Chain cleaning tool

[Irulan]

Something like Citrus-solve (citrus degreaser, auto parts or hardware) or Simple Green, is a great alternative to solvent. I'm surprised that some of you still use solvents when there are these and other environmentally friendly products and methods out there. When I got my Park gizmo years ago, I ran undiluted Simple Green in it, and it worked great, even on really nasty mountain bike chains.

Here's my preferred method now. I do not know if you can put a Power Link on a road bike chain, but this is what I do for our 6 mountain bikes.

Remove chain from bike. Put in a small container with a lid. Pour Citrusolv over the chain so it's completely submerged. Soak overnight if you want. Here's the secret: shake the jar to dislodge any crud. The chain works against itself to loosen gunk. rinse the chain really well, air dry and reinstall. Method B would be to leave the chain on the bike, spray it down really well, and go after it with a toothbrush. I think the jar idea came from Sheldon Brown.

As for solvent, I do hope you are wearing gloves and disposing of it as hazardous waste when you are done with it. It's really nasty stuff, and should be avoided at all costs. (I work in groundwater/environmental cleanup and remediation)

[OakLeaf]

Citrusolv and Simple Green are solvents. Simple Green contains glycol ethers. Citrus degreasers (including the Park Tool brand, which according to its MSDS is one of the less toxic ones out there) contain terpenes and/or pentenes. Gloves (and respirators) are definitely a good idea, but it's important to remember that most gloves, especially disposable ones, are penetrated by these toxins in a short amount of time.

[Irulan]

well you know more than me. When I think solvents I'm thinking the hard stuff.

[Catrin]

...Remove chain from bike. Put in a small container with a lid. Pour Citrusolv over the chain so it's completely submerged. Soak overnight if you want. Here's the secret: shake the jar to dislodge any crud. The chain works against itself to loosen gunk. rinse the chain really well, air dry and reinstall...

This is what I do, my LBS convinced me this was the easiest approach and they were right! At least that is what I found, less mess and fuss. I've a SRAM chain on both Gunnar and mountain bike with power links that are reusable. The only thing is you have to be careful to not lose the power link like I did the first time

[TigerMom]

I just bought the Park's Tool along with their chain cleaner. It works AWESOME!!! I hook my bike on to my bike rack, put a large towel underneath the bike. Then I fill the Park's Tool with chain cleaner and put the tool on the lower part of the chain. Clip the two parts together and slowly back pedal the bike. My black chain is now a dark silver!!! Of course, the chain cleaner works better after you degrease the crankset and the rear cassettes and the jockey cogs which was a "big pain the the behind".
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2012 Specialized Amira Elite, upgraded carbon handle bars, Jett saddle 143mm switched to 145mm 2012 Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow saddle

2011 Specialized Ariel Sport,suspension post,Serfas Rx Women's Microfiber saddle

[malkin]

Another Simple Green and chain in a jar fan.

Brewer switched to wax for a while--no grease, no solvent --I'm not sure what's up with that.

[Bike Writer]

I got a Parks chain cleaning tool kit for Christmas and I LOVE it. I can run my chain through a white towel after cleaning and it leaves no marks. As a matter of fact today I did a through cleaning removing the wheels and getting into the nooks and crannies and around all the cogs on the cassette, brakes, inside of the fenders and every little place. My chain shines and has a fresh coat of dry lube T-9.

The real miracle was that I was able to get it all back together (that back wheel was a toughie), hook the brakes back up and I rode it up and down the block, the brakes worked fine and the wheels didn't fall off! Hurray!