How to remove rust from bike chain with WD-40

People are constantly debating the use of WD-40 and it’s ability to lubricate bicycle chains, bearings and other moving parts. The one place where there is no debate is WD-40’s ability to remove rust from a bike chain. WD-40 is a solvent that is great at removing many materials from metal – and the prime thing that it is great at eating away at is rust. We want to show you how to remove rust from bike chain with WD-40. If you just bought a used or vintage bike, then you may have some rust, or you just haven’t used yours in a while, you don’t need to go out and buy another chain – typically they’re $20 to $30 – You can just use WD-40. Don’t forget to lube your chain afterwards with a true chain lubricant (Standard WD-40 is good for cleaning, but not good as a long term solution for lubricant).

In this post we will go over step by step how to remove rust from your bike chain at home. We will also discuss in what specific circumstances WD-40 is good for when using on a bicycle chain. Finally we will talk about the best lubricant for a bike chain – because WD-40 is not the best lubricant for bike chains. By the end of this post you should have an understanding of how WD-40 works, it’s relationship with metal and as a solvent, and an understanding of what makes a great bicycle lubricant.

If you are looking for a good bicycle lubricant, the spoiler is WD-40 makes the best bicycle lubricant. The difference is this is specifically chain lubricant rather than the standard solvent WD-40 is.

How to remove rust from bike chain with WD-40

Make sure that you have a towel underneath because the rust and other debris and grime will drip. Ideally you will be outside, though you can do this inside if you open all of your windows.

There are 4 steps to remove rust from bike chain with WD-40:

1. Lay out a towel underneath your bike that can capture grease stains and rust stains.
2. Spray your chain evenly with WD-40 spray: If you don’t have a bicycle stand, follow this link for good ways to evenly spray your bicycle chain without a stand.
3. Scrub your chain with fine sand paper.
4. Wipe away the residue and rust.

How does WD-40 work on a bicycle chain?

Because WD-40 is a solvent, the rust will dissolve off of the bicycle chain. It really is like magic, except well it’s reality. This is also the case with other pieces of grime, and dirt. It breaks it apart and it will drip off of the chain after rubbing it. 

The reason why people think WD-40 is a great lubricant is because it actually cleans the material that it was just sprayed with very well. 

The reason why it is a good solvent and not a good lubricant comes in two part: 

• it will dry out shortly after 
• it does not create a protective casing that wicks other future pieces of debris away

A good lubricant will not dry out and will create a protective casing to wick other pieces of debris away.

What is best lubricant for bike chain?

The best lubricant for bike chain is made by WD-40 though it is not standard WD-40. The price is right, and it will always keep your chain slick. It creates a fine protective layer and does not dry out. I don’t ride my bike in the rain often, though when I do in the bay area comes back still lubricated.

If you are riding in the rain often are a gravel biker, cycle-cross or anything that is not dry, try this lubricant.

Do not mistake the use of grease bearing lubricant for a bike chain. It is too thick and will attract debris and get items caught in your drive-train.

Conclusion

You should now know how to remove rust from bike chain with WD-40. It is a simple solvent that is great to use when needing to remove rust from your bike chain. If you are in a pinch you can use it as a short term (time frame: hours) lubricant, but it is recommended that you find a good bike chain lubricant in general. WD-40 makes a great standard bike chain lubricant and rain/mud bike chain lubricant to help. Do not mistake bike bearing lubricants for bike chain lubricants, they are too thick for bike chains and will attract debris.