What's wrong with 3 in 1 oil and WD40?

[Chuck Glider]

Owned by the same company http://www.wd40.co.uk/ , I see these poo-pooed quite regularly as bike lubricants. When I was in a rush, (once or twice) I used WD40 on derailleurs, just because it was quick to spray on.

I'd be really interested to hear thoughts on what's wrong with them?

[Trigger]

I don't think it's a case of what's wrong with it (WD40) more that it's not designed specifically as a lubricant, it's a water displacer, hence the WD.

I would say either would be better than nothing, but for the same price as a large can of WD40 you can get the same sized can of TF2 which is a lubricant. I've got a can of both, WD40 to shift any water and TF2 to lube afterwards.

I've no experience of 3-in-1 but as with WD40, I'm sure it's better than nothing.

[cycloret]

I think you've got it there Trigger, anything is better than nothing. I'll also add, anything used regularly is better than nothing.
It was a different matter when I used a bike to commute to work then I'd only oil the chain if I spotted some rust. Now before setting out, I always give the chain some oil but it's not WD40. I only use this after I've just washed the bike.

[gilesjuk]

Depends on the job in hand.

WD40 will get rusted and seized things moving again, but once they are moving again they will need proper lubrication to prevent wear.

3 in 1 was originally designed for bicycles, but in 1894. I think things have moved on since then, but it will still work on chains.

[reohn2]

Forget WD40,GT85 does a better job and is cleaner and cheaper.

I can't comment on 3in1 as I've only ever used it on oil stones and a few drops now and again in my nailgun.
I can comment on TF2 which is the best chain lube I've found to date and thats cheaper than WD40 too!

[BigG]

At the risk of incurring Mick F's wrath, I can report that I have been using 3-in-1 oil successfully on my chains since 1952! I currently get about 3000 miles before the chain fails my Cyclo gauge test at 0.75%. I then replace it. In earlier years, I simply replaced the chain, freewheel and chainrings when the chain began to jump sprockets. I have no record of the time intervals or mileages involved in those days.

[CREPELLO]

Put simply, WD40 contains very thin volatile oils and they just evapourate too quickly. They don't really lubricate that much when they are 'wet'.

3 in 1 is a different matter altogether. It is a proper oil and I gather some folks use it to good effect. I used to use it when I was younger, but now I use a green lube which is 100% waterproof and easy to rub of my hands apart from being eco friendly.

[reohn2]

At the risk of incurring Mick F's wrath, I can report that I have been using 3-in-1 oil successfully on my chains since 1952! I currently get about 3000 miles before the chain fails my Cyclo gauge test at 0.75%. I then replace it. In earlier years, I simply replaced the chain, freewheel and chainrings when the chain began to jump sprockets. I have no record of the time intervals or mileages involved in those days.

I got almost 6,000miles out of my last chain before it meaured 3/32" over on a foot steel rule.
At the risk also of suffereing MickF's wrath it was a Sram 870.

[songsforpolarbears]

Can you buy TF2 on the high street?

If not, can anyone recommend a lubricant which you can?

Thanks!

[DavidT]

Can you buy TF2 on the high street?

I can't direct you to any specific high street retailer, but I've found that TF2 (by Weldtite) has one of the most widespread distributions at retail level. Especially when comparing to the availability of Finish Line, White Lightning, Fenwicks etc. Keep looking, I'm sure you'll find it. I use TF2 - purchased from my LBSs (All 3 of them stock it, plus Halfords I think?). Good product, for my riding at least, and British made too.

[Trigger]

I bought two big cans online for just over £4 I think, bargain.

I did have a look in Halfords when I was there last but couldn't see any. I don't have an LBS, or at least one I know about that isn't just a peddler of cheap bike shaped objects.

[CREPELLO]

Can you buy TF2 on the high street?

If not, can anyone recommend a lubricant which you can?

Thanks!

Halfords sell it.
Wilkos used to sell it (perhaps still do)
An they sell 3 in 1, in a spray too.

[meic]

If i am thinking of the right stuff,TF2 in a green aerosol can, you can buy it in Tescos!

[worrywort]

Well here's my penn'rth.

I ride a fixed gear bike about 50 miles a week. The chain doesn't like being slack due to misalignment.
when I used wd40 to clean the chain and 3 in 1 to lube it, I had to take up the slack much more frequently then when I use finish line wet lube.
I'm now trialling pedros extra dry lube.

[yakdiver]

LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and hold firmly to all moving parts