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Ustamiata · 08-19-2009, 06:13 PM

They call it many names - silicon grease, plumbers grease, etc., but it is handy stuff! I use it to lubricate the seal and slide valve in the toilet, put a touch on the catches where the outside compartment doors lock in, force a bit in the gears of the batwing TV antenna, and anywhere else some silicon lubrication is called for, knowing the "grease" will last a lot longer than the spray most of us use. You can even use it in lieu of Teflon tape on water fittings (just a little, though).
It can be found in the plumbing section at the hardware store -- I ran into it first at a dive shop. It, like Rainex and WD-40 are products that really work!

hamguy · 08-20-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustamiata

They call it many names - silicon grease, plumbers grease, etc., but it is handy stuff! I use it to lubricate the seal and slide valve in the toilet, put a touch on the catches where the outside compartment doors lock in, force a bit in the gears of the batwing TV antenna, and anywhere else some silicon lubrication is called for, knowing the "grease" will last a lot longer than the spray most of us use. You can even use it in lieu of Teflon tape on water fittings (just a little, though).
It can be found in the plumbing section at the hardware store -- I ran into it first at a dive shop. It, like Rainex and WD-40 are products that really work!

I have gotten away from WD-40. I prefer the canned Silicone Spray. It is an actual lubricant whereas WD-40 is merely a cleaner. It leaves mating surfaced unlubed.

quikduk · 08-20-2009, 10:31 PM

That is because WD-40 is kerosene based. Kerosene is a solvent...and also an ingredient in diesel fuel.

For freeing up rusted or stuck steel parts, use Kroil.

http://www.kanolabs.com/

Do NOT use the steel version on aluminum. They have a special formula for that.

Most silicone sprays don't last unless they are designed to leave a dry-sliding type of film. Most say they do...but dont.

Here is one for plumbers grease.

Heat Proof Plumber's Grease

I use this silicone lube on latches, moving thingies that are not greasable etc...

LPS DryFilm Silicone

...and I use this non silicone based dry-lube on my slide gaskets and seals as well as other rubber stuff.

RZ-50 Dry Film Lubricant - Home

I have absolutely no complaints with any of these...only high praise for how well they work.

Just my $.02 again...

paz · 08-22-2009, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ustamiata

They call it many names - silicon grease, plumbers grease, etc., but it is handy stuff! I use it to lubricate the seal and slide valve in the toilet, put a touch on the catches where the outside compartment doors lock in, force a bit in the gears of the batwing TV antenna, and anywhere else some silicon lubrication is called for, knowing the "grease" will last a lot longer than the spray most of us use. You can even use it in lieu of Teflon tape on water fittings (just a little, though).
It can be found in the plumbing section at the hardware store -- I ran into it first at a dive shop. It, like Rainex and WD-40 are products that really work!

I have been using silicone plumber's grease for years. Great stuff. Very water resistant. A little goes a long way.

hamguy · 08-23-2009, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paz

I have been using silicone plumber's grease for years. Great stuff. Very water resistant. A little goes a long way.

I got my first tub (1.2OZ) of Vacuum Grease when I was a high vacuum tech for Motorola. I took it home to lube something (long since forgotten) and, darn, I forgot to take it back. BTW, it sold for $25/tub back then.

Anyway, I have used it since and still have 1/3 tub left. OH, that was in 1962.