What is the easiest way to get rust off of the chain on a bicycle without having to buy something?

Question

Remember without buying something! Thanks for your help you guys or girls i really apperciate it :-)

Answer 1

Damage is done...

When rust forms, it actually eats away at the metal, causing small holes (this is called "pitting").

With all the small links on a chain, there is no way that you could remove all the rust!

My suggestion, if you don't want to spend the $10-15 to replace it, would be to clean it with a simple cleaner like WD-40 and a stiff brush, and re-lube it.

If you don't want to buy anything there isn't much point to spending all the time it would take to scrape off the rust on there for little to no improvement.

good luck

EDIT*** Hate to tell you Alex, but WD 40 is in fact degreasser. Albeit not a great one, but at a few bucks a can, you can go through 5 of them to one bottle of "bike degreasser".

Answer 2

If the rust is light and there are only small areas of rust, scrubing with a toothbrush may do the trick. If the whole chain has a layer of rust, you are going to have to buy some WD-40. However don't spray it directly on the chain. Spray some on a rag and then hold the rag around the chain and turn the pedals backwards so the chain slides through the rag. Flex the chain while holding it with the rag to loosen the rust near the pins. Repeat the procedure several times. You can also use a tooth brush on any rust that is difficult to remove. I have cleaned some very rusty chains using this procedure.

Don't spray the WD-40 directly on the chain, because you don't want it to seep in by the pins and dissolve any lubircant that is in there.

After cleaning the chain, you need to lube it. Again you will have to buy some lube either at a bike shop or hardware store. However the cheapest approach would be to buy the WD-40 and some tri-flow at a Home Depot or Loews

Answer 3

If you're worried about the appearance of the chain, then buy a new one. You'll never get the inner plates looking new no matter how much scrubbing you do. If you were to do something silly like use drain cleaner or muriatic acid to remove the rust, you'll simultaneously create "wear" in the links and ruin the chain. Also, scrubbing rust away will expose bare metal and make scratches which will look rough and rust more easily in the future.

If the chain was in good shape and just got wet, then you can keep using it. If it's stiff from the rust, soak it, work the links, and relube it a few times while you ride it off. If the links free up and you don't get any skipping, then you're fine. It'll get a little shiny and clean-looking as you continue to ride and keep up normal cleaning maintenance.

If the chain was used much, then you should probably just get a new one because rust greatly accelerates wear in the links. You can buy a chain-checker for about $10 or have a shop check yours for wear. If it's "stretched" save your gears and buy a new chain now. Great tool for every rider to own.

My chains get rusty alot.....I just lube and ride them, and keep an eye on the wear with the tool. I like the road bike to stay shiny and nice, but the mountain bikes get the practical treatment. Replace the chain before it's worn and your drivetrain will last a very long time.

Ooops, you said without buying anything. Scratch the chain checker, then. Just lube and ride. :o)

Answer 4

Firstly, Do not go near your chain with WD40.

Next, clean your chain with a de-greaser (Washing up liquid in a bucket of water). Clean and dry off.

Lube chain with a wax or teflon based oil.

Ride bike (Best thing for getting rid of rust).

Luck

Answer 5

Sorry, but the best answer is simply to buy a new chain. It will be not only the cheapest solution, but the one which entails the least work! Chains are cheap!

Answer 6

without buying anything it is impossable you cant just look at it and have the rust disapear. if you find out how you will find an answer of how to elimanate rust from all over the world. good luck

Answer 7

exciting situation!!! yet I actual have some rapid concerns with reference to the numerous ideas you have become for WD-40. confident, it works to soften greasy products. yet WD-40 is a harsh chemical with authentic skills to penetrate. And it could take in into your horse (or your epidermis) and be risky to you. i'm specific a one time use does no longer be that fairly risky, yet long term use has extreme effects. i might advise cooking oil or infant oil as a replace. Or the peanut butter trick, peanut butter has organic oils and is sticky so that's going to hold to the hair and help soften the mollasses. you could actual use cooking oil to do away with oil based paint additionally from epidermis, it works ultimate if the paint in all fairness sparkling. As a nurse i've got considered some unusual issues that persons do on occasion. i understand a minimum of one older gentleman who desperate that if DW-40 worked to lubricate equipment, it could even have ability to help him along with his arthritis. He utilized WD-40 to the floor on his wrists and knees on a on a regular basis foundation for numerous years. finally he developed Parkinsons illness, and the neurologist instructed him that WD-40 grow to be particularly probably the precipitating factor in his case. it particularly is a robust chemical and the consistent absorbtion into his bloodstream did him no longer something yet injury. actuality is stranger than fiction, isn't it?! sturdy success including your "candy" boy.

Answer 8

Take it off, soak it in mineral spirits or other solvent for a day. Pull it out and see if you can work the stiff links loose by hand or tool. If that works the lube it well, wipe off excess lube and reinstall.

Answer 9

Sorry, you gotta buy something, but it's cheap. WD-40.

Answer 10

steel wool, but it will take a lot of time and patience