Before using silicone grease as lube...read

A

alelser

Banned
Joined
Feb 26, 2001
Messages
473
Just a quick word of advice on using silicone grease for a lubricant on folders. In my most recent experience I used some on a high-end Ti-handled frame lock (no more mentioning the name -- don't want to be one of "them"). The stuff works great lubricating the pivot, but on this particular folder it is also necessary to ensure that the ball bearing's path is well lubed. The problem is it seems like the pressure of the lock on the blade during opening/closing is just enough to push the grease out of the way, rather than riding on it like an ice skate on a thin layer of water. I've noticed that silicone grease cleans up very easily, so I'm inclined to think that because of the large molecular size and low charge... sorry -- too much information.

Anyway, I put a drop of the wax-based lube there, and suddenly it'smooth as silk.

Just thought some would be interested.

-Al-
 
If your folder has phosphor-bronze bushings (I wonder what that folder might be??:D ), you might also try Teflon-based lubricants.
 
All this was really just a temporary solution as I have ordered the lubricant recommended and sold directly by the knife manufacturer/maker. Should be here Monday.

-Al-
 
Some silicone oils and greases are somewhat water soluble so from that point of view also not a good idea.

TLM
 
I've found that teflon based stuff is great for knives and practically any bearing or pivot. At the moment, I'm using something from Slick50. Will probably try the CRC stuff when this runs out.

Haven't tried the wax stuff like Militec or White Lightening, but I hear good things about Militec. For silicon grease, I keep it exclusively for plastic and 0-rings (which I encounter frequently because of diving, such as in flashlights and air seals).

I've also got a can of silicon lube (spray type) and found it worthless for even the jobs I use silicon grease in. I don't know. Maybe I'm not using it right? YMMV.
 
Where do you find silicone grease? I've been looking for some for a while (for o-ring lubrication primarily)

Sam
 
Got a dive shop near you? Just walk in and ask for it by name! :) Divers use silicone grease all the time to lube o-rings.

No dive shop? Errrrrmmmmm.... try an on-line dive shop? :p You'll probably have to email and ask directly as items like these may be so commonplace in the dive world that they don't bother to list it.

Maybe someone else might know where to get them outside of dive shops.
 
Automotive supply stores will have a Silicone grease. It's popularly used on all kinds of seals. It's good to put on your door seals and your window seals once or twice a year. Also, put it on your windshield wiper blades to extend their life.
 
BTW, Militec-1 isn't a wax product at all. That's White Lightening.

I was one of the first to use Miltec-1 as a knife lubricant and I'm still convinced that it's the best thing going.
 
IF Mil-Tec is not a wax-like substance, why is it important to use a blow-dryer to get the steel "hot" in order for it to bond appropiately?. Also, what is the difference between Mil-Tec and White lightening?....Thanxs.....wolf;)
 
What I want to know is where to get some heavy silicone OIL - I used to work for a company that had some (I'd guess about 90wt), but they've been gone for 12 years now

Any sources?
 
Silicone grease: I bought mine at my local Ace Hardware. Don't try Home Depot, though. I checked two stores in person, and online as well. They just don't carry it.

Silicone OIL: I've never heard of it, but if it's petroleum based, I'd try going online to one of the big oil company's products site. Otherwise, try a google search.

-Al-
 
I used various oils for blade preservation against rust and lubrication of mechanism.
The one I found best is Break Free CLP.
For rust resistance I took 6 washers and coated them evenly with various oils and left them in my shower for over 2 months (not under direct water)
The one which lasted longer is Break Free together with a special protective oil from Italian Army.
I don't know if Break Free may be an issue with certain natural materials or if there is something better as a lubricant. i found it is very good, and use it regularly on my knives and guns.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top