Workshop: How to wax your chain

Words: Ben Milivojevic                                                                                   Photos: Ben Sykes

Chain waxing is not as hard as or time consuming as people think. The extra few minutes to wax a chain at the start saves you that time in the long run as you’re not having to clean the drivetrain all the time. Not only will you have a clean and more efficient drivetrain, it will last so much longer not running in a black grinding paste.
 
Things you will need:

• Wax (food grade NOT candles)
• Slow cooker (no bigger than 3.5L)
• New chain
• Master link removal tool
• Swishing tool (made from a coat hanger)
• Mineral turpentine
• Methylated spirits
• Cleaning brushes
• Container

Click through the gallery at the top fo the page for the step-by-step guide to waxing you chain.

Q & A
Q – Do I need to clean my chain/drivetrain anymore?
A – No, you may like to brush out the flaked off wax in-between the cassette cogs every 2000km.
 
Q – Can I simply take my chain off and re-wax without cleaning?
A – Yes, if you like before the waxing procedure pour boiling water on to the chain to melt the old wax, dry and simply re-wax.
 
Q – How long will the wax last?
A – You should get around 300km before the re-waxing is needed (this will vary with riding conditions).
 
Q – Why does my chain sound dry?
A – Your chain is coated in a solid wax so a little metal on metal noise is common.

Find out about the Bicycle Mechanic Training Institute HERE