Questions about cleaning a chain without special tools

[Toby83]

I don't have a special de-greaser tool or chain cleaning tools. Will a rag, toothbrush, and grease cleaning solvent be good enough to get the job done decently?

Can I use something like paint thinner for my solvent?

also to clean the chain from the solvent should I wash it dry with water then air dry?

Thanks for any replies.

[bobtravers]

Rag, toothbrush and solvent will work... Use bike degreaser if you have some, less odour and less damage on your hand and lungs!!

Thinner will work for sure, put it in a small spray bottle, more easy to apply on the chain!

Let it air dry, instead of water will rust your chain...

[GeorgeET]

Never had special tools for this. Finally got a official chain cleaner and Park citrus cleaner and still have not used it.

Depends how dirty your chain is. Simple kerosene makes a good cleaner, paint thinner or mineral spirits is OK too. Follow manufacturers safety instructions. Just let it air dry do not use water. Than lubricate. I have finish line ceramic wet lubricant , never used it before and still have not.

Bicycle chain is very durable and fairly low maintenance, unless you ride a lot, especially in sandy, wet or muddy conditions. IMO. Some differ. :-))

[Toby83]

Thanks guys hopefully I can get started tomorrow. I bought the Finish Line DRY, I mostly ride on the trail where its pretty dusty. I almost bought the finish like ceramic wax, but many people advised against wax unless I would be riding in absolutely dirty conditions.

[GeorgeET]

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=24

Here is a link to Park tools chain cleaning info. They do suggest soap and water as a cleaner before lubrication. Hmmm. strange although the solvents like paint thinner will dry fast and leave no residue.
I may even clean my chain now that you got me going. :-))

[j beede]

I enjoy riding with a freshly cleaned chain--so clean my 10-speed chain often. I use a quick link in my chain so I can pull it easily. I use an empty GOOP hand cleaner tub with ~50cc of mineral spirits to strip it, then wash it with Simple Green. Rinse until clear with tap water. Shake off the water, sometimes I use compressed air to dry it, sometimes I hang it up in the sun to dry. I will usually give it a light spray of Tri-Flo then wipe dry with lint free paper towel. Shines like a diamond bracelet and runs/shifts smooth as silk. I hate a gritty chain. I have found no way to clean the chain on the bike that is as fast or effective.

[X-RAY]

if you got time, i put them in a disposable food container (like tupperware but made by glad) and add "mean green" cleaner from the dollar store, $5 a gallon.scrub if your in a hurry, i just let it soak a few days if i have time. i have very sensitive skin, so i recommend gloves but not absolutely necessary.

[xerxes]

I just give it a wipe with a rag and apply more oil, I very rarely clean it properly. It's usually dirty within five minutes of leaving the house so it's kind of futile trying to keep it clean.