Slippery business - grease

[Q.G.]

Uhm... i was (talking about "the two legged [etc.]").

This thread really is slippery business.

(Considering i was asking about three legged, not about two or four legged thingies).

[Ian David]

Yes, it is sometimes hard to know who is talking about what, and who else knows who is talking about what, and who knows who else knows who is talking about what...

[Q.G.]

What?


Looks like i'm putting lithium grease on it again though.
I'm off to get some now. Tripods are lying around in bits, and i need to put them back together again.

[Dave Mueller]

I use wax more than grease, especially if there's a chance of being around dirt or sand. Visit the local bike shop, there's a lot of new waxed based lubricants that won't collect grit like grease does.

[Q.G.]

They are all greased up and put together again.
So i'll have to give wax a go the next time. Thanks anyway!

Anyone have experience with silicon spray (or teflon spray) as a lubricant?
I've seen that in the bike shop, but haven't asked about it.

[Rick A]

They are all greased up and put together again.
So i'll have to give wax a go the next time. Thanks anyway!

Anyone have experience with silicon spray (or teflon spray) as a lubricant?
I've seen that in the bike shop, but haven't asked about it.

I use both. I would skip the silicon on the tripod in favor of the teflon. In my experience, teflon lasts longer.
But thats just my opinion, I'm sure there are plenty of other opinions out there.
Rick

[Q.G.]

Thanks, Rick.

I think i'll try the teflon on my bike's chain and gears first.

[olleorama]

Ok, a bit more serious answer, silicone is not so good, it has to low viscosity and will smear forever, so will teflon, neither is particurlary good on either tripod or bike (been a roadie for a few years, dry wax-like lube is the best for derailleur chains).

As for tripod, well you might want to have something with a high viscosity, making sure it will stay in its place and not keep smearing on hands and shoulder. Ordinary bearing grease applied with a syringe has worked for me. An even more slow flowing alternative on threads (not joints) is bees wax, sounds a bit ridiculous, but actually works good, keeps em running smooth.

On another note, horse grease is terrific for deep frying french fries.

[Rick A]

Thanks, Rick.

I think i'll try the teflon on my bike's chain and gears first.

Do not use either on your bike chain-- you want molybdinum disulfide for that task. Any reputable cycle shop can supply it for you.
Rick

[Q.G.]

Thanks! I will try a wax for my bike.
Sounds like something that will clean off again too, unlike silicon.

I have used (thick and sticky) lithium grease for the tripods today. That will have to keep for a while, until i decide it's time to do it again.
How often do you give your tripods a clean and relube?