Chainwax is formulated and made in California. It is also sold as "Tufwax" with a different label. The paraffin base is mixed with other high pressure lubrication additives including particulate poly-tetro-flouro-ethylene which is the compound name for DuPont Teflonª. The reason to wax a chain (though it takes somewhat more time than merely spraying a lubricant) is that its coverage is complete and all space in the chain is filled. It's not well known, but the highest source of chain wear is the filling of space between plates and rollers with dirt laden fluids that abrade and grind the moving parts of the chain as it revolves. Liquid lubricants absorb dirt and their thinner surface tension allows their easy migration among the moving parts of the chain. Having these moving parts filled with lubricant laden paraffin displaces water, and from its adhesion, assists in the prevention of dirt clinging to the chain's moving parts. The can that Chainwax comes in, is made to be used for the waxing treatment and has a continuous one-piece bottom so leaks of the hot wax are impossible. The can of Chain wax is placed in hot water, on the stove or cooktop. The temperature should be close to 150 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the simmer or low setting on many stoves, but certainly below the boiling point of water. The flash point of the Chainwax material is above 500 degrees so there is no likelihood of flame at theses lower temperatures. The chain is dipped into the hot wax, or placed in the can prior to the paraffin melting. With melted Chainwax covering the chain, it is pulled out, allowing the excess Chainwax to drip back into the can. Excess wax unable to drip to the bottom before hardening should be wiped off. The Chainwax will start to solidify at 130 degrees and becomes hard at 110 degrees. Waxing the chain should be performed at approximate 500 mile intervals or when the chain gives indications by becoming squeaky, dry or appears to shift oddly. Chainwax has a pink tint from one of the "high pressure lubricant additives" and comes in an 8 ounce size within an oversized can to fit both Chainwax and chain. For racing teams interested in a bulk purchase of Chainwax, it is also available in a 4 pound block that can be broken into smaller pieces or used in a Rival Crockpotª to wax several chains simultaneously.
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