UPDATE: New can graphics.  Photo by R.B.

DuPont Teflon Chain Lube

aka DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant

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by Bill C. for webBikeWorld

UPDATE:  Apparently, this product is sold in the industrial market as "DuPont Teflon Chain Saver".  It's our understanding from DuPont reps that it's the same product, just labeled differently for a different market.

I've always maintained a high regard for DuPont's incredible run of products that have, quite frankly, made motorcycling more fun for all of us.

Many people probably don't realize that products like Cellophane, Nylon, Freon, Teflon, Lycra, Kevlar, Nomex and the motorcyclist's favorite, Cordura, were all invented and developed by DuPont.

Of those, Teflon is probably one of the most widely known and most used products.  So when we received a press release announcing DuPont's Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant, I paid attention. 

I never considered that DuPont would develop a motorcycle chain lube, but the fine print claims that the lubricant "lasts 3-5 times longer in friction testing against other leading brands" and that it's recommended for use on chains, "O-Ring Safe".  When I read that, I figured we had to give it a try.

It took a while for the DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant to work its way through the national retail distribution system, but it's now readily available at hardware stores and bicycle shops. 

The DuPont division that markets the product is called DuPont Performance Lubricants, which is also responsible for DuPont Krytox, an interesting heavy lubricant available in many forms which, some say, works very well on motorcycle splines.

DuPont released the Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant (which I'll refer to as Teflon chain lube from now on) along with a Teflon silicone spray that includes both Teflon and Krytox and Teflon White Lithium grease, which also reads like it would work nicely for lubing those pesky splines.

We've reviewed several different chain lubes recently on webBikeWorld, probably owing to what seems to be a recent preference for chain-driven motorcycles over shaft drive. 

There are plenty of choices when it comes to chain lubes, and there are nearly as many opinions on which one works best as there are for tires or oil.  I think we can now add one more to the list with DuPont's latest entry.

No other motorcycle chain lube that I'm familiar with also states on the can that it's useful for freeing up rusted bolts, zippers, skate bearings, garage doors and RC vehicles, among others.  I suppose any decent chain lube could be used for those purposes, but not many of them would want to admit it.

The Teflon chain lube is mass-marketed as a "do it all" multi-purpose lubricant, but don't pass it by on the shelf just because it doesn't have an astronomical price or a chic label (UPDATE: See photo of new label). 

An 11 oz. can of the stuff retails at around $6.95 and can be found cheaper if you try, which is a pretty good deal for an all-purpose lubricant and chain lube.  Our can is 8 oz. and cost $4.95, but I have not seen an 8 oz. can for sale again, so I'm not sure if we ended up with some type of promotional quantity or what.

In any case, the Teflon chain lube is very different than other chain lubes we've used.  The can has a nice spray top and a separate spray tube.  The top of the can has a molded-in clip to hold the spray tube, which is a nice feature, because these things are forever getting lost.

The spray comes out relatively clear and, strange as it may sound, smells to me exactly like a cross between WD-40 and coconut, if you can imagine.  It's very liquid as it comes out, but within seconds the liquid evaporates, leaving a waxy, slippery feeling residue that is supposed to repel water and last a long time. 

See the photo of my fingers (above), taken within about 20 seconds of spraying the lubricant on my hand.  The liquid is gone and all that's left is a waxy sheen on my fingers.

As I mentioned, DuPont makes some incredible products, so I have no doubt their claims are tested and true.  The label does say that the product is a patented blend of "wax based lubricant", and it is designed to go on wet to penetrate and then to dry and leave the lubricating film.  DuPont also claims that it will not attract dirt and grime, which is key to long chain life.

This is a very interesting product, seemingly perfect for lubricating motorcycle chains.  We noticed no residue, and since it dries soon after it's applied, there's nothing to fling off the chain and all over the back of the bike.

The May 2005 issue of Motorcycle Consumer News ran a short article on DuPont Teflon Multi-Use Lubricant and they also raved about it.  So next time you're in the local hardware store or bicycle shop, grab a can and check it out.  I think it's just become my favorite chain lube.

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