Hey, long time lurker, first time poster looking for some advice on my broken chain.
I already emailed KMC directly about this but have not heard back from them, so wanted to get y’all’s opinions on whether the chain I bought was defective or if I did something wrong.
For context, I bought [this chain](https://kmcchain.us/products/x12?variant=40158702567564) recently, directly from KMC, with the intent to switch to waxing. This was my first time prepping/waxing a chain so I was following [this guide. ](https://silca.cc/blogs/silca/complete-guide-to-cleaning-your-chain)
I started by leaving the chain in mineral spirits overnight, I bought Klean-Strip odorless mineral spirits from Amazon if it matters. And then removed the rest of the grease with park tools bio chainbrite before going through the hot wax process using a crockpot and Silca wax.
After that was done, I didn’t ride for a few days due to weather, but when I got out I didn’t even make it 100 yards from my home before the chain snapped. Upon inspection I see the chain has numerous major cracks and is now useless.
I’m just wondering, is this my fault for leaving it in mineral spirits overnight? I thought I was doing it correctly but maybe not.
Or does this look more like a manufacturing defect on KMC’s side? I was hoping they would email me back but unfortunately haven’t received a response yet.
Thanks!
by milk_makes_thighs
4 Comments
Yea, mineral spirits overnight is a killer. Next time just use silca’s formulated cleaner or their chips
Hydrogen embrittlement. You shouldn’t ever need to leave a chain to soak for more than 30 mins tops. Personally never had an issue if I forget and leave it overnight, but take a look here:
[Hydrogen Embrittlement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrogen_embrittlement)
I think leaving a chain in overnight (in anything) is overthinking it. Just clean the chain and move on with your day.
The mineral spirits are ok, but soaking overnight could be the issue. I usually use the Silca degreaser (which I believe includes mineral spirits) in a shake bottle for about 15-30 minutes and then follow up with isopropyl alcohol and/or acetone to rinse it all off. Again 15-30 minutes in a shake bottle. I like acetone because it dries very fast and clean.
The way your chain decomposed is extreme though. You likely applied relatively little force to the chain. The hydrogen embrittlement page is really interesting and informative and TIL. Apparently high strength steels are more susceptible and room temperature is when it occurs while high temp 150C it doesn’t occur. Also baking can potentially cure it.