Utrasonic parts cleaning - bicycle parts come out like new!

mtbit
mtbit Posts: 4
edited January 2009 in MTB workshop & tech
Took my trusty stumpy in for a service to my LBS (Peter Hansford - Winchester) and was informed of this new fancy ultrasonic parts washer they're using.

Well i did not believe it :shock:
The mechanic dropped in all my drivetrain components into this metal tub of water (and cleaning agent) and hit the switch. Before my eyes the dirt just started flying off!! In 5 minutes with no scrubbing what so ever all the bits including my caked in cassette looked like new! This would have taken me ages to do, not to mention the smug look on the mechanic's face.

Apparently the ultrasonic sound waves create these bubbles which do the cleaning.
Even suggested bringing my bits in just to get cleaned for a small charge.

company supplying the machine is www.ultrakleensports.com

Comments

  • cee
    cee Posts: 4,553
    neat.
    Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I believe in the future of the human race.

    H.G. Wells.
  • Sir HC
    Sir HC Posts: 20,148
    They are very good. I've also used industrail dishwashers before to clean engine blocks when they were too big to go in the ultrasonic cleaner.
    Intense Socom
    Inbred
  • Will Snow
    Will Snow Posts: 1,154
    im not sure i would want my "bits" cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner...


    :lol:
    i ride a hardtail
  • jairaj
    jairaj Posts: 3,009
    Will Snow wrote:
    im not sure i would want my "bits" cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner...


    :lol:

    never know the ultrasound bubbles might be very invigorating? :wink:
  • Mattbot2
    Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    Will Snow wrote:
    im not sure i would want my "bits" cleaned in an ultrasonic cleaner...


    :lol:

    I do, bubbles around there tickle :wink:
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • Will Snow
    Will Snow Posts: 1,154
    oh dear i may have ruined this thread. sorry all
    i ride a hardtail
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    Is that the same feeling as farting in the bath? :oops:
    StumpJumper HT

    Canyon Endurace CF8.0

    TrainerRoad Career

    Strava
  • Mattbot2
    Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    Is that the same feeling as farting in the bath? :oops:

    Similar, but smaller bubbles, like the ones that accumulate when you first get in.
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • gcwebbyuk
    gcwebbyuk Posts: 1,926
    How do you know I don't produce tiny (tight butted) bubbles when I fart in the bath :o
    StumpJumper HT

    Canyon Endurace CF8.0

    TrainerRoad Career

    Strava
  • Mattbot2
    Mattbot2 Posts: 384
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    How do you know I don't produce tiny (tight butted) bubbles when I fart in the bath :o

    Because then you wouldn't be a real man. :roll:
    2q2kfno.png
    ^^^ Click for pictures of my bike ^^
  • mcbazza
    mcbazza Posts: 251
    Buy your own ultrasonic cleaner for £24.99 at maplin
    Should be big enough to get cassette/chain in.
    Stumpy, Rockhopper (stolen!) & custom SX Trail II - that should do it!
  • lesz42
    lesz42 Posts: 690
    i used to work in maplins ( till 2 months ago) they work fine, but thats my view
    Giant Trance X0 (08) Reverb, Hope Hoops 5.1D, XT brakes, RQ BC, Works Components headset 1.5
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    They also work great on CDs and DVDs with a tiny splash of washing up liquid...
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Mattbot2 wrote:
    gcwebbyuk wrote:
    How do you know I don't produce tiny (tight butted) bubbles when I fart in the bath :o

    Because then you wouldn't be a real man. :roll:

    True, but it would also demonstrate phenominal sphincter control... :shock:
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • Dazzza
    Dazzza Posts: 2,364
    Nothing new, they've been used in the car trade for years, usually on clogged injectors, sand blasting is another option but that's more extreme tbh.

    I just use a pressure hose as/when, all the bearings on my bike are serviceable so it make's no odds if i use it anyway.
    The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it.
    Giant Anthem X
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    If this ultrasonic cleaner is £25 and a chain cleaner is £25. should i be looking at an ultrasonic cleaner for chain and drivetrain bits?
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    Anyone else using one of these gadgets? They're cheap enough and I can never resist another gadget! They're £25 at Maplins, is it up to the job?
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Should have gone to Aldi last week, they had them for £17!

    And they don't work, they're crap :?
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    dave_hill wrote:
    Should have gone to Aldi last week, they had them for £17!

    And they don't work, they're crap :?

    Did you buy one?
  • dave_hill
    dave_hill Posts: 3,877
    Er, yeah...

    That's how I know :roll:
    Give a home to a retired Greyhound. Tia Greyhound Rescue
    Help for Heroes
    JayPic
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    What's with the sarcasm?

    Don't bother in future, I was just looking for a bit of help.

    Anyone else?

    Dave.
  • Thewaylander
    Thewaylander Posts: 8,593
    Indeed, but then i'd be worried why you had such supern sphincter control!
  • Will Snow
    Will Snow Posts: 1,154
    in fairness, it was a pretty daft question
    i ride a hardtail
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    No it wasn't, Dave told me that Aldi had them in cheap last week but he didn't tell me that he had bought one. I've often given other people tips on what shops have things in cheap, it doesn't mean I've bought one.
  • Will Snow
    Will Snow Posts: 1,154
    wahwahwah
    i ride a hardtail
  • jadamson
    jadamson Posts: 644
    what liquid do you put in the ultrasonic cleaner? surely you cant afford to fill it up with muc-off :?
    Get cashback on items from Wiggle and CRC! and many more... That's free money!
  • batch78
    batch78 Posts: 1,320
    Water
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    batch, if you put some muc-off or FS-1 or similar in with the water, does it start overflowing with foam?
  • little wiser
    little wiser Posts: 662
    got one at work cost about £1000 i think supposed to be for work stuff but all my bits get cleaned in it also very good for drying out commuting stuff when turned right up and socks etc placed on top :D
  • batch78
    batch78 Posts: 1,320
    if you put some muc-off or FS-1 or similar in with the water, does it start overflowing with foam?

    Shouldn't do, those type of cleaners don't have foaming agents in them, unlike washing up liquid etc.

    Can't say I've tried it though!

Categories