Comments on: Why WD-40 is Bad for Your Bike Chain

By: Matt Herbert

Matt Herbert — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 09:34:31 +0000

Alex, thank you for your site, and the video tutorials. A search for this very question was what led me here, and I’ve found all I have been looking for in the way of comprehensive information on my recently discovered hobby. Thank you for your idea, and your service to the community – I plan to order the DVD (once I can figure out a way to watch it and work on my bike at the same time!)

By: Paul

Paul — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:41:21 +0000

Another great video that has all the information anyone could need. this is a fantastic site, I’m glad I found it.

By: Axel

Axel — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 17:18:48 +0000

Break free, good stuff! Good of you to bring up this as a topic, and not just mention it in passing. WD40 have ruined more things than GW Bush!

By: seancsnm

seancsnm — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 07:51:09 +0000

One point that I don’t think has been brought up is that because WD-40 is a petroleum-based degreaser, it eats away most plastics. I don’t know what kind of plastic the rear derailleur pulleys are made out of, but my thinking is that it will damage the pulleys over time. I haven’t seen enough of bikes to really notice whether the wear, tear, and gunk build-up on these pulleys is from something breaking it down, or is just the accumulated build-up of plastic and other particles mixed with oil. May not be a big deal, but another thing to think about when using WD-40 to lube a chain.

On the other hand, I’m not sure what most bike-recommended lubricants have in them, so if my theory is correct, they may break the plastic down as well. As a temporary alternative to chain oil, I have used 100% plastic-safe silicon oil, which was so thin, that it wore off extremely quickly and needed constant re-lubrication.

By: Rob C

Rob C — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 18:33:28 +0000

I have always used WD-40 to degrease a chain, then wash and spray it off and use typical chain oil, to lube it up again, it works quite well as a degreaser but clean it off before to put on the chain lube otherwise it will wash away to easily. I don’t quite know how it got this all purpose perception, my cousin and I were at the hardware store and she was looking for WD-40 and I asked what for and it was for the hinges f her garage door, I quickly steer to White Lithium grease as a more appropriate alternative.

By: royalmm

royalmm — Sun, 02 May 2010 21:40:17 +0000

I use Finish Line WET Bicycle Chain Lube (which I bought a local bike shop today) and it works. Guess it’s time for me to ditch the WD-40.

Great vid, by the way.

By: Keith Doyle

Keith Doyle — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 23:50:47 +0000

Better to use graphite on locks and 3&1 on hinges rather than WD-40. They essentially have the same problem as bike chains– WD-40 acts as a solvent and removes any existing lube, then it evaporates leaving you with less than you started with. WD-40 is good for short-term uses– as it EVAPORATES, guys…

By: jongloves

jongloves — Sun, 21 Mar 2010 15:00:36 +0000

Just found this site and already have learned that I shouldn’t be using WD40 on my chain. Now I know why I’m getting slower and relieved that it wasn’t the 5kg that I put on over the winter.

But seriously will give the ATF and chain saw oils a go after this.

Thanks

Jon

By: Cet

Cet — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 23:09:29 +0000

The best thing is to use motor oil.

By: Kay Freidl

Kay Freidl — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 13:35:47 +0000

Hi,

How would you recommend i de-rust then lube my chain? Perhaps WD-40 to de-rust, then lube? Or buy a chain cheaner (will this de-rust?) Then lube? It’s not severe rust, but i’d like to nip it in the bud now, and lube up ready for the winter rides ahead.

Kind Regards

Kay