Bicycle chain rust can be a major annoyance, compromising not just the look but also the functionality of your ride. However, there is no need to panic!
You can restore the original appearance and functionality of your chain using a number of DIY techniques. The best ways to remove the surface rust from your bike chain are using WD-40, lime juice, baking soda, and vinegar.
In this blog post, I’ll explain some of the best ways, such as how to remove rust from bicycle chains, and how to use common household products like vinegar and WD-40. I’ll also share some important tips to prevent your bike chain from rust.
Let’s get started!
How to Remove Rust from Bicycle Chain?
You can only remove surface rust from bicycle chains. However, if your bicycle chain is heavily rusted or corroded, it is better to replace it with a new chain. In order to remove surface rust from the bike chains, use WD-40, lime juice, baking soda, vinegar, or coca-cola. These are some of the best ways to remove surface rust from the bike chains.
Here is the detailed procedure of each method of removing rust from bike chains. Let’s have a look.
Step By Step Procedure to Remove Surface Rust from Bicycle Chains
Follow these steps to clean off the rust particles from your bike chains.
Step 1: Assess Your Chain
Check your chain for any indications of significant rust or damage before you start. It may be necessary to replace the chain entirely if the rust has caused severe damage to the chain. For example, if you notice warping, metal deterioration, or other similar degradation, it is better to replace it with a new high quality chain.
To learn more about how long a bike chain lasts click here.
Step 2: Locate the Master Link on the Chain
These days, a master link is a common feature on modern bikes. This particular link in the chain makes its removal easier. Therefore, use this master link to remove the chain from your bicycle. However, keep in mind that many single-speed bikes usually don’t have this master link.
So, if you can’t see the link clearly, there are chances that your bike doesn’t have one.
What if your bicycle chain doesn’t have a master link?
If your bike chain doesn’t have a master link, try to use a chain tool to remove the chain. Insert the chain into the chain tool, making sure the tool’s pin lines up with a rivet in the chain.
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You can extract the rivet from the chain link by rotating the chain tool’s handle. Once the rivet is partly out, remove the chain from the bike.
Step 3: Clean the Chain
Apply the bike degreaser on the chain. Scrub the chain completely with a brush, specifically focusing on the rusty spots. Continue doing this until all debris, old lubrication, and loose rust flakes are removed from the chain.
Step 4: Remove the Rust from Bicycle Chain
Here are some of the best ways to remove rust from the bicycle chain. Choose one that suits your preferences and needs. You can use:
- WD-40 on rusty bike chains.
- Baking soda to remove rust from a bike.
- Vinegar, lime juice, or Coca-Cola to remove rust from a bike.
Let’s have a look at them in detail. So, stay with me.
How to Remove Rust from Bike Chains with WD-40?
An easy and quick way to remove rust and restore the condition of your rusty bike chain is to use WD-40. It is famous for its penetration and lubricating power. Therefore, it works well to remove rust particles from the bike chain’s surface.
Here is how you can remove rust from the bike chain by using WD-40.
- Place your bike in a stable position to make it accessible for thorough cleaning.
- Spray a large amount of WD-40 directly on the rusty areas. Ideally, you should spray enough to cover all the visible rust in the damaged areas.
- Allow it to penetrate for a few minutes. During this period, rust, and corrosion on the chain will start disintegrating.
- Then with the help of a brush, scrub the chain thoroughly. By doing this, rust and dirt particles will dislodge from chain links.
- Once the chain has been scrubbed, use a clean rag to remove excess WD-40 to prevent settling onto the chain.
- After cleaning the chain, allow it to dry for a few minutes, and then apply a proper lubricant.
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Expert Advice! Make sure you use WD-40 in a well-ventilated environment. Avoid prolonged skin contact or inhalation with it. Moreover, remember that WD-40 is not a proper lubricant; however, it is suitable for cleaning surface rust.
How to Remove Rust from Bike Chain Without Removing it?
Tools you need:
- Chain cleaner tool
- Turpentine/white spirit
- Towel to avoid spilling
Here’s what you need to remove rust from bicycle chain without removing it:
- Fill the chain cleaner tool with the turpentine or white spirit.
- Put the bike chain through the chain cleaner. Do this by rotating the crank. 50 rotations of the crank is enough.
- Then put a clean towel on the chain of your bike and do several rotations. This removes any remaining grease or dirt on your bike chain.
- When you see no dirt marks or mineral spirit on the towel, it’s time to stop. The chain has been properly cleaned now.
How to Remove Rust from a Bike Chain with Baking Soda?
Baking soda is a “mild cleaner”, so it won’t harm anything. But Don’t be fooled by the word “mild” here. It effectively repels the rust particles and accelerates its fading from the bike chain. The use of baking soda is more of a DIY or home-based method to remove rust from bike chains, you won’t see it in your local bike store.
Here is the step-by-step method to remove rust from bicycle chains with baking soda:
1. Make Paste of Baking Soda and Water
In a bowl, combine equal parts of warm water and baking soda. Consider increasing the baking soda ratio if the chain has a lot of rust on it. Stir the mixture until it becomes a paste. In case the rusting is quite severe, it might be beneficial to use some extra lemon juice into the mixture since it helps to strengthen the mixture.
2. Apply the Paste to Bike Chain
Use a wire brush (toothbrush) or a spatula to apply the mixture to the bike chain. Cover every part of the corroded sections equally with the paste. The ideal duration for optimum efficacy is fifteen minutes, so give it that long. The paste won’t be able to eliminate the rust if you leave it for less than 10 minutes because it won’t have time to set.
3. Scrub the Chain
You can use steel wool, a sponge, or a toothbrush to remove the paste. Hopefully, as you scrub, the rust will start to come off with the paste, exposing a shiny chain. Having said that, repeat the procedure if you’re not seeing a difference.
4. Rinse and Clean
Once you’re satisfied with the outcome, thoroughly dry your bike and rinse the chain to help stop further rusting. It is advisable to store your bike at a suitable dry place.
We are not through yet. Now, its time for some home remedies.
How to Remove Rust from Bicycle Chain with Vinegar/Coca-Cola/ Lime Juice?
Coca-Cola, vinegar, and several forms of citric acid are powerful enough to dissolve rust from bike chains. I would recommend you to put on plastic gloves before starting this procedure.
1. Fill Your Spray Bottle
Fill a spray bottle with vinegar, Coca-Cola, or a citric acid such as lime juice. As with baking soda, there is no set ratio to follow here; instead, it is all up to you and how terrible the rust on your bike is.
2. Spray Your Bike Chain
Before spraying, encircle an extra toothbrush with a small piece of tin foil. After giving the corroded region a spray, scrub the affected region with the toothbrush.
3. Add Baking Soda if Required
If adding vinegar or Coca-Cola to the mixture doesn’t work, try adding some baking soda. This will strengthen the mixture and assist in rust removal. It is important to remember not to add too much baking soda because this could make the mixture excessively powerful and harm your bike. After the mixture is well combined, spray the impacted regions and give them another scrub!
Want to avoid the hassle of scrubbing away rust? Follow this step!
4. Soak Rusty Parts
If you want to avoid the hassle of scrubbing away rust with a wire brush, consider soaking the rusty areas of your bike in the vinegar or Cola mixture. Allow the components to sit in the mixture for approximately 10 minutes. After that, rinse it thoroughly with clean water.
Make sure not to keep anything in the solution for too long as this could be harmful for the bike parts.
Hopefully, by now your bike chain will be clean. So, move to the final steps.
5. Lubricate and Reattach the Chain
Lubricate the entire length of the bike chain with a generous amount of chain lube. Reinstall the chain on the bike using the chain tool to make sure the drivetrain functions properly. Turn the pedals to make sure the chain slides smoothly and easily. Verify whether there are any indications of residual rust or strange friction.
Expert Advice: Use a lubricant made especially for bicycle chains to guarantee corrosion prevention and seamless functioning. Need a bicycle chain lubricant? Order it now from Amazon.
How To Prevent Your Bike Chain From Rust?
Here are some of the tips and tricks that you must know to avoid your bike chain from rusting:
- Regularly clean and oil your bike chain, particularly after riding in muddy or rainy conditions.
- If you want to shield the chain from moisture and dirt, think about putting a chain protector.
- Store your bike in a dry place to avoid exposure to moisture and humidity.
Final Thoughts
By following these tips and guidelines, you can effectively remove rust from your bike chain and maintain its best condition for smoother rides and longer durability. Remember that maintaining your bike’s performance and having a chain free of rust is essential to enjoy many rides.
FAQs
When should you replace the bike chain?
Consider replacing your bike chain if it is subject to following conditions:
- If there are hard, frozen links in the chain, it may not be repairable and needs to be replaced.
- It would be better to replace the chain if it is severely corroded and doesn’t move smoothly.
- When the chain becomes stretched, consider replacing it with a new one.
How to remove rust from a bike chain at home?
You can remove rust from a bike chain at home by using baking soda. Make a paste of baking soda and water and then apply this mixture to the rusty areas and scrub. Give the chain a thorough cleaning with water and let it air dry completely before lubricating it.
Can you ride with a rusty chain?
It is not advisable to ride with a rusty chain since it might cause damage to other bike components and make the ride uncomfortable. Therefore, it is better to address the problem right away.
How to remove rust from a bike chain without removing it?
You can remove the rust from a bike chain without removing it, by using a brush and WD-40. Spray WD-40 on the chain and allow it to stay for a few minutes. Scrub with the brush and then rinse the chain with water or cloth.
What’s the best way to remove rust from your chain?
The best way to remove rust from your bike chain is the use of mechanical and chemical techniques. To do this first use a brush to clean your bike chain. After this, you can use vinegar, baking soda, and lime juice to remove rust. Scrub the chain with a clean rag until the chain completely gets free from the rust.