Where to Find Odorless 20W Oil for Chain Maintenance

[scronkite]

Based on C2 recommendations, I just used 3-in-One Multi-Purpose Oil to clean/oil the chain of my Model D rower. Unfortunately, I am reacting to the odor of this petroleum oil. Where can I purchase an odorless 20 weight oil?

[Carl Watts]

You can also use treadmill belt lubricant. Basically its a clear, odorless silicone oil. This is also available in an aerosol can so it can be sprayed directly onto the chain and it contains agents that help it penetrate the links the same as motorcycle chain lubricants in a can.

[aussieluke]

You can also use treadmill belt lubricant. Basically its a clear, odorless silicone oil. This is also available in an aerosol can so it can be sprayed directly onto the chain and it contains agents that help it penetrate the links the same as motorcycle chain lubricants in a can.

Have often wondered if nulon silicone spray lube would be good for the chain and also inside the machine on the rollers and things - easier to get inside everywhere than oil and less messy.

[jackarabit]

Look for Heavy or Extra Heavy mineral oil from suppliers of machine lubricants to the food processing/handling industry. Tasteless, odorless, colorless and tested for presence of carcinogenic contaminants. Seeing as this stuff is still viewed as acceptable for internal consumption (intestinal lubricant) and as a makeup remover and soother of baby bottoms, I'd rather the little bit of chain-thrown oil fog that might reach my eyes and lungs over a few million meters not be either 3-in-1 or silicones! Extra Heavy mineral oil (viscosity approximates that of the C2 label stuff) was commonly available from pharmacies around my patch well into the 1990s. Last time I searched for it OTC, saw only the lightweight baby oil version.

[bisqeet]

just use gun oil...

bound to have some of that lying around...

[Carl Watts]

just use gun oil...

bound to have some of that lying around...

LOL

Still a hard decision do you use the oil for the 9mm, the pump action shotgun the sniper rifle or the Uzi ?

[Redman1982]

Freedom! I just used some Boeshield T-9 that I have around for lubing my tables for my table and band saws. I have used it on firearms as well. Other lubes I have used on my erg are Ballistol. From the Wiki on Ballistol: "The product originated from Germany before World War I, after the German military requested an 'all-around' oil and cleaner for their rifles and equipment. The German military used it from 1905 to 1945.[1]
The chemical is a yellowish clear liquid with a consistency expected of a light oil. However, when it comes in contact with water it emulsifies, becoming a thick creamy white substance. It has a sweet and mildly pungent smell similar to black licorice. It is distributed in liquid and aerosol forms. The aerosol uses butane or propane as a propellant.
It advertises it has no carcinogens. Some other similar chemicals contain petrochemicals which can pollute the environment if improperly handled, and can damage the 'seasoning' developed on the bore of a black-powder gun."

We all get wrapped around the axle about lube, but for a bicycle chain, just about anything of the right viscosity and with some anti-corrosion properties should work. If I had a reaction to the lube, I think I would try mineral oil or even beeswax or paraffin.

[c2jonw]

We all get wrapped around the axle about lube, but for a bicycle chain, just about anything of the right viscosity and with some anti-corrosion properties should work. If I had a reaction to the lube, I think I would try mineral oil or even beeswax or paraffin

This is not a bicycle chain. We've done the testing and find significant improvements in chain life (elongation) with 20 weight oil, which is what the manufacturer recommends for ambient temperature use. The problem with many chain "lubricants" is they are mostly made up of solvents and leave little lubricant behind. 3 in One oil, 20 weight motor oil, 20 weight mineral oil are all ok to use. C2JonW

[Ombrax]

Apparently I haven't been rowing enough - I still have the original oil in the little dispenser that came with my Model C.