Best oil for chain?

sneblot
sneblot Posts: 8
edited September 2011 in Workshop
Hello everyone as for a good oil for use on a chain? I'm hoping not to spend too much on the oil as my bike is a bit of a clunker.

Comments

  • sungod
    sungod Posts: 17,501
    any general purpose oil will be ok, just not too light, 3 in 1 will be fine

    wipe chain with a rag to clean off crud, oil, leave to seep in, wipe off excess
    my bike - faster than god's and twice as shiny
  • centimani
    centimani Posts: 467
    If you're looking for cheap, any cheap engine oil. Ive been using it for years, apply a drop to each roller with an oil can, turn the cranks a few times to get the oil into the pins, wipe and wipe and wipe again. You'll get a certain amount of fine spray onto your stays, but its cheap.
  • centimani
    centimani Posts: 467
    If you're looking for cheap, any cheap engine oil. Ive been using it for years, apply a drop to each roller with an oil can, turn the cranks a few times to get the oil into the pins, wipe and wipe and wipe again. You'll get a certain amount of fine spray onto your stays, but its cheap.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I've used 3-in-1 oil, something similar from Tesco, Finish Line Wet lube, Halfords dry wax lube, Squirt wax based lube, Ford transmission oil and Ford 5W40 engine oil.

    I've come to the conclusion that the wax based 'dry' lubes are OK in the summer if frequently applied. They flake off taking the dirt with them and keep the drivetrain looking fairly clean.

    In the winter there's no substitute for frequent wiping of the chain and carefully relubing each pin with some kind of oil. It's the frequency of wiping / lubing rather than choice of product that's important.

    Apart from the Finish Line Wet; that's just too thick and sticky and attracts / retains way more crap than the others. It's probably what you need for an MTB though
  • elcani
    elcani Posts: 280
    Chainsaw oil. Cheap, designed for chains...
  • pete.whelan
    pete.whelan Posts: 788
    Pro-Link gold, not cheap but lasts a long time. Doesn't pick up dirt very easily. Great as an all year lube
    Recipe: shave legs sparingly, rub in embrocation and drizzle with freshly squeezed baby oil.
  • marjorie dawes
    marjorie dawes Posts: 58
    i like to use engine oil, apart from being cheaper, it feels really smooth once applied,
    i have two methods of application,
    for continuous chains, once cleaned i put oil in a deep tray and submerge the rear derailleur and turn he chain, its a bit messy, but nothing an rag wont clear up,
    and if you can remove the chain i soak it in the same oil, then leave to drip dry,
    i tried hypoid 90 gearbox oil once, brilliant lube but stinks to high hevan....
    put the fun between your legs

Categories