I have WD40, do I just spray it onto the chain liberally?
2007-08-30 05:48:40 · 15 answers · asked by magnus 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
Would engine oil work fine? Thanks.
2007-08-30 05:57:02 · update #1
WD40 is best used for cleaning. As a lubricant it has way too much in the way of solvents, not good for a lube as it will wash out any good lube. But it works great to loosen up an old or stiff chain. A good alternative would be to use the WD40 to clean the chain then use a good chain oil for lubrication. If you want to use motor oil here is a good solution, get a container and create a mix consisting of motor oil and mineral oil. Thin the motor oil to a mix with the viscosity close to a household vegetable oil. (too thick and it won't penetrate the chain links) You can wipe or get a oil pump can from a local auto parts store to apply the mix. rotate the chain to apply , let it sit and wipe off the excess.
2007-08-30 08:24:13 · answer #1 · answered by MtBikr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope...I would not use WD40. it does not have the lubrication qualities needed for a bicycle. WD40 is more of a cleaner and rust remover than a lubricant. I would go to a bike shop and buy a can of degreaser and then a lubricant suited for the kind of riding you do. Spray the degreaser on the chain and let it sit. Then wash it off with a gentle hose. Then apply the lube to the inside of the links and pivots only. Lube outside of the chain does nothing except attract dirt.
Engine oil is not good either. It is toooo viscous. Remember, the idea here is the coat the joints of the chain with a nice layer of protectant. WD40 is too thin and will not protect enough. Motor oil is too thick and will clump up and attract dirt and grime. I'd go to a bike shop and get some bicycle specific lube.
Hope that helps.
2007-08-30 12:55:00 · answer #2 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldnt reccomend using WD40 in the first place, as there are many oils out there made for bikes and are more durable. Lock oil is also a good choice.
anyways:
Turn the bike upside down onto its handlebars and seat. start pedaling the bike with one hand and apply the lubricant with the other, holding the can in one place. Once you have gone around the chain-length once or twice, shift into each gear the bike has, and apply a little more to the chain. Now you're done.
Make sure none gets on the brakes or brake pads, as oil (especially WD40) is very hard to remove. My brother accidentally did this and now his brakes barely work and he can still pedal around while holding the back brake all the way down! And these are a set of really good disc brakes I'm talking about!
Hope that helps.
2007-08-30 13:03:02 · answer #3 · answered by Steve 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Use WD40 to CLEAN the chain not lube it.
Put the bike upside down on a flat surface. Spin the crank by hand and spray it with WD40 (use the little tube to get the spray ON the chain only. Wipe it down really well with a rag or 2. Use a chain lube or motor oil works too. Spin the crank by hand, lightly dripping oil on the chain. When the chain is soaked, let sit for 10 minutes or so to let the oil soak into the links. Wipe off well and your done.
Don't forget to turn the bike back over before you ride it!
2007-08-30 12:59:46 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
WD40 is better than nothing but not the best. Just spray it on the chain between the rear wheel and front chainwheel - so the extra spray will go on the ground and not on the bike.
3 in 1 oil will work, or you can get any type of chain lube at the bike store.
Motor oil is also better than nothing but dab it on EACH individual link with a brush/finger/qtip. dont pour it on!
Also if you clean the chain first, that always helps.
Good luck
2007-08-30 14:09:07 · answer #5 · answered by J7 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Only use the WD40 for cleaning the chain. It's not a lubricant. You want grease for pretty much everything on a bike, oils drip out after a while.
2007-08-30 13:37:57 · answer #6 · answered by jman4117 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
WD40 is old school. You can use it to clean the chain, but I fin that Park Chain Bright with a Chain cleaner works best. Check it out. http://www.parktool.com/products/category.asp?cat=5 Then to lube it, use something like Finish Line Dry, check it out too. http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=6000103&subcategory=60001121&brand=&sku=17889&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Lubricants
2007-08-30 14:02:31 · answer #7 · answered by Bob Lahblah 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All you have to do is purchase WD-40 and it comes with a spray hose. Just spray it on the chain while you move the pedals.
2007-08-30 13:00:21 · answer #8 · answered by Autumn H 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Phil Wood's Tenacious Oil is the best chain lube.
But it attracts more dirt than motor oil.
I use 10W-30 on my bike chain.
2007-08-30 17:04:10 · answer #9 · answered by AviationMetalSmith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WD 40 is good but got some bike lube from evans cycles which is wicked
2007-08-30 14:47:03 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋