Silca Chain Waxing System

Part of a larger review. I had read and heard about waxing chains, and a former teammate sold me his used beauty salon crock pot that at least has a temperature dial, sticks of paraffin wax, some PTFE and Moly in a homemade. It worked okay and the crock pot only goes up to 80C.

Read about Silca's approach and made the plunge when BTD had a 25% off sale: the wax melt system, Secret Chain Blend and the Strip Chip for new chains. After doing 2 chains: one new and one used but relatively new, this is MUCH better. The Wax Melt System melts the wax much faster than the crock pot, and so far, the chains seem to run smoother. The strip chip made the chain shine like a mirror, and this approach is a definite upgrade.

The Wax System is a bit pricey, even at 25% off, so one star off on "value" but long-term, probably a good investment for longer chain life, no lube and less effort

I've been waxing my chains for 5+ years now, previously using a crockpot and another vendor's wax. I purchased the Silca Chain Wax system to have a faster, more compact solution without risk of overheating my wax. As crockpots typically don't have a precise temperature control you need to monitor the temperature with a thermometer to avoid overheating the wax which is a hassle and time consuming. The Silca system is indeed much more compact than my crockpot, and I like the the wire chain hanging tool which allows you to easily suspend the chain over the heating bowl and let excess wax drip back into the bowl. However, there a couple of important things you should know prior to purchasing the system. The documentation and associated product videos from Silca and other reviewers give you the impression that the temperature displayed on the unit is the current temperature of the wax. Thus you can simply look at the temperature display and know when to pull the chain. However, this is not correct. The temperature display shows your desired set point temperature and NOT the actual temperature of the wax. So you have to do some experimentation to know how long it will take for the wax to melt and come up to temperature. I found the time for the wax to melt/come up to temperature is approximately 75 minutes, so not quick and not faster than using a crockpot. Note that I lay the chain on top of the solid wax and put on the cover so I know the chain itself is up to temperature when I pull it from the wax. On the plus side, the temperature control of the unit appears to be very accurate as I measured it with a scientific thermometer. When I set it to 75 Centigrade, that was the measured, stable temperature (after waiting an hour and 15 minutes). While I like the wire chain hanger, it's a bit flimsy and I fear it will break over time.

Regarding the wax itself, it seems just fine. I'm not sure I notice much of a difference from the other wax I had been using, but it certainly runs smooth. As I was already using waxed chains, I did not use the Silca "Strip Chip" to remove the factory lubricant. I simply cleaned my chains with boiling water to remove the old wax as I didn't think it would be a good idea to mix two different brands of wax. I will say if the Silca Strip Chip works as advertised, that would be a game changer as the initial process of stripping the factory lubricant off new chains is big effort using nasty chemicals (mineral spirits, acetone, etc.).

Finally, having waxed chains for years now I'm a total convert. Folks will tell you that you gain a few watts of efficiency over traditional lubricants and that's great. However, my ultimate test in chain lubricants is that if I can't fix a dropped chain with my bare hands and then

I had already been using a small old Crockpot sauce pot for waxing chains, but didn't like the lack of temp control that required you to watch it closely to not overheat the wax and pull chains too hot creating low wax retention. Bought the Silca chain waxing system primarily for the PID temperature control, but the chain cooling stand looked nice as well. After using the waxing system for a few weeks, it works well. It doesn't heat much if any faster than the crock pot, but does a good job controlling temperature, and of course makes pulling the chain at the right temp much easier. The cooling stand works well for hanging the chain though you need to be careful to not leave too many links hanging or with the droop in the cable, the chain may not be held high enough to stay out of the wax. Or you can run the cable through a link or two from the top. The cable itself is fine, though it is relatively easy to cross-thread the end into the aluminum handle, and I worry eventually it'll get boogered up enough that I won't be able to thread it in, but so far it's fine. Overall I like the unit and am glad to have it and use it, but would be pressed to pay $99 for it.

I had heard about waxing a chain for years. But it looked like too much trouble and I had been using chain lube forever. When this came out I watched videos of how to use it and it looked worth giving a shot. I am so glad I did. With this it takes out the guess work with a digital temperature control on the pot. The hanging cable and stand makes it easy to finish the job. For those who have thought about waxing their chain but afraid of the process, this is a easy and complete system. Other than the wax and a degreased clean chain you have what you need to wax a chain in a compact kit.

This product makes chain waxing much easier and less messy.

I've been using this system for a couple of months now along with the Silca Ultimate Chain Stripper and it really makes the whole waxing process more accessible, easier, and cleaner. I got the system on sale so it makes the value even better. Overall very happy.

I was previously using a thrift store crock pot that took forever to melt the wax and was constantly worried about overheating the product.The Silca Waxing System has made the whole process faster and easier.I like the included cable to hang the chain to dry.

What do you say about a system that makes it so easy to wax a chain that you think there has to be more to this! This system is simple, anyone can do it, even a caveman! The main thing is, it truly makes your chain silent due to the wax permeating every area and crevice of a chains anatomy. Go for it! You won't be disappointed!

I have always cleaned chains using a degreaser then applying a liquid teflon chain lube. I decided to see the hype of a waxed chain so I invested in the Silca system. Very easy to use for sure and whether waxing a new chain or dirty chain, it simply creates a quiet chain going across your chain rings and cassette. Now if it truly improves the longevity of a chain it is a win all the way around.

Easy to use. Clean and simple. I run two alternating chains and it make for smooth efficient rides

I have been waxing for four years and this is a game changer. Drop the chain in the pot set the temperature and walk away. It takes less than a third of the time to reach the right temperature when compared to a crock-pot and it holds that temperature. No need to constantly check the temperature. Go to the store, cut the grass or clean your bike, you are free to choose.

I have been waxing my chains for years now with a basic crockpot

This adds the ability to set the right temp and it warms much quicker. I also love the concept of getting the chain to dry on top of it but the cable broke after just second use. Now it's time to test silca support

This system makes waxing simple & easy. Worth full price, but even better to get a deal from BTD. If you're thinking of making the change to wax, order this now!

I�ve used the Silca Chain Waxing System twice on my Ultegra 11- speed chain and am pleased. It appears to be made of good quality materials. It simplifies a fussy, messy process which means I�ll wax my chain more frequently. That should increase chain life, and given the cost of a new chain probably make it worth the price.

Silca wax system is very easy to use, great design

Had been on the fence about waxed chains. This thing makes it really easy. I love it.

There are a lot of terrible crockpots out there that heat unevenly and slowly, Silca did a great job here. Easy to use, looks good.