WD-40?
Bubgum
Posts: 20
I've read lots of people saying that WD-40 is bad for your bike. I'm not doubting this, since it's not designed for bikes, so it makes sense, but what does it actually do? I've been using WD-40 for a while, and nothing seems wrong. (But there might be something I haven't noticed)
*NOOB ALERT*
Also, this might sound completely idiotic, but I'm just curious as to wether motor oil would be good or bad to lube your chain with? :roll:
*NOOB ALERT*
Also, this might sound completely idiotic, but I'm just curious as to wether motor oil would be good or bad to lube your chain with? :roll:
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Most people make the mistake of using WD-40, GT85 instead of a lube. It's fine for displacing water from chains etc prior to using a proper chain lube. It can also remove grease from bearings etc. if you soak them in the stuff.
As for lubing the chain, I'd use a specific chain oil (Finishline wet lube is my preference), it may seem expensive but you don't need much and a bottle will last for ages. I might be wrong but I reckon motor oil would have a higher viscosity and would encourage more dirt to stick to the chain, especially in dry dusty conditions when a dry lube is most appropriate.It's easier to ask for forgiveness than for permission.
I've bought a new bike....ouch - result
Can I buy a new bike?...No - no result0 -
stumpyjon wrote:I might be wrong but I reckon motor oil would have a higher viscosity and would encourage more dirt to stick to the chain, especially in dry dusty conditions when a dry lube is most appropriate.
Ah, that would make sense. I made the mistake of using motorbike lube on my old bike, and it just made the chain sticky, and did the oposite of lubing it. :P \it was like a sticky, waxy foam... Took ages to get off.0 -
The clue is in the name: WD stands for Water Displacement, and 40 is the 40th formula (allegedly) WD-40.Bubgum wrote:I've read lots of people saying that WD-40 is bad for your bike. I'm not doubting this, since it's not designed for bikes, so it makes sense, but what does it actually do?
It displaces moisture, protects against corrosion and is great for cleaning off residue from stickers, tar spots etc.0 -
WD 40 does lubricate, but it's too thin to use on a chain, even a bike chain.Be happy, communicate happiness.0
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Thanks for the replies, guys. ^^ they were really helpful, but on closer inspection of my post, I realized that maybe I didn't write my question clearly enough.but what does it actually do?
What I meant was, "What harm does it do to your bike". :oops:
Again, thanks for the replies.
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It contaminates brake pads and rotors if oversprayed, can thin greases in bearings as it penetrates, rot seals in the forks...0
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the only good thing it has any use for is spraying the inside of steel frames."Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
Parktools :?:SheldonBrown0 -
A quite like setting it on fire.0
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Bubgum wrote:stumpyjon wrote:I might be wrong but I reckon motor oil would have a higher viscosity and would encourage more dirt to stick to the chain, especially in dry dusty conditions when a dry lube is most appropriate.
Ah, that would make sense. I made the mistake of using motorbike lube on my old bike, and it just made the chain sticky, and did the oposite of lubing it. :P \it was like a sticky, waxy foam... Took ages to get off.
The spray motorbike lube always wrecked motorbike chains as well! In fact, if you buy a motorbike chain to fit yourself, they tell you to use engine oil to lube them. This works, but for the reason that it's mainly a rust proofer, as the main lubrication it taken care of by internal grease, which is held in place by the o rings. Dirt isn't too much of a problem in this case.
However, a cycle chain is subject to different stresses & forces, so a specific lube makes sense. The only lube I've tried tht doesn't attract much dirt is Purple Extreme. It also stays on for ages. The only downside is that on 1st application the chain needs to be properly clean. So if you buy a new chain, buy some Purple Extreme with it. It lasts a good few rides and you can tell by touch if it's still there.0 -
Thanks switchback. I'll bear that in mind.
A quite like setting it on fire.
Oh, a fellow pyromaniac? 0 -
If it burns, I'll burn it. If it doesn't, hell, I'll try anyway!0
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supersonic wrote:A quite like setting it on fire.
In or out of the can?!0 -
Both! I use it to start bonfires, then put it on the bonfire...0
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Awesome! Are you working your way up to butane gas canisters?0
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switchback18 wrote:Awesome! Are you working your way up to butane gas canisters?
Nope he is just weaning him self off them."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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Little known fact, WD40 kills the highland midge. Spray it on your arms and watch the little b******s drop dead before they can bite you. Spray it into a cloud of midges (midges don't swarm, they cloud) and watch them fall out of the sky. Good for the soul.
It's a perfectly good water disperser too, and a decent enough cleaner. The problem isn't really the product, it's the marketing and the way people insist on using it for jobs it can't do.Uncompromising extremist0 -
WD40 is really quite good as apentirating fuild for releasing rusted nuts, especialy if you can't use heat, but that is about it apart from spraying a little in a zippo lighter and getting big smoke when you light it though carb cleaner is best for that 8)-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
...and...I made the mistake of using motorbike lube on my old bike, and it just made the chain sticky, and did the oposite of lubing it. It was like a sticky, waxy foam... Took ages to get off
Profi Dry Lube for motorcycles is outstanding on bicycle chains. It's as dry as, attracts no dirt and only washes off when you want it to. But at £10.99 a can it's too expensive to waste on a bicycleThe spray motorbike lube always wrecked motorbike chains as well!
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Bike chains are a pain for high-milers. Even with a Scott-oiler, my high mileage winter riding would much through chains in no time. That's why I went for a shaft drive in the end - service free and always smooth. 8) Belt drives are pretty good in this regard as well - the newer BMW ones are good for 50k miles.switchback18 wrote:The spray motorbike lube always wrecked motorbike chains as well!.You only need two tools: WD40 and Duck Tape.
If it doesn't move and should, use the WD40.
If it shouldn't move and does, use the tape.0 -
I found a scottoiler extended chain life from about 8000 miles to about 30000, on the last bike I had one fitted to.0
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This sounds a bit mean now, but at the time I thought it was brill.
When I was younger we had a large bush in the rear yard of my mum's house. Anyway, one sunny day I was messing with my bike in the yard and had a can of WD-40 to hand to disperse the water from my chain and clean the headset bearings before re-greasing.
Back to the bush, which was full of bees and they were rather annoying.
A cunning plan hatched and I set fire to a jet of WD-40 and directed a short burst into the shrub.
Instantly, about 40 wingless Bees dropped to the floor and started to run around like loonies.
I put them out of their misery with my size 9s.
Like I say, it sounds a bit cruel now but it is another fine use for the wonder stuff that is WD-40!0 -
captainfly wrote:WD40 is really quite good as apentirating fuild for releasing rusted nuts, especialy if you can't use heat
Not when compared to, for example, an actual penetrating oil Tin of Plusgas should be in every garage, it's so much more effective than WD40 it's not even funny. Uncompromising extremist0 -
supersonic wrote:It contaminates brake pads and rotors if oversprayed, can thin greases in bearings as it penetrates, rot seals in the forks...
I find it funny that people don't even think about rim brakes anymore...0 -
Little known fact: when the weather closes in on that dartmoor all-dayer all you need do is launch a can of WD40 right into the darkest cloud, then blast it with a sniper rifle, to disperse the rain.
When I say fact, it's more of a theory, but as theories go....
Additionally: it smells good.0 -
not as good as gt85 Whenever I see an adult on a bicycle, I believe in the future of the human race.
H.G. Wells.0 -
Northwind wrote:captainfly wrote:WD40 is really quite good as apentirating fuild for releasing rusted nuts, especialy if you can't use heat
Not when compared to, for example, an actual penetrating oil Tin of Plusgas should be in every garage, it's so much more effective than WD40 it's not even funny.
Cheers for that, I'll get some for the old 125 I've been meaning to restore -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_
Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0 -
Plus Gas is fantastic. Can unblock your sinuses from 50 paces.0
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My sinuses are trashed from too much ephedrine to clear them, well it doesn't make you drowsy :roll: However my nuts are usually seized
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Mongoose Teocali
Giant STP0
Why are MTB economics; spend twice as much as you intended, but only half as much as you wish you could afford? :roll:0
