Is WD-40 A Good BMX Chain Lubricant?

November 6, 2024

Written by Rok Krivec

You are not the only one if you’re considering using WD-40 as a BMX chain lubricant.

Been there. Done that.

(Not once, but multiple times. Heck, I didn’t even know what the actual purpose of WD-40 usage was until not that long ago, actually.)

Chain lubrication is one of the biggest things that often gets overlooked.

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Sure, a new chain comes pre-lubed out of the box, but that lube doesn’t stay on it forever.

It’s a small thing, but the right lube can make a huge difference in how your bike feels and how long your parts last.

WD-40 is practically everywhere, and it’s got that reputation as a “fix-all” spray for everything from squeaky hinges to rusty bolts.

So naturally, many folks reach for WD-40 when their chain needs some love.

But here’s the question: Is it actually a good choice for a BMX chain?

Quick answer: No.

There are better options out there for keeping your chain in top shape.

Let’s get into it!

This post covers:

What is WD-40?
WD-40 as a chain cleaner vs. lubricant
Potential downsides of using WD-40 as a BMX chain lubricant
How to properly clean & lubricate a BMX chain
Conclusion: WD-40 cleans, not lubes

What Is WD-40?

WD-40 is a “magic in a can” product everyone seems to have lying around the garage or under the sink.

Ever wonder what “WD” stands for?

It’s “Water Displacement” — it was originally made to push water off metal surfaces to prevent rust.

It was invented in the 1950s for aerospace use, specifically to keep missile parts from rusting.

Sounds intense, right? But these days, it’s mostly known as that go-to spray for anything squeaky or sticky.

People use it on everything: loosening bolts, cleaning up grime, even getting stickers off stuff.

It’s also super handy as a cleaner because it lifts dirt and grease off surfaces like a pro.

What I found silly is that I was often using it to clean my bike, but I never really knew that I could use it as a cleaner.

That’s why you see a lot of folks reaching for it when their bike chain looks nasty.

They (me included) figure out if it can clean other metal parts, so why not the chain?

The thing is, even though WD-40 cleans well, it’s not a true lubricant.

It gives the initial feeling that the chain is lubed, but it’ll not last long.

Sure, maybe for one session (or two), but that’s it.

But if you don’t have any chain lube and wonder if it’s better to use WD-40 than nothing, I think it is. Well, at least I use it.

WD-40 As A Chain Cleaner Vs. Lubricant

So here’s the deal with WD-40: it’s pretty solid for cleaning up your chain.

Think of it like a degreaser.

When you’ve got layers of dirt, grime, and gunk built up, WD-40 can help strip that mess off in no time.

Just spray it on, let it sit a bit, and you’ll see all the crud start to break down.

But — and this is the kicker — WD-40 doesn’t stick as a lubricant does.

It’s too thin and lacks the viscosity to protect your chain over time.

You spray it on, it feels nice and fresh for a bit (it’s an illusion), but it just won’t last.

After a ride or two, your chain will start feeling rough again.

WD-40 evaporates or gets washed off easily, leaving your chain unprotected against rust and wear.

Pros Of Using WD-40 As A Cleaner:

Quick & easy: It’s super simple and fast to use.
Effective degreaser: Cuts through grime well.
Easily available: Everyone seems to have a can lying around.

Cons Of Using WD-40 As A Lubricant:

Doesn’t last long: It’ll wear off quickly, so you’ll need to reapply constantly.
Attracts dirt: It’s not made to repel dust, so your chain can end up dirtier.
No long-term protection: Your chain won’t get the deep lubrication it needs, which can wear it down faster.

WD-40 in a pinch to clean up? Sure, go for it.

But for keeping your chain running smoothly long-term? You better grab a dedicated chain lube.

Potential Downsides Of Using WD-40 As A BMX Chain Lubricant

First off, WD-40 is a dust magnet.

WD-40 leaves a residue on the chain, and that layer actually pulls in dirt and dust like a magnet.

That’s why you should wipe your chain with a dry cloth.

So if you’re out riding in the park, trails, or anywhere dusty, all that grit just clings to your chain.

The more dirt your chain picks up, the faster it wears down. Not fun.

Then there’s the protection problem.

WD-40 is super thin, so it doesn’t last on your chain.

BMX riding puts some real wear and tear on a chain, but WD-40 isn’t thick enough.

It just rubs off after a few rides, leaving your chain unprotected.

And if it gets wet? Forget it.

WD-40 washes off crazily easily. One puddle or splash, and it’s like you never lubed the chain in the first place.

All these factors combined mean that using WD-40 as a chain lube results in a cycle of reapplying without actually providing real, long-lasting protection.

It’s not really worth it.

How To Properly Clean & Lubricate A BMX Chain

If you’re going to use WD-40, do it right.

If that’s all you’ve got on hand, it is solid as a cleaner, so here’s a quick rundown.

Step 1: Clean the Chain with WD-40

Spray it down: Start by spraying a light coat of WD-40 over the chain. Let it sit for a couple of minutes to break down all the dirt, grease, and gunk.
Scrub it out: Grab an old toothbrush (or a chain brush if you’re fancy) and scrub between the links to remove all that grime.
Wipe it off: Use a rag to wipe the chain down well, removing any remaining residue. You don’t want any WD-40 left on there, just a nice, clean chain.

Step 2: Apply the Right Lube for BMX

Choose your lube: For BMX, a dry lube is usually best when riding in dry, dusty conditions. (But I don’t complicate things; I’d use any grease I have at hand.)
Drip, don’t drench: Apply a small drop of lube to each link. You don’t need to soak the chain; a little on each link will do the trick.
Let it settle: Give the lube a few minutes to soak into the chain.
Wipe off the excess: Take a clean rag and lightly wipe the chain. You want the lube to stay in the links but not all over the outside where it can attract dust.

How Often Should You Lube Your Chain?

It depends on how much you’re riding and the conditions.

If you’re out riding daily, it’s smart to clean and re-lube about once a week or every two weeks.

You can go without lubing your chain for months, but that’s not the best practice.

If you’re more of an occasional rider, you can go every few weeks or even monthly.

And definitely re-lube if your chain starts looking or feeling dry.

A lubed-up chain is smoother, quieter, and lasts way longer, so it’s worth the few minutes it takes.

Conclusion: WD-40 Cleans, Not Lubes

To wrap it up, yeah, WD-40 can be useful for a quick clean if your chain is looking gnarly.

It’ll cut through the grime and make things look shiny again.

But as a long-term chain lube? Not so much.

WD-40 just doesn’t stick around, doesn’t give you the protection you need, and can end up attracting more dirt than you’d want.

If you want your chain to stay smooth and last longer, grab a BMX-specific chain lube (even a traditional grease is better).

Your chain (and your wallet) will thank you in the long run!

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