Originally Posted by
stokessd
The stuff you are taking off is in fact, NOT the bast chain lube there is. It is nasty wet greasy gunk that needs to be removed so the chain can be dipped in hot paraffin.
I have always used mineral spirits with great success. in a plastic trim painting bucket with a toothbrush. I let it soak, then scrub, then let it soak some more, then remove and hang to dry.
Sheldon
Hmm, not that Im saying your wrong, but If I remember correctly Sheldon Brown may have said that in a thread somewhere, thats why I suggested it. Maybe Sheldon Brown will see this and clear it up for us. I am genuinely curious now myself. I was also lead to believe that Parraffin Wax is actually not a very good lube as well. Dirt doesn't stick to it very well, BUT its has no where near the lube qualities of an oil. Frequent application of light Tri-Flow is considered one of the best from what I hear.