How to lube a standard drive chain?

[Guest]

Sorry if this has been discussed on here somewhere and I couldn't find it. I believe I have a standard chain and would like to adequately lubricate it. Most of what I found on here was for the o-ring chains I think.

So what is the best way to lubricate and protect a standard chain?

Thanks

Nathan

P.S. I've read why not do it with the engine going. OUCH

[koolaid_kid]

First, how in the world did you manage to get a non-oring chain in 2013?
Second, the process is not much different for a non-oring than an oring.
Here is a video
Lots of sources if you Google it. Notice how he turns the rear wheel BACKWARD. That is the correct way for the wheel to rotate when you do this.

[spyug]

That is the correct way for the wheel to rotate when you do this

Explanation please. I've never heard of this. What difference does it make?

Cheers,
Spyug

[GateKeeper]

I use the best of both methods.....

First I spin it one way, 2 times around, then I spin it the other way around 2 times



Have not had an issue yet....

[Steve]

I use the best of both methods...

I disagree, GK, my method is even better.

I gave up on drive chains 33 years ago.

.

[koolaid_kid]

If you rotate it forward, you run the risk of your hand, or, when cleaning it first, your cloth, or anything else, rotating into the chain. Basically, anything that might touch the chain will be pulled into the sprocket. If you ever saw the YouTube where the guy has the bike running and pulls his hand into the sprocket you would understand.
If you go backward you eliminate that possibility. It is all about minimizing risk, just like riding.
Or add +100 lb. and go Steve's way.

[bwringer]

First, you ensure your die grinder gears are adequately lubricated, install a cutting wheel, and "lubricate" that crap chain into the nearest garbage bin.

Then you apply a light coat of leather conditioner to your wallet, pull out your Visa card and use the numbers embossed thereon to order up a decent o-ring or x-ring chain.

(But first, make sure it's really a non-o-ring chain.)



Seriously, a non o-ring chain has no business on a streetbike. It won't last long at all, and it'll hash your sprockets as it goes.

If you're determined to use it, don't go far from home and follow the directions on any can of chain lube. Some people use chainsaw chain lube, which is cheap and works but is incredibly messy.

[spyug]

Well you would have to be a totally brain dead dolt to run a bike in gear on its centerstand to do a lube job. And yes I did see that video many years ago and the one where the running bike comes off the centerstand and smashes itself and the contents of a garage to ****.

Does anyone use the automatic oilers? I've always thought they were a good idea and had thought about bodging up one but haven't yet got to it.

thanks for clearing that up.

Cheers,
spyug

[Frank Z.]

FWIW: Friend and forum member (msdosp1mp) turned me on to teflon spray. Best to reapply every few hundred miles. Clean, efficient option... and fried eggs won't stick to your chain.

[koolaid_kid]

You are correct, Frank, that is what most of the chain bike riders are moving to. Just to clarify, that is also known as a chain wax. Does not sling like a lube, needs to be applied a bit more often, half the price of motorcycle chain wax, available locally at Lowes and at Amazon.com.
And your fried eggs will slide right off.

[chuck hahn]

Also, it has been preached for as l;ong as I can remember that you lube a "hot chain" after a ride and its gonna sit for a while. The heat from the chain being warmed up will help evaporate the carriers that are added to make the lube sprayable from a can. Then first thing in the morning or before next ride, you just wipe the excess off with a rag. And I have a thumb nail right now that is growing back from a pinch in the chain. was pointing to the master link as another was rotating the tire and i got it pnched. Yeah I knew better but was rushing it. Turn the wheel backwards as suggested earlier.

[koolaid_kid]

If you use a lube, hot chain it. If you use a wax, cold chain it.

[loud et]

Spray wax/teflon is the way to go.
If you use a petroleum based lube/grease/oil , make sure it is not over 87 octane.....or your chain will ping.

[koolaid_kid]

Oh, shut up and heal.

[mike_of_bbg]

Mr. Bwringer has the best idea

If you're going to spring for a sealed chain (and you should), don't bother with o-ring and spend the extra $10 to get an x-ring chain.

I love the Teflon multi-lube, and I have NEVER seen anyone say they used it and ever switch back to something else. Now that I've said that, someone will post on this thread that they did! The only negative commentary I've seen is from people who have never used it, and dismissed it because it wasn't "motorcycle specific" (even though it's labeled as "o-ring safe"). DuPont apparently started making a motorcycle-specific Teflon spray and the reviews I saw still liked the original better! $6 @ Lowes, hard to argue with that!

However, it's a great lube for sealed chains. I'm not sure that it would be very beneficial for a standard chain. The point of cleaning/lubing a sealed chain is to clean and condition the rings so they don't get chewed apart by dirt stuck between them and the side plates (hence the X-ring recommendation as there's much less opportunity for dirt build-up there). The inner rollers are "permanently" lubed, so long as the rings hold up. Keep the outside of the rollers clean to reduce wear on the sprockets and you're golden. With non-sealed chains you do want to get lube into the inner rollers if you can. One technique I read here from someone was to remove the chain altogether about once or twice a year, soak it in kerosene for cleaning, clean it off and then dip it in molten wax.

Yeah, I'd get a sealed chain