Cleaning chains

[Philbert]

Somewhere I heard about cleaning off the pitch with oven cleaner/lye, and it seems to work well

The water based degreaser that I use ('SuperClean') contains sodium hydroxide (a.k.a. 'lye') and it works much better than other 'purple cleaners'. In my 'Challenge Chain' thread I also tried pure lye (sold for drain cleaning in hardware stores, or in 'food grade' purity on Amazon, etc.), and even wood ashes (pioneer method of making lye) to clean chains.

Sodium hydroxide does react with aluminum, so use a glass or plastic container for cleaning.

Philbert

 

[Jeff Lary]

I don't know why more people don't quote me really, I am seldom incorrect.

 

[Philbert]

I don't know why more people don't quote me really, I am seldom incorrect.

Philbert

 

[sb47]

I chuck mine up in my vice and use a simple wire brush to knock off all the sap and wood pulp before I sharpen. No need to make them look like a shinny new chain. Just clean the bulk of the dirt, sap and grease/oil and they will sharpen up just fine.

 

[Philbert]

No need to make them look like a shinny new chain.

I have photos in some of the other threads. Sometimes, I find rust, damaged cutters, etc. Sometimes links don't pivot freely, or oil cannot get to the rivets.

'Clean' can be a relative term.

Philbert