Paraffin and Chain Cleaning

Discussion in 'Maintenance' started by billo01, Sep 5, 2013.

  1. Dave V

    Dave V Elite Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2012
    Messages:
    2,345
    Likes Received:
    1,865
    Buy chain cleaner you tight arses!

    Haven't ever tried paraffin tbh, does it evaporate?
     
    • Like Like x 1
  2. ShinySideUp

    ShinySideUp Elite Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,100
    Likes Received:
    1,111
    Pretty sure he drinks it Kev!:D
     
  3. ShinySideUp

    ShinySideUp Elite Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,100
    Likes Received:
    1,111
    I don't think so Dave or if it does it must do it slowly. I haven't used it either don't even know where to buy it from? B&Q or something?
     
  4. Dave V

    Dave V Elite Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2012
    Messages:
    2,345
    Likes Received:
    1,865
    Doesn't it fling everywhere then if not?

    Sorry If I'm being think, but what's the point in putting expensive non fling chain lube on top of another product that's still on the chain?

    Granted chain cleaner cost more than paraffin for example, but in the greater scheme of things?
     
  5. Givover

    Givover God Like

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2011
    Messages:
    7,009
    Likes Received:
    3,754
    Just have it with a drop of lemonade ;)
     
    • Like Like x 2
  6. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2012
    Messages:
    3,274
    Likes Received:
    1,601

    I have used plenty of chain cleaner in the past and tbh it just doesn't seem to take the crud off the chain as well as a paraffin rag.
     
  7. BoroRich

    BoroRich Elite Member

    Joined:
    Jan 24, 2012
    Messages:
    3,274
    Likes Received:
    1,601

    Yes if you don't clean the paraffin or WD-40 off the chain after you've cleaned it then yes it does stop the chain lube from sticking to the chain as well and yes it does fling a lot more. That's why I use a water-based degreaser and then a rinse with plain ol' water afterwards before letting it dry and then applying the lube.
     
  8. Dave V

    Dave V Elite Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2012
    Messages:
    2,345
    Likes Received:
    1,865
    Makes sense mate. I've never had an issue with using chain cleaner, perhaps I clean mine more often so there's not as much gunk to get off?

    Each to their own.
     
  9. ShinySideUp

    ShinySideUp Elite Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,100
    Likes Received:
    1,111
    I pretty much follow what boro said, I had posted my process in earlier post.
    My main reason for usin WD for cleaning is the cost difference I buy it in gallon canisters and decant into spray bottles n use that to do my gunny cleaning then use another degreaser such as muc off or similar to remove the WD residue then apply either wurth or muc off chain lube.

    I only tend to really clean my chain (more the sprocket buildup really) once a year or more if I am working on something in that area that could get me all messy, I run a scotoiler all the time on my bikes so it keeps up with my maintainance needs between cleans!

    But you are right there is no real right way or wrong way of doing it as long as it gets done is the main thing.:D
     
  10. Alblade

    Alblade God Like

    Joined:
    Jul 10, 2012
    Messages:
    4,031
    Likes Received:
    2,632
    Took rear wheel out for new-to-me tyre fitting tomorrow, found chain really bad even though I cleaned it recently, not one link was free to move.

    Spent ages with a toothbrush and some chain cleaner and its better, but the chain is only totally loose in a few spots - most need a bit of effort to fully articulate.

    Numpty question, but should whole thing be totally free i.e. to move or does it need a load more TLC or is it goosed and needs replacement?

    Using MucOff chain cleaner - should try Parafin next to really soak it ?
     
  11. Givover

    Givover God Like

    Joined:
    Jul 28, 2011
    Messages:
    7,009
    Likes Received:
    3,754
    I am no expert Al but one would imagine straight out of the box the chain would be really free and easy and every link would rotate .Looks like a new ones needed dude but remember the old saying "New chain = New Sprockets.
     
  12. billo01

    billo01 Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2012
    Messages:
    394
    Likes Received:
    133
    ShinySideUp - where do you get your 5L of WD40 from? I used to get it from work and it lasts ages. I'm no longer in that job so I've got to go and buy some now. Looked over the net and prices vary and want to be sure I aint getting a fake
     
  13. BladeRR8

    BladeRR8 Active Member

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2011
    Messages:
    1,085
    Likes Received:
    183
    Clean with paraffin. Wipe dry and coat with Wurth Dry Lube. 13000 miles in and chain has hardly stretched at all and I reckon easily good for another 13000 miles.
     
  14. ShinySideUp

    ShinySideUp Elite Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2012
    Messages:
    2,100
    Likes Received:
    1,111
    I tend to get it from a local motor factors, I have seen places on ebay selling for around £20 for the 5 litres as long as you stick to proper businesses you should receive legit wd40 product. (the smell is distinct on WD40)

    but that said I have also used penetrating fluid from a local chemical company that make/supply cleaning supply's with good success and a little cheaper than WD40 it's a little more oily n viscosity but it clings better when cleaning and it does it's job with the rusty bolts too.:)
     
  15. Carl

    Carl Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 31, 2011
    Messages:
    2,609
    Likes Received:
    815
    I have just gone to town on my chain, paraffin cleans it up very well but doesn't evaporate so I clean off the paraffin with chain cleaner then apply 2 coats of wurf clear lube and leave overnight, nice clean chain and no fling

    Why use paraffin when you have chain cleaner I Here you ask, well IMO paraffin cleans up the chain better and is cheaper, the chain cleaner then last longer.
     
  16. RichC

    RichC Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 5, 2011
    Messages:
    818
    Likes Received:
    269
    Did mine with Muc-off chain cleaner and a old tea towel. Cleaned up like new. Time taken 20 mins. Bikes only done 1500 miles though.
     
  17. The.kickboxer

    The.kickboxer Active Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2013
    Messages:
    718
    Likes Received:
    298
    Chains had no O rings in them good ol days.
     
    • Like Like x 1

Share This Page