Chain problems are one of the most common causes of breakdown of the mechanical part of a two-wheeled vehicle. Timely cleaning will avoid trouble. To do this, you can use any means at hand. However, to increase the speed and convenience of the procedure will allow a special machine for cleaning the chain.
Structure and principle of action
The bicycle chain cleaner is extremely simple in construction. A 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 connection of the components of the device. Further, due to the rotation of the pedals, the brushes of the machine begin to actively lash the chain, cleaning them from pollution. Previously, soapy liquid is poured into the middle of the fixture, which changes several times as the work progresses.
Advantages and disadvantages
Compared to manual brushes, the chain cleaning machine has one obvious advantage - it does not require disassembling the undercarriage of the bicycle to complete the task . Among other things, the device makes it possible to quickly remove contaminants without unnecessary effort. Ultimately, a special machine can reduce the cost of expensive detergents.
The only negative 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, after pouring more liquid into the tank, the problem can easily be eliminated.
DIY chain cleaner
In fact, it is not necessary to spend money on the purchase of a factory device. With a great desire, an improvised machine for cleaning the chain can be made from improvised means. Let's look at a few suitable solutions that will cope with such a task.
The simplest machine for cleaning a motorcycle or bicycle chain can be made from a regular plastic bottle. First, a strip of material is cut out with a clerical knife, so that the container takes on the shape of a tank, the shape of which is suitable for laying the chain. Next, a homemade device is filled with detergent. As a cleaning tool, it is most convenient to use an old toothbrush, which is applied over the chain and held by fingers.
Using the following method, the machine for cleaning the chain from a plastic bottle can be somewhat modernized. To implement the solution you will need: several toothbrushes, a lighter and waterproof glue.
The brush heads are heated in an open flame and bent so that when they are drawn up between the bristles, an opening is formed sufficient for the chain to pass. At the end, the brushes firmly adhere to each other. The device is superimposed on a chain placed in the same plastic bottle with a detergent.
How to lubricate the chain?
The obvious solution here is oil. However, despite the high ability to reduce friction, lubricants in this category are quite sticky. Therefore, any dust and dirt willingly stick to the chain, coated with oil. As a result, to prevent the breakdown of bicycle components, cleaning has to be done regularly enough, which is inconvenient.
It is most rational to use special Teflon grease for chain processing. When applied to the surface, the agent forms a thinnest film, which does not allow dirt to penetrate the joints.
Teflon grease can be purchased at almost all sporting goods stores. Moreover, the purchase of funds in the form of a spray is not the most economical solution. The best option in terms of lubricant consumption is the acquisition of a substance in a bottle with a narrow neck.
Finally
As practice shows, specialized machines for cleaning the chain are the ideal solution for the scheduled maintenance of two-wheeled vehicles. Such miracle devices cost an average of about 500 rubles. Moreover, even the use of the simplest devices made in China gives a pretty good result.