What oil to lubricate the saw chain

How to lubricate a bicycle chain

Transmission care. this is what you most often have to do with your bike if you want it to last long and look great. But there are important tricks here.

Cleanliness is the key to health! This expression is true not only for organisms, but also for bicycle transmission. A terrible dream of your bike. black (like night) cassette, chain and system, completely covered with “plasticine” from old grease, dust and poplar fluff.?

In such a favorable environment, “steel cutters” usually start. evil microbes, imperceptibly devouring stars, chains and rollers. :).

A well-groomed drivetrain should look “shiny”.

Transmission care

This is the most important and frequent thing you will do with your bike. Ideally, after every 100 km of travel in dry weather, give the transmission 3-5 minutes of time to clean, and lubricate it only when you hear the rustle of a dry chain when driving.

Chain lubrication. one of the most important steps in bike care. The used oil (lubricant) directly affects not only the quality of the transmission, but also the durability of the chain and sprockets on your bike. That is why today I will tell you how and with what you need to lubricate the chain, and how you cannot lubricate it. How is bicycle chain lubricant different from other oils? The bike chain is in motion, with its rollers constantly rubbing against the stars, as well as against the rollers of the rear derailleur. Chain roller friction (external friction). does not lead to “stretching” (increase in length) of the chain. The most intense friction occurs just inside the chain itself. Each link consists of four elements (2 plates, pin and roller). There are about 110 such links in the chain in total.

With its rollers, the new chain slides precisely into the teeth of the new cassette. To understand where the lubricant is most needed in the chain, you need to understand what exactly is wearing out in it. Please note that the pins are firmly seated in the holes of the outer plates, which means there is no friction between them. There is friction between the inner link plates and the pins. It is here that the pin is developed, the inner plates rub the grooves in it, which leads to the lengthening of the chain (they say: “the chain is stretched”). As a result, the rollers do not so accurately fall into the teeth of the stars, and wear them out. Rear derailleur rollers, usually made of plastic, also suffer. In addition, the clarity of gear changes is reduced, noise, clicks, chain slip and other undesirable phenomena occur. Thus, the most undesirable wear on the chain does not occur outside, but inside it.

The task of any chain lubricant is to penetrate inside, and stay there as long as possible: do not dry out, do not wash out with water, do not splash when the chain moves. But on the outside, the lubricant does more harm than good. coupled with dust, it turns into an abrasive paste that does its job perfectly.

The chain must be kept dry on the outside and lubricated on the inside.

After you have applied liquid (!) Lubricant to each roller, you need to wipe the chain dry with a soft cloth. When riding, some of the lubricant still flows out and accumulates dust, so the chain, stars and rollers must be cleaned with a medium-length hard-bristled brush. It is best to use special handy brushes for this, which can clean hard-to-reach places, such as derailleur rollers and the gap between the stars.

With regular cleaning, your transmission will not only look great, but it will also perform well and last much longer.

A brush alone will not be enough to bring a black “running” transmission back to normal, so you need a chain cleaner. It is also called a “grease remover” (grease remover, from the word de-greaser). This composition washes well stubborn grease with dirt. At worst, WD-40 will help out, but special cleaners work better. If a lot of sand or dirt has got into the chain (for example, after a serious “mud-kneading”), then the brushes are of little help: the chain should be washed. For this purpose, there is no better way than a special chain wash. It allows you to gently wash the bike chain even in the apartment.

What to do with the new chain.

Which Chain Lube is Best? Let’s find out! Ultimate chain lubricant showdown!

The new chain is lubricated when the links are assembled at the factory with a thick but very sticky lubricant. It will be enough for 300-400 km of driving, after which it will be difficult to put grease into the rollers.

Before the first ride, wipe off the sticky lubricant from the new chain with a soft cloth lightly dampened with solvent. Do not wash out the factory grease from the inside!

If you don’t wipe off the new chain, then very quickly the factory sticky grease will turn your transmission into black pieces of iron. By the way, for some reason, sellers do not talk about this, but this simple procedure will make it easier for you to maintain the transmission in a brilliant form (in every sense). Now let’s take a look at the chain lubricants.

How not to lubricate the chain.

One of the most common mistakes. This is a chain lubrication with WD-40 aerosol and its analogues.

WD-40. it is a liquid with a high penetrating power, designed primarily to unblock acidified compounds and displace moisture. Yes, it contains a small amount of oil, but in essence WD-40 is “carbonated kerosene”, but not a lubricant. It is nevertheless good to use “Vedashka”, Anyway (Khado) and other analogs to dissolve old grease if you want to clean well “running” transmission elements. In this case, it is necessary to spray the parts abundantly with a spray, putting a rag so that the composition does not get on the other parts, and wait a little. After that, clean with a brush, wipe dry and grease with a special liquid chain lubricant (see below).

Engine oil as a chain lubricant is already better, but for the time being it is a “four”. As the name suggests, this oil must work in motors, in a closed environment at high temperatures. Its outstanding motor properties are not needed at all in bicycles. And vice versa, engine oil does not “promise” us to penetrate the rollers well, does not dry out for a long time, does not wash off and weakly attract dust. The same can be said about oil for sewing machines, as well as transformer, motorcycle, olive, massage and aromatic oils.)) If you have excellent bicycle oils, there is no point in dripping any other oil into the chain and thinking “what will happen.”.

Having bought a jar of excellent bicycle chain oil for 100-200 UAH, you will present it to your grandchildren. Does it make sense to look for an alternative?

Only the chain should be lubricated in the bicycle transmission, and in no case the stars.

As mentioned above, the following qualities are important in a bicycle chain lubricant:

• It is good to penetrate the videos;
• Stay there for a long time, do not dry out and do not leak;
• Attract as little dust as possible;
• Resist being washed away by rain.

In principle, motorcycle chain oil will work for us, but it should also not spray out of the rollers when the chain rotates at high speed. Therefore, motorcycle oil is more expensive, and it has more packaging. Bicycle chain lubricants are divided into two main types.

Dry grease. They are often made with Teflon and are designed to be used in dry or not very humid conditions. It has a good dustproof effect due to the large amount of Teflon in the composition. Well protects the chain from short-term moisture ingress. If you get caught in the rain, this smear will protect the chain from corrosion, but as soon as you get home it is better to clean the transmission, wipe it dry, lubricate the chain and wipe it dry again. According to many mechanics, dry weather grease is versatile and can be recommended as an “everyday oil”.

Wet and wet lubricant (Wet). It is made on the basis of synthetic silicone oils, sometimes with the addition of paraffin. The lubricant protects the chain very well against direct and prolonged exposure to moisture. Due to the high content of silicone, it works great in wet and dirty conditions, but is categorically not suitable for use in dry weather due to the high fat content of the composition. We recommend using this type of lubricant on rainy autumn days, early spring, when running marathons in bad weather, and especially in winter.

Ceramic lubricants deserve special attention. According to the manufacturers, they create a ceramic layer of increased strength on the rubbing parts, which is their service life.

Greases with thickeners are also interesting. When grease is applied to the roller, it is very fluid, after which the solvent evaporates from it, and it becomes thick. Thus, it stays inside longer. When lubricating, it is important to wipe off the lubricant from the outside of the chain in time.

The main types of grease packaging. bottle with tip and aerosol can. Despite the seeming primitiveness of the bottle, I still recommend it. With it, I apply lubricant directly to each roller, and it takes up less space in the backpack. An aerosol one can be taken for a workshop where you need to quickly lubricate more than one chain in a day. Due to spraying, a lot of lubricant is sprayed “by”, the consumption increases. Also, if you are not used to spray, it is easy to stain rims, spokes, frame, brake rotors.

Having bought a jar of excellent bicycle chain oil for 100-200 UAH, you will present it to your grandchildren. Does it make sense to look for an alternative?

In summary, I advise you not to skimp on lubrication and choose a special oil for bicycle chains. It takes into account all the nuances of the operation of an open bicycle transmission. I recommend choosing a bottle with a spout. If you choose a spray, be sure to put a rag under the stream so that the grease does not get where it should not. You only need to lubricate the chain, and only inside the rollers, only when you begin to hear the “dry” rustle of the chain while driving. Wipe the chain dry after lubrication. Clean the chain, stars, rollers with a brush, avoiding the accumulation of dirt, sand, dust.

Experienced tips, the better to lubricate the bike chain

A bicycle chain drive is a rather complex and responsible device, which largely determines the efficiency and ease of use of a bicycle. The bicycle chain included in it is a rather complex mechanism consisting of side plates, rollers (bushings), axles and locking and transitional connections, which works in rather difficult conditions. It requires constant care and correct periodic maintenance, so deciding how and what better to lubricate the bike chain is of no small importance. One of the cycling aces said that two drops of oil significantly reduces the force with which his feet press on the pedals.

While driving, road dust gets on the bushings or rollers, which leads to intense abrasive wear of the teeth of the chain sprockets. This leads to an increase in its noise and a decrease in the efficiency. the cyclist has to expend more muscular energy to set his vehicle in motion. In order to properly wash, clean and lubricate the chain, you need to know the general rules of care and have information on the applicability of different lubricants in different operating conditions.

How and what can you lubricate a chain on a bicycle

The bike will not let you down at the most inopportune moment if you take care of its maintenance in a timely manner. How to lubricate a bicycle chain to prevent wear?

Any cyclist knows how to take care of his iron horse. Beginners, however, sooner or later, regardless of the completeness and price of transport, will have to face the maintenance of all the details.

Chain cleaning methods

Before lubricating the bike chain, it must be cleaned of dirt and old oil. To do this, you can use a special “machine” with which cleaning is done anywhere, even in the forest or on the highway.

If this is not done, even the highest-quality composition of the new oil will instantly mix with the remnants of moisture and abrasive dirt.

If you are not a supporter of “advanced” technologies, you can use the artisanal method. The rinsing tray is made from a plastic bottle in a few minutes.

And finally, the old grandfather’s way, proven for decades. True, you will have to dismantle the chain using a split lock.

It is a link equipped with elongated pins and a locking leaf spring. Outer plates with eccentric pin holes are used on modern products.

Once removed, you can immerse the chain in a plastic bottle filled with detergent (previously used exclusively with kerosene). The cocktail is then shaken vigorously like a shaker.

All contaminants are removed mechanically while remaining in the liquid. The process is repeated several times, with the change of the washing liquid.

Of course, no one canceled the bath and the toothbrush. over, you need to wash the bike chain and sprocket.

Why you need to lubricate the bike chain

It is necessary to lubricate the bicycle with lubricants to reduce friction in the contacting parts. This will increase their durability and service life. If there is not enough such a substance or it is completely absent, moisture and dust can ruin the life of you and your “friend”. In case of improper care, rust appears, working parts become unusable. What to do?

To prevent the bike from letting down on the road, you need to carry out regular processing of its parts. The main task can be called cleaning followed by lubrication of the chain.

And immediately a number of questions arise.

• How to lubricate a bicycle chain?
• Is it possible to lubricate the bike chain with machine oil?
• How often to carry out the procedure?
• What is the best lubricant to use?
• What is strictly prohibited to use?

You can find answers to all these questions below.

Important: so that the bike does not fail on the road, you need to carry out regular processing of its spare parts. Otherwise, the part may break, and the breakage may lead to an accident.

Paraffin lubrication

In fact, this technique is more about conservation than lubrication. Nevertheless, the anti-friction properties of paraffin are so high that the chains treated with it last much longer.

The solid composition is melted in a water bath, a bicycle chain is placed in it, the brew is “cooked” for at least an hour. Paraffin coats the outer part and penetrates into the spaces between the links.

The chain is hot removed and hung vertically. Excess paraffin flows down, leaving a thinnest protective layer on the surface.

The only drawback is that this treatment is short-lived (especially in winter), so it should be repeated every 50 km. The problem is compensated by the penny cost of the material.

For dry environments

This type is applied to the chain, but does not remain on its outer surface, so dust and dirt do not adhere to the lubricant, which means it is ideal for riding in dry weather.

• Pros: Not as sticky as in wet weather, so it repels dust rather than attracts it. The main thing is to remember that it should be applied several hours before the trip so that it has time to dry.
• Disadvantages: it washes out quickly, therefore it is recommended to apply it after each hit in the stream or in the rain.

Leaves a protective layer on the bike chain after application, only suitable for dry weather conditions.

• Pros: The wax-based lubricant keeps dirt away from the chain, so it doesn’t need to be cleaned that often. This is an ideal solution for those who are “obsessed” with cleanliness, and for those who are not going to get wet. after all, this lubricant can stay on the chain for several months, and after the “expiration date” it flakes off itself.
• Disadvantages: it is not effective in wet and dirty conditions, therefore it must be applied more often than oil. Also, because of the main component. wax. it does not penetrate into the links as well as oil lubricants.

How and how to lubricate the chain on a bicycle?

As a rule, special formulations are used, or grease resistant to “water procedures”. We will talk about this later, first we will analyze the procedure for carrying out the work.

Sunflower oil option

For cleaning, special penetrating compounds are used, but ordinary kerosene or a solvent can be used. Sometimes the question is asked: “can a bicycle chain be lubricated with sunflower oil?” You cannot lubricate, but you can rinse.

precisely, it is necessary to prepare a mixture of water, detergent and any oil, including sunflower oil. Such a composition washes away dirt particles well between the link plates. Of course, after applying water, the links are thoroughly dried, after which the bicycle chain is lubricated.

The gear shift is placed in a position where the tension is minimal. The roller of the gearshift mechanism is lowered into a glass of liquid, and several turns of the pedal sprocket are made. Then we lubricate the chain with oil, which in a small amount should be in the stock of every traveler.

Of course, this is not a complete service. But it will help not to spoil the drive after mud baths, far from civilization. You can argue as much as you like which lubricant is better, but in the described situation, ordinary lithol or solid oil will do. over, some 20-30 years ago, nothing else was used.

Information: To the question of how to lubricate a mountain bike chain. In this case, it is more important to choose the interval, rather than the type of lubrication. All modern tools are more likely to protect your clothes than a chain. And if you drive off-road in a traveling form, then the best remedy is grease compounds for cars.

What kind of oil should be poured into the saw

It is not a big secret for most electric saw owners that the oil used to lubricate the saw chain is one of the main consumables. However, at the same time, not everyone pays due attention to the quality of the lubricant. And it is completely in vain, since the term of its further operation will depend on how well this product will lubricate the working surface of the chain. Therefore, before pouring oil into the saw, you must pay attention to its technical characteristics.

Consequences of insufficient or excess lubrication on the chain

Certain parameters must be respected for each mechanism whose operating mode is associated with lubrication based on machine oil. This applies primarily to the amount of oil required for its normal operation. Such problems can arise if there is not enough oil:

• overheating of the circuit;
• premature bluntness of cutting teeth;
• seized or broken chain;
• additional time spent on cutting;
• increased wear of the sprocket;
• tire failure.

For an electric chain saw, it is recommended to fill the oil tank in the following proportion: one full oil fill to a full gas tank, i.e. 1: 1. In some models, for example, Bosh, the lubrication system works in a fully automatic mode and if there is too much or too little oil on the chain, the saw itself begins to regulate its supply. However, if a malfunction occurs, and the oil starts literally pouring from the chain mechanism, then an excess of it can lead to the following undesirable consequences:

• increased oil consumption;
• excessive contamination of the tool body;
• wide spray of oil from the chain.

As you can see, an overabundance of lubricant does not lead to critical consequences, but its overexpenditure will certainly hit your. Considering that the cost of high-quality lubricating oil is quite high, it is better to use it sparingly.

Why chain lubrication is needed on the saw

Saw oil is used as a chain lubricant to reduce frictional forces and reduce heat build-up. As a result, a fast and trouble-free operation of the cutting blade is achieved. Sometimes it happens that at some stages of cutting it is necessary to exert additional efforts to obtain the required cut, and this directly indicates an insufficient amount of lubricant or its not very good quality. In this case, it is recommended to immediately check the oil level in the reservoir or simply lubricate the chain to complete the current work.

Most newer chainsaw models have a built-in automatic oil supply system to the surface of the cutting element, and manual lubrication is required only for outdated equipment.

Main components of the lubrication system

Typically, oil enters the saw chain lubrication system from a special reservoir, where it is periodically added. From there, it is pushed out by a powerful oil pump, doing this at regular intervals sufficient to consume the previous injection. The main task of the oil mechanism is to prevent the occurrence of such situations when the lubrication on the chain becomes insufficient, and as a result of this, severe overheating of the cutting part may occur due to sharply increased friction forces. As a result, the chain can become dull and fail. Therefore, the oil must be constantly monitored. Typically a saw lubrication system consists of the following components:

• oil tank for chain lubrication;
• special oil filter;
• oil line, which is a small rubber hose that serves to supply oil from the tank;
• an oil pump that pumps the lubricant from the tank to the cutting mechanism;
• special gear, with the help of which the power is transferred to the pump from the electric saw motor.

The tire could also be added to this list, since it has special holes for oil supply.

General Guidelines for Choosing Saw Lubricant

When choosing an oil for lubricating a saw, each of the users asks the question, which of the options is more profitable and acceptable. a special oil for chain mechanisms or an ordinary machine oil? If you listen to the experts, then, of course, the first option is preferable, since the oil for lubricating chains was specially developed taking into account the technical characteristics of the saw.

Technical characteristics mean a certain temperature regime and friction of the working parts of the lubricating mechanism.

Although conventional engine oil is cheaper than special oil, it must be taken into account that it serves completely different purposes and will not be able to guarantee moderate wear of working parts. So you can win a little in price now, but then you will have to overpay for the repair of prematurely worn mechanisms.

Many experts recommend the use of a brand of special oil with the letter N for lubricating the saw. It is slightly more expensive, but guarantees a long and trouble-free chain operation. Its main advantages include:

• excellent biodegradability;
• increased adhesive capabilities;
• presence in the composition of special additives that protect against premature wear.

By following these guidelines, you can significantly increase the life of your electric saw chain. However, the final choice of lubricant is always up to the user.

How the chain lubrication system works

As already mentioned, the pump is the main link in the lubrication system. It works as follows. When the engine speed rises, the gear, which is located on the main shaft, starts the pump operation by means of transmission. At this moment, the pressure in the oil supply system rises, and it begins to move in the direction of the tire. This movement ends where the saw casing touches the tire, in the very place where the longitudinal groove is located, to which the oil channel itself is directed when installing the tire. This groove is required to supply lubricant to the tire at any tension level of the chain mechanism, i.e. Regardless of the position of the bar when the saw is running, the groove will provide lubrication to it. The next link in the feed is the chain itself. Its links have their own separate groove or hole through which the material is distributed along the chain length.

Automatic saw chain lubrication system

In the case of an increase in engine speed, the lubricant pumping speed also increases. Therefore, it is recommended to pour oil into the saw only with the engine off.

Many modern saw models, for example Makita, have built-in pumps with additional skip control, with which you can adjust the amount of lubricant supplied. In older saw modifications, this feature is usually absent. There, the oil supply is carried out in a constant and unchanged mode, or, as in the very first models, the user has to lubricate the chain manually. Those who own outdated copies need to know how to properly lubricate the chain mechanism by hand. It’s not difficult at all:

• take any old container and fill it with oil;
• the chain mechanism is gently immersed in this container.

These actions should be carried out periodically as the lubricant on the chain is consumed.

Overview of brands from various manufacturers

There are many attractive offers on the market today from a wide variety of specialty oil manufacturers that can handle high temperatures while still providing excellent gear lubrication performance. The most popular ones are presented in the following list.

• Forest Plus has high adhesion characteristics and can be used at ambient temperatures down to.15 ° C. Under certain conditions, the shelf life of the oil is 3 years. Sold in 1-liter and 5-liter packs.. 5 l. 1140 rubles.
• Bio Plus products are plant-based. It decomposes quickly when released into the soil. The oil can be used at temperatures down to.15 ° C. Packaging. 1 and 5 liter containers.
• Synth Plus is made on a synthetic base. Withstands increased loads and can be used at particularly low temperatures down to. 25 ° C. Packaging. 1 and 4 liter containers.. 4l. 2970 rubles.
• CHAMPION adhesive oil is formulated to withstand a wide temperature range. It is sold in 3 and 10-liter containers, which is very convenient for use in forestry.. 10 l. 2200 rubles.
• HUSQVARNA Vegoil is one of the most economical solutions for saw lubrication. According to the manufacturer, the consumption of this material is 40% less than others.

Using a special oil to lubricate the saw chain will ensure smooth operation for a long time. This will allow work to be carried out quickly, efficiently and with a high level of safety, which ultimately will lead to significant savings in repair and maintenance of the entire tool.

Choosing the Right Saw Lubricant

If the technical documentation does not contain special instructions and recommendations, then you should use the products of reliable companies. Such materials are of high quality and meet the requirements. Manufacturers usually recommend lubricant grades that correspond to the brands of the tool itself, they are the most suitable. However, their cost is also high, this will also have to be taken into account. The correct choice of lubricant for the saw is the key to obtaining the desired result of work and preserving the device.

An example of an inexpensive and quality product is the Champion brand. It is suitable for working in various temperature conditions. On sale you can find packages of 3 and 10 liters. It is easy and convenient to use. Another well-known brand is the Husqvarna brand. This oil is very effective. At the same time, its cost is also moderate.

Forest plus and Bio Plus also manufacture chain saw lubricants. The latter also differs in that it decomposes quickly when it enters the soil. Under suitable conditions, these materials have a shelf life of 3 years. However, they can be used at an air temperature of at least 15 ° С.

Sunth Plus oil is suitable for use in sufficiently severe frosts, up to 25 ° C. It is made on a synthetic base. It tolerates even high loads during the operation of the equipment. This brand is one of the best.

Do not trust handicraft products, the price of which is very low. They are not only ineffective, but can even cause serious damage to the instrument. This also applies to the waste product. It contaminates the saw chain and mechanism.

Saw chain oil

An electric saw has a number of advantages over a gasoline saw. This is less noise, and lighter weight and ease of use. But the owner of such a unit must remember that the cutting chain requires special care. During operation, it is subjected to constant friction, as a result of which heating occurs. Lubricants are required to protect and extend the life. In this case, the saw oil should be selected of the proper quality.

Saw oils

There are special grades of these materials for the lubrication of the saw chain. There are many options in the trading network. They all have a different composition. Their base can be synthetic, mineral and semi-synthetic. There are also plant-based chain products. Each variety has its own characteristics. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account the advantages and disadvantages of the material.

The most effective are synthetic varieties. They can be used even at very low temperatures. frost below 40 ° C, ensuring the normal operation of the tool. But a serious disadvantage of such materials is their high cost. It is not always affordable for consumers to buy them. Therefore, they prefer other options.

The price of mineral oils is two or more times lower than synthetic oils. But their quality characteristics are also noticeably lower. At low temperatures, even at 25 ° C, they cannot reach their destination in the motor, and parts begin to undergo friction, and as a result, the mechanism quickly breaks down. Therefore, if it is necessary to work in the cold, they are useless and other types of lubricants should be used.

The middle option between mineral and synthetic oils is semi-synthetic. These materials are commercially available for electric and gasoline saws. If you need to purchase chain saw lubricant, it is better to choose the grades and grades of materials that are indicated in the unit’s instructions. Usually these are the types that have the most desirable characteristics for this particular model.

Saw chain lubrication system: how it works

Modern models of electric saws are most often equipped with special systems that automatically supply oil to the cutting tool. Older versions of these units required manual lubrication. To use for this purpose you need oil with certain technical characteristics and viscosity index.

The oil is poured into a special tank, from which after a certain time it is pushed out by an oil pump. The feed mechanism must provide sufficient lubrication for the saw chain to prevent friction build-up that causes overheating.

When the number of engine revolutions increases, the oil pump starts to work. A gear is started on the main shaft. The pressure in the system increases. The oil begins to move towards the tire until it touches the saw housing. There is a groove there. It is at this point that the oil supply channel is directed. This longitudinal groove is necessary so that lubricant can be supplied to the tire regardless of the stress level of the machine. The position of the tire during operation is unimportant, the lubricant, due to the presence of the groove, will flow to it constantly and evenly. On the links of the chain itself there is a hole or its own groove, from where the lubricant is distributed along its entire length. If the motor increases the speed of revolutions, then the pumping of the lubricant is also faster. Therefore, it is necessary to pour lubricant into the saw only when the engine is turned off.

Consequences of a lack or excess of lubricant on the chain

For the proper operation of an electric saw, certain requirements must be observed. First of all, this refers to the chain lubrication process, more precisely, to the amount of oil that is required to ensure the protection of the parts of the mechanism. If it is not received enough, then the following problems may arise:

• The tire will fail.
• The circuit starts to overheat.
• Cutting teeth dull quickly.
• The sprocket wears out quickly.
• The chain is jammed and may even break.
• Cutting takes more time and effort.

Many modern models have an automated lubrication system that regulates its supply. But in the event of a malfunction, the oil may begin to flow out in excess and drain from the chain mechanism. This will lead to serious cost overruns. The cost of a quality saw lubricant is high. Therefore, its uneconomical use will cause additional financial costs.

Why do you need to lubricate the saw chain

Chainsaw lubrication helps reduce friction. When in contact with each other, the parts of the tool do not experience excessive heat. The friction force is leveled. Saw chain lubricant prevents damage to both the chain and the bar.

Sometimes in the process of working with a saw, it becomes necessary to extra effort during cutting. This indicates that a low-quality grease was used, or the amount was not enough. Then you need to immediately check the oil level in the reservoir. You can also lubricate the saw chain itself to complete the job.

If the correct quality of chain oil is used and applied on time, the saw will be easier to operate. It also contributes to the safety of the instrument. Lubrication of the unit prevents breakdowns and malfunctions.

Can I use regular engine oil

Many novice craftsmen are wondering whether regular engine oil is suitable for lubricating an electric saw chain. It is almost always available in any workshop, but not every user has a special lubricant.

The use of transmission and engine composition is allowed, but it is undesirable to use mineral. Although there are some models for which it is suitable. Such information is indicated in the technical documentation of the unit. If it is not there, then it is unacceptable to lubricate the saw chain mechanism with engine oil, so as not to spoil it.

Regular vegetable oil is also not suitable for this purpose. It does not have sufficient viscosity, so the lubrication effect will not last long and the tool will not be protected during operation. It is not recommended to use mining, since it has a low quality and it cannot provide the necessary protection.

Saw chain lubrication process

In addition to making the right choice, it is also important to know how to fill the saw with oil. Modern models have special reservoirs for lubricants. Filling them with oil is easy. Then, within a few seconds, you need to start the unit so that it runs idle. The purpose of this action is to distribute the lubricant along the entire length of the chain and lubricate it evenly. After that, you can start work.

However, older models of chain saws do not have a chain lubrication system. But they also need lubrication. It will have to be done in a different way. The chain just needs to be dipped in a container with a lubricant. Or use a special syringe or brush with which you can lubricate the parts of the device. The most convenient way to do this is to use aerosol packaging, which allows you to apply the lubricant neatly and evenly. During operation, you will have to lubricate repeatedly.

Proper handling and maintenance of your equipment will help extend its useful life. The use of lubricants helps to work with an electric saw for a long time and effectively, protecting the mechanism from premature erasure of parts. Work with the unit will go smoothly and no repair costs will be required.

What kind of saw oil to fill for chain lubrication

The durability of such a saw element as a chain depends on the correctness of its choice. With an incorrect selection, the service life of this element is reduced by 7-10%. For information on which oil to fill for the saw, refer to the device manufacturer’s instructions for use.

The main brands are:

• UZFAM. you can work in any weather, provides reliable protection against corrosion
• Oleo-MacOMEcoLube. Mineral based. High viscosity reliably protects against corrosion
• HusqvarnaChainOil. original chain oil from a Swedish manufacturer, has high heat dissipation properties, retains low viscosity at negative temperatures, resistant to oxidation processes
• AL-KO. properties are similar to the above brand
• Champion is a multipurpose lubricating oil with high adhesion properties (otherwise, the oil film does not tear off the edges of the cutting surfaces under the influence of inertial forces)

How the saw chain is lubricated

The chain lubrication of budget saw models is done manually using the following tools:

• special flask;
• syringe;
• brushes or paddles, depending on the viscosity of the oil.

Using a brush or a spatula, try to evenly apply a layer of lubricant to the chain. It is necessary to work with gloves, avoid contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes and nose. If, nevertheless, the grease gets on the skin, this place should be rinsed with running water and consult a doctor.

In the more expensive models with an integrated chain lubrication mechanism, the process should be carried out as follows. Before starting the operation, it is necessary to remove dirt from the oil tank cap in order to prevent them from entering the tank. Then you need to open the lid, pour oil to the lower edge of the neck. Screw the lid back on, wipe the drips with a cloth.

Proper saw maintenance. chain lubrication

This article will guide you through the process of lubricating an electric saw chain. Consider what kind of saw oil is used for various materials today, we will disassemble the lubricant supply device for the chain, we will briefly outline the main elements involved in this process. Let’s get acquainted and consider the features of the use of various brands of saw oils. Here you will receive small tips and warnings for the maintenance and operation of this tool.

Saw chain oil supply process

The main element of the saw chain lubrication system is the power unit, which brings the pressure in the system to the required level. the pump.

The engine, through a gear located on the drive shaft, transmits torque to the pump axle, which, in turn, creates the necessary pressure, forcing the oil to flow along the desired channel in the direction of the tire. The end of the oil channel is located at the point of abutment of the tire to the crankcase having a groove or groove. The oil channel gets on it when the tire is mounted. The groove ensures a constant flow of lubricant to the bar, no matter how tight the tool chain is. A hole has been made in each of the chain links so that the lubricant is evenly distributed among all the links. With an increase in the speed of the power unit, the lubricant feed rate increases in direct proportion.

After reading this material, you can easily service your instrument. We hope that you will now be able to keep your instrument in good working order for many years.