Q&A for How to Lube a Bicycle Chain

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  • Question
    Can I use machine oil?
    Ikaika Cox
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Expert Answer
    Machine oils like a 3-in-1 oil are sufficient to use as a wet lubricant. Often, these oils are very light and low-viscosity, requiring more frequent application. When in doubt, always use a bike-specific lubricant.
  • Question
    Can I use B'laster multipurpose lubricant to lube a bike chain?
    Ikaika Cox
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Ikaika Cox is the Shop Director at the Salt Lake City branch Bicycle Collective in Salt Lake City, Utah. He has been a bike mechanic since 2012, beginning as a volunteer with the Provo Bicycle Collective, and growing and honing his skills as a bicycle mechanic and educator in multiple Bicycle Collective locations over the years. He now leads the Salt Lake City branch of the Bicycle Collective.
    Bicycle Mechanic
    Expert Answer
    I can't speak specifically to this lubricant, but it appears that B'laster multipurpose lubricant is sufficient to use as a wet lubricant, as long as it doesn't have any penetrative properties. Penetrants usually dry sticky, attracting more grime as you use the chain. When in doubt, use a bike-specific lubricant.
  • Question
    Can I use 5w20 weight oil to lube my bike chain?
    Matt Gander
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will pick up a lot of dirt and need to be cleaned regularly.
  • Question
    Can I use intimate lubricant on a bike chain?
    Community Answer
    No, you cannot. It's too thin to be applied on automotive parts and bikes.
  • Question
    Can I use cooking oil on my bike chain?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but it will pick up more dust. I suggest using machine oil instead.
  • Question
    Does the lube smell when I lube my bike chain?
    Community Answer
    Some lubes do smell.
  • Question
    Can I use fairy liquid to lube chain?
    Matt Gander
    Community Answer
    No, this will not lubricate the chain and will just pick up dirt.
  • Question
    What's the difference between using oil and using grease for chain lubricating purpose?
    Community Answer
    Both work, but grease picks up more dirt than if you used oil.
  • Question
    Can I use vegetable oil to lubricate my bike chain?
    Community Answer
    Yes, this will work.
  • Question
    Can I use olive oil to lubricate my chain?
    Community Answer
    It's best to use lubricants designed specifically for use on bike chains. Quality bike lubes will improve the performance of your bike chain and prevent it from wearing out early.
  • Question
    Is it okay to use a graphite lock fluid to lubricate a bicycle chain?
    Community Answer
    You can use a small amount of it. However, it's expensive, so it's best to use basic lubricating oil.
  • Question
    Can I use B'laster multipurpose lubricant to lube a bike chain?
    Community Answer
    Yes, B'laster can be used on bike chains, but it's a light oil. Consider 3-in-1 oil, or better yet, an oil that's specifically designed to be used on bike chains and gears.
  • Question
    Will chainsaw bar oil work?
    Community Answer
    Yes, that's what I use, and it works great. The oil is thin enough, yet stays put. Just keep the chain clean during maintenance.
  • Question
    Can I use grease on my bike chain?
    Community Answer
    Grease stays for a long time, but will attract dirt and cause a buildup or grime. It is best if you use gear oil or machine oil. Bike-specific lubes are even better.
  • Question
    What does ‘excess’ mean? All advice refers to wiping off excess lube, but how much is excess?
    Jayden Watford
    Community Answer
    Excess means the left over or remainder lubricant. If it is dripping or the chain looks to be overly coated, then you should wipe it down. That's what it means.
  • Question
    Can I use engine oil?
    Community Answer
    Engine oil will run it shorter than standard bicycle lube. It's better to use ordinary chain lube because it won't run down the chain as quickly.
  • Question
    Can I use petroleum jelly to lube my bike chain?
    Community Answer
    You could, but this will probably pick up sand and other road grit as you ride, which wears your chain and cassette. It’s better to use a lighter machine oil and wipe off the excess.
  • Question
    Can I use 70% isopropyl alcohol to lube a bicycle chain?
    Community Answer
    No it is for cleaning. Spray this cleaning the dirt from the chain. Apply machine oil/ siloxane oil for lubricating.
  • Question
    Can I use a motorcycle chain lube on my mountain bike's chain ?
    Rudy Toth
    Community Answer
    It might be possible with small amounts since a motorcycle chain is large than a mountain bike chain. You don't want to get overloaded due to centrifugal force if the substance gets on your tires and rims––what a mess. You can try WD-40 and/or 3-in-1 oil.
  • Question
    What can I use as a cheaper alternative?
    Community Answer
    Olive oil. It won’t last as long, but it does work. (However, it will gather more dust.)
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