How to take rust off bike chain

Alex Paton takes a look at four very different bicycle cleaning products to see which one will work best at removing rust, how to take rust off bike chain. Junior Tech Writer. If you have ever left a bike unattended for a prolonged period of time, especially if it is stored outside, you have more than likely found that certain components have become rusty. Fortunately, all is not lost as in most cases, a rusty chain or cassette can be restored to its former shiny self with a bit of elbow grease and the helping hand of some chemical cleaners.

This Instructable is inspired by a tip from Uruwaza: Secret Everyday Tips and Tricks from Japan seen here , a book that we keep around the office. Flipping through it one day, I noticed that they had an interesting method for removing rust from a bike, and I thought I'd give it a try. Working with Jessy , we took a tip from the book in another direction and successfully removed the rust from bikes quickly and easily. We used it on the chain as well as the other metal parts, and it worked well; however, after discussing with some bike experts and receiving comments about it, it has been determined that using it on the chain is a little risky. If you properly clean off the acid by rinsing and drying thoroughly , it should be fine, but remnant acid could weaken the chain. So be careful! For this Instructable, you'll need: Citric acid : We used some lime juice we had leftover in the fridge, but any citrus-y juice will work--lemon, lime, etc.

How to take rust off bike chain

Log in. Sign up. JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I didn't realize it had not been well maintained before I got it. Ridden on beach and sand was not washed off. How do I get rust off of chain and sprocket? Sort by Most reactions Oldest first Newest first Most reactions. I was gifted a 20inch kids bike that was in a similar state. The drive train was just about frozen up from the rusty chain links. I put it on the bike stand, but you can turn a bike upside down on a table as well. Once I could spin the drivetrain I pulled out the wire brush and cleaned it as it spun. After a day or 2 I replaced the shifter cable and housing because that was also rusted inside the housing. Once I got that working I put on some chain lube since WD40 is not a lubricant. Has hydrofluoric acid in it.

We used it on the chain as well as the other metal parts, and it worked well; however, after discussing with some bike experts and receiving comments about it, it has been determined that using it on the chain is a little risky. Things You'll Need. But if it's bad, you got to use the strong stuff.

Simply put, rust thrives in humid and wet conditions where metals can react to oxygen and water, a process known as oxidisation. Left in a damp, humid area such as a garage or bike lock-up, exposed to the elements over the wetter months is a sure-fire way to gain some unwanted rust. Not a problem though, Muc-Off is here to help! By carefully treating the existing rust and then forming a protective anti-corrosive barrier, you can protect your chain for years to come. After this part is done, you'll want to find a dry place with very little moisture in the air to store your bike in, or invest in a dry bag to store your bike when not in use. So there you have it.

Rust not only affects the appearance of your bike chain, but it also affects how it performs. We will teach you how to use the right tools and techniques, so you can get your chain looking and performing like new again. Act now and start riding without fearing the rust! Wondering which bike wheel size is for what height? Click here to know the answer. One of the most important things to do when cleaning your bike chain is to make sure the chain is in good condition. Make sure not to lose any of the screws that secure the link together! If you detect a master link on the chain, just unlink it for quick removal.

How to take rust off bike chain

Rust is problematic for many reasons. Rust can occur when you least expect it and seemingly pop up overnight. Bike chains as well as drivetrains, derailleurs, bearings and any other metal component on your bike can be affected by rust. If left untreated, these components can fail, potentially causing serious injury. If you mostly ride in dry conditions, rust will not be as big of a concern as if your riding season is usually wet think riding in Arizona vs.

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Log in Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Subscribe to the GCN Newsletter Get the latest, most entertaining and best informed news, reviews, challenges, insights, analysis, competitions and offers - straight to your inbox. Scrub rusted areas with the steel wool to remove rust, then wipe the surface clean with paper towel. The chain should pass smoothly through the drivetrain. No account yet? Sort by Most reactions Oldest first Newest first Most reactions. In third place is the baking soda, as any rust that was removed from the chain that was soaked in the baking soda was a result of the brushing rather than the soaking itself. Simply put, rust thrives in humid and wet conditions where metals can react to oxygen and water, a process known as oxidisation. How to. Next, wet a piece of steel wool thoroughly with lime juice. Locate the master link on the chain, if applicable. You Might Also Like. Learn why people trust wikiHow. If it gets rusty, I blast it with WD — such sacrilege!

Last Updated: January 25, Fact Checked. This article was co-authored by Jonas Jackel. Jonas has over 20 years of experience managing bicycle retail stores and has operated Huckleberry Bicycles since

For this Instructable, you'll need: Citric acid : We used some lime juice we had leftover in the fridge, but any citrus-y juice will work--lemon, lime, etc. About This Article. Please note that many though not all, of the product links on our site are affiliate links. If you do, we recommend inserting our Disc Brake Covers before spraying. In third place is the baking soda, as any rust that was removed from the chain that was soaked in the baking soda was a result of the brushing rather than the soaking itself. The chain will then be free to remove. Dampen pad, wipe rust forcefully. To try and offer a solution to the problem many of us have faced, Alex Paton aimed to find out exactly which method works best by putting specific rust cleaners up against a degreaser, baking soda and even Coca-Cola. Pull the chain through the rag to remove buildup and grease. Lime juice contains a good amount of sugar. Alex Hunt Junior Tech Writer. When properly refastened, the master link should align evenly with other links. Rust that is neutralized and scrubbed free may gunk up your steel wool. Each chain is then put in a ziplock bag along with the cleaning agent and left. Then, take pictures of your chain so you know exactly how to re-assemble everything.