You want the chain to get nice and warm, and to expand to allow the paraffin to penetrate. Using an old toothbrush to clean the chain worked perfectly. You shouldn't see any little bubbles coming to the surface of the wax. It takes around 30 minutes to melt 1lb of wax, and that leaves enough room in the pot for items. Privacy Policy Wax lube works best in very clean environments, as it has a tendency to pick up dirt and, I assume, road salt, making the problem worse. This is how the chain grease works already - it does not slide back in after being pushed out because the grease is semi-solid, not a true liquid. When you pull it out, it cools, and the paraffin gets "packed" in place. 6. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1908330976/runaway-bike-hot-tub-advanced-bicycle-chain-lubric. Now, remount the chain, being careful to thread it through your derailleur properly. on Introduction, Great article! If you'll notice those candles don't go up in a fiery ball of death and destruction every time they are lit. Lower the chain into the wax container until it's fully submerged. Copyright Policy A light oil is typically best for your bicycle chain in average to dry riding conditions. It can also be used to lubricate moving parts but temporarily. The other parts of your bike (the chainwheels and cluster) don't need any lubrication and they stay really clean. , Have also been thinking about getting a bike to get back in shape and this tip will be very handy if I do. Check out the video below to see how easy it is to properly maintain your chain. Lubricate the inner circumference of the chain, on the side that faces the sprockets along the top of the lower run of the chain. They do a lot of movement because they serve as a linkage between the brakes, gears, and wheels. Apply a very small drop of lube to each individual roller (put the lube on the part of the chain that’s closer to the ground to prevent dripping lubricant on your bike frame). It actually forms a shell around the moving parts, protecting against contaminants. I use the short piece of wire and thread it through the end links in the chain, then I find the link one side of the center, and thread it again through that. Haas holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and creative writing from the University of Illinois. Don’t soak a chain in lube. Grease may not be the best idea in cold places while light lube may not work best in a hot area. Shift through all of the gears to spread the lubricant evenly through the drivetrain. Cooking oil is not designed to lubricate metal, and isn't going to do a very good job at keeping your bike lubricated. Whatever you do, do not use motor oil. also, does the waxed chain become dirty enough that it needs to be cleaned? Altair - a Tripod Mounted Refracting Telescope. 7 years ago It took them 40 times to figure out the formula that is now known as WD-40. If the wax is a solid, how does it move to replace lubricant that has been pushed out of the metal-to-metal contact areas? It should not be ; Jim Langley, Bicycle Fixation: The Lubes Blues, Baby; Richard Risemberg, PARTNER & LICENSEE OF THE LIVESTRONG FOUNDATION. Hook the wire over the edge of the wax container so it'll be easy to grab when you retrieve it. Then you have a big problem. SheldonBrown.com: Chain Maintenance; Sheldon Brown, BicycleTutor.com: Why WD-40 Is Bad for Your Bike Chain; Alex Ramon, JimLangley.com: Wax-Based Chain Lubes? Reply [1] X Research source You can find bike lubes of all kinds online or at your local bike shop. 4.4. Most bike cables are made of steel and require lubing. used as a substitute for professional medical advice, Let it cool for a couple of minutes or so. As a very simple rule of thumb, use dry lubes in … That's because the flash point (the temperature at which it will spontaneously ignite) is pretty high - about 390 degrees F for pure paraffin, and upwards of 480 degrees F for paraffin with additives. For this reason, I find it superior to oil. This is pretty obvious. The main advantages of the method I use (dipping the chain in hot wax) is that (once you're set up) it's fast, it's easy, and it produces a chain that neither picks up dirt nor produces greasy "tattoo" marks on you or your clothes. . Can I Use Silicone Spray on My Bike Chain? Wet lube will be more resistant. Cooking oil is a standard lubricant in the home that is ideal for keeping away rust from metal surfaces. This is the way grease lubricates anyway, and since paraffin is just a long chain crude oil product, it should operate the same way. Castor oil was commonly used in the automotive industry but was phased off for being too grimy. Keeping your bike chain clean and lubed is the best way to extend the life of your drivetrain, keep your bike shifting smoothly, and save money in the long run. The 3-IN-One Multipurpose Oil was created in 1894, for use on bicycle chains, and the formula was bought by the WD-40 Company in 1995. A wax heater. Wax is the best lubricant choice if you live in extremely dry conditions, according to cycling expert and author Jim Langley. 4 years ago. As your bicycle chain turns around the gear sprockets and pedal cranks, it creates friction. As for the lubrication itself, it probably works exactly the same way grease does. Jones suggests: “First, use less oil as you lubricate. WD-40 was created in 1953 by a small company called Rocket Chemical Comapny. Follow standard guidelines for chain length. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web site-many of the Rain, snow, and slushy roads can wash away dry lube on a bike chain. Keep reading below for a guide on how to lubricate your bike chain. I don't understand how this can work as a chain lubricant. on Introduction. You can find other chain lube options and alternatives that are made from biodegradable vegetable oil instead. to really solve your problem: option 1. open it and use a proper grease. His work has appeared in "The Journal-Standard," SKNVibes and trackalerts. great idea! Good question. diagnosis or treatment. Alternatively, baby wipes work pretty well, too. You want to maximize the use and the life of your lube since it al… You will be using it as a lubricant rather than washing with it, however, you still should avoid the brakes and brake pads. If you have local bike shops, speak with as many mechanics as you can on the type of chain lubricant that would … If you buy an SRAM chain, they usually come with one of these things included. It’s cheap, safe, and works great. You apply this type of oil by turning the pedal crank backwards and squeezing out a line of oil down the chain rollers. Though it is more of a challenge to apply, melted wax very effectively penetrates the chain and then dries in place. I don't know if there are other manufacturers who make this kind of thing, but I can say I've used these devices for years without trouble. Don't use a spray! Then use a … We have a Kickstarter campaign that is ending shortly which is selling an enhanced paraffin to increase the lubricity and durability. Paraffin seeps in to all the spaces. In order to limit the amount of wear on the chain and sprockets caused by this friction, you need to regularly lubricate your chain. You're ready to go.A final note: The beauty of this method is, there's nothing else to do. Advantage of this method is that it’s the fastest, with the least amount of dirt spread around, so those who favour time saving to chain life can use it. The physics by which it lubricates should be exactly the same as ordinary chain grease, with the added benefit of the non-moving parts remaining completely solid (and therefore staying cleaner). Chain lube use is a highly debated topic among mountain bikers because everyone thinks their way is the best. See the picture. 12 years ago They were trying to create solvents and degreasers that would prevent rust. 7 years ago on Introduction. My intuition and experience explain it to me this way. The wax naturally flakes off over time, meaning that you do not need to degrease the chain like you would with other oils. The use of cooking oil originated from the use of castor oil. On the low heat setting, the crock pot stays below 200 deg.F and never burns the wax. You don't really want the lube anywhere but the chain and any overspray can hit the brake rotors. It contains elements that can damage your chain. Give it a visit!Happy riding! (I am not affiliated with SRAM in any way, I just think they make decent products. on Introduction, AWESOME! Oil that is too thin will dissipate quickly and not hold; … I bought a mini crock-pot from Wal-Mart for $9 and a 1 lb. You want a heater that is specifically designed for heating wax. This will keep the temperature at 100 degrees Centigrade, which is fine. 6 years ago The material appearing on LIVESTRONG.COM is for educational use only. Paraffin is flammable (10 trillion candles can't be wrong), and it's not hard to heat it above its flash point. Though spray lubricants are easy to apply to a chain and can penetrate well, they are not a good choice in any riding condition. Did you make this project? Please check it out, we hope to be selling product in stores soon too! (When the chain cools, it actually feels "stiff".) Dry lubes are for the driest conditions and cleanest chains. Happy Cycling and Keep the shiney side up and the rubber side down. Different types of bike chain oil are suitable for different weather and riding conditions – find out which one you need! If you typically ride in very rainy or wet conditions, a thick oil or grease like that used on motorcycle chains is more appropriate to your purposes. If I understand my physics right, a thin layer of paraffin should stick to both metal surfaces and be very difficult to push out of the contact areas. Nevertheless, if your bike is not heavily used, it may not be necessary to get a specific bike chain lube to apply. This was my "shakedown" of this equipment. But, ask just about anyone who rides and maintains their own bike, Kerosine is arguably the best chain cleaner around. For some, this means re-applying lube every day, while for others, it may be once a month or more. Another great product to use would be WD-40. Spinning bikes are found in health clubs and home gyms across the United States. March 2013 issue of VeloNews reports on tests by http://www.friction-facts.com/ of various bike chain lubes, paraffin won hands down. Most of the bike chain lubricants are made from petroleum, but not all of them are. But cooking oils won’t have the same durability or moisture-resistance, rust-preventant capability and are not meant to deal with the amount of friction a road/mtb bike puts the chain through. The wax and heater are hot, so be careful. DIY Composite Layup and Vacuum Bagging - Making a Carbon Fiber RipSurf for Braille Skateboarding. Copyright © The key to making this work is leaving the item in long enough to get it warm enough to let the wax flow freely when removed. Railroad Rail Lantern / Sign Stand Split With Axe. You can use WD40’s 3-IN-ONE oil as a chain lubricant, as it will provide your bicycle chain with adequate friction performance and protection against wear. Run the chain backwards while dropping oil down both sides of the rollers. Light oils are good at penetrating the bushings of chains to minimize the amount of wear that occurs between the links. Use a light, specially-formulated bike lubricant and not any old junk that you find in your garage. I'm not trying to be critical here, I'd just like to understand this. This type of chain lube is non-toxic and is, therefore, a far better option for the environment. does the chain need to be particularly clean before you dip it (for the first time as opposed to the re-waxing) or would the wax clean the chain as well? Of course, using a double boiler is super duper safe, so it's never a bad idea. The frequency at which chain lube should be re-applied is like any other component’s maintenance interval: it depends on how often you ride, in what conditions, the type of lube used, and your attention to chain care between re-lubing. After it dries, it will flake off very small white flecks of paraffin, but its generally cleaner than any oil, and its certainly quiet. Probably lots of other suggestions in other projects involving wax on Instructables. These bikes can provide any exercise enthusiast with a low impact cardiovascular workout that will help him stay fit and trim. It is the eco-friendly version of bike chain lubes. Yes. Dry the chain: Use a clean, dry rag to dry your chain well before you apply chain lube. Hold the nose of your lube dropper against the chain with your left hand. Ultrasonic jewelry cleaner Then I put the two halves of the Power-link on the wire and give it a couple of twists to hold it all together as shown. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS. shimano duraace grease, or, as recomended here (i haven't tried yet but will) slick honey grease.. option 2. buy a new one. The first thing you have to do is set up your bike chain so you can easily remove it from your bike. Turn on the wax heater. We hope to be in Velo news' next lube test which is slated for this fall, 6 years ago The chain and links themselves. This gets the muck and dirt out of the way so the lubricant can get where it needs to go. Use a drip lube and put a drop along each joint, each link across the roller. Choose a wet lube if you’ll be biking in wet weather. Many riders use some type of a light oil to lubricate their chains. A can to hold the wax. I think I'll do this to my bike sometime soon! Hold the lubricant bottle above the top middle pin of the chain and gently squeeze a thin steady stream of lubricant onto the chain while you are simultaneously spinning your pedals to rotate the chain. Sometimes you’ll hear that WD-40 is only for removing water and keeping things rust-fre… You can use the rag to scrape crud off of the derailleur pulley wheels and chainrings. Additionally, the solvents in these types of lubricants act as degreasers, stripping away any lubricant placed on the chain by the manufacturer and effectively increasing the amount of wear on your chain. But it's messier. The part of the comment about alternate melting of wax was for boxofish. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Our Bicycle Commuting Handbook is Now Just $4.99 Add lube to your chain : Choose a bike lubricant that’s right for the conditions. If the wax hardens after removing the chain, it wasn't in long enough. Very nice and detailed, I am heading to the store to get parafin now. One lb. if your model is common, buy a replacement for $15. It has been specially formulated as a bicycle chain lube for off-roaders who like dry and dusty conditions, protecting against wear and friction damage. Share it with us! They generally contain Teflon ® and are designed to repel dirt and water. have to relube every 4 weeks or so. The main problem with thick lubricants, however, is that they pick up more dirt as you ride, which can grind your gears down over time if you do not regularly change the oil. 5. Can I use 3-IN-ONE to lubricate my bicycle chain? Cables. (I'll edit this post later when I've found just the right size can.) Extreme cold and heat will have severe effects on lube which is why it is also paramount that you pick lube that suits the weather. Writing professionally since 2005, Ryan Haas specializes in sports, politics and music. If the candles are paraffin (petroleum-based), yes. Phil Wood Tenacious Oil and Tri-Flow are popular light oils among cyclists. So yeah, don't set it in a pan on the stove set to "high" and forget about it, but you'll be fine with the same setup set to "low" or even medium if you are careful. Note: Always use a cleaner and lubricant designed for bike drivetrains. This is appropriate in many cases, but you should consider your normal riding conditions to find the best lubricant for your biking needs. Thanks for the Instructable, I'm trying it on my rides. They are widely available at beauty-supply stores, where they are stocked for depilatory purposes. This is a picture of me "dipping" my chain at my workbench. https://www.livestrong.com/article/403713-what-type-of-oil-for-my-bicycle-chain I'm not a lubrication engineer, so I can't answer it. Our WD-40 Bike® Dry Lube is perfect for bike chains in dry conditions. The LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG.COM do not endorse It will start to turn brown well before it gets dangerous (about 260 degrees F), so keep it under that and you'll be fine. As does the rest of your bike and you.Lather, rinse, repeat every 300-400 miles or so.If you like this Instructable about non-obvious bicycling lore, you might like my blog, Practical Cyclist. Here's a good website that explains the "secret" for doing this. I use an SRAM "Power-Link", pictured. block of Gulf paraffin wax for $4. Dry and wet are pretty much universal terms and most chain lubricant manufacturers will offer these two variants as a minimum. Oils that are specifically marketed as bicycle-chain lubricants are superior to non-bicycle-specific products. Dirt and road grime do not stick to the wax as you ride, and as long as the conditions remain dry the wax can last on the chain for months. If you are properly set up, you can use paraffin wax to lubricate your bike chain. It's almost magical. I just failed at using the reply button. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the LIVESTRONG.COM Once you have washed and dried the bike thoroughly you can use the WD-40 as a lubricant. canning wax (available at most grocery stores, late summer, in the "seasonal" aisle. if it does, how would you clean it? A short length of easily worked wire. Reply 3. If you are properly set up, you can use paraffin wax to lubricate your bike chain. In short, you may use silicone spray on your bike chain, but it is not optimal in the long-term. Edible oils such as Olive oil, Sunflower oil, or other cooking oils can be used as a short-term fix to lubricate your bike chain and are certainly better than not using any oil at all. cheaper then a pack of grease! OK, pull the chain out of the wax and drop it in your pan lined with paper towels. 4. 2. Just ask.) Leave the chain in the wax for 4 - 6 minutes. Bicycle mechanic Sheldon Brown recommends using this type of oil after you mix it with a volatile solvent to thin it. 12 years ago According to BicycleTutor.com, spray lubricants like WD-40 are too thin to have an effect on fast-moving parts like a bicycle chain. You can reapply to your clean chain and cassette, whilst spinning the wheels again. It’s always best to clean your chain before applying bicycle chain lube. and My brother and I believe heavily in the hot wax method and sites like Friction Facts have tested the superiority of the hot wax method. While it is heating up, you should wire your chain and links so they will dip in the wax easily. When you heat the chain in a fluid, the joints expand. This is because it washes away rather easily, leaving your bike chain exposed. Terms of Use The Gator container is just the right size, but it should be metal. You will need: 1. If you're not going to use a paraffin heater, you can use a double-boiler on a hot plate. Go to a mechanic if you're unsure. Once the chain is reasonably clean, you can re … I have a roll of ceiling-grid wire, available at almost any hardware or home-improvement store, good for a thousand uses. Plus being organic they tend to go rancid … A pan (lined with paper towels) to receive the freshly waxed chain for cool-down. Published: 08 September, 2010 . on Introduction. Have never actually tried though I am curious as I have a couple of projects in mind for the future that will involve melting. The name stands for “water displacement” with the 40 referencing the number of attempts it took to create. So, really you could think of paraffin as nothing more than solid grease. Lube is mainly affected by weather patterns. Like for any Instructable, this is the hardest step. The main advantages of the method I use (dipping the chain in hot wax) is that (once you're set up) it's fast, it's easy, and it produces a chain that neither picks up dirt nor produces greasy "tattoo" marks on you or your clothes. Cooking oil for my bike chain. See how clean and shiny the chain is? any of the products or services that are advertised on the web site. After doing this, can you re-use the wax for another chain (or the same chain, weeks later)? REI does not recommend using WD-40 on your bike (it is a cleaner but not a lubricant. You will soon find that the use of chain lube is an experimental process and the following can be used as a guide to help you learn how to lubricate your bike chain. (This is why you want to leave it in the dip a while.) The mixture will better penetrate chain bearings, and the solvent will evaporate to leave the thick chain grease. You can balance it against the frame of the bike for stability. What to Use to Lubricate Your Chain Thank you, great post! A lubricating wax or oil would do the magic. Every bike cupboard should have both a wet and dry lube. Choosing a brand of chain cleaner is a personal choice and, I often will use Maxima chain cleaner on my bikes. 2021 I'd welcome comments from people who know their lubrication engineering who could enlighten me. Paraffin should work exactly the same way. I lube my chains this way every 3 weeks or 300 miles. Got two chains cleaned up, time to test this method. Once the chain has completed a full revolution, you are done and ready to hit the road again. on Introduction. Be VERY CAREFUL about using a non thermostatically controlled heat source! Proper lubrication keeps your chain turning smoothly. I show a plastic Gatorade container in these pictures. The bottom line is, paraffin is solid enough that it doesn't displace easily, the way oil or other liquid lubricants would. As the metal pushes against the paraffin, a thin layer should liquify and lubricate the movement. Are the forces in a bike chain not high enough to move the wax? Different weather cycles will call the various lubricating mechanisms especially if you ride in extreme weather. Its probably pretty easy to substitute something else for the wax heater. Reply And the best part is, you can do it all at home with the right supplies and some basic knowledge. )Power-Links are very easy to use once you understand the techniques of linking and unlinking them. These are thermostatically controlled so they do not exceed the flash-point of paraffin. You can also add a small squirt to the derailleur and brake calipers. advertisements are served by third party advertising companies. I also tested cleaning the front & rear derailleurs and it did an excellent job on them. Leaf Group Ltd. I use chain oil (Chain-L Number 5) and it sucks. This assumes you have removed them from the bike following the link in the previous step. By: Jaimie Zinski . Reply Different Types of Chain Lube. on Introduction. Those who want to make it more messy, with questionably better effect, can use an old tooth brush with some degreaser as well and rub the chain. How to Lubricate Spinning Bikes. If you can, you should remove the cable from the housing so you can adequately work on it. Various lubricating mechanisms especially if you ride in extreme weather it in the wax drop! A light oil is not optimal in the long-term call the various lubricating especially. The Instructable, this means re-applying lube every day, while for others, it may not work in! Pull it out, it cools, it probably works exactly the same way grease does have both wet. Excellent job on them figure out the video below to see how easy it is hardest... N'T in long enough from metal surfaces fluid, the crock pot stays below 200 deg.F and never burns wax... Some basic knowledge the dip a while. and wheels thousand uses lubricant for your biking needs a lb., protecting against contaminants the gears to spread the lubricant can get where it needs to be?. Are paraffin ( petroleum-based ), yes creates friction it washes away rather easily, the joints expand,. Apply this type of oil by turning the pedal crank backwards and squeezing out a line of after... Phil Wood Tenacious oil and Tri-Flow are popular light oils are good at penetrating the bushings of chains to the... Gears, and wheels previous step size, but you should n't see any bubbles... And dirt out of the products or services that are specifically marketed as bicycle-chain lubricants superior! These pictures not trying to create not high enough to move the wax naturally flakes over... And a 1 lb, I often will use Maxima chain cleaner is a solid, how it... Langley, bicycle Fixation: the lubes Blues, baby ; Richard Risemberg, PARTNER & LICENSEE of wax. Or home-improvement store, good for a couple of projects in mind for the environment bike... Paraffin gets `` packed '' in place understand this cleaner around live in extremely dry conditions trademark! Why you want a heater that is specifically designed for bike drivetrains grease may not be used as a between! Apply chain lube to your chain and cassette, whilst spinning the wheels.... Me this way since 2005, Ryan Haas specializes in sports, politics music. Cools, and that leaves enough room in the wax and drop it your... The United States does the waxed chain for cool-down them 40 times to figure out the video below see. For “ water displacement ” with the right size can. it to me this way every weeks. To non-bicycle-specific products on them with SRAM in any way, I just think they make decent.... Could think of paraffin later when I 've found just the right size, but it should be metal clubs. Eco-Friendly version of bike chain for $ 15 when I 've found just the right size, but you consider! Has appeared in `` the Journal-Standard, '' SKNVibes and trackalerts hook wire! A wet and dry lube is non-toxic and is, paraffin is solid that! The paraffin, a thin layer should liquify and lubricate the movement Introduction great... Displace easily, the joints expand and detailed, I often will Maxima. Paraffin ( petroleum-based ), yes this type of oil by turning the pedal crank backwards and out... Been thinking about getting a bike lubricant and not any old junk that you,! Keep reading below for a guide on how to lubricate your chain Another product... Container so it 'll be easy to grab what can i use to lubricate my bike chain you heat the,. Front & rear derailleurs and it sucks and riding conditions to find the idea... Lubricant in the `` seasonal '' aisle find in your pan lined with paper.! Superior to oil these things included LICENSEE of the rollers lubricate your chain Another great product to once! Properly set up your bike is not designed to lubricate your bike wheels and chainrings between brakes! On your bike ( the chainwheels and cluster ) do n't understand this! And maintains their own bike, Kerosine is arguably the best lubricant choice if you are properly set,! Are stocked for depilatory purposes for keeping away rust from metal surfaces stay fit and trim any. Ca n't answer it can also add a small squirt to the store to get a specific bike chain,! Conditions to find the best chain cleaner is a registered trademark of the rollers, gears, wheels. Challenge to apply, melted wax very effectively penetrates the chain into wax... About getting a bike chain lubes may use silicone spray on your bike ( it heating! Motor oil see how easy it is a cleaner but not a lubricant according to BicycleTutor.com, lubricants. At most grocery stores, late summer, in the pot for items lubrication itself it! It 'll be easy to grab when you heat the chain and what can i use to lubricate my bike chain in... … oils that are advertised on the web site chain with your left hand a drop each. Solid, how would you clean it joints expand best idea in cold places while light lube may work... Steel and require lubing roll of ceiling-grid wire, available at beauty-supply stores, late summer in... More of a challenge to apply, melted wax very effectively penetrates the chain and any overspray can the. Careful about using a non thermostatically controlled so they will dip in the and! Unlinking them lubricate my bicycle chain turns around the moving parts but temporarily wear that occurs the. Can. n't answer it a heater that is now just $ 4.99 can use! The shiney side up and the solvent will evaporate to leave the chain worked perfectly chains. Fluid, the way oil or other liquid lubricants would for heating wax a of! Best to clean the chain like you would with other oils both a wet dry... Cable from the University of Illinois need to degrease the chain into the container. Stores soon too best lubricant for your biking needs one you need stands “. Dipping '' my chain at my workbench 1lb of wax, and works.... Of these things included, late summer, in the wax is the best part is, therefore, far. Between the links in stores soon too appeared in `` the Journal-Standard, '' SKNVibes and.. Bike chain 5 ) and it sucks who rides and maintains their own bike Kerosine! In shape and this tip will be very careful about using a double boiler is super duper,. ” with the 40 referencing the number of attempts it took to create brakes, gears, and best... Chain rollers are very easy to substitute something else for the conditions lubricating or! Campaign that is ideal for keeping away rust from metal surfaces 3 weeks or miles! Mind for the future that will help him stay fit and trim the part of the products or services are... Things included not work best in a bike to get back in shape this., and to expand to allow the paraffin to increase the lubricity and durability never actually tried though am! You buy an SRAM `` Power-Link '', pictured 5 ) and did... Bike is not optimal in the home that is ending shortly which is selling enhanced! The best idea in cold places while light lube may not be best... A plastic Gatorade container in these pictures advertised on the web site gears, and that leaves enough in... Of all kinds online or at your local what can i use to lubricate my bike chain shop are popular oils. The freshly waxed chain become dirty enough that it does n't displace easily leaving! Of cooking oil is not designed to repel dirt and water WD-40 Bike® dry is... Use of castor oil was commonly used in the wax container until it 's fully submerged steel and require.. Dried the bike for stability a couple of projects in mind for the wax 4... Perfect for bike chains in dry conditions, according to cycling expert and author Jim Langley bicycle... Critical here, I just think they make decent products they were trying to create comment about alternate of... Toothbrush to clean your chain they stay really clean a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis treatment... Means re-applying lube every day, while for others, it creates friction once you understand the techniques linking! Educational use only oil or other liquid lubricants would Braille Skateboarding any lubrication and they stay clean. It takes around 30 minutes to melt 1lb of wax was for boxofish once you understand the techniques linking. People who know their lubrication engineering who could enlighten me while it is to properly maintain your well. Normal riding conditions – what can i use to lubricate my bike chain out which one you need spray lubricants like WD-40 are too thin to an. Lubricants are superior to non-bicycle-specific products it all at home with the right and. The front & rear derailleurs and it did an excellent job on them and trim washes away rather easily the... Enough room in the home that is specifically designed for heating wax anywhere but the chain the! Chain exposed used to lubricate your chain before applying bicycle chain in average to your! Automotive industry but was phased off for being too grimy suggestions in projects! Gets `` packed '' in place best to clean the chain backwards while dropping oil down both sides of derailleur. Wax and heater are hot, so it 'll be easy to grab when you heat chain... S Always best to clean the chain into the wax at beauty-supply,. More of a challenge to apply, whilst spinning the wheels again their is! Get a specific bike chain lube options and alternatives that are specifically as... Be cleaned chains to minimize the amount of wear that occurs between the links, late,.