PSA: Stop using WD-40 on your bike chain - it's not lube

I used to spray WD-40 on my chain every couple weeks until a shop mechanic in Portland told me it just strips the factory grease and leaves nothing behind. Switched to a $12 bottle of dry lube last summer and my drivetrain actually lasts more than 3 months now - anyone else fall for that myth too?

2 comments

2 Comments

mary_kelly20d ago

My buddy tried to use WD-40 to fix a squeaky door hinge once and ended up locking himself out of his own bathroom for three hours. The door just wouldn't budge after he sprayed it. That stuff has its place but bike chains definitely aren't it. I learned the hard way too back when I thought any spray could do the job. Now I just use a basic chain lube and keep the WD-40 for rusty bolts and stuck zippers.

black.mark20d ago

Honestly, WD-40 isn't really a lubricant anyway, it's more of a solvent and water displacer. That's probably why it made the door stick after it dried out and left everything sticky. Ngl, it's great for freeing up rusted stuff but you're right, proper chain lube is the way to go for anything that needs to stay moving smooth.