Cleaning Chains

[AaronB]

What do you use? Is just any home cleaner good enough, I want to put some in a tub and put the chains in it and use a brush to clean them real good.

Thanks

 

[redoakneck]

WD-40, kerosene, gas,-- all work well, use a wire brush. Brake cleaner or acetone also. I use whatever I have handy that is cheap or free.

 

[Fifelaker]

What is on them that needs to come off?

 

[AaronB]

What is on them that needs to come off?

Mostly just the pitch and gum from milling, some of its caked on there pretty good, used some chains longer than I should of, just want to clean them before sharpening this time.

 

[Currently]

Mostly just the pitch and gum from milling, some of its caked on there pretty good, used some chains longer than I should of, just want to clean them before sharpening this time.

Cut some "sour" wood.

I also use turpentine, soak them for a week in a empty paint can I bought at Ace, hang to dry. Then I beat the chain with a hardwood dowel and the dried out pitch flakes off.

Sour wood works the best.

 

[BobL]

Seen this.
ChainCleaner - YouTube

Since building it I have only used it about 3 times as I have not been cutting much gummy wood.

Painting the chain in Diesel and leaving it overnight is a good way to loosen the gum.