Molybdenum and flashlight threads

[creampuff]

After gouging my U2 with channel lock pliers, and cracking the plastic o-ring next to the charging rings on my Magcharger, I have started to add a molybdenum lubricant to the threaded portions of my lights. I did this in hopes of the threads not seizing up on me again.

http://www.bushmaster.com/shopping/lowers/ms-100.asp

I usually use this product on the slides of my handguns or the threads on rifle parts; but does anyone have any experience with this product on flashlights, i.e. will it weaken the o-rings? Just wondering if anyone has tried this.

 

[WNG]

I believe the moly is relatively inert and won't react with synthetic rubbers. But it's usually the solvent that is used in spray cans that's nasty.

I remember Dow Corning's Molykote 321 lube spray went on relatively dry. The solvent dried very quickly and the moly stayed put on the threads quite well.
Used it with success in many applications.

I've used graphite lock lubricant on my flashlights. The solvent is probably kerosene based, very watery. But once dried, the graphite layer provided smooth twisting. And it's conductive.
;)

 

[michael word]

I used moly grease on my flashlights for a long time with no ill effects before switching to silicon lube. The moly lube is white lithium based so it is safe for most applications. Buy it at the hardware or automotive store in paste form, it is a lot cheaper and you get a larger tub which will last you a life time.

 

[dano]

Here's what I've gained in researching this:

1. No petro. based lubes on O-rings/threads, as it will harden the O-rings, making them less apt to keep a good seal.

2. No silicone based lubes on O-rings and threads where an electrical connection may be present (i.e. the tail cap of a flashlight). The silicone sreates a film that can cause some electrical resistance in the circuit.

--dan

 

[h_nu]

I have seen threads that recommended Nyogel. See

http://www.lighthound.com/sales/nyogel_flashlight_lubricant.htm

 

[Long John]

I use "White Lightning", it's a wax based lubricant for bicycle chains, threads, screws. It works very well at my light threads and isn't bad for O-rings.
My twistys twists very smooth for months(by using every day).

Best regards

____
Tom

 

[Anglepoise]

In another thread, member 'tvodrd' suggested micronized MOS2 for stopping threads locking up.. I have not used this but am having excellent luck so far with 100% Teflon.

I think the key here is to make sure the threads are lubed with something.
Anything is better than nothing and seized threads.

 

[Bror Jace]

Molybdenum disulphide will come into its own when extreme heat is present. It is more of an anti-seize compound than a semi-solid lubricant. For general purpose flashlight grease, you can do better.

And as was already stated, the molybdenum shouldn't hurt anything, but you never know about the carrier agent ... lithium (should also be fine), petroleum (usually fine, actually) or solvents (can be a real problem, depending, depending ...).

For most threads on most flashlights, any kind of o-ring friendly grease should suffice.

If you do a search on the word "grease" you should be able to find a number of threads on which greases most CPFers use. :)

 

[cheapo]

wd40 will keep the threads nice a smooth.... but is it bad for o-rings???

-David

 

[WNG]

WD40 is basically kerosene based and should be safe for o-rings.
But it isn't lasting, evaporates away eventually..requiring reapplication.
It's also a dielectric.

 

[WNG]

I think the key here is to make sure the threads are lubed with something.
Anything is better than nothing and seized threads.

Agree 100%. I've lost a number of aluminum flashlights to corrosion seizing the endcaps. #$@%^&@$!
Even vegetable oil would have saved the day and allowed me to shine my $$$ lights again.