Chain cleaning
Release time:
2018-09-14
Precautions
Do not immerse the chain directly in strong acidic or alkaline cleaning agents such as diesel, gasoline, kerosene, WD-40, or degreasers. This is because the inner-ring bearings of the chain are lubricated with a high-viscosity oil; once this oil is washed away, the inner ring will become dry and brittle. No matter how much low-viscosity chain oil you add afterward, it will be too late to remedy the situation.
Recommended cleaning method
Use hot soapy water or hand soap; you can also use an old toothbrush or a slightly stiffer brush. Simply rinse it under water and scrub directly—though the cleaning effect isn't very good. Also, after washing, be sure to dry it thoroughly; otherwise, it may rust.
Dedicated chain cleaners are generally imported products that offer excellent cleaning performance and also provide great lubrication. They’re available at professional bike shops, though they tend to be quite pricey. You can also find them on Taobao—if you’re a cyclist with a relatively strong financial background, this could be worth considering.
Metal powder: Find a larger container, take one spoonful and dissolve it in boiling water. After removing the chain, place it in the water and use a slightly harder brush to clean it.
Advantages: It can easily remove oil and grime from chains without typically washing away the grease inside the inner rings. It’s non-irritating, gentle on the hands, and commonly used by mechanics for hand cleaning—highly safe. You can find it at larger hardware stores.
Disadvantage: Since the lubricant is water, the chain must be thoroughly wiped dry or allowed to air-dry after cleaning, which takes a relatively long time.
Using metal powder to clean the chain is a cleaning method I personally find very effective. I’d like to recommend it to fellow cyclists. If any of you have any objections or suggestions about this cleaning method, feel free to share them widely. For those of you who often need to remove the chain for cleaning, I suggest installing a magic fastener—it’ll save you both time and effort.
Chain lubrication
After each cleaning, wiping, or solvent-based cleaning of the chain, it is essential to apply lubricant—and before applying lubricant, make sure the chain is completely dry. First, allow the lubricant to penetrate the bearing areas of the chain; then wait until it becomes thicker or dries out. This ensures that the chain’s most wear-prone areas—specifically, the joints on both sides—are thoroughly lubricated. A good lubricant initially feels watery and easy to penetrate, but over time it thickens or dries out, providing long-lasting lubrication.
After applying lubricant, use a dry cloth to wipe off any excess oil from the chain—this will help prevent dirt and dust from sticking to it. Before reattaching the chain, be sure to clean the areas where the chain links connect, making sure there’s no residual dirt left behind. After cleaning the chain, when reassembling the quick-release buckle, be sure to apply some lubricant both inside and outside the pivot pin as well.
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Jiangsu Gelin Machinery Co., Ltd.
Phone: 86-513-87599133
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Address: No. 9, Zhennan Road, Jiang'an Town, Rugao City, Nantong, Jiangsu Province
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