Steam clean chain?

On Thu, 19 Jun 2003 23:11:35 GMT, Tom Parker <[email hidden]> from EarthLink Inc. --

url='http://www.earthlink.net/'http://www.EarthLink.net/url said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would get into all the nooks and
crannies and hopefully melt away the gunk. I could then towel everything down, further spin dry the
chain, and then re-lube. Seems like this wouldn't be any worse then hosing down the chain, or
getting caught in the rain. Or am I overlooking something?

A chain costs about 30 bucks, tops, unless you're getting a really fancy "racing" chain. You want to
spend 100 bucks to clean it?

Get some mineral spirits. Pour some in a jar. Put your chain in it. Agitate. Voila! Clean chain.

--
home.sport.rr.comcuthuluOpen ↗ human rights = peace Is this an out-take from the "BRADY BUNCH"?
7:19:16 PM 19 June 2003

Well, I would certainly be using the steam cleaner for lots of other clean up jobs ... bathrooms
come to mind, for one.

Also, it's partly a convenience thing. Seems simpler to blow a little steam on the chain and wipe it
try, rather than the more cumbersome chain removal and shake method. So hopefully I would keep the
chain in better shape than I would otherwise. It's not the cost of a chain so much, as a "quality of
life" issue (for the chain). :-)

-- Tom

Kevan Smith /\/\ said:

On Thu, 19 Jun 2003 23:11:35 GMT, Tom Parker <[email hidden]> from EarthLink Inc. --

url='http://www.earthlink.net/'http://www.EarthLink.net/url said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would get into all the nooks
and crannies and hopefully melt away the gunk. I could then towel everything down, further spin
dry the chain, and then re-lube. Seems like this wouldn't be any worse then hosing down the chain,
or getting caught in the rain. Or am I overlooking something?

A chain costs about 30 bucks, tops, unless you're getting a really fancy "racing" chain. You want
to spend 100 bucks to clean it?

Get some mineral spirits. Pour some in a jar. Put your chain in it. Agitate. Voila! Clean chain.

I'm certainly no expert but my bike dealer had some advice. I wanted to use an autmotive degreaser
and then hose it down. He explained that there is some risk of getting water in the bearings of the
hub and bottom bracket and didn't recommend it. I don't think he was against using water to wash
things, he just didn't like the idea of water under pressure. I don't think he'd like the steam
cleaner either unless you remove the chain from the bike to clean it.

Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it, I settled on getting the little chain cleaning machine
from Park Tools. It brushes the chain clean with solvent as you turn the crank. Then you can wash it
gently, dry it and then lube it. It works pretty well. I think Pedro's has a similar machine.

Fred

"Tom Parker" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Well, I would certainly be using the steam cleaner for lots of other clean up jobs ... bathrooms
come to mind, for one.

Also, it's partly a convenience thing. Seems simpler to blow a little steam on the chain and wipe
it try, rather than the more cumbersome chain removal and shake method. So hopefully I would keep
the chain in better shape than I would otherwise. It's not the cost of a chain so much, as a
"quality of life" issue (for the chain). :-)

-- Tom

Kevan Smith /\/\ said:

On Thu, 19 Jun 2003 23:11:35 GMT, Tom Parker <[email hidden]>

from

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

EarthLink Inc. -- url='http://www.earthlink.net/'http://www.EarthLink.net/url said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would get into all the nooks
and crannies and hopefully melt away the gunk. I could then towel everything down, further spin
dry the chain, and then re-lube. Seems like this wouldn't be any worse then hosing down the
chain, or getting caught in the rain. Or am I overlooking something?

A chain costs about 30 bucks, tops, unless you're getting a really fancy "racing" chain. You want
to spend 100 bucks to clean it?

Get some mineral spirits. Pour some in a jar. Put your chain in it.

Agitate.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Voila! Clean chain.

Tom Parker <[email hidden]> brightened my day with his incisive wit when in
"]news:[email hidden] he conjectured that:

Quoted message said:

Well, I would certainly be using the steam cleaner for lots of other clean up jobs ... bathrooms
come to mind, for one.

Also, it's partly a convenience thing. Seems simpler to blow a little steam on the chain and wipe
it try, rather than the more cumbersome chain removal and shake method. So hopefully I would keep
the chain in better shape than I would otherwise. It's not the cost of a chain so much, as a
"quality of life" issue (for the chain). :-)

-- Tom

Kevan Smith /\/\ said:

On Thu, 19 Jun 2003 23:11:35 GMT, Tom Parker <[email hidden]> from EarthLink Inc. --

url='http://www.earthlink.net/'http://www.EarthLink.net/url said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would get into all the nooks
and crannies and hopefully melt away the gunk. I could then towel everything down, further spin
dry the chain, and then re-lube. Seems like this wouldn't be any worse then hosing down the
chain, or getting caught in the rain. Or am I overlooking something?

A chain costs about 30 bucks, tops, unless you're getting a really fancy "racing" chain. You want
to spend 100 bucks to clean it?

Get some mineral spirits. Pour some in a jar. Put your chain in it. Agitate. Voila! Clean chain.

Campagnolo specifically warn against cleaning using high pressure "on the bike". Apparently water
can, and does, get into the bearings at high pressure. And I guess that when it's in there ....

--
Walter Mitty.

In article <[email hidden]>, Kevan Smith
<[email hidden]/\/\> says...

Quoted message said:

On Thu, 19 Jun 2003 23:11:35 GMT, Tom Parker <[email hidden]> from EarthLink Inc. --

url='http://www.earthlink.net/'http://www.EarthLink.net/url said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would get into all the nooks
and crannies and hopefully melt away the gunk. I could then towel everything down, further spin
dry the chain, and then re-lube. Seems like this wouldn't be any worse then hosing down the
chain, or getting caught in the rain. Or am I overlooking something?

A chain costs about 30 bucks, tops, unless you're getting a really fancy "racing" chain. You want
to spend 100 bucks to clean it?

Except that cleaner can be used for other things, and is a 1-time expense. It could be used for
years if it's decently made.

Quoted message said:

Get some mineral spirits. Pour some in a jar. Put your chain in it. Agitate. Voila! Clean chain.

Yep; my preferred method, too.

--
David Kerber An optimist says "Good morning, Lord." While a pessimist says "Good Lord,
it's morning".

Remove the ns_ from the address before e-mailing.

"Fred" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it, I settled on getting the little chain cleaning
machine from Park Tools. It brushes the chain clean with solvent as you turn the crank. Then you
can wash it gently, dry it and then lube it. It works pretty well. I think Pedro's has a similar
machine.

I tried one of those (not the Park), & made a much bigger mess than the 'shake in jar of
solvent' method.

"Walter Mitty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Campagnolo specifically warn against cleaning using high pressure "on the bike". Apparently water
can, and does, get into the bearings at high pressure. And I guess that when it's in there ....

Yeah, but then you see all those people with their $$$ bikes on roof racks buzzing along at 80 mph
in the rain...

Tom Parker <[email hidden]> wrote...

Quoted message said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good

Isn't "steam cleaner" a bit of a misnomer? All of the ones I've bought/rented all relied on hot tap
water (about 140 deg F).

MJ

"Fred" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it, I settled on getting the little chain cleaning
machine from Park Tools. It brushes the chain clean with solvent as you turn the crank. Then you
can wash it gently, dry it and then lube it. It works pretty well. I think Pedro's has a similar
machine.

These "machines" are complete [censored], having spent money on one one time. They don't do anything you
can't do with an old toothbrush, and a toothbrush is more versatile and easier to clean.

Claire Petersky ([email hidden]) Home of the meditative cyclist:
home.earthlink.netWelcome.htmOpen ↗ Singing with you at: tiferet.nettiferet.netOpen ↗ Books
just wanna be FREE! See what I mean at: bookcrossing.comCpeterskyOpen ↗

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> brightened my day with his incisive wit when in
news:zFCIa.41093$hz1.110623@sccrnsc01 he conjectured that:

Quoted message said:

"Walter Mitty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Campagnolo specifically warn against cleaning using high pressure "on the bike". Apparently water
can, and does, get into the bearings at high pressure. And I guess that when it's in there ....

Yeah, but then you see all those people with their $$$ bikes on roof racks buzzing along at 80 mph
in the rain...

True: but I would guess it's not the same as a high pressure hose sprayed directly into the bearing
casing. Most bikes are mounted lengthways on the roof rack and not side on.

--
Walter Mitty.

"Walter Mitty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> brightened my day with his

Quoted message said:

incisive wit when in news:zFCIa.41093$hz1.110623@sccrnsc01 he conjectured that:

Quoted message said:

"Walter Mitty" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Campagnolo specifically warn against cleaning using high pressure "on the bike". Apparently
water can, and does, get into the bearings at high pressure. And I guess that when it's in
there ....

Yeah, but then you see all those people with their $$$ bikes on roof racks buzzing along at 80
mph in the rain...

Quoted message said:

True: but I would guess it's not the same as a high pressure hose sprayed directly into the
bearing casing. Most bikes are mounted lengthways on the roof rack and not side on.

Headsets can get a pretty good blasting from riding on a roof rack, but better modern ones are
sealed well enough that it isn't a problem. If it's a concern, you can use one of those
Lizardskin covers.

Matt O.

According to the Sears web site it's 240 deg F (not 140).

Also, several folks have warned about the dangers of high pressure, but my understanding is that
this unit shoots out a more gentle steam mist, rather than a high pressure blast.

-- Tom

url='http://www.sears.co/'http://www.sears.co/url On 20 Jun 2003 07:01:26 -0700 said:

Tom Parker <[email hidden]> wrote...

Quoted message said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good

Isn't "steam cleaner" a bit of a misnomer? All of the ones I've bought/rented all relied on hot tap
water (about 140 deg F).

MJ

After years of off road riding and trying many techniques for cleaning, I find the high pressure
washers do more harm than good. If you put a nozzle a
1/4 of an inch from the surface you intend to clean expect A LOT of wate penetration into
bearings etc.

I find that the park chain cleaner or tooth brush to be just as effective without the collateral
damage--motorcycle experience included. So, clean the chain and don't blow water into your BB etc.
You will find that everything lasts longer. I believe the primary purpose of cleaning is to get the
grunge off the wear surfaces of the chain. "O" ring chain mfgr's say explicity NOT to pressure wash
because water gets in between the "O" ring and the links. The same holds true for bicycle chains.
The fit between surfaces is very tight. Therefore do not blow water into the links etc. Let the oil
grease maintain the barrier. As soon as you blow the greas out, your chain and other parts near by
will wear that much faster. Most good mechanics you a damp cloth to remove the clumps of dirt and do
nothing to impact the wear surfaces such as bearings.

Get dirty! It is part of the sport. Also, do not use solvents like gas or Kerosene which seep into
the aforementioned places. In the sumer time use a parrifin base lube. In the winter use a petroleum
based lube.

"Tom Parker" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

According to the Sears web site it's 240 deg F (not 140).

Also, several folks have warned about the dangers of high pressure, but my understanding is that
this unit shoots out a more gentle steam mist, rather than a high pressure blast.

-- Tom

url='http://www.sears.co/'http://www.sears.co/url On 20 Jun 2003 07:01:26 -0700 said:

Tom Parker <[email hidden]> wrote...

Quoted message said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good

Isn't "steam cleaner" a bit of a misnomer? All of the ones I've bought/rented all relied on hot
tap water (about 140 deg F).

MJ

But you didn't read my post. "Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it"

Fred

"Peter Cole" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:kECIa.42288$vq.9372@sccrnsc04...

Quoted message said:

"Fred" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it, I settled on getting the

little

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

chain cleaning machine from Park Tools. It brushes the chain clean with solvent as you turn the
crank. Then you can wash it gently, dry it and

then

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

lube it. It works pretty well. I think Pedro's has a similar machine.

I tried one of those (not the Park), & made a much bigger mess than the

'shake

Quoted message said:

in jar of solvent' method.

"Fred" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

But you didn't read my post. "Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it"

Yeah, but you didn't say why, the only reason I could think of was the messiness aspect.

Fred said:

... Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it....

My suggestion is to get a chain with a quick release link so it is easily removed from the bike. [1]
Even the 300 links of chain on my lowracer is easy to deal with since it has 3 SRAM Powerlinks.

[1] I refuse to purchase Shimano chains as long as they have that stupid design requiring new pins
to reconnect the break in the chain.

Tom Sherman - Quad Cities USA (Illinois side)

Tom Parker <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would

Most people have remarked on the obvious downside.

I'm surprised nobody else caught the obvious upside.

People are always complaining that their chain has "stretched" (sic).

When this happens to you, you can simply steam-clean the chain, and it will shrink back to its
original dimensions.

(running it through the "hot" cycle of the washing machine might
do the trick, although the manager at the laundromat might object).

Hope this helps.

"Tom Sherman" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Fred said:

... Not wanting to remove the chain to clean it....

My suggestion is to get a chain with a quick release link so it is easily removed from the bike.
[1] Even the 300 links of chain on my lowracer is easy to deal with since it has 3 SRAM
Powerlinks.

[1] I refuse to purchase Shimano chains as long as they have that stupid design requiring new pins
to reconnect the break in the chain.

I don't generally use Shimano chains either, but I've stopped using the Powerlinks since I've had so
many that didn't fit due to manufacturing tolerances being off. I find it easier just to use a tool.
I join Shimano chains with SRAM links left over from shortening new chains.

[email hidden] (mark freedman) wrote in message

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

I was looking at one of those Shark Steam Cleaners that Sears has for $100. I was thinking that
might be a good way to clean gunk off of my chain and rings, as it would

Back on the original topic, I used ours on my relatively clean chan on my race bike (road) and found
it to have very little effect. I didn't soak the chain in degreaser first though. Better to use a
power link and solvent wash.

Great for bathroom tiles tho'!

Robert