What I learned today about Canola oil and chainsaws (Page 1/1) Kitskaboodle APR 14, 10:17 PM When I first bought my electric chainsaw, I did a little research on the best oil to use in the oil resovoir/tank. I heard that quite a few recommended Canola oil as it’s more eco friendly and cheaper than using motor oil, chainsaw oil, etc. Anyways, I discovered today that Canola oil is a horrible lubricant for a chain….if you let it sit for a long time without running the chainsaw. ☹️ It took me a good 30+ minutes with PB Blaster and some muscle power to get the links free. Whovever gave out that advice neglected to consider long term effects of chainsaw chains bathed in Canola Oil. 🙁 Kit maryjane APR 15, 10:29 AM I have never used anything except Stihl chain/bar oil on any brand chain saw and have not had any problems. Nope, not cheap but in the end, saves $$$ on bar, bar sprocket, and chain wear. BingB APR 15, 12:19 PM quote Originally posted by maryjane: I have never used anything except Stihl chain/bar oil on any brand chain saw and have not had any problems. Nope, not cheap but in the end, saves $$$ on bar, bar sprocket, and chain wear. When I still changed the oil in my car I saved my burnt oil to use for bar oil in my chainsaw. And I will never use so-called "canola" oil for anything. I am strongly anti-rape.