Bike chains can rust over time and you should take care of that before it becomes a bigger problem. Rust on your bike chain not only reduces the life of your chain, it also damages the teeth and makes shifting difficult. In this article, we'll discuss how to get rid of rust on bike chains so they run smoothly for years!
what is the rust
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Rust is a naturally occurring chemical reaction that can occur on your bicycle chain. The moisture in the air reacts with metals like iron and steel to rust.
How come?
The most common way for rust to get on your bike chain is by rain or water getting into the nooks and crannies of the links and then being trapped there until it dries out, causing it to begin to corrode your chain (which it has been doing so far). was). show some studies). This problem mainly occurs if you live near salt water, as salt water can cause corrosion much faster than fresh water alone!
The rust you see on your bike chain is actually a form of corrosion. What is causing this? The answer lies in the metal itself, which can be iron or steel with a coating (e.g. nickel plate) to prevent all other metals and objects in the area from corroding.
How do you recognize it?
The most common signs of rust are brown spots on the outside of your links, while you'll also see some orange-colored deposits in between (that's what rust is all about). You may be able to remove these using a non-abrasive brush (we recommend these here) or simply wipe excess dirt off your chain before applying the oil for easier application!
This is usually sufficient for smaller amounts of corrosion, but if more than two or three brown spots have accumulated, you will need to take additional steps.
The first thing to do is remove the chain from the bike
First you need to determine if your chain has a missing link or not.
If your chain has a missing link, you can remove it with pliers (if you have an open link) or with the help of another person. Grasp each side and squeeze until they snap apart. This process can be quite tricky, but if done correctly, it should be removed quickly with no additional hassles!
You can also use wd40 to make removing the lock easier.
If you haven't found the missing link, you can use a quick release tool to remove it.
If you don't have a missing link, we recommend that you purchase one to make the chain easier to work with in the future.
After removing the chain, you can start cleaning.
Here are six different ways to clean the chain from rust and dirt!
rust remover
The easiest and best method is to use a rust remover. These products, which are usually available at your local hardware or home supply store, are typically used to remove rust from all metal surfaces.
You can follow the instructions that come with this product to get the best results!
thinner
This is a common way to remove rust from a chain as it serves as an excellent cleaning agent. The best thing about this method is that you don't need any special tools or materials and you can use what you have on hand. Choose an appropriate solvent.
We recommend this one
Then pour some into a small soaking bowl and put the chain in it for a while. When you see that the chain is clean, take it out. Then rinse the chain in clean solvent and wipe well with a dry rag. And leave it on kitchen paper in the fresh air to let it dry for good.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
You may have heard these two things used together when making recipes like cookies, but they also work together to remove rust from your chain! First you need to mix a toothpick amount of baking soda with water so that it forms a paste. After that, use this mixture on the outer links and leave them alone while the sun does its job, removing any remaining dirt or oxidation.
WD-40
This spray is good for removing dirt like grease or oil as it has a strong solvent base that can dissolve these materials before breaking down into hydrogen gas which evaporates instantly (leaving no residue!). Spray both sides of your bike chain to cover, then wipe off excess with paper towels.
Repeat if necessary until all dirt is removed!
toothpaste
If you need a quick fix, this is a way to remove rust from your chain! All you have to do is put some toothpaste on your fingers and rub it into the metal until it's clean. Afterwards, rinse off any dirt before letting it air dry.
Lemon Juice & Egg White
These two ingredients are great for removing surface dirt as well as oxidation (e.g. rust) without affecting or damaging the material itself too much! Simply take an egg white and mix it with lemon juice in a ratio of five parts water: one part lemon juice in a cup and then use this mixture on both sides of your bike chain to remove any existing corrosion.
You can also use these methods to clean your bike's sprockets if they are rusting.
If there is too much rust, we recommend removing it for convenience.
To remove the chainring, you need to unscrew the bolt, and then use a special puller.
To clean the cassette, all you have to do is remove the wheel.
After all the work, you can reattach all the components and check that the bike is working properly.
If everything works properly, be sure to lubricate the chain.
If you don't want to remove the chain, do the following:
- Turn the bike upside down
- Take a rag and apply any of the above remedies to it
- Place the rag on the chain.
- Start pedaling slowly.
- So keep wiping until the chain is clean.
Also, don't forget to apply lube to the end of the chain.
How do I prevent this?
The best way to prevent rust is to use an oil or wax lube on your bike chain.
We prefer these here.
This will help form a protective layer over the metal and keep water out so corrosion doesn't occur! The second prevention step would be to keep your chain out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can also cause oxidation (though not as quickly).
What are some common questions about removing rust from bike chains?
- Is there anything else I should know before I start my project? -Yes: Don't forget to take your bike to a clean and dry area. If you're doing this outdoors, there's a good chance the weather will change while you're working on your chain, which can lead to rusting later!
- Can I use any household materials? -No: Never use abrasive cleaners to clean as this can damage the metal of your chain leading to more corrosion.
- What if my chains are really rusty or black? - Once they have reached these stages we recommend taking them to a professional so they can also help to remove all surface corrosion from below. This should be done before re-oiling, otherwise the excess moisture will come back!
We hope these tips have helped you in your search for an effective way to remove rust from bike chains!
FAQs
How do I remove rust from a bike chain? ›
- Spread the paste over the rusted area.
- Leave to soak for 15 minutes.
- Use steel wool or an old toothbrush to scrub away the paste.
- As you clean the paste away, you should see the rust come off from the metal of your bike.
Baking soda is one of the most commonly used household ingredients for removing rust from metals. To clean your necklace chain, prepare a paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply a small amount of paste to the affected area and polish it using a microfiber cloth.
How do I remove rust from a bike DIY? ›- Mix Baking Soda As Well As Water In a Bowl. Combine a 50/50 mixture of water and baking soda in a bowl and mix until it becomes a thick paste. ...
- Put The Paste On The Rust For 15 Minutes ...
- Scrub The Baking Soda Through a Scrub Pad. ...
- Wait About 10 Minutes Before Wiping Off.
- Remove rust with white vinegar. ...
- To tackle items with significant corrosion, submerge your rusty tools or knives in a bowl of white vinegar and let them sit overnight or as long as 24 hours. ...
- Remove rust with baking soda. ...
- Remove rust with lemon and salt.
Easy Drivetrain Cleaning
Just backpedal your chain through a clean, lint-free rag. This is good to do anytime, especially before you re-apply lube. In this quickest of methods, simply wrap the chain with a clean, lint-free cloth, and then backpedal the drivetrain through it to wipe off the exterior muck.
You can use hot water with dish soap, a solvent or a degreaser. Step 2 Place the removed bicycle chain into the pan or plastic tub. Soak the chain for one to two minutes.
Can a rusty bike chain be saved? ›Removing the rust chemically is problematic. Something strong enough to work with the chain in place may damage paint or plastics. There are safe products such as Vapo-Rust but the chain would need to be removed and soaked for an extended period of time. Also, new chains for 10 or 15 speed bikes are inexpensive.
How do you remove rust without damaging metal? ›White vinegar is an effective method for removing rust. The rust reacts with vinegar, and subsequently dissolves. You can simply submerge the metal object in white vinegar for a couple of hours and then just wipe away the rust-like paste off.
Does rust go away with vinegar? ›For more stubborn rust, try using white vinegar. The acetic acid in this common household product is acidic enough to dissolve rust. You can soak smaller things like earrings, wipe it onto a surface with an old cloth, or just pour it directly over rust spots or bolts and screws that have rusted together.
How do you remove rust cheaply? ›- Rinse the metal item and shake dry.
- Dust with baking soda (it will stick to the damp areas), making sure to cover all rusty areas.
- Leave the item for an hour or so, then scour with steel wool or a metal brush, removing the rust down to the metal. (If cleaning a pan, use a scouring pad.)
- Rinse, and towel dry.
How do you remove rust without scrubbing? ›
- Soak your tool in a vinegar bath. Place your tool in a jar or other container, then pour in just enough vinegar to submerge all the rusted parts. ...
- Scour the rust off. ...
- Dry and lubricate the tool.
WD-40 is designed to loosen the bonds between rust and the metal surface it has adhered to by penetrating the porous layer of rust and using its lubricating properties to loosen it. To remove surface rust, simply spray it on the rusted surface, leave it for around ten minutes and let it get to work on the surface rust.
What dissolves rust the fastest? ›White Vinegar
It is very effective as a rust remover as the rust simply reacts with the vinegar and dissolves. If the item you are removing rust from is small enough to be submerged in a bath of white vinegar, simply leave it in there for a few hours and then wipe the paste off.
A common method of dealing with rusted screws and bolts implies removing them from their sockets and leaving them to soak in a hydrogen peroxide solution overnight. Hydrogen peroxide is known to dissolve accumulated rust from metal surfaces and can even break up the entire tarnish in some cases.
How do you remove rust naturally? ›- Use limes, lemons, and salt to scrub away rust.
- Rub down rusted pieces with a raw potato (skinned) and salt.
- Break down a rust stain with washing soda and ketchup, then wipe away.
- Create a paste from tartar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide for rust treatment.
Coca-Cola is carbonated, which allows it to dissolve with metal oxides and break up rust on a variety of metals and alloys. Phosphoric acid also gives it rust-busting power, while citric acid makes it an effective stain remover.
What eats rust off metal? ›- Vinegar bath. Best used on items that are all steel or on tools with significant rust, a vinegar bath takes very little elbow grease to work away the rust once soaked. ...
- Potato and soap. ...
- Lemon and salt. ...
- Baking soda. ...
- Citric acid.
Your first step in cleaning your bike chain: Picking your cleaning agent, like a soap or bike-specific degreaser. You don't actually need anything fancy to get the job done, and you can even pick up what you need at your local grocery store. Dawn liquid dish soap is Nankman's go-to.
Is it OK to wash bike chain with water? ›Yes, and it can be done with the chain either on or off the bike. Simply fill a bucket with warm water, add a cleaning agent of choice (whether it be a liquid kitchen detergent, degreaser or another bike cleaner), and use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the chain.
Will WD-40 clean a bike chain? ›Is WD-40 good for bike chains—summary. In summary, WD-40 is great for cleaning and degreasing your chain, but doesn't work well as a lubricant. It will provide some small amount of lubrication, but nowhere near enough for your bike chain to run smoothly. It's best to use a high-quality, bike-specific lubricant instead.
Can you use rubbing alcohol to clean a bike chain? ›
Apply a little alcohol or WD-40 to a clean rag and simply wipe the accumulated crud from these parts or use the brush to get at them. The hardest part is getting down in between the small chainrings.
Why do bike chains rust so fast? ›Why do some bike chains rust? Corrosion is all too common on bikes if not properly prevented, especially ones made from metals that haven't already been treated. Simply put, rust thrives in humid and wet conditions where metals can react to oxygen and water, a process known as oxidisation.
How fast does vinegar remove rust? ›Allow to Soak
Allow the object to soak in the vinegar for at least 30 minutes. Check the progress. Excessive amounts of rust will require longer soaking, up to two hours.
It is an eyesore and if not removed or tested properly, rust can eventually destroy the metal it attacks. It can also stain adjacent painted surfaces. Remember that rust will attack through the smallest scratch or bare spot.
Does ketchup remove rust? ›Remove Rust From Metal
Kitchen utensils, outdoor furniture, and garden tools can develop small rust spots. Apply a thick layer of ketchup and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rub with a soft cloth and rinse well. This solution works best on small spots of rust, not on metal that is covered completely or corroded with rust.
If you want to remove rust easy and fast make thick paste of salt, water and a few drops of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Apply on the affected area and let it dry. Scrub off the rust and salt mixture and polish the metal with dry cloth.
Can potato remove rust? ›Using a potato to remove rust sounds strange, but potatoes actually contain oxalic acid which creates a chemical reaction when it comes in contact with rust. Cut a potato in half and dip the end in dish soap, rub the rusted area with the potato and then set it on the metal for a few hours and scrub away!
What eats through rust? ›Strong acids will dissolve rust, but they will also dissolve paint, finishes, and sometimes even the metal itself. Hydrochloric acid (which is also called muriatic acid in its diluted form), as well as phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid may be used in rust removal formulas using strong acids.
Does alcohol remove rust? ›Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol) doesn't remove rust. It is used to remove surface oils.
Does Dawn dish soap remove rust? ›Here's what I found out about cleaning rust: Dawn dish soap and white vinegar: You can either pour the Dawn on the stain (it has to be Dawn), then the vinegar on top and mix them into a paste, or mix the two together in a spray bottle (if your stains are on a vertical surface).
Does Vaseline remove rust? ›
Along with corrosion, petroleum jelly is also good at keeping rust off your tools and other metal goods. Lightly coat your tools after you clean them with a bit of Vaseline and you'll be set to go.
Does toothpaste remove rust? ›Does toothpaste remove rust? Toothpaste can remove rust stains, but not rust itself. Apply a small amount to fabric and rub with a damp cloth, rinse, then wash as normal.
Can rust be removed by rubbing? ›Try Rubbing It Off
If none of the above methods work, or the rusted area is just too large, then you can try rubbing the rust off, making use of your arm power. Rust can be removed by rubbing it off, but you will need the help of a scrapper.
Yes, you can use WD-40 to remove rust from the bike chain. Spray it directly on the area that has rust and wait for the solution to soak in. Afterward, scrub the rust using a wire brush or sandpaper and then use a clean rug to eliminate the remaining residue.
Can you restore a rusty bike chain? ›In a well-ventilated area, mix equal amounts of CLR and warm water. Inspect your bicycle chain to assess the amount of rust and grime. If the chain is still flexible, apply directly with a brush, cloth, or sponge. After 2-3 minutes, rinse with cold water.
Is WD-40 good for rusty bike chains? ›Is WD-40 good for bike chains—summary. In summary, WD-40 is great for cleaning and degreasing your chain, but doesn't work well as a lubricant. It will provide some small amount of lubrication, but nowhere near enough for your bike chain to run smoothly. It's best to use a high-quality, bike-specific lubricant instead.
Does WD-40 remove rust? ›Most people know WD-40 Multi-Use Product as a lubricant, but it was originally used as an anti-corrosive by the aerospace industry to prevent spacecraft from rusting. WD-40 can help remove rust from metals like iron, chrome, and stainless steel without further damaging the surface of the metal or removing the paint.
Will WD-40 hurt a bike chain? ›As a matter of fact, WD-40 will actually strip away any existing lubricant and leave your drivetrain dry – metal on metal. Basically, spraying this stuff on your chain is worse than using no lubricant at all! Obviously, I strongly recommend using chain oil purchased from your local bike shop.
How long does WD-40 take to remove rust? ›To remove light rust, leave parts in the solution for 1-3 hours. To remove heavy rust, leave parts in the rust removal solution overnight.
How long do you leave WD-40 on a bike? ›This method works because WD-40 penetrates and dissolves rust, leaving the surface metal-like. Allow the solution to penetrate the cycle for 10 minutes after you have completely sprayed it, so the rust can be softened. Then, you should use a brush to scrub the rust away.
How do you remove rust from a steel chain? ›
- Rinse the metal item and shake dry.
- Dust with baking soda (it will stick to the damp areas), making sure to cover all rusty areas.
- Leave the item for an hour or so, then scour with steel wool or a metal brush, removing the rust down to the metal. (If cleaning a pan, use a scouring pad.)
- Rinse, and towel dry.
- Smoove Lube. Best bike chain lube if you want great longevity. ...
- Rock N Roll Gold. Best bike chain lube if you want a solid all rounder. ...
- Silca Super Secret Chain Lube. ...
- Green Oil Wet Lube. ...
- Finish Line Wet. ...
- CeramicSpeed UFO Drip Ceramic lube. ...
- Tru Tension All Weather. ...
- Molten Speedwax.
Chain Lubricants
I don't recommend using either motor oil or 3in1 oil to lubricate the chain. Motor oil is too heavy and won't fully penetrate the rollers, and 3in1 oil is vegetable based and will gum up the chain.
What Makes Coca-Cola Such an Effective Cleaner? Coca-Cola is carbonated, which allows it to dissolve with metal oxides and break up rust on a variety of metals and alloys. Phosphoric acid also gives it rust-busting power, while citric acid makes it an effective stain remover.
What lubricant dissolves rust? ›Use WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak to dissolve tough rust from metal parts and tools without harming surrounding parts, trim, gaskets or paint. It safely and effectively removes rust without acids or caustic chemicals and works without scraping, chipping, or scrubbing.
Does Dawn remove rust? ›Here's what I found out about cleaning rust: Dawn dish soap and white vinegar: You can either pour the Dawn on the stain (it has to be Dawn), then the vinegar on top and mix them into a paste, or mix the two together in a spray bottle (if your stains are on a vertical surface).