I have just lubed my chain with prolink for the first time. I applied it to the rollers but it hasn't spread to the side plates very much. I am concerned that they will be liable to rust. Any tips on how to get it to give good coverage to the sides?

As it is so watery I did consider pouring some into a jar and shaking the chain in it. The chain is clean so I could pour the excess back into the bottle.

thanks

Apply prolink to one link at a time. I apply it from the lower portion of the chain, top side. One squirt is usually enough to cover the entire link. I usually will wear a nitrile glove on my left hand, applying prolink with the right. After I apply it the links between the chainrings and the pulley, I run my left hand over the chain to spread it out over the outside of the chain..... then I back spin the chain to expose more links , repeat .

Dont lube the exterior side plates. Lube is not a rust preventative but protects against premature chain wear caused by friction. Therefore, lube is needed on the interior parts of the chain subject to friction, primarily rollers but also where side plates overlap. Lubing along rollers addresses rollers and allows lube to work its way in between side plates and down around rivets. You should wipe any excess off the outside of the side plates to keep them from accumulating grit that can the work its way into the rollers, etc. To prevent rust, wipe chain down after every ride. and when not in use for extended period, dont store in a damp or humid place (outside, damp basements and garages).

+!. I've been using Prolink for ~10 years on both mountain and road bike. I apply one drop per roller, run the chain through all the gears, then wipe off the excess with a rag. During the wiping process, I'm certain a bit of Prolink is placed onto the outer plates. I like to lube the night before a ride, to give the carrier more chance to evaporate.

It's done me well the past 10 years.

++ Lube rollers with cheap examination gloves on then move chain through your gloved hands working the links and rollers up and down to help work the oil in. Let the chain sit overnight if you have time then wipe off the excess/remaining oil with a paper towel before you ride. I have been using prolink since 2004 and it works really well.

https://draco.nac.uci.edu/rbfaq/FAQ/8d.2.html

thanks for the replies