How many times do I hear people telling me that they use WD40 to lube their bike chain and it's just fine. Well, it's not. Watch this video from my friend Alex who's a bike mechanic from Vancouver and you will finally learn the real story about WD40. It's good for all kinds of stuff, but it doesn't belong on your bike chain. Without further ado, here's Alex:
Til next time, ride safe and Godspeed.
Gerry :)
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9 comments:
Oh frack! What are these idiots thinking? You can't use WD40 as a chain lubricant. It is an emollient. You also can't use it to clean your chain because it works it's way into the chain and lurks there waiting to wash away any new lubricant that is added.
It is fracking chain death and must be avoided at all costs.
(Take note that this comment as been edited because I can't have that type of language on the blog, I decided to keep it since it is valuable information. Hence that is why I modified it instead of just deleting it. Thank you very much, it is still very appreciated.-Gerry)
Here comes a dissenting opinion...
I'm a shop rat from the 80s and 90s, now a white-collar dude. Neither back in the day nor in the present have I seen any objective data to back up this idea that WD-40 causes premature chain wear. It seems to be just another example of the pseudo-info that gets handed from one shop rat to the next (and then to the public) as a matter of faith.
Think: If WD-40 *stops* squeaks, how could it possibly be causing metal-on-metal friction?
The only real problems with WD-40 on chains is that it doesn't last long and gets washed out easily. If you don't apply it frequently, then yeah, you'll get premature chain wear.
The advantage to WD-40--that I've seen--is that the chain runs cleaner. Tenacious Oil and the like last long, but they turn a chain into a gooey, gritty mess. And we all know that dirt and grit cause chain wear. So pick your poison.
I think you have brought up a valid point shop rat, thanks for sharing it with us. Anybody else want to add to this debate? Please feel free to do so.
Gerry :)
I've used WD40 on my bike, but only to remove the fixed cup of the bottom bracket. Worked like a charm. Thanks for the link to Alex Ramon's site, by the way. Some good stuff there.
I aim to please Steve.
Gerry :)
Very good point. The video no longer seems to be available as I type this...but I would like to add just this one simple fact about WD_40; chemically, it is basically perfumed kerosene. That's all it is. Whether or not this is good for bike chains I do not know.
when I was a serious rider I used hot paraffin to lube my chains (5 yrs). now as a casual rider (30 yrs) I spray with wd40 after every ride. Everyone has wd. Better wd than nothing (90% of bikes sitting in garages).
Lot's of FUD in here. WD40 does not contain kerosene. Or wax.
50% hexane (mineral spirits)
25% liquified petroleum gas
15% mineral oil
10% inert ingredients
Thanks for the info.
Gerry :)
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