I've googled this topic and there is two opinions out there. Some say use regular oil because it last longer, others say use wd-40 because it does not collect dust, which will gum up and create problems. Any ideas which is better?
Lubricate with regular oil or WD-40
Oct 13, 2008
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Better for what?
In general, WD-40 is *not* a great lubricant. It's a pretty good cleaner, a decent rust inhibitor - if renewed regularly - and not bad for stopping squeaks in hinges, etc. but as a lubricant it ranks pretty low on the totem pole.
I'd argue that there isn't really one perfect lubricant for all applications. What is it that you are planning to lubriacte?
3-In-One Oil works for most household oiling from the furnace blower, sewing machine, hinges, toys and just about anything that needs a drop of oil. WD-40 comes from the same company but it was developed for a different purpose. The inventor tried a number of formulas before he came up with "Water Displacement formula number 40" hence it's name. Take the cap off a can of WD-40 spray enough in the cap to fill it to depth of about 1/8 inch then put a drop of water in it, the reaction is quite interesting. Different items like chain drives need a different type of lubricant.
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TDD
If I want something that lasts a long time and doesn't attract dust, I use K-Y Jelly.
Use what the doctor recommended.
For what? Changing the oil in your car?
#1. since when does wd-40 not collect dust? #2. WD-40 is not a lubricant. so the two are not interchangeable
s
oops, I meant to say for a garage door wheels, pullers and springs.
WD40 has NO lubricitive properties whatsoever.
-Zz
Bzzzzt. Incorrect.
Tri-Flow
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I don't think these need to be lubricated as much as they need a rust prevention treatment.
WD-40 is a WaterDisplacment. It was not designed to lube or clean. It does do both to some degree. It also is not a zero residue product and should not be used in locks.
OK for what you have the garage door manufacturers sell products. They are usually silicone based or white lithium stuff. I use what they recommend and sell for their products.
Many years ago I worked at a defense plant that manufactured 20mm practice rounds for the U S Air Force and artillery shell safety devices for army howitzer shells. The clockwork timer mechanisms were lubricated with WD-40. Go figure.
TDD
how about some garage door lubricant, then. It was designed for the harsh atmosphere of your garage [the usually humid temperature in mine probably ranges from -30F to +120F] and is minimally dust attractant [the outside hardens up].
I use a product made by Genie on my rollers, pulleys, track, and screw drive. If my springs squeak I adjust them so they don't rub on anything.
Jim
re: The clockwork timer mechanisms were lubricated with WD-40. Go figure
Many years ago they used leeches for a variety of illnesses. We live, we learn, we adapt.
Howdy,
I was amazed to learn that they are being used again...
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All the best,
Why amazed? 'We live, we learn, sometimes we're right already. . .'
Jim
Hi Jim,
I really was amazed...
I guess that was because I had always thought of leeches as being emblematic of fallacious ideas of years gone by.
All the best,
Kenneth wrote: ...
And, for some of the uses of yore, they are. "Bleeding" as was practiced formerly isn't the usage being made of them currently, at least w/ the same ideas as then.
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