chain cleaners / splitting a chain

ct4oc
ct4oc Posts: 98
edited May 2011 in Workshop
I'm thinking of getting a chain cleaner, are they any good or should I fit a split link on my chain so that I can easily remove it and clean it?

Are the chain split links a good idea or do they weaken the chain, I'm running a 9 speed shimano chain?

If I do fit a split link will this make things easier if I have a problem with a link on the road and should I be carrying a spare link of some sort?

My bike tool has a chain splitter but I've never tried to use it.

Comments

  • father_jack
    father_jack Posts: 3,509
    I think the chain cleaners are better than putting it in a jar, as the brushes go inside the links, it's also very fast so you can go through the chain many times.

    No problem with quick links, when my chain snapped the quick link wasn't the point of failure.

    want you could do is build a jig so you can clean the chain off the bike with the chain cleaner.
    Say... That's a nice bike..
    Trax T700 with Lew Racing Pro VT-1 ;-)
  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,533
    kmc missing links are good...

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/kmc-chain-links/

    this shows you how to open a chain and also how to fit removable links...

    http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-hel ... leur-bikes

    carrying a short piece of chain (and two pairs of missing links is an idea on long trips, but even if you just take just one pair of kmc links along you could still shorten a damaged chain a bit and get home on the small ring

    when it's new chain time, get a sram or kmc chain that comes complete with the link
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • Chris James
    Chris James Posts: 1,040
    No problem with quick links, when my chain snapped the quick link wasn't the point of failure.
    .

    Same here.

    Re degreasing though, as I said on the other thread, don't bother. Just wipe down and relube. Your chain last just as long if not longer.
  • The Ors
    The Ors Posts: 130
    ct4oc wrote:
    I'm thinking of getting a chain cleaner, are they any good?

    I was a bit sceptical about chain cleaners but I'd thought I'd try one & got this kit from Park Tools.

    It's a bit expensive but it's a nice bit of kit & works really well. I would definitely recommend it.
  • father_jack
    father_jack Posts: 3,509
    lidl have one at £4
    Say... That's a nice bike..
    Trax T700 with Lew Racing Pro VT-1 ;-)
  • ct4oc
    ct4oc Posts: 98
    wow, for £4 i'll give it a try, thank you!
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    Re degreasing though, as I said on the other thread, don't bother. Just wipe down and relube. Your chain last just as long if not longer.

    How would it last longer with all the little bits of grit and stuff in it? I can't see a wipe down achieving anything at all apart from smearing the gunk around. Besides, a chain cleaner is probably quicker than wiping down anyway.

    I use a chain cleaner ideally after any mucky ride and every so often take the chain off and heat it up in dilute degreaser. Comes up pretty much as new after that.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • father_jack
    father_jack Posts: 3,509
    If it's moderatly clean, then a wipe down on side and tops, but if there is grit and gunk going down into the links then use the chain bath.
    Say... That's a nice bike..
    Trax T700 with Lew Racing Pro VT-1 ;-)
  • markybhoy67
    markybhoy67 Posts: 346
    I bought a Weldlite chain cleaner after using the initial cleaning fluid, I looked to buy more and it was £10 a litre.

    I just bought 10 litres of Viro-Sol degreaser from ebay for £20 delivered, so this should last me a long time :lol: It seems to scrub the chain up really well.

    I am still applying wet lube the now though :evil: being from East Kilbride

    Regarding replacement chain, I have a shimano 105 5700 group set, what are the suggestions for next chain, another shimano or a kmc etc with a quick link?

    Cheers
  • bobgfish
    bobgfish Posts: 545
    KMC webiste has tips on cleaning chains. It says not to use a chain cleaning device with solvents etc as it removes grease from the bearings. In regards to which chains I've had a bad run with the Shimano 105 ones and now moving back to KMC.