Keeping the Links Alive: The Art of Proper Chain Lubrication
Chains are everywhere. From bicycle gears to forklift mechanisms, and from conveyor belts to the unmistakable whirr of a chainsaw — chains quietly keep industries and daily life in motion. Yet, despite their ubiquity, chains are often one of the most neglected components when it comes to maintenance. One of the main culprits? Poor lubrication.
Why Chains Fail – And It’s Not What You Think
Most people associate chain lubrication with slathering on heavy oil or grease. While that may protect the outer surfaces and sprockets, it does very little for the chain’s most vulnerable parts — the internal surfaces. In fact, over-lubrication with the wrong product can attract dust and sand, creating a grinding paste that rapidly accelerates wear.
Here’s the harsh truth: the majority of chains fail from the inside out.
They stretch, kink, or seize because of wear and corrosion inside the pin and bushing areas. And once that internal integrity is compromised, no amount of external oiling will save them.
Lubrication That Works: It’s What’s Inside That Counts
For effective lubrication, the oil needs to:
• Penetrate into the critical internal contact points
• Leave behind a protective film that withstands pressure and temperature
• Provide rust and corrosion protection
• Resist being flung off during operation
In essence, you want a lubricant that’s smart enough to reach deep, strong enough to stay in place, and tough enough to perform in harsh conditions.
This is where specially formulated chain lubricants come in. They typically use high-viscosity index base oils that flow easily at low temperatures (to penetrate inside the chain), while still holding strong under high loads and heat. Additives like anti-wear agents, extreme pressure enhancers, rust inhibitors, tackiness agents, and more ensure the lubricant performs across a wide range of applications.
For chains used in food production, food-grade chain lubricants are a must — offering all the protective qualities without compromising safety
Suggested viscosity grades for various ambient temperature ranges are shown in the following table:
Application is Everything
Even the best lubricant in the world won’t do its job if applied incorrectly. The key is targeting the pin and bushing area — the heart of the chain’s movement.
Whether you’re using manual application, a drip feed, oil bath, brush, or an automated system, the timing and placement of the lubricant is crucial. Apply it just before the chain engages with the sprocket. As it wraps around the sprocket, centrifugal force draws the lubricant into the tight internal clearances — exactly where it’s needed most.
Lubricant spillage over the inner link plates also helps coat the rollers and their end surfaces. However, using grease (especially thick types) on chains in service is not recommended unless the chain is specifically designed with grease fittings that can inject lubricant into the joints.
Chain Care: A Matter of Detail
To get the most from your chains, you need to consider all operating conditions — load, speed, temperature, environment — and select a lubricant that’s tailored to that context.
At Blue Chip Lubricants, we understand that not all chains are created equal, and neither are their lubrication needs. With the right combination of expertise, products, and service, we help keep the chains of industry turning smoothly and efficiently.
Got a chain problem or unsure which lubricant to choose? Drop us a line at info@bcl.co.za — we’re ready to help you link up with the best solution.