LesterOfPuppets

You pedal (or backpedal) in order to move each link past your lube applicator. If by distribute you mean pedaling and using the cog, chainring and pulleys to help spread it around, then no, they really don't do that good of a job of getting the lube where it needs to be.

vol

Thanks, that's indeed what I meant.

mikezs

Same with me; Spray on loads of motorcycle dry in solvent lubricant. Gets in all the links and then solvent evaporates to leave great, non-dirt attracting lube all over the place.

bradtx

vol, This really turned into an enjoyable read for a mundane task.

I alternate between a dino based lube and a wax lube. This year it's been dusty because of the drought so more maintenance with the wax lube than usual. I just drizzle it onto the inside of the chain while back pedaling, shift it through all of the cogs when through applying the lube and finally drag the chain through a paper towel to remove any excess.

The motorcycles use an aerosol lube and I have a piece of cardboard that I place between the chain and the rear wheel. This should also work if you're using an aerosol on the bicycle.

Brad

3alarmer 

Man, you can really see the innermost depths of people
when the subject of lubrication arises, can't you?

My own personal practice is to use more than the last time, which
was not enough................or less than the last time, which turned out
to be too much.