WD40

[Klaus]

I have seen advice many times to avoid using WD40 on bikes for almost anything. What's wrong with the product? So far, next to 3in1 oil WD40 is my favourite DIY tool.
Pls enlighten me!
Klaus

 

[potsy]

I have seen advice many times to avoid using WD40 on bikes for almost anything. What's wrong with the product? So far, next to 3in1 oil WD40 is my favourite DIY tool.
Pls enlighten me!
Klaus

It's fine for general use Klaus,just not to be used as a chain lubricant that's all.I use a similar product on cables,and to clean up cassette and stuff.

 

[Tim Bennet.]

WD is very good at the thing it was designed to do and that is as a Water Displacer. Every cyclist needs some for spraying around on a wet bike.

It is also 'quite good' as a penetrating fluid to shift stuck things, but not nearly as good as something made for the job such as PlusGas.

It only really falls down when used as a lubricant: One problem is that it dries off too quickly to do much lubricating, but worse is that it's full of solvents that strip away any other lubricant that might be already in place and doing a decent job.

 

[jimboalee]

Ahhhhhh....

Keep that wretched stuff away from your bike.

Yes, it's a water displacer, but it's also a good grease displacer.

Yes, it's a penetrating oil, but it loosens things you don't want loosening.


It has its uses though, like shifting encrusted grass cuttings of motor-mower blades.

If you do have to use it on a bicycle, spray some on an old rag and use it to wipe grease and tar splashes off frame paint.

 

[Klaus]

Thanks for your replies. Now I know what "WD" stands for ....:-)
Certainly makes sense not to use it where grease/lube is needed.

 

[g00se]

Well, you can use it if you're giving your chain a full clean - say, if you were moving from a wet lube to a wax lube or something like 'Purple Extreme' - or just being a bit thorough. One procedure is:

Remove the chain from the bike and use a degreaser (possibly biodegradable citrus based) to clean it.

Wash the chain in water to remove the degreaser.

Hang it up on a nail and spray with WD40 or GT85 or TF2 (similar stuff though the TF2 also has Teflon) to displace the water.

Then lube and put on bike.

 

[Joe D]

Thanks for your replies. Now I know what "WD" stands for ....:-)
Certainly makes sense not to use it where grease/lube is needed.

And the 40 signifies that it was the 40th formula that they tried before perfecting it. Bit of trivia there.

 

[BentMikey]

It is actually fine for chain lube, btw. Because it's a very thin lube, you'll be reapplying it very often, just about every ride. The nice thing is that the chain stays very clean and runs very easily, but the amount of reapplication required is a bit too much work.

 

[psmiffy]

I use it on the chain when touring particulaly if it has been dry and dusty and the chain is looking a bit black and cruddy - a light dose - alternating with finish line wet - actually works best applied just before a good dose of rain

 

[Norm]

It is actually fine for chain lube, btw. Because it's a very thin lube, you'll be reapplying it very often, just about every ride. The nice thing is that the chain stays very clean and runs very easily, but the amount of reapplication required is a bit too much work.

These same benefits and weaknesses are present in any thin vs thick lube argument.

I prefer thin lubes applied frequently, as muck and grime comes off with the oil, so the chain and components need less cleaning. Heavier grease tends to keep hold of dust and dirt and can turn into a very efficient grinding paste.

I use lubricating oil, though, rather than WD40, a practice picked up from some of the components in motorcycle chains not liking WD40.

YMMV.

 

[gbb]

It is actually fine for chain lube, btw. Because it's a very thin lube, you'll be reapplying it very often, just about every ride. The nice thing is that the chain stays very clean and runs very easily, but the amount of reapplication required is a bit too much work.

I used to think the same MB BM (apologies)....i work in a workshop with acres of WD to hand. I loved the way it left the chain clean and shiney...i used to spray mine every two or three days...what can go wrong ?
I absolutely murdered a 9 speed chain in no time, i couldnt believe the stretch.
I was gutted at the time because i just saw it as a lubricant...hadnt really thought about it.
Then of course it occured to me its just not environmentally friendly...its ridiculous spraying solvent about that often..i felt quite ashamed when i thought about it

 

[psmiffy]

I used to think the same MB....i work in a workshop with acres of WD to hand. I loved the way it left the chain clean and shiney...i used to spray mine every two or three days...
I absolutely murdered a 9 speed chain in no time, i couldnt believe the stretch.
I was gutted at the time because i just saw it as a lubricant...hadnt really thought about it.
Then of course it occured to me its just not environmentally friendly...its ridiculous spraying solvent about that often..i felt quite ashamed when i thought about it

I agree - using it as a lubricant on its own is a definete no no

 

[Davidc]

There are really good lubricants for bikes, just ask at the LBS. A dry one and a wet one of a good quality brand will do chain, cables, most bearings. The rest need a thick grease.

WD40 on a cloth is great for getting excess oil and any road tar splashes off paintwork and rims, and is good for cleaning the braking surfaces if they get contaminated.

 

[Bill Gates]

I use it to clean the cassette on the rear wheel every couple of weeks. Take the wheel off apply a 3 second spray and then slide a rag between the cogs. I apply a proper chain lube almost every ride and then wipe any excess away from the outside. Important things chains.

 

[BentMikey]

a) it's not "stretch". Chains don't stretch, the links wear. my experience with WD40 is quite different - chains last just as long with WD40. And I'm far from the only one.