Thread Lube

[Anti_Candescent]

Hey, I had to clean my ARC the other day, and I need to clairify what the thread lube is. I read to check radioshack for Silicone grease, they have "silicone based grease" but it says its for heatsinks and other stuff, is this the stuff?

 

[jayflash]

Probably not if it's a white paste. Silicon dielectric grease can be found at auto parts stores. The lube is used for spark plug boots.

BTW...welcome anti-c. Hope you find us worthwhile.

 

[TrevorNasko]

As far as i know you can use vasalene if you want. If you wish to use what arc uses then get the stuff that is translucent not the white stuff.

 

[Anti_Candescent]

I picked up some permatex dielectric grease on jayflash's note -thanks- and it seems to do the trick (maybe a little thinner than the stuff from the factory?) It seems to work good on the o-ring. So now I'm wondering, what is used on a new one at the factory? (forgive me if its posted somewhere)

 

[Lebkuecher]

Go to the local auto store and pick up some spark plug grease. I paid about .89 for a little pack.

 

[Crash]

I got a little jar of silicone o-ring grease from a dive shop. The small jar will probably last until I die.

 

[N162E]

[ QUOTE ]
Crash said:
I got a little jar of silicone o-ring grease from a dive shop. The small jar will probably last until I die.

[/ QUOTE ]

The silicone grease you get at the dive shop is the "Perfect" product for this use. You want to stay away from anything petroleum based (Vaseline) as it may affect the rubber O ring. The Radio Shack product is called "Professional Lube Gel" and is made up of silicone and Teflon. I've used the Radio Shack Lube Gel for several years and been very happy with it. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

 

[Gransee]

Arc o-rings are not affected by petroleum. Other flashlight mfgs are however.

Peter

 

[BlindedByTheLite]

what about WD40 for a quick fix?

 

[Ty_Bower]

!!!

I wouldn't do it. I've found that WD40 is good for nothing, except maybe driving out water or as a light duty cleaner/degreaser. At worst, it will eat your o-rings (although probably not the nitrile ones that Arc uses). At best, it will strip off what little grease you had left, and then dry out leaving nothing.

 

[Anti_Candescent]

Peter, what brand or type do you use in assembly?

 

[Gransee]

We use silicon grease.

Peter

 

[Anti_Candescent]

I think my Permatex electrical grease will be kosher, eh?

...and I thought of a good question, do you have to not mention some brands that you use if they haven't okayed it?
Or are these insider secrets here?) /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/poke2.gif

 

[jayflash]

I've been using Permatex for years with good results. Some guys rub a thin layer on car door and trunk gaskets to keep them from ripping when it rains or snow melts and freezes.

 

[Anti_Candescent]

Thanks for the info jayflash. Its something simple, but really the only thing aside from batteries it needs to work well. Do you think it aids the battery contact in staying clean?

 

[Aten_Imago]

Any remarks on Hob-E-Lube HL657 . The stuff is white, will not affect plastics and says it contains teflon and is waterproof. http://www.internettrains.com/785-hl657.html

 

[jayflash]

I'd keep the lube off of any contact surfaces as the silicone is a DIELECTRIC - a non conductor. Usually the contacts pierce through a surface film but it could cause a problem between the cells with their smooth contacts.

I treat all contact surfaces with Caig DeOxit. There are other (maybe better) contact treatments too.

 

[Aten_Imago]

Re: Caig DeOxit

Source URL ?

 

[louie]

Re: Caig DeOxit

I tend to agree with jayflash. I have been wiping the silicone off my threads. Caig Deoxit is available at electronics suppliers as a contact cleaner. It comes in sprays and bottles of different concentrations. Mailorder places like Markertek, Mouser, MCM, RadioShack usually have it. Deoxit is well recommended for electrical contacts. I'll often clean a contact with alchohol, then wipe with a bit of Deoxit.

 

[fuelblender]

Re: Caig DeOxit

If you know anyone who works in a laboratory, have them get you some stopcock grease.