Chain cleaning

[Aushiker]

G'day

I have taken a look at a couple of the suggested bike maintenance websites and both suggest using a citrus based de-greaser for cleaning chains.

Is such a beast available here Australia or preferably WA? I was in Bunnings today and they just had Diggers brand. Would this be okay?

Other suggestions?

Regards
Andrew

[europa]

Sheldon Brown on cleaning chains

Richard

[sogood]

Don't know about Bunning's option. Citrus degreasers have been seen by me at every LBS I've been to. It's better than some of those industrial degreasers on the ground of being biodegradeable.

Don't worry about Sheldon's April Fools dig. Just for light reading.

[rider06]

3 words - pedros oranj peelz

[twowheels]

The Bunnings Diggers degreaser is solvent ... get along to Repco Auto and pick up Lightning Tuff cleaner/degreaser citrus base, 750ml non-aerosol spray pack, really great result, can remove the top and pour into a chain cleaner or other container or use as a spray on. About $10 from memory.

[Marv]

I have been told that Metho works just fine.

[sogood]

I have been told that Metho works just fine.

I don't think it's as efficient.

[Marv]

It maybe not as effecient, but at only $2.00 a litre it doesn't need to be.

[twowheels]

Marv, have you tried metho yourself for this purpose? I wouldn't think it would work too well at all. Kerosene does a good job, though I'm old fashioned and was sceptical about orange degreaser I'm a convert.

[gururug]

I've been using kerosene for a few cleans as most of those spray de-greaser contain health warnings.

It takes about 10 spin cycles through the chain cleaner (refilling each time) to get the majority of the crap off an the rest I do with a rag.

1x1ltr bottle ($5 from memory) will do about 6-8 cleans.

[europa]

Splash of kero and a toothbrush works for me.

Richard

[Aushiker]

G'day

Dropped into TBE (LBS) today and they had a citrus degreaser (orange can) selling for $32.00 for 600 ml. Seems expensive. Does it sound right?

Torpedo7 have a product called BLUBIKE Bio Chain Cleaner selling for $8.00 for 250 ml which is quite a bit cheaper than TBE. Anyone tried this?

Regards
Andrew

[rider06]

bear in mind the postage - $9.00 and its not so cheap. does a good job though - i got it in a package with blubike lube & chain cleaner a fair while ago.

[Aushiker]

bear in mind the postage - $9.00 and its not so cheap. does a good job though - i got it in a package with blubike lube & chain cleaner a fair while ago.

Thanks, yeah I considered the postage and thought if it was good I would include it another order. Of course I placed a order last night didn't I

Regards
Andrew

[twowheels]

G'day

Dropped into TBE (LBS) today and they had a citrus degreaser (orange can) selling for $32.00 for 600 ml. Seems expensive. Does it sound right?

Regards
Andrew

that is why i said
... get along to Repco Auto and pick up Lightning Tuff cleaner/degreaser citrus base, 750ml non-aerosol spray pack, really great result, can remove the top and pour into a chain cleaner or other container or use as a spray on. About $10 from memory.

[Aushiker]

Ahh sorry twowheels. Overlooked your good advice. Consider me duly smacked.

I have a Repco nearby (but not on a good riding road) so will check it out.

Thanks
Andrew

[tallywhacker]

drop the chain in an old gatorade bottle of white spirit. Shake (not stir). Remove and wipe. Put back on bike and lube

[Aushiker]

G'day

Twowheels I took your advice and dropped into Repco this morning and picked up Grime Goblin Cleaner/Degreaser which is a citrus based degreaser. I got the 4 litre container for $16.00. They had a one litre product for $10.99 but the Goblin seemed a better deal, assuming of course it is any good!

So thanks for the suggestion.

Regards
Andrew

[twowheels]

I've seen the Grime Goblin. I think the Tuff is just rebadged for smaller packaging, tried the Tuff first to make sure it works, plus included the spray pack. Let us know how the Grime Goblin goes, then I'll repackage it in a 250ml container and flog it for $5 ... I'll say it is made from new season cumquats, hand picked by virgins on gold plated unicycles!

[sogood]

BTW, shop by volume isn't everything when it comes to citrus degreasers. Some products needs to be diluted (eg. 1:5 to 1:10), whilst others are meant to be used straight.

[Aushiker]

BTW, shop by volume isn't everything when it comes to citrus degreasers. Some products needs to be diluted (eg. 1:5 to 1:10), whilst others are meant to be used straight.

Well there is nothing to suggest on the container that diluting is needed or suggested, so what criteria do you use to determine this?

Also chain cleaning is one but use. Even so paying $4.00 per litre is heaps better than $11.00 for 600 mils in my view.

Regards
Andrew

[sogood]

Well there is nothing to suggest on the container that diluting is needed or suggested, so what criteria do you use to determine this?

Also chain cleaning is one but use. Even so paying $4.00 per litre is heaps better than $11.00 for 600 mils in my view.

I don't know which product you refer to but the fact that it doesn't require dilution suggests to me that it's used without dilution. The one I have requires dilution prior to use. In any case, it's something to be aware of when shopping and trialing different products.

[Aushiker]

I don't know which product you refer to but the fact that it doesn't require dilution suggests to me that it's used without dilution.

See early post in this thread.

The one I have requires dilution prior to use. In any case, it's something to be aware of when shopping and trialing different products.

Okay, now I see where you are coming from. Hadn't consider that. Will do if I ever use up this container.

Regards
Andrew

[twowheels]

The link you provided all say ready to use formula, we might just have caused a rush at repco auto!!!

Lightning Products - Cleaners>

Grime Goblin Cleaner/Degreaser


See full size photo Price: No Price

Availability: in stock
Prod. Code: 502S, 502L,502N & 502T



Grime Goblin Cleaner/Degreaser

Grime Goblin Degreaser utilises citric instead of petroleum solvents, is non-flammable, biodegradable and is a quick break degreaser. Grime Goblin Degreaser is ideal for cleaning and degreasing engine bays, workshop floors, walls and equipment. Grime Goblin also has dozens of domestic cleaning applications like removing soap scum and body oil from showers, cooking oil and animal fat from BBQs and even emulsifying stains from carpet and upholstery.

Available in:


SIZE
Description
PRODUCT CODE
COMMENTS

750ml
High Foam Atomiser Bottle 502S
Ready to Use Formula
1lt
1lt Screw Cap Bottle 502L
Ready to Use Formula
4lt
4lt Clear Plastic Container 502N
Ready to Use Formula
20lt
20lt Plastic Barrel 502T
Ready to Use Formula

[sogood]

Okay, now I see where you are coming from. Hadn't consider that. Will do if I ever use up this container.

Huh? Where did you think I was coming from?