how long to soak chain?
05-01-07, 05:24 PM
#1
how long to soak chain?
A thousand threads on cleaning a chain, but seemingly none telling how long a chain should be soaked in simple green to remove all the crap! Half an hour, a day, what?
05-01-07, 06:27 PM
#2
I drink your MILKSHAKE
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I usually seal mine in a container and shake for a minute or five. It all depends how dirty the chain is, but the agitation does help.
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05-01-07, 06:36 PM
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Just received Bicycling today. They have an article about myths and one of them is chain soaking. They actually do not recommend soaking a chain as this results in removing lube from the inner parts of the links where it is almost impossible to insert it back.
05-01-07, 06:39 PM
#4
I drink your MILKSHAKE
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Originally Posted by gpelpel
Just received Bicycling today. They have an article about myths and one of them is chain soaking. They actually do not recommend soaking a chain as this results in removing lube from the inner parts of the links where it is almost impossible to insert it back.
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05-02-07, 02:46 AM
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Brought to you by Shimano?
Shimano doesn't want chains lasting very long so you can buy their stuff more frequently?
I read AAA's monthly mag and it said don't put denatured alcohol in a car to help it pass smog...it's just an old wives tale. But it really does work.
Shimano doesn't want chains lasting very long so you can buy their stuff more frequently?
I read AAA's monthly mag and it said don't put denatured alcohol in a car to help it pass smog...it's just an old wives tale. But it really does work.
05-02-07, 01:31 PM
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I use mineral spirits, but this should work with simple green as well.
I put my chain in a coffee can. Big recumbent chain so big coffee can, WITH A LID due to spatter.
Cover the chain with degreaser of choice.
I use an old variable speed orbital sander upside down and set the coffee can on the pad. Turn the thing on and listen to a few tunes while holding the can on the sander. Really gets the grit out!!
I put my chain in a coffee can. Big recumbent chain so big coffee can, WITH A LID due to spatter.
Cover the chain with degreaser of choice.
I use an old variable speed orbital sander upside down and set the coffee can on the pad. Turn the thing on and listen to a few tunes while holding the can on the sander. Really gets the grit out!!
05-02-07, 01:43 PM
#9
so much for physics
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About the only thing t worry about and it is purely cosmetic is if you soak a chain in citrus cleaners or other high acid degreasers you'll discolor your chain. Doesn't hurt it just "tie dyes" it.
05-02-07, 03:39 PM
#10
I drink your MILKSHAKE
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Originally Posted by registered usar
Brought to you by Shimano?
Shimano doesn't want chains lasting very long so you can buy their stuff more frequently?
Shimano doesn't want chains lasting very long so you can buy their stuff more frequently?
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05-02-07, 04:47 PM
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Originally Posted by JanMM
So, Bicycling has joined the endless chain-cleaning thread.
05-02-07, 04:49 PM
#12
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I can understand why MTB riders who can't resist mud would need to soak their chains. Roadies and paved trail riders should not have to soak their chain ever. Clean it more often, and it won't get that groady. I use a little (very little) Brakekleen, Costco car towels and one pipecleaner to do the chain after every ride. I do it on the bike. Because the chain is relatively clean, it only takes a few minutes, and my 'bent has a 9 1/2 foot chain. Also, I use only a small amount of lube. My rig always works flawlessly. bk
05-03-07, 05:22 AM
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Originally Posted by bkaapcke
I can understand why MTB riders who can't resist mud would need to soak their chains. Roadies and paved trail riders should not have to soak their chain ever. Clean it more often, and it won't get that groady. I use a little (very little) Brakekleen, Costco car towels and one pipecleaner to do the chain after every ride. I do it on the bike. Because the chain is relatively clean, it only takes a few minutes, and my 'bent has a 9 1/2 foot chain. Also, I use only a small amount of lube. My rig always works flawlessly. bk
OTOH, if the chain has been ignored for 2000 miles, just replace it (and probably the cassette) if it is out of spec for stretch. Soaking a chain will not improve a worn out chain.
Most problems with chains are due to lack of regular maintenance, regular checks and so on.
