Can we talk about using compressed air to clean chains?

I see so many mechanics blowing out chains with compressed air after a degrease. But I stopped doing that about 2 years ago after I noticed something. The air blasts the grit deeper into the roller pins, not out. I started just wiping the chain dry with a rag after cleaning, and my personal bike's drivetrain went from needing replacement every 6 months to lasting over a year. Has anyone else tested this side by side and seen the same thing?

2 comments

2 Comments

faithwalker1d ago

Huh, never really thought about it that deep. I mean, I still use compressed air sometimes and haven't noticed my stuff dying faster, but maybe it's just not that big of a deal either way.

josephl671d ago

Yeah... I'm with you @faithwalker, I think it really depends on the chain and how much grit is already in there. Once I saw how much crap was getting blown back into the rollers on mine, I just stopped using air altogether.