What to clean really gummy chain with?

[Johnkn]

I had a few trees taken down recently on my property one of which was a Malberry probably 20" in diameter. They left the stump too high and I took a foot off it last weekend. It was the gummiest, sapiest thing I have ever seen and left my chain covered in that crap. What's the best way to clean it? I'm thinking to soak it in kerosene. Anything better perhaps turpentine? I'm sure it's going to need to be soaked in something. Thanks

 

[k0ua]

I had a few trees taken down recently on my property one of which was a Malberry probably 20" in diameter. They left the stump too high and I took a foot off it last weekend. It was the gummiest, sapiest thing I have ever seen and left my chain covered in that crap. What's the best way to clean it? I'm thinking to soak it in kerosene. Anything better? I'm sure it's going to need to be soaked in something. Thanks

Two things come to mind maybe three: Try the simplest first. WD-40. You are likely to have that just laying around. Then try Goof-Off. Made to remove gummy stickers, and general goo. Also you can try Bug and Tar remover (automotive stores). It contains xylene. I bet one or more of those will work for you.


Goof Off 16 oz. Professional Strength Remover-FG654 - The Home Depot

 

[4570Man]

Hook it to your ATV and drag it around in the dirt for a while.

 

[/pine]

My first thought was WD 40 also because it's handy...mineral spirits is always good to have around a shop (relatively safer than many solvents)...
Funny but I don't think any of the already mentioned substances (never tried xylene though) will remove the purple stain from the actual mulberry's...!

 

[Rustyferrious]

I'd try diesel first (cheapest), then mineral spirits (not the new-fangled odorless stuff). If that doesn't get it off you may need a different type of solvent like denatured alcohol. Throw the chain into a small tub or bucket with the solvent and let is soak for a day.

 

[jeff9366]

Diesel or closely related kerosine.


Then, when its fairly clean, toss in Momma's Whirlpool, set on HEAVY cycle, double rinse.

Fabric softener a nice option.


4570: Can't believe your frivolous reply.:laughing:

 

[Johnkn]

Hook it to your ATV and drag it around in the dirt for a while.

Nah, that's how I sharpen it. LOL

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

 

[jeff9366]

Do they still have those nice 'country' gun shows in Laplata?

Still blue crabs at Capt'n Billy's?

 

[Johnkn]

We used to have gun shows at the Armory in Laplata, I'm 3 miles from there, there's a huge new Armory being built. Capt. Billy's went down hill when the owner Billy Robertson died ~10 years ago. Much better IMHO is Capt John's in Cobb Island or Capt Leonard's in St. Mary's county.

 

[4570Man]

4570: Can't believe your frivolous reply.

If my reply was frivolous, than what the heck was yours? What I suggested would actually work without destroying any equipment.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

My first thought - whip out a $30 bill and get a new chain. No - I didn't mean for this to be "frivolous."

 

[bumperm]

My first thought - whip out a $30 bill and get a new chain. No - I didn't mean for this to be "frivolous."

Since there's no such thing as a $30 bill in the USA, by it's nature, your reply is frivolous. Now a $50 would not be frivolous - - but would be
$20 more expensive.

I know it's politically incorrect, and probably dangerous too, but I saved some old gasoline for just such cleaning chores. Just don't use near fire, flame, static electricity, pilot lights, tractors, environmentalists, witnesses, fast cars, hot babes, or other sources of ignition.

 

[dragoneggs]

Since there's no such thing as a $30 bill in the USA, by it's nature, your reply is frivolous. Now a $50 would not be frivolous - - but would be
$20 more expensive.

I know it's politically incorrect, and probably dangerous too, but I saved some old gasoline for just such cleaning chores. Just don't use near fire, flame, static electricity, pilot lights, tractors, environmentalists, witnesses, fast cars, hot babes, or other sources of ignition.

Oh yeah... it's called a 'Grant' :laughing: Actually I am a big fan of solvents like Acetone, MEK, etc. I know they are not environmentally friendly but they work. Gasoline is a great cheap cleaner too. Then re-oil... with recycled of course.

 

[4570Man]

Why would you oil a chain? That is even worse than the sap he is trying to clean off.

 

[Junkyard Jim]

Me thinks 4570 is not thinking of chainsaw chain. His answer works great for logging chain or something like that.

 

[4570Man]

Me thinks 4570 is not thinking of chainsaw chain. His answer works great for logging chain or something like that.

Oops, I was thinking of logging chain. I was viewing by current threads and I didn't notice it was in the chainsaw section.

 

[k0ua]

Oops, I was thinking of logging chain. I was viewing by current threads and I didn't notice it was in the chainsaw section.

Aha! That makes more sense. I too was wondering, what does he mean about dragging the saw chain in the dirt for a while? Sharpens it right up huh?

 

[k0ua]

Oops, I was thinking of logging chain. I was viewing by current threads and I didn't notice it was in the chainsaw section.

Aha! That makes more sense. I too was wondering, what does he mean about dragging the saw chain in the dirt for a while? Sharpens it right up huh?