Chain Cleaners actually Work!!!

[gtRTSdh]

WWSD? (What Would Sheldon Do):

http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.htm

Or, as a non wind-up, this (scroll about halfway down page):

http://sheldonbrown.com/chains.html

Linky no worky

 

[Iwasgoodonce]

I've always used them. Never had a problem. I replace my chain only when everything is equally nackered. I know this isn't accepted wisdom but it has worked for me. When the chainring (only ever the middle) and sprockets look like ninja throwing stars and the chain is 20% longer than it started out, I think about replacing stuff. After another year or so it gets done. I then replace everything.

I don't snap chains but I'm willing to put that down to my smooth style!

 

[silverclaws]

I used them in the past with good effect, they did extend the life of chains and now I have just bought the Lidl cleaner for £4, it a Barbieri design which if you look elsewhere costs a lot more- Go Lidl !

But some dislike them saying the best way to clean is remove and soak, or cycle two chains, one on, and one off waiting to go on. Others use the ultrasonic bath to clean, but seeing as I have broken my ultrasonic bath, then the chain cleaner will do, having used them BITD to good effect.

 

[Anthony]

I bought a muck-off chain cleaner as part of the 3 for 2 at halfords

Yes, but how did you find two other things worth buying in Halfords?

 

[silverclaws]

I bought a muck-off chain cleaner as part of the 3 for 2 at halfords

Yes, but how did you find two other things worth buying in Halfords?

 

[gtRTSdh]

I bought a muck-off chain cleaner as part of the 3 for 2 at halfords

Yes, but how did you find two other things worth buying in Halfords?

LOL! Well i was in luck, I made an 50% offer on a £40 topeak saddle bag with integral tool kit inc chain tool because the saddle bracket was lost (£5 from CRC), plus a tiny pump to go in said bag and hey presto £80 of items for £42 it was actually the pump that was free, but i change the free item to each of them to make me feel better! Ps) I use the LBS for important stuff like wheel building.

 

[Neil]

They surprised me too, I use GUNK engine cleaner now in the cleaner rather than cycle specific degreaser as it's loads cheaper and works as good or better than the 'propper stuff' although it doesn't smell as nice

I used to use a chain cleaner loads BITD, and just used Jizer or Gunk as the degreaser.

Let it dry out, then a drop of lube per link, then left a bit, then a wipe off with something absorbent to wick off the excess.

 

[Neil]

Your chain will be a pile of dust in three days, after that GUNK engine degreaser bath.

?

I used them for years, in the early 90s.

You want it to be degreased and dry afterwards, that's when you carefully apply oil to it - when it's completely dry.

Before "fancy" degreasers were used, it was paraffin - and that really left stuff clean and dry, too.

 

[chriscl]

I use a Muc-off Chain Cleaner, which comes with an aerosol of de-greaser attached, brings the chain up shiny and new.

Once it's clean, I wipe it down with a rag to dry it, then re-lube each link with Green Oil, then run the chain through all the gears for a few minutes to make sure everything is bedded-in.

As noted above, don't just use a chain cleaner without re-lubricating the chain afterwards. Down that path lies corrosion and (probably) a failed chain.

 

[claret73]

Done this ever since working as a Mechanic on 'The Ras'...
Diesel brushed in liberally, Chain, Mechs & then washed out with Soapy Water. Dry off with a rag & allow it to dry before lubing. Not finicky or time consuming. Never had a chain go Rusty on me or fall to pieces. I'm not expecting one chain to last a lifetime though...I use Pro Link Gold now after being given a sample bottle some years ago...