12.5 cleaning

Chain Waxing (Hot Wax or Drip Wax)

Chain Waxing (Hot Wax or Drip Wax). Step-by-step procedure for bike maintenance — tools, time, and what to watch out for.

Difficulty ★★☆ moderate
Time ~60 min (first time, much faster after)
Applies to All bikes (with chain)

Tools

  • Standard workshop tools

Procedure

  1. Strip the chain factory grease completely

    before first wax — soak in mineral spirits or a strong degreaser, then ultrasonic clean if available.

  2. Heat wax

    (Silca Secret Chain Blend, Molten Speed Wax, or DIY paraffin + additives) in a slow cooker to its melt temp (~90°C).

  3. Submerge the dry chain

    in the molten wax. Agitate with a wire hook for 1–2 minutes so wax penetrates the rollers.

  4. Lift out and let drip

    for 30 seconds.

  5. Hang to cool.

    Once cooled, the chain will be stiff with wax — flex each link by hand to break it up.

  6. Reinstall the chain.

  7. Re-wax

    every 200–400 km depending on conditions.

Hot wax (best chain wear, requires preparation):

  1. Strip the chain factory grease completely before first wax — soak in mineral spirits or a strong degreaser, then ultrasonic clean if available.
  2. Heat wax (Silca Secret Chain Blend, Molten Speed Wax, or DIY paraffin + additives) in a slow cooker to its melt temp (~90°C).
  3. Submerge the dry chain in the molten wax. Agitate with a wire hook for 1–2 minutes so wax penetrates the rollers.
  4. Lift out and let drip for 30 seconds.
  5. Hang to cool. Once cooled, the chain will be stiff with wax — flex each link by hand to break it up.
  6. Reinstall the chain.
  7. Re-wax every 200–400 km depending on conditions.

Drip wax (Squirt, Silca Super Secret, Smoove):

  • Less prep — just clean the chain thoroughly first time.
  • Apply liberally, pedal through, wipe outside.
  • Re-apply every 100–200 km.

Waxed drivetrains run extremely clean (no black gunk on legs or frame) and chains last much longer, but require more discipline.