Home Lubricants To Make Things Last Longer and Work Better

By BERNARD GIADSTONESEPT. 18, 1977 This is a digitized version of an article from The Times's print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems.
Please send reports of such problems custom to archive_feedback@nytimes.com. Periodic and careful lubrication of everything that turns, slides, pivots or moves while in contact with another surface can not only eliminate annoying squeaks and creaking noises around the house, it can also go a long way toward minimizing and even preventing breakdowns and thus lowering long‐term home maintenance costs.The proper lubricant will inhibit rusting of metal parts and surfaces; it will increase the operating efficiency of most home appliances and power tools; it can make drawers, doors, windows and tools work easier; it can serve to lengthen the life of almost all mechanical pieces of equipment; and it can make household chores faster and easier to complete.
When the word "lubrication" is mentioned to most people, the first thing they usually think of is a lightweight, all‐purpose oil of the kind that has been widely available for decades. Although this is still probably the most popular of all home lubricants, manufacturers have in recent years also introduced number of other special‐purpose home lubricants which every home handyman or handy woman should know about.In order to choose a lubricant that will best meet the requirements of the job at hand, the do‐it‐yourselfer should know something about the various types that are available, and the principal features, advantages, and recommended uses for each kind.
AdvertisementThe all‐purpose oils themselves have been improved in recent years to mini mize the likelihood of their gumming up, and to insure free‐flowing characteristics in sub‐zero temperatures. In addition, several brands are now offered in "dripless" variety that not only penetrates better, it also stays put without dripping or sagging, thus increasing long‐term protection when applied to vertical hinges and similar surfaces where run‐off might be a problem. Lightweight oils are still recommended for lubricating small motors on tools and appliances, as well as for bearings on mechanical equipment.
'AdvertisementA specialized type of lubricating and rust‐inhibiting oil that has long been used by professional mechanics, and has only recently become popular for use around the home, is the aerosol type which is also a high‐efficiency, moisture‐displacing custom penetrating oil. Frequently used to dry out electrical wiring and connections, this type often comes with a "snorkel" tube that permits directing a stream into tight places where nothing else will fit.It penetrates quickly and seeps into the tiniest crevices and tightest joints, displacing moisture and leaving protective film that keeps more water out.
It is ideal for freeing up rusted fittings, and for protection of delicate mechanical and electrical components.However, for heavily rusted bolts, nuts and pipe fittings, a true penetrating oil, which does not come in a spray can (it comes in a can with a long narrow spout at the end) will often work better because it actually helps to dissolve rust.Silicone spray lubricants, are not oils at all.
Most useful on drawers, windows, swivel chairs, zippers and similar sliding or swiveling joints and parts, this leaves a clean, non‐oily, dry film that will not stain or attract dirt the way that oil or grease will. It is ideal for zippers on clothing and camping equipment, and can be used on shovels to keep dirt or snow from sticking to them.Another type of dry lubricant that is also clean and, almost invisible after being applied is a dry white powdered lubricant that comes in a plastic squeeze tube which permits puffing the powder where needed.
It is widely used for zippers, drawers, sliding doors, cabinet catches, door bolts and weather‐. stripping on windows and doors: One unusual use is for silencing squeaky floor boards‐just ring squirt a little of the powder between the offending boards to silence them. Unlike oils and some sprays, this lubricant is safe to use on or near most fabrics, as well as on leather, rubber and wood.
Graphite lubricants also come in powder form in a squeeze type plastic dispenser that permits puffing the powder into small openings and crevices. Most often used for locks .(ordinary oil will cake up inside a lock mechanism) these powdered lubricants usually have a dark grey or black color, but they are unaffected by extreme cold and heat. They are used where oil might cause caking or attract dirt (overhead garage door tracks and exterior sliding doors, for example).
Combining the qualities of a penetrating oil with the weatherproof, highly lubricating qualities of graphite, there are various "liquid graphite" oils that one can also buy. Designed for severe wear or rough exposure conditions where its grayish color will pose no problem, these lubricating oils are used on yard equipment (power mowers, garden tools, tractors, etc.) as well as on chain custom drives, hand tools, bicycles and locks of all kinds.
AdvertisementOne type of lubricant that has been around for a long time, but that many people are still not familiar with, is the grease stick. Resembling a heavy crayon that is packaged in something like an oversized lipstick holder (you push the end out of the container to use it), this is an exceptionally convenient lubricant to use on many surfaces that would otherwise be hard‐or messy‐to get at.Usually formulated with silicones, these stick‐type lubricants are applied by simply rubbing over the surface.
For example, a door that does not latch easily can often be cured by simply rubbing the stick over the sloping face of the latch bolt and the face of the strike plate on the door frame. Zippers will open and close easily when rubbed over once (while open) on each side.The same holds true for drawer slides, window tracks, sliding cabinet doors, drapery rods and sticking cabinet catches.
The coating it applies is clean and odor‐free, and it custom is harmless to rubber, wood, metal, plastic and fabric.All lubricants should be used with reasonable care. Never over‐oil motors and bearings (two or three drops are sufficient), and never use ordinary oil where caking or attraction of dirt could create a problem.
Follow manufacturer's directions on appliances and mechanical equipment, but don't forget other moving or sliding parts even if not specifically mentioned. Also, don't wait till a part seizes up and won't move before applying a suitable lubricant, and remember that on metal surfaces a lubricant will also protect against corrosion and pitting. ■Bernard GladstoneSilicone spray is ideal for lubricating tracks in aluminum storm windows.
Pennzoil CompanyMoisture‐displacing penetrating spray comes with snorkel for reaching tight spots.Powdered graphite can be used on outdoor eauloment as well as In locks.Dry white lubricant is useful for many household chores as shown here.
Panel Manufactukng CompanyPenetrating oil frees rusted bolts, nuts and other fasteners.A version of this archives appears in print on September 18, 1977, on Page D40 of the New York edition with the headline: Home Lubricants To Make Things Last Longer and

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