What is a bicycle chain cleaner?

Problems with the chain are one of the most common causes of breakdown of the mechanical part of two-wheeled vehicles. To avoid troubles will allow timely cleaning. To do this, you can use any improvised means. However, to increase the speed and convenience of the procedure will allow a special machine for cleaning the chain.

Structure and operating principle

The machine for cleaning the bicycle chain is extremely simple structure. The device is presented in the form of a conventional plastic box with a handle, in the middle of which there are several rows of gears with brushes.

The chain is placed between the gears, after which the components of the housing of the device are connected. Further, thanks to the rotation of the pedals, the brushes of the machine begin to actively suspend the chain, clearing of contaminants. Beforehand, a soapy liquid is poured into the middle of the device, which changes several times as work is completed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compared to hand brushes, the machine for cleaning the chain has one obvious advantage: for the task it is not necessary to disassemble the running gear of the bicycle. Among other things, the device makes it possible to remove contaminants very quickly without any extra effort. Ultimately, a special machine allows you to reduce the cost of expensive detergents.

The only disadvantage is not very effective cleaning of the internal surfaces of the chain links. On the other hand, if you devote more time to the procedure, before filling the reservoir with more liquid, the problem can be easily eliminated.

A machine for cleaning the chain with your own hands

In reality, it is not necessary to spend money on the purchase of a factory device. With a great desire, an impromptu machine for cleaning a chain can be made from improvised means. Let's look at several suitable solutions that will help to cope with this task.

The simplest machine for cleaning a motorcycle or bicycle chain can be made from a conventional plastic bottle. To start with a clerical knife, a strip of material is cut out so that the container acquires a contour of the tank, the shape of which is suitable for laying the chain. Next, the homemade device is filled with detergent. As a cleaning device is most convenient to use an old toothbrush, which is superimposed on the chain and held by fingers.

With the following method, the machine for cleaning the chain from a plastic bottle can be slightly upgraded. To implement the solution will require: several toothbrushes, a lighter and waterproof glue.

Brush heads are heated on an open flame and bent so that when they are formed between the bristles an opening is formed that is sufficient for the passage of the chain. Finally, the brushes are firmly bonded together. The device is placed on the chain, placed in the same plastic bottle with detergent.

Than to grease a chain?

The obvious solution here is oil. However, despite the high ability to reduce friction, lubricants in this category are sticky enough. Therefore, any dust and dirt readily adhere to the chain, covered with oil. As a result, in order to prevent the breakdown of bicycle components, cleaning should be done fairly regularly, which causes inconvenience.

It is most rational to use a special teflon lubricant for chain treatment. When applied on the surface, the agent forms a very thin film that does not allow dirt to penetrate into the joints.

Virtually all sporting goods stores can buy Teflon grease. However, buying a product in the form of a spray is not the most economical solution. The optimal option in terms of lubricant consumption is the acquisition of a substance in a bubble with a narrow neck.

Finally

As practice shows, specialized machines for cleaning the chain are the ideal solution for the planned maintenance of two-wheeled vehicles. Such miracle-devices cost an average of about 500 rubles. And even the use of the simplest devices of Chinese production gives a pretty good result.