Ultrasonic cleaner

For discussions about bikes and equipment.
User avatar
robgul
Posts: 3088
Joined: 8 Jan 2007, 8:40pm
Contact:

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by robgul »

fausto99 wrote: 22 Sep 2021, 8:51am
robgul wrote: 22 Sep 2021, 8:30am...
BUT not for chains unless you want to go through the process of immersing the cleaned chain in a bath of stiff oil and leaving it for 24 hours to get the lube back in the links. Best stuff I've found for cleaning chains is the Fenwicks foam spray...
Or, actually perfect for chains if you're going to go over to a wax based lubricant.
Not quite sure where you're coming from with that - the ultrasonic gets ALL the lube out from the rollers etc and that needs lube to stop rapid wear. It still needs work to get any sort of lube back into the innards of the chain.

. . . and I'd agree on the Park Tool (and other brands) chain cleaning gadget being useless.
E2E http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk
HoECC http://www.heartofenglandcyclingclub.org.uk
Cytech accredited mechanic . . . and woodworker
saudidave
Posts: 583
Joined: 16 Jan 2009, 12:22am

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by saudidave »

[/quote]

. . . and I'd agree on the Park Tool (and other brands) chain cleaning gadget being useless.
[/quote]

I use one regularly and it does a fantastic job in a matter of a couple of minutes, with a lot less mess than brushes that really splash stuff around. You are doing something wrong......................
st599_uk
Posts: 1091
Joined: 4 Nov 2018, 8:59pm

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by st599_uk »

robgul wrote: 23 Sep 2021, 8:14am
fausto99 wrote: 22 Sep 2021, 8:51am
robgul wrote: 22 Sep 2021, 8:30am...
BUT not for chains unless you want to go through the process of immersing the cleaned chain in a bath of stiff oil and leaving it for 24 hours to get the lube back in the links. Best stuff I've found for cleaning chains is the Fenwicks foam spray...
Or, actually perfect for chains if you're going to go over to a wax based lubricant.
Not quite sure where you're coming from with that - the ultrasonic gets ALL the lube out from the rollers etc and that needs lube to stop rapid wear. It still needs work to get any sort of lube back into the innards of the chain.

. . . and I'd agree on the Park Tool (and other brands) chain cleaning gadget being useless.
I normally have 2 chains on the go, cleaning the bike in a flat is a nightmare, so I normally remove one chain, clean it, hang it up to dry, then apply chain lube for a few hours, then let it drip dry over the oil dish. Seems to work for me.

Would it be better to immerse the chain in oil?
A novice learning...
“the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.”
mumbojumbo
Posts: 1525
Joined: 1 Aug 2018, 8:18pm

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by mumbojumbo »

I think I missed the joke about belt drive-sorry.
User avatar
robgul
Posts: 3088
Joined: 8 Jan 2007, 8:40pm
Contact:

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by robgul »

mumbojumbo wrote: 23 Sep 2021, 5:01pm I think I missed the joke about belt drive-sorry.
No chain, just a toothed "nylon/rubber" belt so no chain lube - belts are quite popular, but only with hub geared machines
E2E http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk
HoECC http://www.heartofenglandcyclingclub.org.uk
Cytech accredited mechanic . . . and woodworker
mumbojumbo
Posts: 1525
Joined: 1 Aug 2018, 8:18pm

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by mumbojumbo »

I see-yet another innovation to make money!
NickJP
Posts: 793
Joined: 24 Sep 2018, 7:11pm
Location: Canberra, OZ

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by NickJP »

fausto99 wrote: 22 Sep 2021, 8:56pmI know there are many fans of the Park chain cleaner or similar but they’re not for me. I’ve used mine twice and abandoned it. The thing sprays filthy solvent/cleaner all over the floor and lower rear end of the bike, including spokes, rim and tyre if you’ve not removed the wheel.
You're definitely not using it correctly, then. I spread an old newspaper underneath the chain to catch the drips off the chainring and lower jockey pulley, but I don't get solvent going anywhere else.
User avatar
NUKe
Posts: 4161
Joined: 23 Apr 2007, 11:07pm
Location: Suffolk

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by NUKe »

Try wax lubing the Chain, instead of ultrasonic bath buy a slow cooker, some good You tube videos on how to do it Chain and sprockets stay clean. I tend to re-wax once a week wash the chain with soapy water whilst washing the bike, remove the chain 10 to 20 minutes in the bath whilst I clean the rest of the bike, refit and off you go.
NUKe
_____________________________________
User avatar
tykeboy2003
Posts: 1277
Joined: 19 Jul 2010, 2:51pm
Location: Swadlincote, South Derbyshire

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by tykeboy2003 »

I've got one, not used it for years, I just put the chain in a big jam jar with some DW40-type fluid and give it a good shake, dry it, relubricate and stick it back on.

The best lubricant is the one that comes with a new chain, once that's gone, I tend to use something like this:-

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... c1MTkxOS4w

Chain-wear is the bane of my life.
User avatar
robgul
Posts: 3088
Joined: 8 Jan 2007, 8:40pm
Contact:

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by robgul »

tykeboy2003 wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:13pm I've got one, not used it for years, I just put the chain in a big jam jar with some DW40-type fluid and give it a good shake, dry it, relubricate and stick it back on.

The best lubricant is the one that comes with a new chain, once that's gone, I tend to use something like this:-

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... c1MTkxOS4w

Chain-wear is the bane of my life.
B&Q chainsaw oil works a treat - and is very cheap compared to the tiny bottles of bike lube.
E2E http://www.cycle-endtoend.org.uk
HoECC http://www.heartofenglandcyclingclub.org.uk
Cytech accredited mechanic . . . and woodworker
fastpedaller
Posts: 3433
Joined: 10 Jul 2014, 1:12pm
Location: Norfolk

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by fastpedaller »

robgul wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:17pm
tykeboy2003 wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:13pm I've got one, not used it for years, I just put the chain in a big jam jar with some DW40-type fluid and give it a good shake, dry it, relubricate and stick it back on.

The best lubricant is the one that comes with a new chain, once that's gone, I tend to use something like this:-

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... c1MTkxOS4w

Chain-wear is the bane of my life.
B&Q chainsaw oil works a treat - and is very cheap compared to the tiny bottles of bike lube.
I tried chainsaw oil (which specifically stated anti-fling) on my single-speed bike and it went everywhere - it wasn't B&Q :lol:
User avatar
tykeboy2003
Posts: 1277
Joined: 19 Jul 2010, 2:51pm
Location: Swadlincote, South Derbyshire

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by tykeboy2003 »

robgul wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:17pm
tykeboy2003 wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:13pm I've got one, not used it for years, I just put the chain in a big jam jar with some DW40-type fluid and give it a good shake, dry it, relubricate and stick it back on.

The best lubricant is the one that comes with a new chain, once that's gone, I tend to use something like this:-

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... c1MTkxOS4w

Chain-wear is the bane of my life.
B&Q chainsaw oil works a treat - and is very cheap compared to the tiny bottles of bike lube.
Thanks mate, I just ran out of the Halfords stuff so I'll give that a try.
francovendee
Posts: 3145
Joined: 5 May 2009, 6:32am

Re: Ultrasonic cleaner

Post by francovendee »

robgul wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:17pm
tykeboy2003 wrote: 27 Sep 2021, 3:13pm I've got one, not used it for years, I just put the chain in a big jam jar with some DW40-type fluid and give it a good shake, dry it, relubricate and stick it back on.

The best lubricant is the one that comes with a new chain, once that's gone, I tend to use something like this:-

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-m ... c1MTkxOS4w

Chain-wear is the bane of my life.
B&Q chainsaw oil works a treat - and is very cheap compared to the tiny bottles of bike lube.
I've used is successfully for years. The secret is to apply not too much and run the chain through a rag to take the excess off.
Post Reply