Bicycle Mechanics - WD-40 as a chain lubricant?

Bicycletutor.com highly discourages the use of WD-40 as a chain lubricant. The reasons that he gives are no other than its other numerous uses in household hinges, toys, etc., but is not a scientific refutation per se.

I have used this lubricant for many years now and I believe that, contrary to his assertions, it actually makes a chain last longer than if it is left out to rust without any oil at all.

What are your anecdotes/recommendations on the use of WD-40?

Use what you like, it is your bike, money, etc.

I use Rock N Roll Gold on my chains.

Here we go...

Those timeless words:
It's a solvent, not a lubricant.

Sure it will clean your chain, but it will not stay on your chain and lubricate the moving parts. It's pretty much a degreaser.

"I have used this lubricant for many years now and I believe that, contrary to his assertions, it actually makes a chain last longer than if it is left out to rust without any oil at all." QUOTE.


Apples & Oranges.


Regards,
J T

I have used this lubricant for many years now and I believe that, contrary to his assertions, it actually makes a chain last longer than if it is left out to rust without any oil at all.
That's not much of an endorsement. Bacon fat is better than using no oil at all.

WD-40 DOES contain a light lube in a carrier that is pretty much kerosine. However, it's not a durable or high film strength lube and has to be applied very often to have any real benefit. I know riders who use it successfully and get good chain life but they apply it every ride or two.

However, the purpose-made bike chain lubes aren't a scam to separate riders from their money. They work better and make the chain last longer with fewer applications than WD-40 will ever do. My personal favorite is ProLink but there are a lot of other good ones. Your riding conditions will have a big influence on what works best for you.

Bicycletutor.com highly discourages the use of WD-40 as a chain lubricant. The reasons that he gives are no other than its other numerous uses in household hinges, toys, etc., but is not a scientific refutation per se.

I have used this lubricant for many years now and I believe that, contrary to his assertions, it actually makes a chain last longer than if it is left out to rust without any oil at all.

What are your anecdotes/recommendations on the use of WD-40?

Well, WD-40 does contain some oil so it is better than no lubrication at all regarding rust. But no lubrication is hardly the alternative.

I do think that some of the warnings against WD-40 on the chain are a little overstated. But on the whole I think it is good advice and I think the exaggeration is because newbies are likely to own the product and people want to communicate that better alternatives exist in the shortest possible manner.
There is nothing wrong in saying that different products are made for different purposes, and WD-40 isn't made for bicycle chains. For me, just the fact that people likely owns the spray can version is enough for me to recommend an alternative drip bottle product. Also, some people may get away with using a light oil product like WD-40 as a chain lubrication and corrosion prevention if they live in the right climate, but for a lot of people WD-40 is worse than "proper" chain oils. I think the combination of light oil, lots of solvent and pressure from the can may leave very little oil on the chain.
It is still a usefull product for bicycle maintenance. It is great to flush out dirt from e.g. freehubs, or clean STI levers that gets gunked up (I ride Campy so no personal experience).

--
Regards

Can we say that it is better than nothing but that every other more-appropriate product is better than it is?

use old car oil its basically chain lube without the negatives i keep a quart of new car oil just for bicycle chains if the stuff can kill wildlife it must work great on chains.

Can we say that it is better than nothing but that every other more-appropriate product is better than it is?

+1

so it goes, and so it goes

i use wd-40 mostly to dry my chain off after cleaning it ... then letting it hang for a bit before putting lube on it ... but only did that a time or two ...

the local shop keeps trying to sell me some stuff in a spray can called GT85 ...

I think you got the hint. ProLink, Boeing, White Lightning,etc are all good. Just keep your chain clean. There is a lot less wear & tear on chainrings and gears

WD-40 is better than nothing at all, but no way would I consider calling it a "good" every-day chain lubricant. Maybe "good in a pinch."

As stated earlier, it's not thick enough, so it's not going to stay on the chain very long. Looking at that over the long-term, you would be spending more money because you'd be using it more often than if you bought a lube designed for bicycle chains. You can probably find a small to medium sized bottle of good chain lube for what you'd pay for an average-sized can of WD-40. Even though the bottle would be smaller, it'll last a lot longer and be better for the chain.

But if you don't ride very much, WD-40 will suffice. If you've been using it all these years and you're happy with it, then just keep using it.

To read all the chain cleaning/lubing threads would lead one to believe that the average cyclist cleans his chain about 2 or 3 times a year. They are so grungy, that chain cleaning machines or coffee cans full of degreaser are needed. I can understand the problems the mudrunners have, but why are so many others not cleaning their chains enough? If you do it regularly, it's easy, it's quick, it's done and the chain doesn't have to come off the bike. bk

i've used wd a lot, my stuff lasts

mx

It started out life as a squeak remover more than anything else. I've actually used WD40 to clean my chain, but if you expect any long term lubrication from it on a bicycle chain, you're dreaming. Why wouldn't you want to use a real chain lube? If you don't want to deal with messiness, use one of the wax type lubes.

Here's all you need to know about chain cleaning. http://sheldonbrown.com/chainclean.html

I use it after the degreaser to get extra guk off, wipe down, air dry a little, then add prolink on it, wipe down. Makes for a very clen chain.

Hey, can we just have any given "WD-40 as chain lube" thread stickied? It's not a very interesting discussion to go over every week.

I have used this lubricant for many years now and I believe that, contrary to his assertions, it actually makes a chain last longer than if it is left out to rust without any oil at all.

Well, duh. Almost anything will resist corrosion.

Even plain old motor oil makes a better chain lube than WD-40, and it's actually pretty good on the road. A real chain lube is essential in the dirt IME.

I once pulled up at a trailhead and watched someone spray WD-40 on his chain before going on a MTB ride. I still cringe at the thought.

Even plain old motor oil makes a better chain lube than WD-40, and it's actually pretty good on the road. A real chain lube is essential in the dirt IME.

+1

I switched to motor oil from grease, and it's also much less prone to accrete grit than grease. I only ride on-road, and my experiences with it are excellent so far.

I'm sure I'll get a dedicated chain lube someday, though.

WD-40 is fantastic for removing grease and road grime. It'll get crud off the bike without harming the paint.

BUT! You really shouldn't use it as a lubricant.

Oh, it'll lubricate moving parts, no problem. I've used it on motorcycle parts for decades to diagnose weird squeaks or metal on metal noises. However, it won't last.

Best budget lube in the workd is plain old 30wt motor oil. You probably have a quart in the garage right now. It'll be enough for years of maintenance.

If you use motor oil, you'll need WD-40 to clean it off of the rest of the bike, after the spinning chain slings it everywhere.

That's what you pay for when (if) you buy bicycle or motorcycle specific chain lube... added ingredients that keep the lube on the chain, so you're not oiling the whole planet.

In a pinch, a big old handful of Royal Crown Pommade will keep that chain quiet...

FYI:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=196657&highlight=wd-40
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=83661&highlight=wd-40
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=158760&highlight=wd40

I used to use WD-40 on eveything when I was a child. Now I use the correct lube for the intended purpose. My favorite chain lube has been chainsaw bar and chain oil mixed 50/50 with mineral spirits. Doesn't pick up dirt and can go hundreds of miles before having to relube. The oil is also cheap at only $2.99 per quart.

WD40 is garbage.
For chains there are specialized lubes at your local friendly bike shop. These will lube chains better than anything else, and certainly much better than WD40!
For liberating stuck parts, Liquid Wrench is better than WD.
For a general household lube, I get a synthetic aerosol, again much better than WD. Loews has several synthetic aerosol lubricants; I like the teflon stuff.
The only thing WD has going for it is that it's popular.

Bacon fat is better than using no oil at all.

That's fighting dirty... bacon is good on everything. :D

I've been using triflow. Is that any good?

I only use WD40 for one specific task on the bike. That would be for the installation of a new
fixed gear cog. I choose WD40 because it gets sticky over time.

The name should tell people what WD 40 is. Check out it's history and what it was developed for. It is a water displacement chemical (WD?) The 40 refers to the number of chemical configurations it took to find the one they wanted.

Wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WD-40)

I've been using triflow. Is that any good?

Tri-flow is an excellent lube and offers great chain protection but it does pick up a little more dust than others... on the other hand the teflon and ptfe additives makes removing that crud much easier as it just can't stick.

I get 3500-4500 km per chain and apply lube very sparingly... I use one drop per link and then I listen to Boheniam Rhapsody while I wipe the excess down with a rag.

:)

WD40 is better than nothing but it isn't a good chain lubricant... if you think this question gets asked here a lot come and work in our shop.

I should actually promote the use of Wd40 as then we'd sell even more new chains...especially in the winter months as it offers virtually no protection when things get ugly.

There is nothing wrong in saying that different products are made for different purposes, and WD-40 isn't made for bicycle chains.

But they put a drawing of a bicycle on the can so your average guy in a hardware store thinks that it'll make a good chain lube.

Most such guys are probably trying to eliminate squeaks and it'll likely do that, especially if the squeaks are from rust.

Most folks who are really interested in chain maintenance do a little reading and move on to something else.

My STI shifters seem to need the WD-40 flush more and more frequently; takes about half a large can for both levers but it hasn't failed to get the job done yet.

I occasionally used it as a water displacer and cleaner on wet chains. Works pretty well for that and doesn't leave too much residual oil to interfere with the real chain lube (at least wet lubes like Prolink...not sure if it would prevent a wax lube from sticking). It's also less noxious than other spray cleaners like brake cleaner or Clean Streak.

I occasionally used it as a water displacer and cleaner on wet chains. Works pretty well for that and doesn't leave too much residual oil to interfere with the real chain lube (at least wet lubes like Prolink...not sure if it would prevent a wax lube from sticking). It's also less noxious than other spray cleaners like brake cleaner or Clean Streak.
I read somewhere that WD40 does a fair job at stripping oil off a chain and preventing the oil from going back on.

Ya WD is great cleaner...the name says it all
Water Displacement/ Formula 40.

Used it once in a Squeaky full suspension pivots.It stopped for a day and then squeaked 10 x as bad......
Although....
Use it to get your Ti Frame uber shiny!

Just as an aside, one of my other passions is Supersport motorcycles, and I have a Honda '07 CBR600RR. I belong to a couple of sportbike forums and this same discussion about WD-40 for motorcycle chains goes on all the time also. Yes its good, no its not, yes it is.... etc, etc.

OK, sorry for the diversion and let's get back to the discussion.

If I use motor oil what number is best

If I use motor oil what number is best
5W30 if you like dry for wet use 20 weight

That's fighting dirty... bacon is good on everything. :D

Duck fat. Makes your bike smell like a French deli.

http://www.fleuronsdesamatan.com/upload/boutique/005111.jpg

WD-40 was developed in the '50's as a "solvent" for missiles. Developed by Convair. Stands for Water displacement formula 40. This stuff is made to clean parts not as a lube. As was stated it will not last on a chain. Use a good quality chain lube.

If I use motor oil what number is best

Doesn't matter. One part motor oil and three parts mineral spirits (paint thinner) works well. Mix in a squeeze bottle and use to apply to chain. The thinner helps float away crud on the chain and evaporates off later. Use mixture liberally and wipe down chain with rag afterwards.

*** Bicycletutor.com highly discourages the use of WD-40 as a chain lubricant.****

That's correct, you should use the right product for the job, buy a bicycle parts lubricant! :).

Regards

*** Bicycletutor.com highly discourages the use of WD-40 as a chain lubricant.****

That's correct, you should use the right product for the job, buy a bicycle parts lubricant! :).

Regards

There is one video where I believe he uses it for handlebar grips (removing).

From the looks of the posts so far, it appears that WD-40 may be useful as a degreaser, but not as a lubricant, and in the case of resource paucity, that using WD-40 strictly for lubrication purposes is better than nothing at all.

I will heed these suggestions and use a proper oil, perhaps starting off with 30-wt. motor oil.

Now, is WD-40 of any use for the lubrication of brake cables?

Depends upon the type of brake-cable. If it's a lined brake-cable, I prefer to use a teflon-spray lube. If it's a bare metal-on-metal brake-cable, I prefer a heavier lube like white lithium grease with some graphite powder mixed in. Basically you want a lube that will leave a slick layer for lubrication once the actual liquid part dries up. WD-40 when dry, leaves no lube of any sort.

I asked my LBS about chain lube a year ago. This is a big, up-market shop in Melbourne catering to all types of riders including pros. The chap serving - clearly a fit, hard rider - recommended WD40. Having heard all the anti-WD40 raves here and elsewhere I thought perhaps he was just pissing off an older hybrid rider.

Since then I've scrapped the hybrid and bought a Giant FBR. Another LBS recommended Prolink chainluve. Damn expensive at $20 a small bottle but I've gone with that.

I wouldn't let WD40 near my bike -- it can damage the finish!
Tri-flow is a great general lube for around the house and shop, better than the WD crap. Works great on locks.
The duck fat, of course, makes an excellent substitute for all of these.

I wouldn't let WD40 near my bike -- it can damage the finish!
Huh? What's your bike painted with? WD-40 is for all practical purposed kerosine and there isn't a bike finish that is harmed by kerosine.

Avoid WD-40 on your chain. Instead, go to Home Depot and get a quart of chainsaw chain oil. It's labelled "Chain, Bar, & Sprocket Oil" and comes in a plastic quart can like motor oil.

I've been using it on my recumbent chain. It's great stuff.

It's designed for chains. It costs a buck. It will provide you with a lifetime supply of oil for all your bike chains, all your family's bike chains, and all your friends' bike chains. And you won't find any oil cheaper unless you're related to King Abdallah of Saudi Arabia. In which case, you'd probably be driving around in your custom Lamborghini, not on your bike.

http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f26/saladdays14/928834991_l.jpg

I have been using wd 40 on my bikes fo 40 years, no rust, no noise, does not attract dirt, keeps my chain clean, lubed and quiet. why change when it works so well?