WD40 for the chain
01-15-21, 10:11 PM
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WD40 for the chain
Hi, just wondered if it’s ok to use wd40 for the chain. Not long term use but at the moment with the poor weather I keep hosing the bike off after each ride so then spray the chain with wd40 or similar to drive out the water and stop it rusting between uses. Would this offer enough protection for quick 20-40mile rides? Or should I apply my regular dry lube too?
Thanks
Thanks
01-15-21, 10:27 PM
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Hi, just wondered if it’s ok to use wd40 for the chain. Not long term use but at the moment with the poor weather I keep hosing the bike off after each ride so then spray the chain with wd40 or similar to drive out the water and stop it rusting between uses. Would this offer enough protection for quick 20-40mile rides? Or should I apply my regular dry lube too?
Thanks
Thanks
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01-15-21, 11:49 PM
#4
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I do this all the time to drive water off the chain and lightly clean it, but I then let it evaporate and apply lube. This has worked for me for thirty years of riding.
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01-16-21, 05:50 AM
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WD40 is fine for what you've described and will give a little protection to whatever metal surfaces it lands on as well, derailleurs, etc. Just don't neglect your actual lube, maybe consider something that lasts longer if your chain is squeaking between lubes.
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01-16-21, 07:02 AM
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It will work perfectly for your stated use. Much better than Mazola.
01-16-21, 07:03 AM
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What shelbyfv said. Whenever WD40 comes up, cycling enthusiasts throw their arms up. Shouldn’t be a problem in the way the OP asked.
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01-16-21, 07:52 AM
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Yes, No problem. As long as you haven't removed the manufacturers lube you don't even have to put any other oil on it. However, under those riding conditions I'd recommend using some other chain oil.
I Use Only WD40 As Chain Lube, But I keep my bikes clean and Never Remove Manufacturers Lube and because some Remove Manufacturers Lube and allow their bikes to get really dirty using WD40 isn't for every one.
Because I will not ride in the rain and only use WD40 as a chain lube, I have to respray every 250-300 miles.
I Use Only WD40 As Chain Lube, But I keep my bikes clean and Never Remove Manufacturers Lube and because some Remove Manufacturers Lube and allow their bikes to get really dirty using WD40 isn't for every one.
Because I will not ride in the rain and only use WD40 as a chain lube, I have to respray every 250-300 miles.
01-16-21, 07:56 AM
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WD = Water Displacing.
https://www.wd40.com/myths-legends-fun-facts/
this is exactly what WD40 was invented for and named after. I've used it to waterproof distributor caps in off road vehicles. The "residue" is a fish oil, very benign.
Compressed air is good for drying the chain, but not everyone has ready access.
https://www.wd40.com/myths-legends-fun-facts/
this is exactly what WD40 was invented for and named after. I've used it to waterproof distributor caps in off road vehicles. The "residue" is a fish oil, very benign.
Compressed air is good for drying the chain, but not everyone has ready access.
01-16-21, 08:23 AM
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WD 40 is perfectly fine to use on the chain. I`ve used WD 40 many times. A bicycle chain isn`t some complex machine and doesn`t require any special overpriced lubricants...Special chain maintenance is pointless, here in my area all it takes is one ride on snowy salt covered roads an your expensive lube is all going to get washed out and your chain will get all dirty. WD 40 is perfect for daily touch up to keep the chain running smoothly.
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01-16-21, 08:30 AM
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How I displace water from wet chain after a ride is with hot air jet from vaccum cleaner exhaust nozzle attachment. Some use leaf blower and even some even seem to have success with hair dryer (perhaps with the powerful ones), with some rags or towel between the chain and bike and the floor so the blown oily water doesn't stain the floor nor the bike.
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01-16-21, 08:45 AM
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For temporary use a water displacer is probably OK but you will want to keep up with chain maintenance and lubrication. Personally I wouldn't use it unless it was their bike lube however if you are really cleaning quite often and keeping an eye and ear on it you should do OK. Keep in mind I would be quite careful using any sprays (aside from isopropyl alcohol) on a chain or near the chain as it can get onto braking surfaces and cause issues there.
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01-16-21, 08:56 AM
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Another WD-40 post... AWESOME
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01-16-21, 09:03 AM
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It's a winter chain. As long as it still moves, it doesn't really matter what lube is on it, right? It's 15 bucks. Use it 'til the weather gets nice, chuck the chain in the garbage.
For all of the WD40 hooters and hollerers, y'all do know that WD40 has a whole line of bike products now, yeah? It's not 1950.
For all of the WD40 hooters and hollerers, y'all do know that WD40 has a whole line of bike products now, yeah? It's not 1950.
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01-16-21, 12:46 PM
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Hydrocarbons displace water. News at ten. 
For all intents and purposes, WD-40 is a mixture of mineral spirits and light oil. The mineral spirits evaporate and leave a thin coating of oil. Whatever else is in it, is irrelevant. It has brand recognition and comes in a spray can.
Use it wherever you would use a mixture of mineral spirits and light oil. Mineral spirits are also the carrier for dry lube. Light oil does whatever you think it does to a bike chain, relative to your chain lube preferences.
For all intents and purposes, WD-40 is a mixture of mineral spirits and light oil. The mineral spirits evaporate and leave a thin coating of oil. Whatever else is in it, is irrelevant. It has brand recognition and comes in a spray can.
Use it wherever you would use a mixture of mineral spirits and light oil. Mineral spirits are also the carrier for dry lube. Light oil does whatever you think it does to a bike chain, relative to your chain lube preferences.
01-16-21, 01:52 PM
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This. WD40 is not a lubricant.
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01-16-21, 02:26 PM
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It’s a bicycle chain not the inner workings of a Rolex. I live in a very rainy place and for 40 years post ride as I roll into the garage I blast with a healthy spray of WD-40 and call it a day. It displaces the water so nothing rusts and leaves behind a thin coating of lubricant whats the big deal.
01-16-21, 02:47 PM
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I did, that's why I 'Liked' your post. I was concurring.
As an aside, my other hobby is vintage mechanical watches, where WD40 is the bane of many a collector/hobbyist. It pretty much ruins the ones where some genius sprays it in the movement. Watchmakers say they can always tell a watch that's had that treatment because of a 'fishy' smell, and greenish oily residue that's the very devil to get rid of.
As an aside, my other hobby is vintage mechanical watches, where WD40 is the bane of many a collector/hobbyist. It pretty much ruins the ones where some genius sprays it in the movement. Watchmakers say they can always tell a watch that's had that treatment because of a 'fishy' smell, and greenish oily residue that's the very devil to get rid of.
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01-16-21, 02:52 PM
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I did, that's why I 'Liked' your post. I was concurring.
As an aside, my other hobby is vintage mechanical watches, where WD40 is the bane of many a collector/hobbyist. It pretty much ruins the ones where some genius sprays it in the movement. Watchmakers say they can always tell a watch that's had that treatment because of a 'fishy' smell, and greenish oily residue that's the very devil to get rid of.
As an aside, my other hobby is vintage mechanical watches, where WD40 is the bane of many a collector/hobbyist. It pretty much ruins the ones where some genius sprays it in the movement. Watchmakers say they can always tell a watch that's had that treatment because of a 'fishy' smell, and greenish oily residue that's the very devil to get rid of.
01-16-21, 02:53 PM
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01-16-21, 03:04 PM
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I think for your application it's fine. It is Water Displacement formula number 40 after all. You'll lube it properly afterward so I think you're on the right track!
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