How to Free a Rusted Chain

Leave your bicycle out in the rain or elements and chances are high you end up with a rusty and locked-up chain. When rust forms, it gets into the moving parts of the chain and causes "crepitus," a grinding that makes it difficult to move the chain. Remove the rust and free the chain back up for use. The process to remove the rust gets started while the chain is still on the bike. Once the chain is free and moving, decide if you wish to remove the chain and soak it in a full-on rust-removing solution.

Things You'll Need

  • Old toothbrush
  • Spray-on solvent (WD-40)
  • Rags
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Instructions

    • 1

      Spray the entire chain with a generous portion of the solvent. Expect to see the solvent dripping off the chain as a guide for how much of it to use. Let the solvent sit on the rusted chain for a few minutes to work into the small crevices around each link.

    • 2

      Add some solvent to a cup and dip the toothbrush into the solvent. Scrub each chain link vigorously with the solvent-soaked brush. Wipe down the chain with the rag. Pull on each link to "crack it" and wipe as you go.

    • 3

      Lift the rear wheel of the bike off the ground and hand-turn the pedals to get the chain moving and free again. Spray the chain down once more and wipe it off. Turn the cranks and pedals to further free the chain.

    • 4

      Inspect each link and decide if you want to remove the chain and soak it in solvent. As a general rule, if there is more than 50 percent of the chain links with rust still present, take it off and soak it in solvent. Let it dry, then dip it into bicycle chain lubricant or oil before placing it back on the bicycle.