Concept 2 Rower Chain Oil (Read This)

While most rower machines are relatively low maintenance, the truth is that you need to do some basic maintenance to keep a rower running smoothly and not breaking.

Without consistent cleaning and oiling, rowers can become harder to use over time, begin squeaking, rusting, seizing, and decalibrate. It’s also possible to snap the chain! And, while you do not technically need to oil any machine, any fitness enthusiast knows that a well-oiled machine runs like, well, a well-oiled machine

In this article, we’ll talk about how often you should be oiling your Concept2 Rower, and what the best oil is to use. Keep reading!

Do I need to oil my Concept 2 rower?

Most experts recommend only greasing your rower chain with an appropriate oil after every fifty hours of use. If you own a rower at home and use it one hour every time you work out, you can create a calendar of your workouts and mark the fiftieth workout as your maintenance time. If you are a gym owne

If you tend to work out for longer, simply divide the number 50 by the number of hours you workout for an approximate number of workouts you can complete before you have to oil your Concept 2 rower.

Oiling your rower machine has several key benefits to consider. Firstly, when you oil your rower machine, you give your chains the best chance of lasting as long as possible. This cuts down on costly replacements and repairs over time. What’s more, you will be able to feel the difference in use when you regularly oil your machine. It will run more smoothly and give you a more effective, enjoyable workout. Finally, oiling your rower machine keeps the chain clean and free from rust. Since rust is a common reason for replacing rower machine chains, the more you can do to lower the amount of rust on the chains, the better.

How Often Do You Need To Oil Your Rower’s Chain?

Depending on how frequently you use it, you may need to oil it once a year, once a month, or even every other week. Rather than setting a specific timeframe for oiling the rowing chain, most experts recommend going by the number of hours it has been used. Every fifty hours of use, users should oil the rower’s chain. For those who use their rower machine more often, it may be necessary to oil the chain and even replace it more frequently than less frequent users. 

Also, if you notice that your chain is showing signs of severe damage, you might want to consider oiling it more often when you get a new chain to help the new part last even longer than the old one.

What kind of oil do you use on a rowing machine chain?

While you can use mineral oil if that is the only type of oil you have around, it is best to use a specialized product that has been formulated for the job. You can use a rowing machine chain oil that is produced by the same manufacturer as your machine. In the case of Concept 2 machines, Concept 2’s 3-IN-ONE® Multi-Purpose Oil is a great choice. 

If you have another machine from another brand, you can also research the options that are available for your machine. Some machines require specific types of lubricant or could be damaged by certain ingredients, so you will want to do your research before you start applying oil.

The Best Rower Chain Oil (Our Top 3)

1. Best for Concept 2 Machines – 3-IN-ONE® Multi-Purpose Oil

If you want to get a Concept 2 Rower Chain Oil that is definitely compatible with your Concept 2 machine, you can’t go wrong with the oil produced by the same brand. Since it’s a multi-purpose oil, you can use it for your rowing machine and other machines in your home fitness center or gym. Its guaranteed compatibility gives users peace of mind on their purchase.This oil not only lubricates the machine’s chain so that it can run smoothly, but it also works hard to remove rust from the chain and keeps it squeaky clean. If you can accomplish three jobs with one product, you might as well use it!

2. Best 3-IN-ONE® Alternative – TreadLife Fitness Rowing Machine Chain Oil

If the Concept 2 brand rower machine oil is not available, TreadLife Fitness Rowing Machine Chain Oil is a great alternative. Since it also boasts compatibility with Concept 2 machines, it’s an intuitive buy for rower machine owners.For ease of use, this product also has instructions on how to use it on the bottle. If you notice your rower machine has developed an annoying squeak, this should help reduce the obnoxious sound.

3. Best Price for Volume – 2K Fit Rowing Machine Chain Oil

If you want to get a rower machine oil that will last at least ten uses, 2K Fit Rowing Machine Chain Oil promises to cover at least 500 hours. Since you’ll have to use it once every fifty hours, you’ll get at least ten uses out of it for a lower price than some competitors. This oil is compatible with Concept 2 Model C, D, and E. Since it is more specialized than general lubricant, it will ensure that your rowing machine is properly lubricated without harm. Also, if you have a rower machine that is not a Concept 2 machine, the universal compatibility of this oil will be appealing to you.

How do you lubricate a Concept 2 rower chain? (Step-By-Step)

It’s quick and easy to apply the chain oil, so why not apply it regularly – before you need to!

  1. Measure out a teaspoon of your preferred chain oil using a measuring spoon or other mechanism
  2. Put the oil on a paper towel or lint-free cloth
  3. Move the lubricated towel down the length of the rower chain
  4. Remove any remaining oil with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
  5. Redo steps 1-4 as necessary
  6. Avoid washing the chain with a cleaning solution such your sanitary spray or WD 40 and allow the oil to air dry on it.

The youtube video below gives a brief overview of the process:

How to easily oil the Concept2 Chain

Rower Chain Oil – FAQ

Q1. Do rowing machines need oil?

Like most machines that operate with a chain mechanism, rowing machines do need to be oiled regularly in order to function properly. If you rarely or never use your rower machine, you might not need to use rower chain oil often. Still, as a weekly rower machine user, most professionals recommend oiling your rower chain every fifty hours to avoid damage to the machine or difficulty in usage.

Q2. Can you use bike chain lube on the Concept 2 rower?

Unless you are a professional who knows the specific reactions to expect with bike chain oil, we would not recommend using bike chain lube for a Concept 2 rower chain. The reason behind this is because bike chain lube and rowing machine oil are made of different formulas. Additionally, bike chains and rower chains can be made of different materials. Since it is hard to predict how the Concept 2 rower chain would respond to bike chain lube, it’s best to use lubricants that are specifically designed with the Concept 2 rower in mind.

Q3. Can I use regular WD-40 on my bike chain?

As a water-based lubricant, WD-40 can be safe and even beneficial to use on a bike chain. The special components of WD-40 can help protect a bike chain against wear and tear such as rust. Of course, if your bike has special parts or it is from a foreign brand, you may want to consult a bike repair shop or specialist before you try applying WD-40 to the bike chain. Otherwise, you risk ruining the bike chain and creating a costly problem for yourself.

Q4. When should I replace my chain Concept2?

There are two rules of thumb for replacing a Concept 2 chain. The first rule is that you should replace the chain after you find any stiff links that refuse to let up. This means it is officially time to replace the chain. If you have been taking good care of your chain and machine while properly oiling it on a regular basis, you should consider replacing your chain after about a decade of use if it is not showing any major issues. These chains usually last for about a decade with proper care. 

Naturally, if you are hard on the chain or lax with your lubrication schedule, you might find yourself replacing it sooner rather than later. If your chain is over a decade old and it still is not showing any signs of damage such as stiff links, you might be able to wait to replace it until it truly needs it. 

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