The Times They Are a Chainin' (Part 3)

Why do you need to lube your chain?

1. It squeaks and makes noise if you don't.

2. It wears out faster due to metal to metal contact.

3. Prevents corrosion.

4. Prevents intrusion of grit and other abrasive agents.

What other attributes would you like from your chain lube:

a. Doesn't pick up dirt.

b. Prevents moisture intrusion.

c. Prevents grit intrusion.

d. Easy to apply.

e. Lasts a while.

Let's see how some different chain lubes hold up against these criteria.

WD-40 - First of all, this is not a lubricant.  It is a solvent.  It mostly evaporates after application.

           

90 Weight Oil - Great lubricant, messy.

           

Melted Parafin - At one time this was sold in a tin with extra lubricating agents mixed in.  You could set it on the grill and melt it, then dip your chain in, then hang the chain up to dry.

           

Light oil (e.g. 3-in-1) - Cheap, easy to find and apply.  Need to apply before every ride.

           

Teflon spray or dry lube - Great at washing out foreign matter when sprayed on. Lube coat is very thin considering the duty cycle.

Chain lube with wax - This is good stuff. There are many types and some also contain Teflon and lubricants.   

In summary, lube your chain once in a while with a decent lubricant and things will last longer and perform better.

Here's my evaluation chart:

	WD-40	90 Weight Oil	Light Oil	Parafin	Teflon Spray	Chain lube w/wax
Prevents squeaks and noises	1	8	8	6	4	6
Lubricates metal to metal contact	1	10	7	4	4	6
Prevents corrosion	2	9	9	8	4	7
Prevents intrusion of abrasive agents	1	3	2	8	3	8
Doesn't pick up dirt	5	1	1	8	9	8
Prevents moisture intrusion	2	10	7	6	3	7
Prevents grit intrusion	1	2	2	9	3	8
Easy to apply	10	5	6	1	10	8
Lasts a while	1	7	6	6	1	6
Total	24	55	48	56	41	64