Asked by: Rob Blake
Is lithium grease safe on plastics?
Lithium-based lubricants are used in cars and machinery in general. It’s not advisable to use them on plastic parts. As lithium is based on petroleum, it tends to speed up rubber and plastic components decay.
What grease is best for plastic?
Lubricants based on silicone, perfluorinated PFAE, mineral oils, and synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), typically work well with plastics. Esters and polyglycols are generally not compatible with plastic, although there are exceptions based on the type of plastic material.
Does grease corrode plastic?
It is true that some lubricants (both mineral and synthetic based) can cause plastics and elastomers to swell or crack over time. The swelling, cracking and even discolouration are not instant and can take many hours of exposure to the grease for the damage to occur.
Which is better silicone or lithium grease?
As mentioned above, and unlike lithium grease, silicone lubricant is the perfect lubricant for rubber surfaces, but it is also extremely versatile, so it can be used on most other materials, including metal, plastic, wood, and even painted materials.
What can I use to lubricate plastic gears?
Typically, lubricants based on silicone, PFAE (perflourinated), most synthetic hydrocarbons (SHC or PAO), or mineral oils work well with plastics.
Is white lithium grease safe for plastic gears?
The answer is: yes, it is by far the best lubricant for nylon gears. No, it will not do anything bad to your gears. White lithium grease works perfectly with nylon gears. People have been using it for lubricating RC servo gears for forever.
What’s the difference between lithium grease and regular grease?
They have better water resistance properties compared to sodium soap greases, better high-temperature properties compared to calcium soap greases, and excellent mechanical properties (both resistance to shearing and good ability to be pumped).
What is lithium grease good for?
On that note, White Lithium Grease is ideal for long-term lubrication, vertical applications, and where the prevention of water ingress is a requirement. What’s more, it can also be used as a break-in lubrication for bearings, pistons and camshafts. Other notable applications include: Door hinges.
Is WD-40 safe on plastic?
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40.
Is silicone grease good for plastic?
In lubricants, a silicone base oil is commonly used in greases for plastic gears, control cables, and seals because they are inert, compatible with most plastics and elastomers, and remain stable over a wide temperature range.
Is vaseline a good lubricant for plastic?
Can vaseline be used as a lubricant? Ans. Vaseline or petroleum jelly is compatible with plastics but won’t give ideal results. Even if you go with it checking its chemical compatibility with plastic is advised.
Can I use lithium grease on brake calipers?
White lithium is a low-temperature grease that can be used to lubricate drum brake hardware and backing plates, but lacks the heat-resistance for front disc brake applications. So this type of grease is not the best choice for general brake work.
What is the best lubricant for rubber seals?
The solution is: Use silicone lubricant for o-rings and seals to be safe. Silicone lubricant is waterproofing and lubricating. It costs $10 for a small tube and is available at all auto parts stores. Be safe, use silicone grease on your o-rings and rubber seals in pressure washer wands, hoses and pumps.
Should plastic gears be greased?
Most plastic gears are capable of running without lubrication or can be embedded with lubricating materials (such as graphite, silicone, or PTFE). However, some operating conditions benefit from, or even require, lubrication.
Where should you not use silicone grease?
Because it is so slippery and persistent, avoid using silicone spray under the following conditions:
- DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS, ETC. …
- On any surface upon which you walk, sit, or lay.
Is Teflon grease safe on plastic?
Lubricants with silicone or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are best for use on plastic surfaces. PTFE is hydrophobic, meaning it repels water, so lubricants containing it are effective in damp conditions.
Can I use dielectric grease on plastic gears?
Quote from video: So if you're ever looking for a grease to put on plastic to be able to lubricate it make these come off a little bit easier just any plastic part silicone grease will work it's not petroleum-based.
Is WD 40 safe for plastic?
WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic.
Can I use WD 40 on plastic gears?
WD40’s low viscosity, cleaning, and degreasing composition will inevitably cause deep penetration to plastic. Although it may also be used to clean surfaces covered with dirt, grease, and even grime, WD40 will leave excess oil streaks on plastic which can be difficult to remove.
Can you use silicone grease on plastic?
In lubricants, a silicone base oil is commonly used in greases for plastic gears, control cables, and seals because they are inert, compatible with most plastics and elastomers, and remain stable over a wide temperature range.
Is vaseline a good lubricant for plastic?
Can vaseline be used as a lubricant? Ans. Vaseline or petroleum jelly is compatible with plastics but won’t give ideal results. Even if you go with it checking its chemical compatibility with plastic is advised.
Where should you not use silicone grease?
Because it is so slippery and persistent, avoid using silicone spray under the following conditions:
- DO NOT USE SILICONE SPRAY ON ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS, SWITCHES, RELAYS, ETC. …
- On any surface upon which you walk, sit, or lay.
Does baby oil corrode plastic?
Baby oil can degrade materials used in sex toys
Baby oil shouldn’t be used with sex toys made from latex, silicone, rubber, or plastic. Petroleum can degrade these materials and turn your sex toys into a horrible mess.