[R-390] Light Machine Oil for Controls, Switches, etc????

[Roy Morgan]

At 10:33 PM 1/23/2007, you wrote:

>    Hi Gang:
>    A simple question that undoubtedly has a complicated answer....
>    I  used  to use a special clock oil to lubricate switches and controls
>    in radios I was restoring but have unfortunately run out.

Clock oil would be good, especially if you used the modern synthetic 
oils.  There still are clock material suppliers who would be glad to sell 
you that kind of thing. Try:
http://www.klockit.com/
Their "99125  Long Needle Oiler Price: $21.99 " seems like way too much 
money.  And their "

Precision Clock Oiling Kit

" at $50 certainly is too much.

Also try:
www.clockworks.com/
www.merritts.com

>  I read that 
> using  3in1  or  other  such  oils  is  not  advisable  on  electronic
>    equipment.

I'd agree. The reason is the two other things in THREE-and one type oil. 
They might be solvent and rust preventer, but that's a guess.

>  So.............   What  do  you  use  for lubricating rotary switches, 
> shafts, etc, etc,    etc????

For switch CONTACTS, I use Caig De-Oxit or Pro-Gold (or both).
For switch SHAFTS, I use oil.
For switch DETENTS, I use any grease available, Lubriplate being an old 
favorite, but which has been reported to dry up after a while.  Slick 50 
"One Grease", available in grease gun tubes at Pep Boys, is a synthetic 
grease that seems to work well. For whatever reason, Amazon.com seems to 
have it: "Slick 50 One Grease 14.5 oz. cartridge "  $6.


I use EXXONMOBIL Velocite No. 6 Spindle Oil . Available at Grainger for 
about $18 a gallon:

http://www.grainger.com
Product number 
<http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/wwg/itemDetailsRender.shtml?ItemId=1611574209>4F974 

This is "Spindle Oil Light" and appears to be "SAE Grade Lower than 5 Wt, 
ISO Viscosity Grade 10 ".  When I bought mine some years ago, I got the 
Medium grade (and the price was about half what it is now.)

I'd be willing to bet that if you are able to actually locate a machine 
shop, and went in there with a little bottle, you could talk your way into 
a few ounces of light machine oil.

Roy



- Roy Morgan, K1LKY since 1959 - Keep 'em Glowing
13033 Downey Mill Road, Lovettsville, VA 20180
Phone 540-822-5911   Cell 301-928-7794
Work: Voice: 301-975-3254,  Fax: 301-975-6097
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