So, after unsuccessfully trying to fully strip my chain off the factory grease (using the following steps), I opted to go down the ultrasonic cleaning route. I snagged my girlfriends cheapo ultrasonic cleaner from amazon, which she occasionally uses for cleaning jewellery & glasses and went to work.
After letting the chain sit in a mild degreaser (at least it's advertised to be easy on all kinds of materials) over night, there was basically no visual change to the fluid surrounding the chain. So, I poured all that into said ultrasonic cleaner and turned it on for a total of 15 minutes, including quickly flipping the chain over halfway through. It's crazy how much grime was still in there, considering the number of steps I had already taken in order to clean that thing. Afterwards, I went on with two quick rounds of water + ultrasonic cleaning fluid, followed by clear water, and finally some denatured alcohol just to be sure I wouldn't leave anything in there.
Now the chain is free from any factory grease and ready for a wax treatment. If you turn up the volume, you can hear all the links rattling in the video. It also seems to me, that there is quite a bit more space in between the individual links now the chain if fully clean, has anyone else experienced that?
I'd love to know your process with ultrasonic cleaners, what fluids/solvents have worked for you?
Update: I got my chain perfectly clean! (ASMR vid, lol)
byu/Cslteo inbikewrench
by Cslteo
4 Comments
The oils from your fingers have now tainted it. Well done
In the meantime I rode my bike enough to go through 2 chains and somehow spent less money on that than you on cleaning. /s
I think that the ultra sonic cleaners have a place for taking off that pesky grease, but I try to avoid using the ultra sonic setting too much because I worry about micro scratches damaging the rollers which would hurt the overall lifespan of the chain. For taking off grease I have found that a combination of Rex chain cleaner, hot water, and ipa to do some solid work.
I just use the silca chip in a crock pot of wax and call it a day. Good enough.