need help with my chain
06-03-15 | 12:28 PM
#2
Full Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 306
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From: Bruce Twp, MI
Bikes: Huffy Sienna Cruiser, Specialized Rockhopper
You can, but you'll make a mess of things. That oil will get all over your bike frame, the gears, your clothes, etc. It doesn't dry and never stops flowing.
If you do use the oil, let it sit a bit and then try to wipe it down.
I bet you have WD40 at home. That's probably better to use, in terms of making less mess, than engine oil, if you really do not want to get some chain lube.
If you do use the oil, let it sit a bit and then try to wipe it down.
I bet you have WD40 at home. That's probably better to use, in terms of making less mess, than engine oil, if you really do not want to get some chain lube.
06-03-15 | 02:38 PM
#4
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: northern Deep South
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
10W40 will work, and pretty well. You will probably want to wipe the chain off after the first 2-3 rides, as the oil seems to migrate out as you ride. After that, a weekly wipe-down should keep things moving freely. Re-lube when it starts squeaking or when the chain seems really, really dry.
06-03-15 | 02:45 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2015
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From: Corinth, TX
Bikes: 2015 Tread 1.1 - Commuter, 2009 Allez Triple - Group Rides, 2015 Rockhopper comp - Mud and roots, 90's Burley Duet Tandem - Fast times with the kid, Electra 1 Cruiser - Slow times with the kid, Several projects, critical case of n+1, far past s-1
Proper chain lube is $7 for what'll last a good amount of time. Other oils may work (note that WD-40 is a water displacer, not a lubricant) but won't have the dirt shedding/ long lasting lubrication that you want in a proper lube. White lightening Clean Ride seems to be popular and it's what I use.
06-03-15 | 03:10 PM
#6
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From: Porter, Texas
Bikes: Trek Domane 5.2, Ridley Xfire, Giant Propel, KHS AeroComp
most folks who use motor oil do so in a homebrew mix of motor oil and odorless mineral spirits.
Typical mixes are 3 to 4 parts mineral spirits and 1 part oil. Apply to the rollers of the chain and then wipe with a rag until the rag comes away clean. I put the bike in a stand and hand spin the crank for this process. That allows the oil to get inside the roller where it does its work and keeps the bike from getting as messy.
Typical mixes are 3 to 4 parts mineral spirits and 1 part oil. Apply to the rollers of the chain and then wipe with a rag until the rag comes away clean. I put the bike in a stand and hand spin the crank for this process. That allows the oil to get inside the roller where it does its work and keeps the bike from getting as messy.
06-03-15 | 03:13 PM
#7
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
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From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
06-03-15 | 03:46 PM
#8
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Joined: Feb 2013
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From: Phoenix, AZ
...and it's been hashed to death, and the general assumption is not to use it as there are much better products on the market.
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-me...lubricant.html (there are endless posts about it on this forum)
Why WD-40 is Bad for Your Bike Chain - Bicycle Tutor Video
Bike Chain Cleaning and Maintenance - REI Expert Advice
06-03-15 | 07:14 PM
#10
rebmeM roineS
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 16,231
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From: Metro Indy, IN
Bikes: Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Why 10W40? Why not 5W20? Or 5W30? Why not straight 30 weight? Chains don't care about starting in cold weather. Etc.
Any lubricant is better than no lube for a chain.
Just don't use melted paraffin unless you understand that it's important to avoid catching it and your house on fire.
Any lubricant is better than no lube for a chain.
Just don't use melted paraffin unless you understand that it's important to avoid catching it and your house on fire.
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Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
Bacchetta Giro A20, RANS V-Rex, RANS Screamer
06-03-15 | 08:21 PM
#11
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From: Seattle
Bikes: Kuota Ksano. Litespeed T5 gravel - brilliant!
Why 10W40? Why not 5W20? Or 5W30? Why not straight 30 weight? Chains don't care about starting in cold weather. Etc.
Any lubricant is better than no lube for a chain.
Just don't use melted paraffin unless you understand that it's important to avoid catching it and your house on fire.
Any lubricant is better than no lube for a chain.
Just don't use melted paraffin unless you understand that it's important to avoid catching it and your house on fire.
Last edited by cale; 06-03-15 at 08:25 PM.
06-04-15 | 03:28 PM
#12
Galveston County Texas
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 33,335
Likes: 1,286
From: In The Wind
Bikes: 02 GTO, 2011 Magnum
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Fred "The Real Fred"
Fred "The Real Fred"
06-04-15 | 07:45 PM
#13
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From: Middle of da Mitten
Bikes: Trek 7500, RANS V-Rex, Optima Baron, Velokraft NoCom, M-5 Carbon Highracer, Bacchetta Quattro, Catrike Speed
WD=40 isn't a great lube, but IS an oil, and it's a great cleaner. And if you re-apply often, keeping your chain clean has more benefit than using a slipperier oil. However if you use it and don't re-apply often enough, the lighter oils evaporate out and leave a gummy residue. Motor oil is a better lube, but messier. Most bike-specific chain lubes try to strike a compromise between lubing well and making your chain an oily mess. For my applications, "cleanliness is next to godliness" because the chain runs less than an inch from my knee; so I use a wax-based lube. I still get smudges but they're not oily smeary messes.
