Fenix Service recommending Vaseline to lube o-rings?

Felahri · Jan 11, 2018

Hey everyone.

So I just cleaned my light (ld12 2017) with rubbing alcohol. I then emailed both Fenix Service and my local dealer (Fenix Tactical) on what to replace the o-ring lube with. Both responded with Vaseline. And when I asked Fenix Service if it would damage the o-ring, they said no.

I also found a Fenix maintenance video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TDxuCB1XCn4 and the stuff the technician is using seems to be Vaseline too.

Anyone ever used Vaseline to lube their Fenix o-rings? I could make a trip to the nearest hardware store for some Super-Lube... but I have Vaseline right here at home.

What do y'all think I should do?

zespectre · Jan 12, 2018

Felahri said:
Hey everyone.

So I just cleaned my light (ld12 2017) with rubbing alcohol. I then emailed both Fenix Service and my local dealer (Fenix Tactical) on what to replace the o-ring lube with. Both responded with Vaseline. And when I asked Fenix Service if it would damage the o-ring, they said no.

I also found a Fenix maintenance video: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TDxuCB1XCn4 and the stuff the technician is using seems to be Vaseline too.

Anyone ever used Vaseline to lube their Fenix o-rings? I could make a trip to the nearest hardware store for some Super-Lube... but I have Vaseline right here at home.

What do y'all think I should do?

I use nyogel 760G and have for years. Expensive, but I have a lot of lights (and other things) I use it with and the tube I have will probably last me the rest of my life.

I believe you can order much smaller jars these days. [h=1][/h]

KBobAries · Jan 12, 2018

Once upon a time combining petroleum products with rubber was a no-no. However, I'm not a chemical engineer and the chemical makeup of o-rings has changed/improved over time and will vary greatly by application. If the manufacturer says Vaseline is acceptable then go for it. I doubt it will hurt to use it for a few days while you wait for some Nyogel to arrive.

A tube of that will last for many, many clean/lube cycles.

Dan

Tricolour · Jan 12, 2018

These days O-rings are available in many different materials such as PTFE, Nitrile (Buna), Neoprene, EPDM and Fluorocarbon (Viton) etc.

I have scrubbers systems in amine curing casting applications pumping conc H2SO4 with O-ring seals.

I use a touch of Vaseline on my torch O-rings just to compensate for the stiction and the occasional poor thread.

No issues.

E.

lightfooted · Jan 12, 2018

Why did you ask the manufacturer what to use if you're not going to follow their recommendation? I personally just bought a small tube of Permatex Dielectric grease from my local auto parts store. If Fenix says use Vasoline...well, why not use it?

tango44 · Jan 12, 2018

I use Seal1 CLP.

http://www.seal1.net/Seal-1-PRODUCT-PAGE.html

WalkIntoTheLight · Jan 12, 2018

I'm surprised at the vaseline recommendation. The stuff turns to liquid as soon as it warms up a little, and it gets hard and sticky if you use it in the cold. I suppose if these are fixed o-rings that do not have something like a body tube sliding across them, vaseline would be okay. Otherwise, I'd want to use a grease with more consistency in its viscosity.

nbp · Jan 12, 2018

Sounds like you got your answer from Fenix. Beyond that there is a 1300 post post about Grease and Lube here. If you have further general questions please continue there as it helps keep all the info in one place. Thanks.

https://www.candlepowerforums.com/threads/126645

Felahri · Jan 12, 2018

Got it, mod.

Just an update: I ended up going with the manufacturer's recommendation and used the Vaseline. I applied under the o-ring with a toothpick and then on the outside with my fingers. Used a folded piece of paper to scrape the excess in the o-ring groove. Just a thin film is left and everything is a-okay smooth and waterproof.

Will update if anything changes, which I doubt... I just found it odd that the manufacturer would recommend something that I've read to be a no-no.

Thanks for the input.

Fenix Service recommending Vaseline to lube o-rings?

Felahri

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zespectre

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KBobAries

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Tricolour

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lightfooted

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tango44

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WalkIntoTheLight

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nbp

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