buying better bars. Very little wear on the bar or tips now. Same cheap Mystik Bar oil.

 

[Skiptooth Fred]

I ended up just buying better bars. Very little wear on the bar or tips now. Same cheap Mystik Bar oil.

Chase some 220 weight or mix in some heavy gear oil, keep it sharp and they will last