Quick chain cleaning question
Jamey
Posts: 2,152
I'm sure there's probably a really simple answer to this but why shouldn't you use normal washing-up liquid (and water, obviously) to clean a chain?
Oh, and I know there are lots of people who don't even clean chains, just wipe them down and lube them but this question is really only directed towards people who are in the opposing camp - the ones who (like me) prefer to take the chain off the bike and soak it in something to clean it.
Oh, and I know there are lots of people who don't even clean chains, just wipe them down and lube them but this question is really only directed towards people who are in the opposing camp - the ones who (like me) prefer to take the chain off the bike and soak it in something to clean it.
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i am sure it is somthing to do with the high amounts of salt in washing up liquid, i give mine a uick shake in a tub of petrol or degreaser, let it dry then lube up and ready to go,0
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as above. the salt."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Cheers.
And what does salt do to chains (sorry for being thick)?0 -
very good abrasive."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Ta.
While I'm on the subject, is there any limit to how long you can leave a chain in a bath of degreaser? Could you leave it submerged overnight, say?0 -
sure no probs."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Cheers again.
One more question... What about leaving a chain submerged in a tub containing part degreaser and part water (like diluted Fenwick's or something)? Is that ok too, or would the water cause rust to begin forming?0 -
Good question. dont know."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Salt also helps metals rust.Jamey wrote:Cheers.
And what does salt do to chains (sorry for being thick)?0 -
I see... How come it doesn't make your cutlery rust, then?0
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Cutlery is made from Stainless steel."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Most people have stainless steel. The added chromium makes it take a lot longer to rust. When it does, you generally get 'black rust' instead of the usual red stuff.
Unless of course you're a silver service kind of guy...
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Why don't they make chains from stainless steel, then? Too heavy? What are chains normally made from, normal steel?0
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stainless is not as strong. and costs more."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
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You can get a titanium chain if you want. Superlight, strong, shiney & will not rust.
Bargain, 11% off here:
http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDeta ... ctID=10649
only £222.49<a>road</a>0 -
I was hoping this thread would be Jamey asking about a series of more and more outlandish solutions in which he could soak his chain.Jamey wrote:How about a mixture of mercury, a '68 Margaux (decanted) and the ashes of deceased 80s light entertainer and flightless bird botherer Rod Hull?0
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Alright, what about this... You take the chain off the bike, put it back on, take it off again, bury it, dig it up, burn it, fart on it, take it out for dinner (Italian, no starter, share a pudding), give it a nice bath with candles, put it in the tumble dryer with the best white towels, fry it in olive oil (I find Filippo Berio works best), put it back on the bike, cycle round the block, repeat steps three to seven again, touch your toes, throw the bike in the bin and buy a new one.
Would that be ok?0 -
unfortunately the lubrication properties of Olive oil are not the best.
:oops:"Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
Some people say the same thing about the nutritional properties of Finish Line Dry but personally I love that crisp wetness followed by the waxy coating that gets on your teeth.0
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Connex also make a stainless steel chain for about 40 pounds, never rust...0
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jamey writes:
> Alright, what about this... You take the chain off the bike, put it back on, take it off again, bury it, dig it up, burn it, fart on it, take it out for dinner (Italian, no starter, share a pudding), give it a nice bath with candles, put it in the tumble dryer with the best white towels, fry it in olive oil (I find Filippo Berio works best), put it back on the bike, cycle round the block, repeat steps three to seven again, touch your toes, throw the bike in the bin and buy a new one.
> Would that be ok?
*sigh* You're being silly, now...
Cyclists don't share puddings.
Cheers,
W.0 -
i don't usually bother to take the chain off but when I do I put it in a plastic bottle with white spirit and shake it up0
