Homemade chainlube thread
03-06-10 | 10:40 AM
#1
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Kid A
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Alexandria, VA
Homemade chainlube thread
I went to Lowe's this morning and picked up some "Pro Select" brand bar and chain oil (for chainsaws) @ $3.63. Upon inspection, the stuff is similar to the consistency of Phil Wood Tenacious oil - very sticky and almost like honey......it isn't green though 
.
I thinned it with some paint thinner (100% mineral spirits) I had lying around about 50/50 and put it in an old Tri-Flow bottle. Tri-Flow is decent stuff, but didn't hold up in the rain like I like.
It seems about like I expected - fairly sticky, which is what I prefer. I tend to side with the crowd that believes the sticky lubes, regardless of the fact that they tend to pick up more crap, do a better job of keeping the chain lubed and increase chain life.
Just wanted to post about it. I know a lot of people already do this with motor oil, ATF, etc. Only time will tell, but it looks like I can have a lifetime supply of high-quality lube for very little money.
.I thinned it with some paint thinner (100% mineral spirits) I had lying around about 50/50 and put it in an old Tri-Flow bottle
. Tri-Flow is decent stuff, but didn't hold up in the rain like I like. It seems about like I expected - fairly sticky, which is what I prefer. I tend to side with the crowd that believes the sticky lubes, regardless of the fact that they tend to pick up more crap, do a better job of keeping the chain lubed and increase chain life.
Just wanted to post about it
. I know a lot of people already do this with motor oil, ATF, etc. Only time will tell, but it looks like I can have a lifetime supply of high-quality lube for very little money.
03-06-10 | 10:57 AM
#2
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
The other common home-brew is to mix 1 part Mobile 1 or similar synthetic motor oil with 3 parts OMS (odorless mineral spirits). It's a very close copy of ProLink and works as well in my experience.
Stand by for a very long thread.
Stand by for a very long thread.
03-06-10 | 12:48 PM
#6
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From: New Rochelle, NY
Bikes: too many bikes from 1967 10s (5x2)Frejus to a Sumitomo Ti/Chorus aluminum 10s (10x2), plus one non-susp mtn bike I use as my commuter
You're the mixologist. Whatever works best for you is correct. Personally, I believe 0:1 is best so I'd say 1:1 is better, but that's just me.
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FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
FB
Chain-L site
An ounce of diagnosis is worth a pound of cure.
Just because I'm tired of arguing, doesn't mean you're right.
“One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions” - Adm Grace Murray Hopper - USN
WARNING, I'm from New York. Thin skinned people should maintain safe distance.
Last edited by FBinNY; 03-06-10 at 12:52 PM.
03-06-10 | 01:00 PM
#7
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From: Oklahoma
Bikes: Trek 5500, Colnago C-50
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