In this article I will write down my experience with the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine, which is the only comparable quality alternative (in my point of view) to the Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine. There are some differences with both machines as well (especially in the locking both halfs of the cleaning machine)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine
On the product page of the Chain Cleaning Machine you can read the following description:
Chain cleaning made easy with the original patented Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine. The last chain cleaning machine you will ever need. Hand-made in the UK, the placement and directions of travel provided by the cleaning brushes create the varying rotational forces required to easily remove dirt and grime. Hands free, deep chain cleaning! Includes 75ml Weldtite Citrus Degreaser (biodegradable).
A couple of years ago I’ve made the switch from a goat’s foot brush (in Dutch bokkenpoot kwast) to a chain cleaning device like the Weldtite Cleaning Machine. There are two key features that I really like:
First the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine has a control button, that allows you to direct the flow of chain cleaning fluid onto the chain. While it might sound as an open door, it is a necessary feature to have but certainly not present on all chain cleaning devices. I’m using Dynamic Chain Cleaner, Morgan Blue Chain Cleaner or the Muc-Off Bio Drivetrain Cleaner. Weldite offers a small bottle of their own Weldtite Citrus Degreaser, which I still need to test.
Second the chain is cleaned deeply and thoroughly. The placement and directions of travel provided by the cleaning brushes create the varying rotational forces required to easily remove dirt and grime. Deep cleaning is key and the primary goal of a chain cleaning machine like this.
I’m not sure if the inner works of the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine can be replaced. Muc-Off offers some sets that replace the inner-works for 20% the price of a new chain cleaning machine.
Another difference with the Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine is that the Weldtite Cleaning Machine has no handle, but a closing hook that is placed behind the lower rear derailleur wheel. Looking at this design uncovers another key feature. You see a gearbox like concept, where the left brush-set, drives the middle brush set (and the other way around). So both cleaning brush work in a systematic way.
With the Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine you simply keep the device in a fixed spot, while pulling the chain through the cleaning machine. The result might be very similar, but from a mechanical point of view the Weldtite works differently, and good to know.
How to use the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine
I first clean the mountain bike or road race bike with some clean water (GEKA Spray Nozzle Light) and spray it in with the Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner (from the aluminum bottle for life spray can). When the Nano Tech can do some work, I will do the following steps with the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine to get the chain back in race condition.
- Place the Chain Cleaning Machine over the chain and clip together
- Lock the red hook behind the rear-derailleur
- Fill the Weldtite Cleaning Machine reservoir chamber with Drivetrain Cleaner (I tend to use the Pressol Oil Sprayerbottle with brass spout for this
- Spin the pedals in a reverse motion (approx. 2 to 3 times, so the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine is in a stable position against the rear mech (and place the hook behind the low derailleur wheel))
- Press the button at the top to release the Drivetrain Cleaner while continuing to rotate pedals until chain is clean (or until the reservoir chamber is empty)
- Detach the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine
- Rinse your entire chain and drivetrain area with water (and or a piece of cloth)
- Rinse Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine with water and store until next use
This is more or less the same process as cleaning the chain with the Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine. I sometimes use the Finish Line Grunge Brush and or the Dynamic Drivetrain Detailing Brush to clean in some more details on cassette or chainring.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price-point of the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine is € 28,00, which is fair and in the same range as the Muc-Off X3 Dirty Chain Machine. From a functional point of view both products are very close, and it is probably a matter of personal preference.
However the Weldtite Chain Cleaning Machine does the job it is designed to do really well. And that is deep cleaning the chain with a controlled flow and amount of chain cleaner on the chain. I would also prefer the Weldtite or Muc-Off X3 over any other chain cleaner. The well build design makes sure these tools will last (despite the fact that these will get dirty).
- Do you use a chain cleaning device ? If so which one?
- Do you use any other Weldtite products ?
Another awesome Weldtite product I use a lot is the Weldtite TF2 Lithium Grease. Don’t forget to check out the review published on this website.
You might want to check out he different Chain Lubes that I’ve tested.
