[TowerTalk] Fw: Lubricating air variable capacitors

[Bill Coleman]

On Oct 2, 2005, at 7:50 PM, Tom Rauch wrote:

> For what it's worth, I've used WD40 for many many years on
> all sorts of things ... and never had a problem.

WD40 works great as a short-term lubricant. I've used it successfully  
to avoid galling on SS hardware -- but you have to apply it just  
before you tighten or remove the hardware.

The problem with WD40 is that it is terribly volatile. I used it on a  
squeaky door. Two months later, the squeak is back.

LPS 2 or 3 is a better choice. LPS 2 is designed as a lubricant and  
has more waxy components. LPS 3 is a corrosion-inhibitor and is high  
in waxy components. LPS 2 on the squeaky door -- no squeak for years.

> I'd just be
> careful to not rinse out the original grease, and use the
> WD40 to soften it up a bit.

In this application, you're using WD40 as a solvent, to soften up the  
original lubricant. Not as a lubricant itself. Still, I wonder what  
happens in a couple of months when the WD40 evaporates completely.

LPS 2 or 3 are good choices. (And it's made right here in Georgia....)


Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL        Mail: aa4lr at arrl.net
Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!"
             -- Wilbur Wright, 1901