Boeshield T-9 Review - TreadBikely (2024)

Boeshield T-9 Review

Boeshield T-9 lubricant uses patented technology from Boeing to help prevent corrosion, rust, and dirt accumulation on your bike chain (along with many other uses). Is it necessarily worth the extra money, though? Here’s what we learned after extensive testing.

About Boeshield T-9

Boeshield T-9 is an all-in-one formula thatpromises to deliver waterproof lubrication, protection against rust andcorrosion, a barrier against dirt and debris, and deep cleaning, whether theconditions are wet or dry.

Itworks using a unique solvent and paraffin wax formula that creates a thin,continuous film on any metal surface. In turn, this can keep your bike’s chain freefrom moisture, dust, dirt, and mud for up to 200 miles.

Accordingto the company, Boeshield T-9 isn’t just for bicycle chains, either. You canalso use it on drivetrains, (including derailleur and in between rollers andpins), brake and shift cables, caliper and pedal pivots, seat posts, spokenipples, and inside frames.

Itsnonconductive formula also works to address corrosion, flush out oldlubricants, and loosen rusty parts on, whether dry or wet (e.g., electricalmotors, circuits, ignitions, and connectors), or lubricate just about any metalpivot point by deeply penetrating its pores.

Despiteall of these benefits, the company advertises that T-9 won’t harm commonmaterials like paint,plastic, rubber, fiberglass, or vinyl and that it performs better than Teflon.

Exactly what does thisformula contain, though?

Taking a Closer Look at Boeshield T-9’s Ingredients

Although Boeshield T-9 is manufactured anddistributed by Holland, MI-based PMS Products, Inc., it’s an officiallylicensed from The Boeing Co. In other words, Boeing developed the lube andallows PMS to distribute it.

Accordingto the lubricant’s Safety Data Sheet, the amber, combustible liquidcontains the following ingredients:

Inaddition to 4 oz. drip and bike bottles, PMS Products also offers Boeshield T-9liquid in 4 oz and 12 oz aerosol cans, as well as in one-gallon jugs. However,based on their safety data sheets, there aren’t any differences in their coreingredients.

How to Apply Boeshield T-9

Despiteits unique formula, you’ll apply Boeshield T-9 similar to many other bike chainlubes:

1. Clean your chain
2. Apply the liquid to the chain
3. Adjust speeds and gears evenly to distribute theproduct and allow to dry
4. Wipe off excess after two hours, or overnight

My Experience Using Boeshield T-9 Liquid

T-9’s Price

Despiteits availability from several popular online retailers like Amazon, REI, andThe Rust Store for between $10 and $11, I picked up my 4 oz bottle from a localbike shop for about the same amount of money.

Thisis roughly $1-$2 more than many competing bike chain lubes from third-partymanufacturers.

Ease of Application

Asyou might expect, there’s not a whole lot to it. Simply shake T-9’s bottle,apply as instructed by the manufacturer, wipe off any excess, and waitovernight (ideally) before heading out on a ride.

I’vefound that the nozzle doesn’t clog. A 4 oz bottle typically lasts me the betterpart of a year, even while maintaining a stable of 6+ kids and adult bikes.

Whenit comes to Boeshield T-9, I’ve found that more isn’t better. In fact, you willneed to make sure and wipe off any excess after applying. Otherwise, it willquickly attract quite a bit of dirt and tend to gum up.

Real-World Performance

Afterusing the lubricant for well over 1,000 miles, I’ve found that T-9’s formularepels water exceptionally well and lasts more 100 miles before requiringreapplication, depending on the conditions you primarily ride in (the morewet/severe, the more often you’ll need to refresh).

Removal & Cleaning

Whenthe time comes, I remove the waxy formula using WD-40 Chain Cleaner &Degreaser for my entire drivetrain, along with the Park Tool GearClean Brush(and a bit of elbow grease) for my cassette and chainrings. I finish off usingthe Finish Line Grunge Brush on my chain.

Odor & Storage

AlthoughI’ve never noticed an overwhelming odor from T-9’s formula, the companyrecommends using in a well-ventilated area. It doesn’t freeze, so you can storeit in your garage or shed, although it isflammable so be sure to keep it away from extreme heat.

Coming to a Conclusion About Boeshield T-9

The‘perfect’ bike chain lubricant is a highly individual decision and depends onessential factors like where you ride, prevailing weather and groundconditions, how often you plan to refresh, and whether or not you havesufficient time between application and riding.

Boeshield T-9 Benefits

Withthese details in mind, I’ve had great luck with Boeshield T-9. It’s super easyto apply, delivers excellent lubrication and rust resistance, doesn’t fling off(as long as it’s allowed sufficient time to dry), and lasts 100+ miles, dependingon conditions.

Inaddition, it’s incredibly versatile and can be used on all manner of metal bikeparts, including the drivetrain, your dropper post, and cables and cablehousing. It can also be used extensively around the house on door hinges,firearms, power tools, and even for woodworkers on top of their table saws.

Betweenwebsites like Amazon, MTBR, and REI, most customers seem to give Boeshield T-9liquid an average rating of 4.5+ stars, frequently citing that it deliversmeaningfully better protection and durability than other popular bike chainlubes. In fact, more than one claimed it was their favorite chain lube at thetime of our research.

Potential Boeshield T-9 Drawbacks

Withthese details in mind, T-9 is priced a couple of dollars higher (or more) thansimilar options from companies like WD-40, Finish Line, ProGold Prolink, andWhite Lightning.

Inmy opinion, though, T-9 offers longer-lasting performance than many other brands—somuch so that it’s currently my preferred bike chain lube—and consequently, agreat deal of bang-for-your-buck.

Justremember that you need to let it set overnight (ideally) to provide maximumperformance benefits, which might be its only downfall, IMO.

Keeprolling: Park Tool PCS-10 Review