Hot take: ultrasonic cleaning is way overrated for most drivetrain work

Spent $300 on a unit 6 months ago after everyone swore by it, but I get better results just using a Park Tool chain cleaner and some biodegradable degreaser on the bench, so who else found this not worth the hype?

2 comments

2 Comments

nina_lane161mo ago

$300 is actually on the cheap end for a decent ultrasonic. Those little $100 ones from Amazon are basically useless for anything bigger than a single chain. I got a 6L industrial one used for $150 and it's a game changer for disassembled derailleur pulleys and jockey wheels where degreaser can't reach. But you're right that a good soak and scrub works fine for most stuff if your chain isn't caked in mud. The real win with ultrasonic is getting into tight spots like inside hollow pins or behind cassette lockrings where a brush can't touch.

hugobarnes1mo ago

You're not wrong about the cheap ones being useless lol. But I gotta push back a bit on the used industrial thing. Most of those are meant for metal parts with aggressive solvents, not bike parts with sensitive seals and bearings. I've seen people melt jockey wheel bushings and fry O-rings using industrial units because they run at way higher frequencies and temps than home models. Even the better consumer units like the ones from Vevor or Crest have that issue if you crank the heat. A Park Tool CM-5.3 or the Cyclone chain cleaner with some simple green is still my go-to for 90% of my jobs, and it costs like $40. The ultrasonic is really only worth it if you're rebuilding a whole groupset every month.