Use paint thinner made with mineral spirits. This is an excellent degreaser
and tar remover. Use an old toothbrush to clean the chain. *Don't use
gasoline*.

Seem like anything else is better than using Dry-Lube. Oh well, I will
have to use the Dry-Lube that I bought on door hinges and such that I
usually use WD-40 (that does't last).

Seem like no one seconds the idea of using WD-40 for lubricating the
chain as suggested by a salesman in Home Depot.

I probably will use paint-thinner because I have a whole can sitting
in my basement doing nothing (I have been using mostly latex paint
lately). Great, finally I can use it up for good reason. I will take
the chain down for a good cleaning. And then go to bike shop to see if
they have any clean stuff for lubricating the chain.

I will follow people advice and stick with grease for the lawn mower.
I believe grease is what the manufacturer recommends.

As for the metal gardening tools, I probably use dirty engine oil that
I removed from my lawn mower last year to oil them. This will be a way
of recyling. I just need to find a way to easily apply the engine oil
over the gardening tools -- may be a can and a brush and some paper
towel.

Thanks everyone for helping me with this.

Jay Chan