Lubricant for Glass Sliding door tracks ?

[Richard J Kinch]

Surely you're not that dumb.

Did you actually read that MSDS? Sez 90 percent petroleum hydrocarbons.

Thank you for demonstrating my point.

[willshak]

[AZ Nomad]

The problem is that an application is only good for a couple of weeks.

[PeterD]

Go to a bike shop and ask for a bottle of 'White Lightning'... Use it.

[David Martel]

James,

It would help, I think, to know what your problem is. If you have sliding glass doors to the back deck and they are sticking, that's not caused by the tracks, so don't lubricate them. You should remove the doors, locate the wheels, and clean or replace them. The "how to" books at your local library will explain sliding glass doors.

Dave M.

[Norminn]

Is the door intended to slide, or are there wheels that are worn? We tried all kinds of lube, including graphite, but the solution was in replacing the worn wheels and track. Our doors are very old, and we obtained an insert for the track that essentially makes it like new without removing the original track. Repair guy gave it to us, and it simply screws down over the old track. Grease will just make grit and dirt stick, so it isn't really helpful.

[HeyBub]

The tracks should not need lubricating.

Check the track itself -- is it "bumpy?" If so, you can get a stainless steel replacement track that snaps on to the existing one (about $10.00).

'Course you have to remove the door (easy for two people - just lift up) to install the replacement shim on the existing track. Before you snap the replacement track in place, fill in the depressions with epoxy steel. While you have the door out, check the rollers. They may simply need adjusting.

[CWatters]

Are they meant to be oiled? These days many ball bearings are sealed for life. It's possible that oiling them is just attracting dirt which is causing the problem. It might be just cleaning you need not oil.

[Mike]

Yes it is:

[Mike]

[Nate Nagel]

(didn't click on link)

I don't care what anyone says, it's still not a lubricant. It is good for first-pass cleaning of greasy parts, or displacing water from distributor caps. It is not a good lubricant.

nate

[CJT]

Not in Edwin's double-wide.

[mm]

Lubing the tracks won't help because they don't slide on the tracks, even if some call them sliders. They roll.

A lot of people have suggested removing the door. If you end up doing that, you should know in advance that is very heavy and you have to keep it from falling over on you, or away from you, and you have to keep the bottom end from sliding away from you. Once it starts to do that, you probably won't be able to stop it. You need something to keep the bottom from moving away from you in the first place. The fixed part of the door might work for that, but it has to be accessible, and you have to first move the door to the side.

I removed my door alone because I had no choice, but it reqauired planning and concentration. Having a second reasonably strong person help you would help.

[Stormin Mormon]

Messy. I'd suggest clear silicone spray.

[Stormin Mormon]

Lift door up and out of the track. Invert door.

[cornytheclown]

Lubricate the door tracks with parrafin wax. You can buy the wax at the grocery store...comes in a box of 4 or 5 1 inch thik slabs about 3 inches by 5 inches..... just ask a clerk or stockboy where it is.

Ive been doing this for 20 years.... forgot how I found out about it....dont really care..... its easy...last quite a while....( i do this 2 maybe 3 times a year)...no mess...... makes the door glide smooth as silk

Im not about to tackle removing a sliding glass door from its track to squirt some oil on some rollers......

[Stormin Mormon]

And the kids can skate in the kitchen on graphite covered socks?

[Stormin Mormon]

Dear Dan, Please redo your research. Silicon (element) and silicone (chemical lubricant) are two different things.

[James]

Thanks, cornytheclown !! This looks like a simple, straightforward answer !! All that I need to do is to lubricate the track a bit. There is nothing wrong with the door or the rollers....... the door doesn't stick.... .it just needs lubing. I am 100% sure of it.... just didn't know what was the best product that might last a little while.

Out of all the answers, I think the graphite suggestion and the parrafin wax are the most inviting....

Thanks to all who responded !!

James

[mm]

Kids are really in to graphitey.