Chain Maintenance / Lubrication

Now here's a topic that draws lots of comments!
Anyway if you've got this far and are somewhat discouraged with your current methods you might try mine. Around 20 years ago after reading several riders methods on chain maintenance I adopted the following technique.

Obtain a Fry Daddy from the local thrift store or the basement. Since the Dr put me on a low fat/cholestrol diet it wasn't too much of a hardship. You'll also need a thermometer capable of 250 -300 degrees, a three blocks of wax from the grocery and (get this) a pint of motor oil, I use 10W30 since that is what my vehicles use. Plug in the Fry Daddy with the wax and motor oil and heat to around 230 degrees or just above the boiling point of water.. The wax and oil will mix with a little help using a spoon or piece of wood. Use an old spoke or coat hanger approximately eight inches in length with a hook bent on one end. Engage the hook at the middle of the length of chain then VERY CAREFULLY lower the chain into the brew, you can unplug the Fry daddy now. You'll want to allow the chain to fold back and forth when lowering it into the brew to help prevent it from tangling when removed. I usually allow the chains to remain imersed a minimum of five minutes to assure full penetration of the mix in to the links. This also boils out any water after that ride in the rain. It really cracks and pops untill the water is gone.

Carefully lift the chain out of the wax/oil allowing the excess to drip back into the Fry Daddy. When it stops dripping the chain is then wiped down with a rag to remove excess wax/oil. After cooling for a few minutes the chain is replaced on the bike. I have also installed it immediately wearing a pair of gloves when the road was calling.

When the Fry Daddy cools down the mixture will turn solid.

Pros:
1. The wax/oil job lasts much longer than pure wax job
2. Being emersed in the brew it assures penetration of the lube deep into the critical wear points of the chain.
2. We don't get any of those ugly grease marks if we get too close to the chain
3. Wheels, hubs and cranks stay clean and don't draw dirt (not sticky like oil)
4. Since the chain is not sticky it doesn't draw dirt, you can just remove the chain from the bike and drop it into the hot mix. Any dirt that has accumulated drops to the bottom of the fryer

Cons
1. Some may think it’s more work since yu remove the chain, maybe but if you do all
your bikes at one time it’s pretty quick
2. If the brew gets too hot it produces a smoke so do it in the garage
3. The kids might not like the taste of their french fries

Now for those of you who think this is a bunch of BS and are ready to spam the idea, give it a try first. Several of my riding friends have picked up on the technique and use it regularily.

If you really want to delve into this subject and see some examples of extreme chain wear check out Sheldon Brown’s views on chain maintenance.
Charlie