Most chains come with a nylon cover so that the chain doesn’t scratch your bike. After a while this disintegrates though. This procedure shows you how to fit a new one.
You will need:
An old bicycle inner tube (you can usually scrounge one from a bike shop)
WD-40
Washing up gloves
Lots of patience
Cut the old nylon cover off the chain.Cut the bicycle inner tube in half next to the valve (note you can use the valve to help pull the tube over the chain.Spray WD-40 liberally inside the inner tubeSpray WD-40 liberally on the chainNow the hard bit, push the chain link by link into the inner tube. This takes ages and is a total ball ache.Trim the ends and you are all set.
Would it be an idea to tie a piece of string/rope to the chain, feed that through the tube so you can pull the chain through rather than push it?
Also remember inner tubes come in different sizes for road tyres to mountain bikes, oh and remember a 26" bike tube will be about 2 meters long. So will fit a lot of chains but not all.
How about soaking the tube in boiling water? It should soften the rubber enough, otherwise try french chalk, or unscented soap. WD40 or perfumed soap is likely to cause the rubber to perish.
I did this with my chain about 4 years ago and its still going strong. Inner tubes last longer and are less damaging IMO.
I used french chalk like Kevsta says (got it in a puncture repair kit so thought why not).
The only thing is if water gets in it wont dry out as the rubber wont breath, so if you’re worried about that you need to hang it up so one end dangles to let water out every now and again or seal the ends up with silicone sealant before hand to keep the water out.
