Discussion: lubricate

Putting oil on a chain is pretty simple, and should be done fairly regularly. You get a "can" of oil, like this:

and put a few drops on your chain while you turn the pedals backwards. Continue to turn them for a bunch of revolutions to distribute the oil. That's all there is to it.

Yeah, I regularly lubricate my chain. My shifting isn't smooth any more - possibly because my cables are deteriorating. I'd also like to be able to remove and clean my entire cassette.

My dad's tried and true method for cleaning stuff like that involved an old toothbrush and a coffee can with some gasoline in it. Maybe not a 21st century approach.

Did the dead raccoon have any innards?

I've usually read about diesel, but I guess petroleum is a good solvent for petroleum-based lubrication. I once was witness to the mistake of putting paint thinner in a red solo cup; the cup started deteriorating within a few minutes.

Boris - I guess? I think the body was mostly intact albeit on the road, so I imagine the innards were still inside. Why do you ask?

Diesel is probably less hazardous, but I think there are friendlier solvents on the market.

No raccoons in Sweden but I saw a dead Buzzard yesterday in the middle of a gravel road in the forest. I wonder what/who killed it? Someone/something had removed its´ head and there was a big hole in the chest so this someone/something had probably gotten a meal out of it.

Anything that dies gets eaten.