Super S Bar & Chain Oil
Tacky Chainsaw Bar Oil for Chains, Guide Bars and Sprockets
Super S Bar & Chain Oil is a mineral oil-based chainsaw lubricant formulated for residential, commercial and industrial chain saws. Its tacky additive system helps the oil stay on fast-moving chains and guide bars, while extreme-pressure additives provide lubrication under heavy loads and shock-loading conditions.
The formulation also penetrates into the chain to provide lubrication during startup and helps protect chains, bars and sprockets against wear and corrosion.
Key Features
- Bar and chain lubricant for high-speed chainsaws
- Formulated with high-quality mineral base oils
- High-tack additive helps reduce oil sling
- Extreme-pressure additives support lubrication under heavy and shock loads
- Penetrates chain components for startup lubrication
- Helps protect against wear during operation
- Helps resist corrosion during storage
- Suitable for chains, guide bars and sprockets
- Compatible with hand-operated and automatic chain oilers
- Suitable for residential, commercial and industrial chainsaws
- Available in different viscosities for summer and winter operation
Why Chainsaws Need Bar and Chain Oil
A chainsaw chain moves at high speed across the guide bar while carrying significant cutting loads.
This creates friction and heat at several contact points, including:
- Chain drive links
- Guide-bar rails
- Sprockets
- Chain rivets and joints
Bar and chain oil is formulated to remain on these surfaces long enough to provide lubrication as the chain travels around the bar.
Using the correct chainsaw lubricant helps reduce metal-to-metal contact and wear while maintaining lubrication throughout operation.
High-Tack Formula Helps Reduce Sling
Ordinary lubricating oils may be thrown from a chainsaw chain as it moves around the bar.
Super S Bar & Chain Oil contains a high-tack, no-sling additive designed to improve adhesion to the chain, helping the lubricant remain where it is needed.
This is particularly important during:
- High chain speeds
- Extended cutting
- Heavy cutting loads
- Commercial forestry work
- Demanding outdoor operating conditions
Reduced sling also helps maintain a more consistent lubricating film on the chain and guide bar.
Extreme-Pressure Protection
Chainsaws can place significant loads on the contact points between the chain, bar and sprocket.
Super S Bar & Chain Oil contains extreme-pressure (EP) additives that help maintain lubrication during heavy-load and shock-load conditions.
These additives complement the tacky base-oil formulation by helping protect heavily loaded moving surfaces.
Startup Lubrication
The oil is formulated to penetrate into the chain and provide lubrication during startup.
This helps ensure that chain components receive lubricant as the saw begins operating rather than relying only on oil that reaches the chain after extended movement.
Always confirm that the chainsaw's oiling system is functioning correctly before operation.
Chainsaw and Equipment Applications
Super S Bar & Chain Oil is designed for:
- Residential chainsaws
- Commercial chainsaws
- Industrial chainsaws
- Forestry equipment
- Chains
- Guide bars
- Sprockets
- Hand-operated oilers
- Automatic chain oilers
The manufacturer recommends the product for all types of chain saws.
Summer and Winter Viscosity Options
The current Super S Product Data Sheet identifies separate summer and winter viscosity characteristics rather than an SAE engine-oil grade.
The summer formulation is heavier to help maintain an oil film during warmer operating conditions, while the winter formulation has lower viscosity to improve flow at lower temperatures.
| Property |
Summer |
Winter |
| Flash Point |
425°F (218°C) |
410°F (210°C) |
| Pour Point |
-10°F (-24°C) |
-20°F (-29°C) |
| Color, ASTM |
4 |
4 |
| Viscosity, SUS at 100°F |
630 |
300 |
Typical values represent average production data and should not be treated as guaranteed specifications.
Choosing Summer vs. Winter Bar Oil
Ambient temperature affects how easily a bar and chain lubricant flows.
A heavier summer formulation can help maintain an adhesive lubricating film in warmer conditions. A lower-viscosity winter formulation flows more readily when temperatures fall.
Use the viscosity recommended for the climate and operating conditions, and follow the chainsaw manufacturer's bar-oil recommendations.
Bar Oil vs. Engine Oil
Bar and chain oil serves a different purpose from engine oil.
Its tacky formulation is designed specifically to cling to an exposed, fast-moving chain and guide bar. Engine oils are primarily designed for enclosed engine lubrication and generally do not have the same adhesion characteristics.
For normal chainsaw operation, use a dedicated bar and chain lubricant unless the equipment manufacturer specifies otherwise.
Storage and Handling
Handle Super S Bar & Chain Oil with the same care used for other petroleum lubricants.
Keep containers closed when not in use and store them in a clean, dry location. Refer to the current Safety Data Sheet for detailed handling, storage and disposal information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Super S Bar & Chain Oil?
Super S Bar & Chain Oil is a petroleum-based chainsaw lubricant designed to lubricate guide bars, chains and sprockets in residential, commercial and industrial chainsaws.
Is Super S Bar & Chain Oil made for chainsaws?
Yes. The manufacturer specifically recommends it for chain saws and identifies applications ranging from residential use to commercial and industrial forestry work.
What does bar and chain oil do?
Bar and chain oil lubricates the contact surfaces between the moving chain, guide bar and sprocket. It helps reduce friction, wear and heat while the chainsaw is operating.
Why is chainsaw bar oil tacky?
A tacky additive helps the oil cling to a fast-moving chainsaw chain instead of being immediately thrown off by centrifugal force.
Does Super S Bar & Chain Oil contain tackifier?
Yes. Super S uses a high-tack, no-sling additive designed to help keep the chain lubricated during operation.
Does Super S Bar & Chain Oil contain EP additives?
Yes. The Product Data Sheet identifies extreme-pressure additives for lubrication during heavy-load and shock-load conditions.
Can Super S Bar & Chain Oil be used in automatic oilers?
Yes. It is designed for both hand-operated and automatic chain-oiling systems.
Can I use Super S Bar & Chain Oil in any chainsaw?
The manufacturer recommends it for all types of chain saws. Always confirm the chainsaw manufacturer's lubricant requirements, especially if the equipment specifies a particular viscosity or biodegradable lubricant.
Is Super S Bar & Chain Oil 40W?
The current manufacturer Product Data Sheet does not identify the product using an SAE 40W grade. It instead publishes separate summer and winter viscosity data. Select the appropriate product based on the exact package and operating conditions.
What is the difference between summer and winter bar oil?
The summer version is more viscous, with a typical viscosity of 630 SUS at 100°F. The winter version is lighter at approximately 300 SUS at 100°F, helping it flow more readily in colder conditions.
What is the pour point of Super S Bar & Chain Oil?
The manufacturer lists a typical pour point of -10°F for the summer formulation and -20°F for the winter formulation.
Can I use motor oil instead of chainsaw bar oil?
Dedicated bar and chain oil is generally preferred because it includes tack-enhancing additives designed to help it remain on the exposed moving chain and guide bar. Follow the chainsaw manufacturer's lubrication recommendations.
Does Super S Bar & Chain Oil protect against rust?
The manufacturer states that the formulation helps resist corrosion during storage.
Can bar and chain oil be used on chains and sprockets?
Yes. Super S specifically identifies chains, bars and sprockets among the intended applications.
How do I know if my chainsaw is getting enough bar oil?
Check the chainsaw manufacturer's oiling-system instructions. Many saws allow the operator to inspect oil flow or verify that a light film of lubricant is reaching the chain and guide bar during operation.
Is Super S Bar & Chain Oil the same as Super S SuperTac?
No. Smitty's Supply publishes Super S Bar & Chain Oil and Super S SuperTac Bar & Chain Oil as separate products with different technical data. Use the Product Data Sheet associated with the exact product being purchased.
