Rem Oil is becoming increasingly popular for lubricating other equipment. As a result, we are frequently asked if gun oil may be used on a bicycle chain.
Commonly used in weaponry, gun oil is referred to as CLP, which means clean, lubricate, and protect. The oil not only removes the dirt and grime but also lubricates the moving parts of the gun and protects them against the damage resulting from corrosion. So, can it do all of this stuff on a bike as well?
You can use gun oil to lubricate your bike. It will smarm down your chain while also protecting it from rust and oxidation. Gun oil is especially useful for military personnel who have tons of it available. Spray gun oil is preferable to wet gun oil, which is drippy and requires cleaning after use.
The use of gun oil on bike chains is practical because oil serves the same purpose in both cases: it prevents metal-to-metal contact. The only significant difference you may find between guns and bicycles is the rate of heat production. Bikes don't produce nearly as much heat as firearms. As a result, gun lube must be able to dissipate heat and stay put. Consider it a bonus point for chain performance if you use gun oil.
There are a variety of mineral and synthetic oils that can be used to lubricate bike chains. After assessing the performance of each, we've listed out a few substitutes for bike-specific lubes that outperformed others when used for lubrication of our bikes.
Can You Use Gun Oil on the Bike Chain?
Yes, absolutely! You can use gun oil on your bike chain. Because it's a heavy-duty oil, it's ideal for lubricating bike chains. It has corrosion preventives in it, which are going to protect your chain from rust, especially during rainy seasons.
Gun oil is a petroleum-based oil that has been refined to a high degree. It contains anti-wear additives and antioxidants for maximum protection of metallic components. It also contains viscosity modifiers, which change the viscosity of the lube with temperature and allow it to slide down into the chain links after a long ride.
The wet gun oil is generally drippy and may stain your clothes while you're riding. We, therefore, prefer a more dry lube which is in the form of spray gun oil, for example, Remington's Rem Oil. It is a semi-dry lube that is difficult to get off. The base oil of this lube is a volatile petroleum substance that evaporates shortly after application, leaving behind a thin film of lubricant on the chain.
The Benefits of Using Gun Oil on Bike Chains
- Gun oil provides excellent lubrication for a variety of equipment, including bike chains and drivetrains.
- Aside from lubrication, it also contains antioxidants and rust preventives that protect the metal parts of your chain and drive-train system from corrosion and rust.
- Some Teflon-based advanced gun oils also clean the existing grime on the chain, replacing it with a new layer of lubricant. This is the reason you call them CLP: clean, protect, and lubricate.
- Gun oil is made to penetrate into the tiniest spaces between metal parts, especially when they heat up due to overuse.
- Both the wet and spray gun oil form a sticky and long-lasting layer that helps to prevent abrasion resulting from metal-to-metal contact.
- The oil is moisture resistant and quickly removes even small drops of water, thus protecting the chain from oxidation.
Considerations While Using Gun Oil on a Bike Chain
- Because the bike chain is more exposed to the environment than the gun parts, the liquid gun oil drips all over the place when applied to it. Don't forget to cover your floor with something to protect it.
- After applying the oil to your bicycle chain, wipe away any excess lube with a rag to prevent dirt from adhering to it during your rides.
- Because gun oil, whether in liquid or spray form, never seems to dry completely, you should avoid staining your clothes.
The Properties of an Ideal Bike Lube
- An ideal bike chain lube should not fling off the chain during high speeds, long distances, and mild rain.
- It should not damage the O rings and X rings of your bike chain by offering resistance.
- The lube should form a decent coating on the chain to prevent metal-to-metal contact.
- An ideal lube should keep your chain away from rust and oxidative damage.
- It should not attract filth and grime when the bike goes through dusty terrain.
Other Alternatives to Bike Lube
We've tried a few other lubes on our bikes and found that they work well as bike-specific lubes. Some of these are the following:
Silicone Spray
Silicone spray can also be used to lubricate your bike chain if you are not a bike enthusiast and ride your bike for the majority of the day. Its application is really easy and time-saving. It has a volatile solvent in it that evaporates, leaving a lubricant layer on the surface. Unless it is washed away by rain, it functions exactly like spray gun oil.
Vaseline
Vaseline or petroleum jelly may not be the ideal bike lube, but it is the cheapest lubricant you can find at home easily. It also protects metals from abrasion and, to some extent, prevents rusting. As a result, if you've run out of your bike lube, we recommend using Vaseline every now and then.
Chainsaw Oil
Chainsaw or bar oil can also be used as a wet lube for bike chains. It is highly viscous and sticky, which makes it the best lubricant for riding in rainy weather because it is not easily washed away by excessive moisture. This oil also has a few additives for anti-rust protection.
Clipper Oil
Clipper oil is an anti-rust oil that you can use to lubricate your bike chain sometimes. It is a mineral oil that forms a very thin layer of lubricant and may need reapplication after riding your bike for a while. But, if your main concern is rust protection, you can definitely go for it.
3-In-1 Oil
The 3-in-1 oil contains a naphthenic base oil, which is also a great option for bike chain applications. In fact, several bike-specific lubes also contain naphthenic base oil. 3-in-1 oil is best known for its high freezing point, which makes it appropriate for use in winter. It undergoes a little oxidation and has an appropriate viscosity for a bike lube. We've found it to perform better than several other bike-specific lubes available out there.
Can You Leave Your Bike Chain Unlubricated?
It's not a good idea to leave your bike chain unlubricated, especially if you ride your bike very often. An unlubricated bike chain will offer resistance to your motion through all of your road trips. A bike chain becomes more prone to rust and frictional damage if it is not properly lubricated. Due to wear and tear, unlubricated chains are also prone to breaking.
It is therefore critical to keep your bike chain properly lubricated in order to get the best performance out of it. It will decrease the likelihood of your chain breaking, increasing its durability. If you don't have any bike-specific lube on hand, you can lubricate your chain with gun oil, chainsaw oil, or any other alternative.
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