TA reader Glen Aldridge has submitted the following solution regarding chain lubricant attaching itself to his pant leg. Here is his report:
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I had this problem with my chain tubes being too short & frequently getting chain oil on my pant legs, socks & shoes. I know you can get Velcro ankle straps but life being what it is, I could never remember where I took them off & left them. I needed a simple solution. As I never adjust my Boom Length it wasn’t necessary for me to have the shorter chain tubes. The Boom is set for me & that’s where it is staying so I came up with this very simple solution. As to it’s longevity only time will tell but for $2.00 I can always spring for another Cerlox coil.
Picture no.1 shows the extent of the exposed chain:
Picture no. 2 shows the Cerlox Binding Coil. Available at almost any Copy Shop. I used 3/4″ size:
Picture no. 3 shows the approximate cutting point on the Cerlox Coil – Leave about 2 inches to cover over your chain tube:
Picture no.4 shows the Cerlox Coil Zip Tied into place over the chain tube. Use Black Zip Ties:
To install, you place the coil beside your chain & pop out the plastic fingers to circle your chain & tube. As the Chain Tube has a larger diameter than the Cerlox Coil a small positioning adjustment will keep the coil from rubbing on your chain.
Editor’s note: Glen Aldridge lives on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada.
As I am still waiting for my new ride to be delivered, I have not run into this problem as of yet..! But I most certainly will keep this info should I need it in the future… So thank you for submitting this hack, for a problem I remember as a kid, when I have gotten my pants leg stuck within the sprocket and chain a few times one on the way down a hill going very fast and sure enough I landed in some neighbors hedges…
Armadillozack
I have used White Lighting chain lube for years and have had no messy chain. Give it a try.
Glen, you’ve stared again. What a neat idea and only costing pennies. Having used one of ICE’s chain adjusting gadgets in the past my chain tubes are a bit on the short side. Although the lube I use is not messy I will give this idea a try.
Love it! Simple, low cost solutions are always the best.
Just a follow up – I have maybe 80kms with the coils in place & no problems at all. Ridden over smooth, rough, potholes, tree roots & in the rain. I was expecting the coils might shift & rub on the chain but as long as the zip ties are pulled very tight this doesn’t seem to be the case.