How to clean your bike chain with your own hands and the best cleaners
The main node of the bicycle is the chain, thanks to which the movement is carried out. The speed and efficiency of movement directly depends on its condition. Therefore, it is recommended to ensure that it is always in good condition. Experts advise you to clean your bike chain regularly.
Content
Why you need to clean your bike chain
Some cyclists do not know why a bicycle chain is cleaned. Therefore, it is recommended to determine in advance why this room is being cleaned. It seems to many that they are cleaning the chain due to the fact that it begins to creak, but this is not so. There is a more important reason for this procedure. Cleaning improves the functioning of the part, because if it is not cleaned and lubricated, the pedals will sometimes run worse.
In addition, non-lubricated chains wear out and break more quickly. In this case, its axles will wear out in a year. If cleaned periodically, they will last about five years.
Regularity of cleaning
Many bicycle owners are interested in how often the chain should be cleaned. It all depends on the operating characteristics of the vehicle.People who regularly drive on dusty dirt roads will need to clean up quite often. These rides cause dust, debris, sand and dirt particles to accumulate on the surface of the chain. They lead to a deterioration in the functioning of the links and the appearance of a characteristic crackle. In this case, you will need to inspect and clean the part at least once a week.
Sometimes you have to drive on muddy road after rain. After such rides, the chain becomes clogged with mud, which makes pedaling almost impossible. After each trip you will need to remove the chain, clean it and lubricate it with oil.
Basic methods
There are several ways to help clear the chain of clinging dirt and debris.
Removal and Soaking in Solvent
First you need to get rid of the accumulated dirt on the surface of the chain and between its links. There are three effective ways in which you can dip a part.
Kerosene
Most often, ordinary kerosene is used for soaking, which effectively removes any contamination. To get rid of the contamination, you will need to perform the following sequence of actions:
- Fill the container with kerosene. Pour 400-500ml of liquid into a small metal or plastic bowl. Some people dilute it with water, but you shouldn't.
- Wipe the chain with a brush. The part is pre-wiped with a damp brush to remove dirt on the surface.
- Place the string in a filled container. The product, freed from dirt, is placed in a bowl of kerosene for 1-2 hours. Then it is taken out of the container, lubricated and installed on the bike.
diesel fuel
Diesel fuel is called diesel fuel, which is used for refueling water, motor vehicles and other technical equipment. However, there are other ways to use this combustible fluid. For example, it can be used to repair a bicycle chain.
The cleaning of the product is carried out as follows:
- Preliminary chain cleaning. First, coarse dirt is brushed off the surface with a stiff brush. You can use a dry brush or dip it in water.
- Fill the tank with diesel fuel. Pour 300-500 milliliters of liquid into a bowl. This is enough to soak most bicycle chains.
- Immerse yourself. In diesel, the product will have to be soaked longer than in kerosene. The procedure should last within 24 hours.
Turpentine
Turpentine is a colorless liquid created from conifers and their resinous components. Such a liquid is used in various spheres of life. It is used in the manufacture of fragrant perfumes, in the textile industry and in the creation of paints and varnishes for wood.
Turpentine is also capable of corroding dirt on metal surfaces and is therefore used when cleaning bicycle chains.
A liquid in the amount of 450-550 milliliters is poured into a saucepan or bowl. Then a dirty chain is put on it, which must be soaked for 15-20 hours. The soaked part is dried, lubricated and installed on the bike.
Machine
There is a special machine designed specifically for chain cleaning. Such a device is called a chain washing machine; it is made up of special gears and brushes. The purifier is equipped with a small tank into which the solvent is poured.Then a chain is installed on the gears of the structure, which will be treated with a solvent during rotation.
The advantages of using this design are:
- Efficiency;
- ease of use;
- rapid removal of even the most serious contaminants that are difficult to remove manually.
With your own hands using a large and a small brush
Many people don't have a washing line and therefore have to do the cleaning themselves. Experts advise using small or large brushes. They should be made of durable bristles, as they remove dirt much better.
The chain cleaning procedure is as follows:
- Smooth the product. First, the chain is placed on a flat surface and straightened in length.
- Wipe the surface. The part is carefully wiped with a dry brush to remove large debris.
- Treat with a solvent. The liquid is applied to a large brush, after which the chain is rubbed with it. It is necessary to rub well to remove even traces of small debris.
- Dry and grease. The processed product is dried and lubricated with machine oil.
WD-40
WD-40 is considered an all-purpose lubricant that prevents dirt from sticking to the work piece. The main advantage of this tool is its versatility. Among the disadvantages of WD-40 is poor wear resistance. For this reason, lubricating fluid should be used more often. Experts recommend renewing this lubricant on the chain every 80-100 kilometers. Using such a tool is quite simple.
It is enough to apply WD-40 to the surface of the product, then put it on the bike and turn it several times so that the liquid is better distributed along the chain.
How to lubricate
There are special products that are used to lubricate bicycle chains.
Oils
There are several types of lubricants that are most often used by cyclists:
- For dry weather. These products are ceramic and are used if the bike is only used in dry weather. The advantages of such lubricating compositions include the fact that they protect the treated surfaces from corrosion.
- For wet weather. Silicone oils and a little paraffin are added to their composition. These components provide reliable protection against moisture in the chain.
- Compositions with added thickeners. They are versatile lubricants suitable for dry and wet weather.
Using the above oils is simple. Before applying them to the surface, the product is washed in a solvent and dried. Then the oil is evenly distributed along the chain.
teflon grease
Some oils contain Teflon additives, thanks to which the products have anti-dust properties. Teflon lubricants also protect metal bicycle chains from moisture particles and prevent the development of corrosion.These lubricants are easy to use. First, the chain is removed from the bike, then soaked in solvent to remove dirt. Then a lubricant is applied to the cleaned and dried product.
Lubrication rules
There are several rules of lubrication that you should know before using the substance:
- During lubrication, liquid occasionally drips onto each link of the product. In this case, the oil must be applied so that it penetrates inside the rollers.
- After applying the liquid, the chain will need to be turned several times. This is to ensure that the applied lubricant is better distributed.
- At the end of lubrication, the product is carefully wiped with a cloth.If this is not done and oil remains on the chain, it will collect all the dirt particles on its surface.
Rules of maintenance and operation
To extend the life of the chain, you must observe the following operating rules:
- the product is periodically cleaned of adhering dirt so that it does not clog the rollers;
- when removing old dirt, it is better to use solvents;
- cleaning is best done with durable brushes;
- chain lubrication is carried out 4-5 times a month or more often if the bicycle is used daily.
Conclusion
Riders often need to clean the chain. Before you do this, you should familiarize yourself with cleaning recommendations and the best lubricants for your bike chain.