sweeks

This is probably "6 of one, half dozen of another" territory. Both solvents work. The lower volatility of kerosene isn't a huge drawback, as kerosene has some lubricating qualities. Higher volatility may predispose to a greater fire hazard under some circumstances. I can see your point though.

As I said, I prefer kerosene, but I have a gallon (literally, in a can) of WD-40. It works as an acceptable alternative.

Can we still be friends?
Steve

cmcanulty

One thing I learned with the paraffin mix is pour a little into a small can and use that to brush on chain. Keeps the main supply nice and clean.

davidad

for Andrei Description

RACING SPRAY WHITE is a white, solvent-containing, grease-based and adhesive semi-synthetic chain lubricant for the lubrication of bike chains (roller chains). After the evaporation of the solvent a stringy and adhesive grease remains which is not centrifuged or washed off. The white solid lubricants result in an excellent wear protection.

cyccommute 

The flash point of both solvents is similar. I suggest mineral spirits over kerosene (or diesel) simply because evaporates more cleanly. I'd rather that the lubricant does the lubricating rather than the solvent. There are some other drawbacks that someone unfamiliar with solvent properties could encounter as well...say using kerosene to clean a brake rotor.

WD40 suffers from the same problem only worse.

Sure. I may disagree with someone but it's never...well, seldom...personal. I may know a lot of stuff but I'm still willing to learn.

sweeks

This makes sense. I have limited experience with mineral spirits, so I defer to your expertise.
Steve

mfcity

Does anyone know a good place to buy mineral spirits in the UK? @cyccocommute recommended it, and the closest possibility for me was an art supply shop; they did have a non-noxious fluid for paint cleaning, but the large bottle cost about £50. Is this more of a house painting product?

Racing Dan

Watch out for the naming conventions. Similar sounding names is used for different chemicals and different names are used for the same chemical, depending on your particular country. its a complete mess. It seems, what is called mineral spirits in the US is called white spirit in the UK(!). You may be able to get it in the supermarket, auto parts store, home improvement market, paint store ect.

cyccommute 

Yes, just about anywhere that sells house paint should have mineral spirits. You might find them under "white spirits" in the UK. Homehardwaredirect lists them that way. Just about any hardware store should have it.

J.Higgins 

I have the 3L version of this very same cleaner, and I consider it barely large enough. It does a fantastic job, though. I keep a spare chain always clean and waxed, no no real down time.

I also keep a one-gallon steel paint can full of mineral spirits. You can get one of these generic cans at any good paint or hardware store. If I fill it 1/3rd full, I can slosh around a few greasy parts and clean them up real good. Sometimes I can throw a seriously-pooey chain in there before tossing it in the ultrasonic.

J.Higgins 

Not to mention that the odor from mineral spirits is tolerable. Kerosene stinks! Its hard to get the smell off your hands or your clothes.

mfcity

Well, just a late thank you to @cyccommute and everyone else for the tips. I was happy to find a white spirit equivalent called Clean Spirit at the local paint shop (for only £3 for a big bottle), soaked the chain in it for a couple of days and find it came out really clean.
The weather is also suddenly so sunny here that I am about to finally lube the chain with Squirt and take my fair-weather road bike out on the road again.