What ultrasonic chain cleaner do you guys recommend?
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Southern California
Posts: 136
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 5 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
2 Posts
What ultrasonic chain cleaner do you guys recommend?
Looking to pick up an ultrasonic chain/cassette cleaner sometime today as Amazon has some good sales on their prime day. My buddy said I need a unit that is alt least 6L. What do you guys recommend?
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 982
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 506 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 639 Times
in
357 Posts
Short answer is that you don't need this. Professional mechanics rarely use one, and some of us old-timers have successfully maintained chains for hundreds of thousands of miles without an US cleaner. That said, all you need is something large enough to hold the folded up chain.
Likes For KerryIrons:
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,483
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 968 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
1,047 Posts
Ultrasonic cleaning sounds like a good method. For me I just remove the chain and soak it in a jar of Charcoal Lighter Fluid then re-lube and reinstall. Not to be disrespectful but lately I have come to consider chains as just another expendable item when worn dirty or not.
The old ChiCom Harbor Freight ultra sonic cleaner is good enough for chains and other parts. You might want to consider other alternatives for cleaning like you washing machine or dish washer...
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...ur-washer.html
The old ChiCom Harbor Freight ultra sonic cleaner is good enough for chains and other parts. You might want to consider other alternatives for cleaning like you washing machine or dish washer...
https://www.bikeforums.net/bicycle-m...ur-washer.html
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
#6
Full Member
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: Albuquerque NM USA
Posts: 492
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 222 Post(s)
Liked 304 Times
in
194 Posts
I have an ultrasonic cleaner and I've not found it to be magic. Just like sloshing a chain around in a jar, no matter how many times I run a chain through a US cleaner, the cleaning solution (water with de-greaser) still clouds up. Sure a bit less each time, but I don't feel the US cleaner does anything dramatic with a chain.
And as for other parts, like cassette cogs, I can scrub with a small brush and or wipe them clean very quickly.
I'm not saying a US cleaner is a waste of time and money, and maybe mine just sucks, but I've not found it to be a game changer and I could easily live without it.
And as for other parts, like cassette cogs, I can scrub with a small brush and or wipe them clean very quickly.
I'm not saying a US cleaner is a waste of time and money, and maybe mine just sucks, but I've not found it to be a game changer and I could easily live without it.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Golden, CO and Tucson, AZ
Posts: 2,837
Bikes: 2012 Specialized Elite Disc, 1983 Trek 520
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 676 Post(s)
Liked 741 Times
in
430 Posts
We mainly use ours for the worst shifters, some derailleurs--never chains. Dealing with the dirty fluid is difficult for us.
#8
Senior Member
My homeopathic method consists of putting the chain in an empty quart paint can with mineral spirits and set it on top of the washer and dryer and do a few loads of clothing. You'd be surprised how much grit and junk that will knock off a chain.
Likes For drlogik:
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Michigan
Posts: 3,706
Bikes: Trek 730 (quad), 720 & 830, Bike Friday NWT, Brompton M36R & M6R, Dahon HAT060 & HT060, ...
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 840 Post(s)
Liked 336 Times
in
251 Posts
This Harbor Freight has been great for me for all kinds of cleaning, including chains
https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lit...ner-63256.html
https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lit...ner-63256.html
#10
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 4,047
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2241 Post(s)
Liked 3,443 Times
in
1,802 Posts
I wax my chain so that I never have to deal with this.
Last edited by Polaris OBark; 07-12-23 at 05:46 PM.
Likes For Polaris OBark:
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2022
Location: GMT-5
Posts: 940
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 540 Post(s)
Liked 416 Times
in
274 Posts
There is no one-way to clean all. It depends on the task.
Often I use a combination of US, gasoline soak, concentrate degreaser, evaporust.
I won't go into trade details, but there's a specific order where they all help the next cleaning do better and faster.
For example, I don't throw in a chunky caked up greasy cassette into the US. It'll be much faster if I brush it with degreaser first, and pressure wash that.
The more clean the part going into the US, the faster the US works.
Often I use a combination of US, gasoline soak, concentrate degreaser, evaporust.
I won't go into trade details, but there's a specific order where they all help the next cleaning do better and faster.
For example, I don't throw in a chunky caked up greasy cassette into the US. It'll be much faster if I brush it with degreaser first, and pressure wash that.
The more clean the part going into the US, the faster the US works.
#12
Garage tetris expert
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Texas Hill Country
Posts: 893
Bikes: A few. Ok, a lot
Mentioned: 16 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 387 Post(s)
Liked 692 Times
in
329 Posts
I have an ultrasonic cleaner and still don’t use it for chains. I prefer St. Sheldon’s method of plastic coke bottle, solvent, replace cap and shake it vigorously. I prefer diluted simple green. Repeat as often as needed with clean solvent. The US can be used for final finishing, but dammit Jim, it’s a chain not a...
#13
Junior Member
I use the Vevor 2L Ultrasonic Cleaner. It is large enough for my 11 speed chain, and it cleans it well.
Last edited by hrdknox1; 07-13-23 at 10:54 AM.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,483
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 968 Post(s)
Liked 1,631 Times
in
1,047 Posts
Bravo Soya!
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
Likes For zandoval:
#15
Senior Member
Here guys, this is the low rent fix. The only caveat I would add is to use some tape to make sure the lid does not unscrew itself, and if using solvent of any kind, do this outdoors, not inside.
__________________
"It's a fine line between absolute genius and sheer stupidity"
"It's a fine line between absolute genius and sheer stupidity"
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,904
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,213 Posts
How do you make sure it stays on top and doesn't fall down and leak during the spin cycle?
Likes For pdlamb:
#17
Senior Member
How do you make sure it stays on top and doesn't fall down and leak during the spin cycle?
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 8,319
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1438 Post(s)
Liked 1,092 Times
in
723 Posts
Please do not use gasoline for anything except a motor fuel. It is highly flammable and creates explosive vapors which will travel a long way to an ignition source. It is toxic by vapor inhalation and skin absorption and has been associated with many kinds of cancer. There are much safer solvents.
Likes For dsbrantjr:
#19
Newbie
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: East Lansing MI
Posts: 44
Bikes: 1974 Paramount White (Campagnolo Record) 1971 Schwinn Super Sport Kool Lemon (single speed) 1975 Viscount Aero Space Pro (Vintage Dura Ace) 1971 Raleigh Superbe (mens) 1974 Raleigh Superbe (ladies)
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 11 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
In order to keep my US cleaner fluid clean, I put parts in a zip lock bag with whatever cleaning agent (usually Pine-Sol, original formula) expel most of the air and zip the bag closed then leave the top of the bag hanging outside of the tank cover. Once in a while the bag fails and the water is contaminated but my method allows different cleaning agents without draining the tank every time.
Brian
Brian
__________________
Brian McCall
1974 Paramount White (Campagnolo Record, Weinmann)
1975 Viscount Aerospace Pro (Vintage Dura-Ace)
1971 Schwinn Super Sport Kool Lemon (single speed)
1971 Raleigh Superbe (mens)
1974 Raleigh Superbe (ladies)
Brian McCall
1974 Paramount White (Campagnolo Record, Weinmann)
1975 Viscount Aerospace Pro (Vintage Dura-Ace)
1971 Schwinn Super Sport Kool Lemon (single speed)
1971 Raleigh Superbe (mens)
1974 Raleigh Superbe (ladies)
Likes For bmc5733946:
#21
Senior Member
#23
Senior Member
they are pretty robust. And orbital sanders are everywhere. Depends on how you value your time. And I have put some nasty parts in an ultrasonic unit only to regret the disgusting sludge that I created in the tank. I like the idea of not getting too technical and using something that someone is getting rid of. Also, method of choice is highly dependent on material and desired finish. Aluminum, steel, chrome, stainless all have different ways to clean them up. When I was younger and rather poor, I would steal tomato juice out of my mom's pantry to soak parts in. It cleans aluminum pretty well. It also cleans up sterling silver. Being older, smarter and having a few bucks I can now buy the right chemical for the job. But I still like the sander as ultrasonic part cleaner.
__________________
"It's a fine line between absolute genius and sheer stupidity"
"It's a fine line between absolute genius and sheer stupidity"
#24
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,368
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6220 Post(s)
Liked 4,221 Times
in
2,367 Posts
Please do not use gasoline for anything except a motor fuel. It is highly flammable and creates explosive vapors which will travel a long way to an ignition source. It is toxic by vapor inhalation and skin absorption and has been associated with many kinds of cancer. There are much safer solvents.
For the rest of the world, don’t do this!
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Last edited by cyccommute; 07-16-23 at 10:11 AM.
Likes For cyccommute:
#25
Mad bike riding scientist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Denver, CO
Posts: 27,368
Bikes: Some silver ones, a red one, a black and orange one, and a few titanium ones
Mentioned: 152 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6220 Post(s)
Liked 4,221 Times
in
2,367 Posts
In order to keep my US cleaner fluid clean, I put parts in a zip lock bag with whatever cleaning agent (usually Pine-Sol, original formula) expel most of the air and zip the bag closed then leave the top of the bag hanging outside of the tank cover. Once in a while the bag fails and the water is contaminated but my method allows different cleaning agents without draining the tank every time.
Brian
Brian
With a jar or beaker, make they are filled out the same level as the reservoir so that you get the proper effect from the sonicators.
__________________
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
Likes For cyccommute: