Cleaning Chains

[Alpinestarhero]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering whats best to clean my chain with, before I reapply the lube. Normaly, I used AC90 (http://www.bazaarbuilder.com/cgi-bin/instoneb/myshop.php?catparid=5&merchant=instoneb) but I know this isnt very good for the O-rings etc. Reding about on the internet suggests that I should be using kerosene.

What does everyone here use to clean chains before they put lube back on? I've read that some of you use parrafin, is this ok?

Matt

[yorkie_chris]

Paraffins fine, its pretty similar to kero anyway.
Diesel works too

[BristolMatt]

Kerosene is the American word for paraffin. I use this Parasene Superwarm fuel from Homebase (about £5 for 5l) with an old toothbrush and an ice cream tub. Comes up a treat :).
Put a little bit on some cloth and its good for cleaning the other oily bits or the wheels too.

[Lissa]

Yep, paraffin here too. Cheap as chips and does the job brilliantly.

[the_lone_wolf]

paraffin is great stuff

[fizzwheel]

I use this Parasene Superwarm fuel from Homebase (about £5 for 5l) with an old toothbrush and an ice cream tub.

Same, except I buy it from B & Q because I get staff discount in there :D

[Drew Carey]

I've just bought some non-abrasive brake disc cleaner at the recommendation of a bike garage. They said they use it in the workshop and their own bikes.

Is this right? As people on the org seem to use parafin / kero?

[fizzwheel]

As people on the org seem to use parafin / kero?

Its because its way cheaper than the stuff you've just bought. I think we paid £4 ish for 5 litres, we've had it two years and we've still got loads left...

[-Ralph-]

Parafin. A few quid at any B&Q, Focus or Homebase.

[-Ralph-]

I've just bought some non-abrasive brake disc cleaner at the recommendation of a bike garage. They said they use it in the workshop and their own bikes.

Is this right? As people on the org seem to use parafin / kero?

They recommend that stuff 'cos thier making a healthy profit on it.

[yorkie_chris]

I've just bought some non-abrasive brake disc cleaner at the recommendation of a bike garage. They said they use it in the workshop and their own bikes.

Is this right? As people on the org seem to use parafin / kero?

Brake cleaners too harsh for the O rings IMO

[Draper]

i heard about this paraffin but i'm sure someone said it was pretty bad for the o rings... anyway bought some chain cleaner ages ago, yet to use it

[northwind]

I've just bought some non-abrasive brake disc cleaner at the recommendation of a bike garage.

Brake disc cleaner isn't the same as chain cleaner, it's a stronger solvent which doesn't leave any slippery residue/deposits, but paraffin can be slippy stuff- so I use brake cleaner for brakes and paraffin for chains.

[philipMac]

You're such a conformist northwind.