Today I cooked up my first batch of chain wax. Ingredients:

• 60% paraffin oil
• 25% paraffin wax
• 10% mineral spirits (paint thinner, xylene, toluene, etc.)
• 5% friction modifier (PTFE powder)

Note: use gloves and wash your hands thoroughly after making this. PTFE is toxic, though it is an optional ingredient. It is an extreme pressure barrier lube, improving (reducing) wear. Commercially made waxes do have PTFE or a similar friction modifier, though the chain lube works well enough without it.

This recipe is similar to fancy expensive brands like Silca. The procedure is simple, similar to de-crystallizing honey:

• Fill a large pot half full of water and get it simmering (just below boiling) on a stove
• Put the ingredients into a glass jar and put the jar into the hot water
• Stir it occasionally as it heats for about 15 minutes

The hot water stabilizes the temperature and ensures it won’t get too hot. Ideally it’s around 180* F.

The ratio of paraffin oil to wax determines the viscosity and is adjustable. This batch, when sitting at room temperature, becomes semi-solid. After vigorous shaking it becomes fluid with a viscosity similar to 20W motor oil, which seems about right for dripping onto a chain. Thus it does require shaking well before use – like all liquid chain waxes do.

Mineral spirits are a solvent that helps keep it mixed, and they help it penetrate into the chain when applied. The wax tends to cling to the surfaces of the container, which seems as designed – similar to what it will do to the chain surfaces when applied. I couldn’t avoid getting some on my hands and it is very slippery – so much that the lid of the jar doesn’t want to stay screwed on!