Chain cleaner: is it a big con?

[b1k3rdude]

Like bottled water, I feel that paying upwards of £7 for only 400ml that dosent look like it will last beyond 3-4 uses is a complete rip-off.

I am convinced that I/we can get the a bigger quantity of same chemicals/solvent that will do the same job at a fraction of the price and not damage the o-rings on our drive chains.

Does anyone know what the ingredients of the most chain cleaners are, or failing that a diy alternative that will do the same job.

[Grayo]

I've always used paraffin. Does a great job and easy to dry off and re lube after.

[NorthWestern]

+1 for paraffin. £6 for 4 litres (even from high Street places) stiff brush and a rag.

[mickvp]

I must admit I have tried a few of these "speciality" products before. I find paraffin usually works just as good if not better

[b1k3rdude]

I knew about paraffin, but heard it can effect the O-Rings. How many miles have you guys gotten from a chain, before and after using paraffin..?

[NorthWestern]

Tens of Thousands. My current one I put on just before Xmas and it's done about 11k now. I do have  scotoiler on too. It has never caused a seal issue, I used it on my crf450 too, perfect results.

[noggythenog]

What's wrong with wd40 then guys...thats what i used...have i focced up?


Mt thought was to use it to clean and then go over drying it off with a rag before app,ying fresh lube.

[acid drop]

I've always used paraffin. Does a great job and easy to dry off and re lube after.

               Paraffin for me as well

[johnakay]

Paraffin doesn't do any harm to 'O' rings or 'X' rings.
[/size]if any thing it may swell them a little bit which isn't a bad thing.
[/size]paraffin is slightly oily so it won't harm your chain.
[/size]brush plenty on to get the muck  loose and wipe off with a rag but do n't do it with engine running in gear.
[/size]turn the wheel by hand.
[/size]this is what happens clean[/size]ing with engine running.

[noggythenog]

I also used this blinds cleaner...for a joke may i add....my missus was gonna chuck it so im like nah nah thats useful ill keep that...she said i wouldnt use it....so out i went just to prove her wrong...she doesnt know it was nigh on useless .....good old toothbrush and elbow grease did the trick in the end.

[noggythenog]

Jesusfoccinchrist johnakay


Ive done my thumb nail before on the sprocket on my 600 but thats hardcore.

[slimwilly]

I use petrol,,not had any problems over the years I have done so,,get a drip tray under the chain,,wash it with a paint brush ,,and any where else where gunk has flown,,then dry it well,,,well most of it evaporates,,give it a damn good wipe with tissue,,cloths,,,

Then I re-lube it,,and wipe the side links of the chain dry,,don't want too much lube lying around.

I did this two days ago as I had been using white chain wax,,,wish I had not,,it over sprays grease everywhere,,and leaves too mush on the chain,,so I cleaned it and found the last bit of silcolene chian no fling,,my favourite,,checked it after this afternoons 100 miler and nice and clean and no fling..

[b1k3rdude]

What's wrong with wd40 then guys...thats what i used...have i focced up?

Lot of places/people have said not to use it and the only thing I can think of is because its water based.

@John well, what can I say that you haven't said to yourself or had said to you. Hope you didn't permanently loose any function in the finger tips..

And regarding cleaning the chain its not rocket science, I just dont want to be spending uncessary cash etc. How do you paraffin boy's apply it, pump sprayer..?

[mtread]

Occasional Paraffin + Scottoiler  = at least 30K miles. More likely 40 - 50 

[bigralphie]

GT85 (get it cheap at work) and one of these http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chain-Brush-Motorcycle-Cycling-Bike-Crankset-Brush-Cleaner-Cleaning-Tool-Red-/400669118134?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5d49bd8eb6

[stevierst]

Bought a big tin (5 litres) of de-greaser for about £10, and use it regular. It's lasted a few years with no probs. It's paraffin based by the smell of it.
And use a Scottoiler. It's an absolute no brainer to double the life of your chain!

[His Dudeness]

Give a bit of warning before you put up pictures of mangled body parts

[Grayo]

How do you paraffin boy's apply it, pump sprayer..?

Put it on with a paint brush and wipe it off with some old rags.

[His Dudeness]

used engine oil and a tooth brush works fine. wipe it off with a rag

[stevierst]

I used to put old engine oil in my chain oiler when I was covering 30k+ per year. It was one way of recycling it, but hell did it make a mess of the back end of the bike.

[BBROWN1664]

I just use a scottoiler and never clean the chain unless it is really full of crud. Paraffin is the cleaner of choice then.

[Dead Eye]

What's wrong with wd40 then guys...thats what i used...have i focced up?


Mt thought was to use it to clean and then go over drying it off with a rag before app,ying fresh lube.

WD40 can cause rubber and seals to swell which ends up allowing dirt and grease past the seal. I've seen this myself, as well as with Brake Cleaner though thankfully the part was a proper seal so no huge issue for me at the time (this was on the car)

[Hamos]

Parafin and the same brush that Bigralphy uses, then lube of choice

[stevierst]

You can never have enough lube :P:D:P

[johnakay]

oh its not my fingers!! mine are still intact.
copied and post off the internet what other fools did.
thanks anyway.john