Wax or oil

[Goggins]

Hi, just to see what is the “better” solution for keeping a chain well maintained, wax or oil?

[Si Click]

Scottoiler IMHO.  Set it up correctly, keep the reservoir filled and the chain and sprockets will last a very, very long time.

[Goggins]

Thanks for that. How is it for mess etc. Mine has only had wax on it and it seems to have got everywhere. It’s also a nightmare to keep all the other bits clean once the wax gets on them.

[stubax]

A little dab of Gunk or similar will quickly remove the wax from areas where its not wanted, wipe with a damp cloth afterwards.

[Goggins]

A little dab of Gunk or similar will quickly remove the wax from areas where its not wanted, wipe with a damp cloth afterwards.

Cheers, I will give that a try. Is there a specific one as looking online they seem to mostly remove oil but no mention of wax. In your experience would you have a preference re. initial question?
Regards

[Skids]

Originally Posted by Goggins

Hi, just to see what is the “better” solution for keeping a chain well maintained, wax or oil?

To my mind, common sense would dictate oil would be better as it is more likely to penetrate to the surfaces that require lubrication whereas wax will tend to stay where it is sprayed. I acquired some wax recently and whilst it makes the chain look like it is being well lubricated, I'm not convinced it is doing a proper job.

I agree with Si Click in that using an chain oiler appears to extend chain life considerably. I have used a Scottoiler before but had difficulty setting it up so that the oil didn't get sprayed everywhere, but at least it took away the need to have a good routine of manual chain lubrication.

I currently use a Cobbra chain oiler, recommended on this site, which I am very pleased with. It's clean and once in the routine of manually activating it immediately after every tank refuel, it seems to do its job well.

JMHO.

[Si Click]

Originally Posted by Goggins

Thanks for that. How is it for mess etc. Mine has only had wax on it and it seems to have got everywhere. It’s also a nightmare to keep all the other bits clean once the wax gets on them.

Correctly setup and adjusted there should be little if any mess.  However, as Skids has suggested, getting a Scottoiler set up properly can be a faff.  I've not tried a Cobbra, but it sounds like it is worth considering.

[stubax]

I prefer to use chain waxes from Aerosols, less mess, and the modern version of Gunk, it removes unwanted chain wax no problem.

[Goggins]

Thanks for all the suggestions above, definitely a few different Oiler’s to look at if I go down that route. Might try one of them once the current chain/sprockets need replacing.

[Si Click]

Why wait?  Fit an oiler and your current set may last a very long time indeed.
I fitted a Scottoiler to my old VFR800 FiX when I bought it new and only replaced the chain and sprockets at about 36,000 miles - and then only out of guilt not due to wear.

My current 2011 CR with Scottoiler is still on the originals and not showing any signs of wear yet.