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I've finally got around to buying some Putoline chain wax 🙂
What fryer is best for applying it?
Assuming it's better and easier to decant the wax into something with a mesh basket, so you can let the chain drip dry without handling it, and keep the wax in there for future use.
I don't like the idea of just heating the tin on the hob each time (and I suspect my wife wouldn't like it either!)
Something like this?
Or a plug in one like this?
I used to just use an old saucepan over a gas ring and hooked a bit of wire into one end of the chain before I put it in the wax.
Then I fished it out with the wire and hung it up over the saucepan to drip.
I thought of this, but liked the idea of having a basket - saves hanging up the chain, and potentially dripping everywhere.
Maybe I'm overthinking it!
The 15 quid one from Argos in your pic above. Super easy and saves you cooking up in the kitchen and stinking the place up
Edit: now only 13.99!
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7173961
Plug in one with a lid
(link didn't work but same as in previous post)
Also, don't let it cool down completely in the basket.... once it's been properly dunked and swilled you lift the basket and hook over the edge to drain a bit, and turn the DFF off. I then have an old spoke bent into a s-shape to lift it out of the basket (hook through the chain, not round it) and hang it over a nail in a rafter, and let it cool down stretched out. I also just gently run a paper towel over the outside to remove any real excess from the outer as I'm straightening it out.
Cool, it's currently on sale for £14 and I can click & collect tomorrow.
Jobs a good 'un!
I do exactly what @theotherjonv does. Cheap £15 DFF and the Putoline stays in it. Lid is very handy (I left mine switched on with a very small amount of wax in it and it caught fire while my back was turned. Luckily I saw the flames and promptly flipped the lid shut). I do suggest you have a fire blanket or something nearby. I have a fire extinguisher on the wall but fortunately the lid put the fire out!
Surely you have a wee corner of your garden you could just have a wee fire or a meths stove? Seems wasteful buying a DFF just fir this, and a bit dodgy as well!
Closed lid fryer with a basket.
It stinks, don't do it in the house (I'm tempted to do the next one outside using an extension lead on the fryer).
I use the tin it comes in, with a cartridge type camping gas stove, it’s wide and flat so very stable. I’ve made a wire basket type thing.
Good point about the fire blanket though.
This:
Closed lid fryer with a basket
Seems safer than this:
I use the tin it comes in, with a cartridge type camping gas stove
I can use it on the worktop in the garage with the door open, and keep an eye on it.
Got a fire blanket too.
A fryer designed for heating chip fat should be up to heating chain wax, definitely safer than crouching over a camping stove.
and no open flame to light any vapours.
Surely you have a wee corner of your garden you could just have a wee fire or a meths stove? Seems wasteful buying a DFF just fir this, and a bit dodgy as well!
For the sake of a tenner, it makes it a really easy job.
It stinks, don’t do it in the house (I’m tempted to do the next one outside using an extension lead on the fryer).
That's what I do.
I just put the tin on a camping stove in the garage
Surely you have a wee corner of your garden you could just have a wee fire or a meths stove? Seems wasteful buying a DFF just fir this, and a bit dodgy as well!
For the sake of a tenner, it makes it a really easy job.
It does however mean we're unlikely to get an upgrade on the Sudocrem thread...
"Putolined the neighbours' cat"
I used a camping stove under the tin for the first application. Overall a bit messy and struggled to get the heat balanced with the size of the tin. I’ve just bought the Argos dff for the 2nd attempt, after several months of commuting
The cheap DFF is a no brainer really, it's just so easy and convenient once you have your wax loaded. No messing about just stick it on the bench, plug in and switch on.
Yep, I too used a camping stove first time, not too bad put a bit of a palaver, then bought the cheapo Argos DFF. Makes it an absolute doddle, 10 minute job tops from switching on the fryer to replacing the (still warm) chain on the bike.
In fact we became a fully Putolined household yesterday when I finally did the chain on my 'nice' roadie.
I use the argos one, dead easy as I don’t need to use it in the kitchen.
If your wife is understanding, the pan with basket is just as good.
Just press the button at top
https://www.putoline.com/en/catalogue/maintenance_chain-lubricants/758/tech-chain/1766/
Just press the button at top
https://www.putoline.com/en/catalogue/maintenance_chain-lubricants/758/tech-chain/1766//blockquote >I think the putoline devotees would say that £9-£13 spray can defeats the objective of putoline versus dedicated bike lubes....in that the £25 tin will last years and years. I'm using it on 4 bikes with the argos DFF and find that easy to do but seem to be doing it a lot in this wet winter slop to ensure no dry chain noises and also keep on top of surface rust which I don't like.
I've 2 of the Argus jobbies. One with Puto for winter MTB & one with candle wax brew for summer Mtb, road bike, pub bike etc. The candle wax mix is great for a clean look chain & clean to handle, but not as durable in the wet winter grit of Peaslake etc.
I use a tiny pan I got from charity shop and a camping stove,
Just scoop putoline in and it stays in the pan for next time.
I run it up to 160 degrees or so (IR thermometer) and turn off.
Dunk chain in, leave a minute or so, shake pan a bit, then get chain out with some pliers, wipe chain a bit with rag and reinstall when cooled.