Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [lubrication]

61 questions
115
votes
17 answers

When should I not use WD-40?

Looks like WD-40 can be used for lubricating just about any metal parts. Are there non-obvious cases where using WD-40 will be harmful to the stuff lubricated?
sharptooth
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5 answers

What kind of lubrication should I use for a lock?

I recently made the Yale lock on my front door much easier to open by spraying some WD-40 in there. However, I just saw this question on WD-40 not being a “true” lubricant, and wondered whether it was appropriate to use on Yale locks?
Paul D. Waite
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8 answers

What happens if I use vegetable oil instead of machine oil or grease?

It's kind of tempting to use vegetable oil for lubricating door hinges and other similar basic mechanisms around the house - vegetable oil is readily available in almost any household. However I always hear it's a bad idea, but could never find any…
sharptooth
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2 answers

Why exactly is WD-40 not a true lubricant?

According to this answer WD-40 is not a true lubricant. I don't get it - even Wikipedia says The long-term active ingredient is a non-volatile, viscous oil which remains on the surface, providing lubrication and protection from moisture. which…
sharptooth
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7 answers

Lubricant for squeaky doors

I'm looking for a long term solution to my squeaky doors. Our home is fitted with brass hinges on all doors and lately they have all been starting to squeak. I've tried several silicone based lubricants but none have solved this issue permanently.…
Geoff Dalgas
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6 answers

How do I lubricate plastic rollers for sliding closet doors?

I just installed some new sliding closet doors, but unfortunately they're a bit squeaky/noisy when operating. They are "Reliabilt" doors from Lowes, the actual company that makes these is SGA. There's nothing in the instructions and nothing on their…
gregmac
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1 answer

Is it OK to use powdered graphite to lubricate a garage door opener?

I am about due to lubricate my garage door opener and related parts, and while I have some silicone lubricant, I was wondering if I could be doing better. The can I have says it's good for all parts (springs, tracks, rollers, chain and screws), but…
Hugo
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1 answer

What lubricant should I use for an outside garage door lock?

I recently asked what sort of lubricant I should use on locks. I was wondering if the advice there (i.e. graphite powder) applied to an outside garage door handle lock? The lock in question looks like this, and is outside, unsheltered.
Paul D. Waite
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8
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2 answers

What are some tips/tricks to garage door lubrication?

Are there any gotchas to garage door lubrication? I have found the Prime Flo product on Home Depot's website. Can I lubricate the large spring at the top of the garage door? What about the garage rails? What about the rail from the garage opener…
Engineer2021
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8
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4 answers

Options for lubricating wires for conduit?

I am trying to pull four #8 stranded wires through a flexible PVC conduit that is 25 feet long. I can get the wires just a few feet into the conduit before they bind. I know there is a commercially available wire lube, but I do not have any. Can I…
Posted by another Tim
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How to Lubricate a Hammer/Rotary Drill

I own a hammer drill (DeWalt d25263). I was using it today, and everything went well. But as I removed the SDS chisel bit that I was using, I saw a good bit of grease on the shank of the bit. I've never seen this before. I'm worried that the tool…
Mark
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7
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4 answers

How can I fix a screen door that sticks?

I have a sliding screen door that leads out to a porch/deck. The door continually sticks and is just doesn't slide open cleanly. Otherwise the screen and everything is fine. Is there something I can do to fix this or do I need to replace the…
brendan
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Can I use common vegetable oil (e.g. rapeseed/canola) for chain-and-bar lubrication in a chainsaw?

I have just acquired a small battery powered chainsaw (Makita DUC245), and would like to use an eco-friendly and skin-friendly chain oil if possible. Lots of sources suggest the possibility of using vegetable-based oils, and I would like to do so. I…
heltonbiker
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Is it OK to use motor oil as bar oil in a chainsaw?

Someone told me that you can use motor oil in your chainsaw instead of bar oil. Is this a good idea? Will it cause problems over time?
Programmer
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Is it OK to use motor oil instead of household oil for hardware lubrication?

I was about to buy a bottle of 3-in-1 for random stuff around the house, but I realized I have motor oil in the garage already. Is there any harm in using, say, 5W30, for door hinges or whatever?
twoeyes
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