just make sure it’s softer than the chain. Iron might be softer enough?
I have an old pulley wheel on a nail that I use to break links -
I’m likely selling a bike soon, where I replaced chain/chainring/cassette over the summer and they’ve only seen wax. The chain isn’t even close to 0.5% on my Park Tool chain checker. If the buyer doesn’t want to wax, can they just start throwing regular lube on the current waxed chain or would they need a new one?
I would just hit the chain with some boiling water to wash off the wax, and lube it up for them. No need to replace the chain, I would just get the wax off.
I’d suggest throwing boiling water on the buyer instead if they talk about ruining your hard work with wet lube, since you’re holding real life proof that a waxed drive train is superior! ![]()
If you’re going back to waxed, that one will need to be fully stripped, (or Silca Strip Chiped)
Silca just came out with a video that basically says you can mix some Synergetic in with their wax for use in wet conditions.
I’m considering to convert to immersive waxing with new chain.Question is when I buy new shimano 12speed chain do I always need to adjust/trim the chain length? Or can I just strip ,wax and directly install it to my bike? Also do I need to adjust the rear derailleur shifting etc (I’m using shimano di2)?Because I prefer not to go to bike shop just to install a chain
Strip, wax, cut to the appropriate length (if you think your old chain is properly sized, use it as a guide), and put it on the bike. Same length as an unwaxed chain. I think most people wax a new chain before cutting it, but you can cut it to the appropriate length prior to stripping/waxing.
thanks. I thought I can install it directly
so still need to cut the chain
Cut the chain after strip but before wax, it will be easier to move around and properly size. Also, the shifting will suck initially but will return to normal once the links have a few miles on them, DONT adjust anything.
https://bike.shimano.com/stories/article/determine-chain-length.html

Your bike shop may do it for free to cheap. If you match the length of your old chain, the actual cutting takes 10 seconds. Or you can buy a chain tool for cheap. I use the one on my multi tool.
thank you guys ![]()
Cutting a chain to the proper length is easy, provided you have a chain breaker, which can be picked up relatively cheap.
As a couple others have mentioned, you can use your old chain, so long as it doesn’t have a million miles on it, but failing that, I’ve found the following site very handy… it hasn’t failed me yet!!
Good luck whichever path you choose!
Don’t throw away the cut off links. In the event you lose a roller while handling/waxing your chain, you’ll be able to take one from your spare links.
going all in with the marginal gains this season - going to wax my chain. I see silca have a sale on at the moment - is their system/ pot worth the convenience over crock pot or stove pot options? fwiw it will be for shed/ garage use, so I’m not that concerned over mess.
IMHO it’s not worth it. I do several chains per session and they all fit in my medium crock pot. You can only do one in the Silca and you can’t really swisher it around without a mess. I use a temperature gun and control the temperature by offsetting the lid. There’s really nothing I like about the Silca unit. I thought I liked the wire chain holder, but now that is spinning and it’s troublesome to remove. Get Molten Speed Wax and heat it up to 200 with the chains in the pot. Not sure why Silca says 175f - I’ve heated it up to 210 easy and it’s fine. I would also start with optimised chains that are pre treated and diamond dust worn in. Have fun ![]()
I’m on the opposite side on this, I love the Silca. I dont wanna keep track of temperature or such, just want to set it to 75 celsius and be done.
But I agree that its not huge, so I’d love a larger version ![]()
I’m wanting to do this too, but the contradicting recommendations are really hanging me up. I have 6 chains to wax. So far… I figure I’ll likely at least buy a couple sets of strip chips. Following along.