
- Spray WD-40 Multi-Use Product directly onto the affected rusty surface.
- Allow to sit for 10 minutes.
- Use a wire brush to scrub at the unwanted rust.
- Then use a clean rag to wipe off the residue.
- Repeat the process until clean. Pro Tip: Now your bicycle chain is repaired and rust-free, why not keep it in tip-top condition by lubricating it with WD-40 BIKE® ...
How do you clean a rusty bike chain?
How to Clean a Rusty Bike Chain?
- Baking Soda. One popular alternative that you can go for when removing rust from your bike chain is baking soda. ...
- WD40. Another good alternative to bike chain lube for your rusty chains is the WD40 Trusted Source www.wd40.com .
- Chemical Rust Remover. You can also use a chemical rust remover when removing rust from the bicycle chain. ...
- Vinegar. ...
How can I remove rust from a bike chain?
Steps to Remove Rust from a Mountain Bike Chain
- Move the bike to a place that you can work on the wheels and drive assembly. ...
- If you have a chain breaker, remove the chain from the bike to clean it. ...
- Depending on the degree of oxidation, you may need to replace the chain. ...
- If you have to replace the chain, do so now and don’t bother cleaning the old one. ...
Can you save a rusty bike chain?
If your bike chain is severely rusted, replacing it entirely may be best for the health of your bike. Imperfections in severely deteriorated chains can damage other parts of your drivetrain. For bikes only suffering surface rust, lime juice or WD-40 are great ways of restoring your chain to shiny and rust-free condition.
How often should you lubricate a bike chain?
The ABC’s: Air, Brakes, Chain
- A is for Air: Having properly inflated tires helps prevent flats. Check the sidewall of your tire for the recommended tire pressure. ...
- B is for Brakes: Squeeze your front and rear brake levers to make sure that the brakes engage properly and smoothly.
- C is for Chain: Look at your chain and all the gears. ...

Can you fix a rusted bike chain?
The good news is that a rusty chain is a relatively easy fix. You can either clean the rust off the chain, or–if it's really bad–replace the chain all together.
How do you get rust off a bike chain?
3:315:31Clean Rust from Bike Chain - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil some of our general purpose bike grease on our brush. All right grab that chain. Work that inMoreOil some of our general purpose bike grease on our brush. All right grab that chain. Work that in okay wipe it off grab hold of the chain. And then maybe get yourself some steel wool.
How do you revive a rusted chain?
0:121:55How to clean a rusted dirty bike chain. 4 different ways! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the rust will slowly disappear. Moving up hot water soap and a bristly brush is the next best.MoreAnd the rust will slowly disappear. Moving up hot water soap and a bristly brush is the next best. Option here i'm using a dustpan brush.
Will WD-40 Remove rust from bike chain?
WD-40 is great at removing rust from your bike chain. You will want to spray it on the rusty areas of the chain and let it sit for about 3 to 5 minutes. to work its magic. Next you'll want to use a wire brush to scrape and remove off the rusted chain portions.
What can I use on a rusted bike chain?
Spray WD-40 directly onto the clean, rusted surfaces of your chain in sections. Allow this to sit for a moment so the solution can soak in. After that, take a wire brush and briskly scrub away the rust. Wipe off the chain with a clean rag as necessary to remove rust residue.
Can a rusty bike be saved?
You can use either Jenolite Rust Remover or Jenolite Rust Converter to restore your bike, depending on how rusty it is. One application of our rust converter will react with rust to convert it to a stable compound, ready to paint over without wiping or rinsing away.
Is WD-40 good for bike chains?
WD-40 is a great bike chain lube water based lubricant and will not only lubricate the chain well, but will also keep it rust and corrosion free. It also minimizes the accumulation of dirt which reduces the wear and tear of the chain.
Does vinegar dissolve rust?
Luckily, acids found in everyday household items, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and potatoes, can remove rust from metal. 1 Add the abrasive action from other ingredients, including borax, baking soda, and salt, and say goodbye to rust without the need for harsh chemicals or fumes.
What is the best homemade rust remover?
Simply put cream of tartar in a bowl with equal parts baking soda, then incorporate a little hydrogen peroxide at a time until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Rub this mixture over the rusty object, let it sit for an hour, then wash it in the sink. Voilà!
Is silicone spray good for bike chains?
Yes. It is not optimal for use on chains though. It washes away rather easily leaving your chain unprotected and un-lubricated. It would work in a pinch but a light oil or something specifically made for the application will work much better and last a lot longer.
What is the best lubricant for bicycle chains?
Best bike chain lubesSquirt chain lube. ... Purple Harry's Purple Extreme. ... Fenwicks Wet Weather. ... Muc-Off Hydrodynamic. ... Finish Line Wet. ... Morgan Blue Syn Lube Course. ... Rock 'N' Roll Gold. Impressively fast running and super clean membrane lube. ... Smoove chain lube. Very durable high-performance wax lube for extended clean efficiency.More items...•
Which rust remover is best?
The best rust removerThe best overall: Evapo-Rust The Original Super Safe Rust Remover.The best on a budget: Whink Rust Remover.The best multipurpose: WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak.The best for household: Iron Out Spray Rust Stain Remover.The best for heavy duty: Corroseal Water-Based Rust Converter Metal Primer.
How do you get rust off a bike chain and gears?
Use scouring pad and degreaser. Soak the chain with heavy grime and degreaser for a few minutes. Continue scrubbing the chain with steel wool and hard bristles. Break up stubborn and tough rust using WD-40.
How do you get rust off a bike chain with vinegar?
Spray the vinegar over the rusted area. For removable parts such as the bike chain, take them off and soak them in a bucket of vinegar. Leave to soak for 15 minutes. Using your garden hose, ensure you thoroughly rinse off the vinegar and scrape off the loose rust.
What is the best homemade rust remover?
Simply put cream of tartar in a bowl with equal parts baking soda, then incorporate a little hydrogen peroxide at a time until you achieve a paste-like consistency. Rub this mixture over the rusty object, let it sit for an hour, then wash it in the sink. Voilà!
Does vinegar remove rust?
Luckily, acids found in everyday household items, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and potatoes, can remove rust from metal. 1 Add the abrasive action from other ingredients, including borax, baking soda, and salt, and say goodbye to rust without the need for harsh chemicals or fumes.
How to get rust off a chain?
If there’s rust on the chain still, only then you should go with this step. Apply lime juice on the rusty portions of the chain. Once it dries, use a steel wool pad to scrub the rust off. You’ll find that the rust is beginning to dissolve slowly.
How long should I soak a chain in rust remover?
These can be used to remove even the heaviest rust buildups. You’ll need to soak the chain in the rust remover for 30 minutes or more, depending on the product you’re using, and wiping the chemical with a cloth should get the job done. Make sure you wash the chain with warm water and dry it afterward.
Does Coca Cola get rust off bike chains?
Yes, you read that right. Due to its strong acidic properties, Coca-Cola is definitely capable of getting rid of the rust off the chain. To do this, spray some coke on the bike chain. Leave it for a bit, and then take a toothbrush with a tinfoil wrap to brush the rust off.
How to remove rust from the bike chain?
Remove the chain as explained earlier if it has heavy surface rust and grime. Use the master link or remove it directly from the drivetrain.
Popular Rust Removers
Ideally, you can use home remedies, such as vinegar or a combination of baking soda and water to remove rust from your bike chain. But only if it’s the thin surface level rust with negligible damage to the chain material.
Why do the bike chains get rusty?
Moisture on the bike chain (or other metal parts of the bike) causes rust. It happens due to a chemical process called oxidation. When moisture is placed over metal surfaces for an extended period, they react to form another layer on the surface, called metal oxide or rust.
How does it occur?
The most common way for rust to get onto your bike chain is from rain or water getting into the nooks and crannies of the links, then being trapped there until it dries out, which allows it to start corroding away at your chain (which has been shown by some studies).
How do you identify it?
The most common signs of rust are brown spots on the outside of your links while also seeing some orange-colored debris in between them (that’s what makes up the rust).
Here are a six different ways to clean the chain from rust and grime!
The easiest and best method is to use a rust remover. These products, commonly available at hardware stores or home goods store in your area, are typically used to remove rust from any metal surface.
How do I prevent it?
The best way to avoid rust is by using an oil or wax lubricant for your bike chain.
What are some common questions about removing rust from bike chains?
Is there anything else I should know before starting my project? -Yes: don’t forget to take your bike into a clean and dry area. If you do this in an outdoor environment, it’s very likely that the weather will change while you’re working on your chain which could lead to rust later!
Top 4 Tips For Protecting Your Bike Chain From Rust
As mentioned, dealing with rust can be frustrating and you will need to make sure that you protect the bike chain from damage and rust. While cleaning it to remove rust is possible, it is far harder to clean the chain than to keep it in the best condition.
How To Clean Your Bike Chain Like A Professional Mechanic In 5 Simple Steps
Not all of us are mechanics and some people hardly have any mechanical skills. However, cleaning your bike chain requires some mechanical skills that you will need to understand. We have determined how to clean your bike chain. You can use the following systematic guide to ensure that your bike chain is in the best possible condition:
Wrap-Up
Dealing with a rusty bike chain is one of the hardest things you can do. The chain will not work correctly and you might find that it slides off the bike. However, these tips should ensure that you don’t have to deal with a rusty bike chain. Let us know in the comment section how you deal with cleaning your bike chain.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Remove Rust from a Bike Chain
Step-1: To begin, carefully check your bike chain to see where the rust is accumulating if you want to start with how to remove rust from a bicycle chain. Rust does not consume your whole bike chain but just a section of it. As a result, you must pinpoint the location of the rust.
How Often Should I Lube My Bike Chain?
It is determined by how often you ride your bike and where you ride it. If you ride your bike more than twice a week, you should clean and lubricate the chain at least once a month. Check the drivetrain as you go through the procedure.
Conclusion
Rust is an inevitable part of the bike experience, no matter how cautious you are. That is why you will find several articles on how to remove rust from bike chain at home. There are various treatments on the market that promise to remove rust from a bike chain, but nothing beats degreasing and cleaning it with lime juice.
