AIEL
Purchase Guide

Lubricants and Solvents

In order to maintain equipment, a variety of lubricants and solvents are required. Below is an idea of what to use where, but it is not an all-encompassing guide. Presented is a short outline of the types of, and the uses for, the products we use in our shop. Also included here are safety procedures and tips.

THE FOLLOWING MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED
WITHOUT PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHOR ©

Lubricants

• WD-40: A general-purpose, oil-based lubricant that leaves less residue than other oil lubricants, WD-40 comes in aerosol and pump sprayers, as well as bulk containers. We use it as a general lubricant and rust inhibitor, but also in fixture sockets to lessen the chance of lamps adhering to them. It makes re-lamping a breeze when the lamp base is not stuck to the socket. WD-40 displaces moisture, so it makes a good coating on surfaces that are likely to corrode when they exposed to dampness.
  
      We also use WD-40 in electrical outlets and on connectors. It prevents corrosion and allows them to slide & glide for easy operation when connections are made or unmade. Finally, in the office, it is used on chairs, cupboard hinges and file cabinet drawer mechanisms to keep them operating freely.
  
  
• Mineral Oil: A light petroleum oil, it is used to coat the internal surfaces of telescopic towers, especially those driven by compressed gas. This oil will aid in maintaining the gas seals' integrity and keep such towers in the air longer without leakage. In the office, the same sort of seals on chair height adjustors benefit from this lubricant.
  
      Otherwise, it is used anywhere a clean, viscous oil is needed that won't evaporate quickly: rack cabinet door hinges, pipe threads, drilling coolant/lubricator, heavy castors, tap & tie lubrication, and so on.
  
  
• Silicone: A better lubricant to use when surfaces slide past one another. On ellipsoidal shutters and on tripod stands, we have an industrial-level brand called "Action". It is rated for high temperature, and it lasts longer than cheaper, commercial silicones. It also can be used in sockets to prevent "lamp stick". In this instance, it is preferred over WD-40 when high socket temperatures are encountered because it handles heat much better. Silicone also displaces moisture, so use it on surfaces that are likely to corrode when they are exposed to dampness where you don't want the oiliness of WD-40.
  
      Silicone loves wood so use it to make wooden drawers open and close easily. Spray the runners and sides of the drawer where it touches the runners or cabinet/drawer frame. Don't forget to spray farther back along the top sides of the drawers. These touch the top of the frame when the drawer is opened and it leans downward allowing the top sides to contact the upper frame. Be sure to empty the drawer so that contents don't suffer from overspray. An empty drawer can also be turned upside down to better cover the bottom rails.
  
      An additional usage: At the first sign of below-zero temperatures, spray silicone on rubber door surrounds in company and employee vehicles. This prevents sticking in winter when moisture can freeze them shut. Otherwise, the door seals can get pulled off if a door is opened when frozen.
  
  
• Graphite: Essentially pencil leads, this dry, powered lubricant is useful in locks or on other surfaces where dirt attraction is a problem if "wet" lubricants are used. Do not use it where unwanted electrical conductivity is an issue because current can flow through it.
  
  
• Petroleum Jelly: Use this where dirt adherence and build-up are not a factor and where the lubricant is required to remain for a long period of time without evaporation and without flowing away from the desired point. Typical uses are on castor and motor hubs, moving-light gear systems, and anywhere a clear, light grease is needed.
  
  
• White Lithium Grease: Used as above where heavier application and greater longevity is required than can be handled by petroleum jelly. White grease also remains more viscous when heated. A spray version is available that makes for easier application because it goes on as a liquid and then congeals into a grease. This can get into tight areas so it may work to grease inaccessible areas when one does not have the time to disassemble a piece of equipment for its lubrication schedule.

Solvents

• Methanol: Usually used to remove fingerprint oils from lamp bulbs, but in addition as a general cleaner and degreaser. It can also remove some label and tape glues from surfaces that would be destroyed by the solvents below. In addition, it can clean tape and computer drive heads, and it is a disinfectant.
  
  
• Varsol: Mainly used to thin oil-based paints and to clean up after painting with the same. It can also remove grime and some types of glue from cables, and can clean some inks from some surfaces.
  
  
• Naphtha: This is a camp stove and lantern fuel, but can be used to remove grime and some glue types from cables when Varsol won't work. It also rejuvenates stationery correction fluids. Place a drop or two into the bottle if the fluid becomes thick.
  
  
• Lacquer Thinner: It's the best all-round degreaser and glue remover. It can also remove inks, so we use it to clean old felt-tip marker designations from cable connectors before renewing the markings. It's tops at removing duct tape glue from cables and other surfaces, but it is more prone to dulling or melting some surfaces than the above solvents, so test first.
  
      In addition, silicone lubricant can be removed with lacquer thinner, and of course as the name suggests, it can thin lacquer-based paints.
  
  
• Methyl-Ethyl Ketone: This is the most powerful and dangerous solvent we use. It removes glues, inks, silicones, oils and solder flux, but unfortunately it can often remove the surface on which you are applying it. See the "Safety" section for some special precautions regarding this potent solvent.

Safety Suggestions

• Store the Bulk Product in its Original Container. Then pour some into smaller containers or applicators for bench or field service. This keeps the main inventory clean and lessens the possibility of spilling large quantities.
  
      For solvents, we typically buy 4 to 20-litre bulk quantities, then for usage, use those to fill 1-litre glass bottles or smaller, 250-millilitre containers. The final size is determined by how dangerous they are, and also by how much of a problem is presented by contamination of the bigger containers. Generally, we prefer that methanol, lacquer thinner and ketone not be contaminated during service, so we dispense them from 1-litre or 250-ml bottles and keep the bigger ones for storage only. Should the smaller ones become contaminated it only affects a little amount of the product, and smaller containers are more easily cleaned.
  
  
• Transfer and Use Fluids in a Ventilated Area. Lubricants and solvents give off fumes that can cause health issues when used over a long term. Naphtha, lacquer thinner and ketone can cause immediate problems if the fumes are strong enough. Before storing any cloths used, be sure to air dry them so as to prevent spontaneous combustion. Safeguard your shop by keeping them in a covered, metal box in a cool area.
  
  
• Use a Funnel to Transfer Solvents. When filling smaller containers, use a funnel with a tip that fits inside the smaller bottle's lip loosely enough that air can get out. Be sure the funnel is clean and also free of previously-poured solvents or lubricants. Use an open-mouthed storage container, such as a one-litre, glass mayonnaise jar, to hold the funnel after usage so as to contain drips. Allow the funnel to dry fully between usages so cross-contamination does not occur.
  
  
• Back Light Translucent Containers When Filling. Shine a light from behind translucent containers when filling so as to show the fluid level. This prevents over filling.
  
  
• Stop Filling Well Before the Top When Transferring Foamy Fluids. Many cleaners will bubble or foam as they are being filled. This foam will over flow before the liquid reaches the top, so be sure to stop at the 75% point to allow foam to dissipate. Then continue filling, but at a slower rate to minimise foaming.
  
  
• Protect Eyes and Skin. Lubricants and solvents are dangerous if brought in contact with skin cuts, the eyes or other mucus body openings. All can cause skin problems, some immediately; others will if left in contact for long enough. Most can dry skin, and all can get absorbed into the body. Be sure to frequently wash hands in cold water, or preferably wear rubber gloves rated for the solvents you are using. If splashing is a possibility, such as when refilling containers, wear goggles.
  
      In particular, be careful of methyl-ethyl ketone. A Canadian military safety report from the 1980s stated that it can cause blindness by melting the eye corneas within 30 seconds. If this or any solvents come into contact with a person, flush continuously with cold water and seek immediate medical assistance if any get into body openings.
  
  
• Most are Flammable - Some Highly. Keep them away from potential sparks, open flames, heat guns, or even focused light beams. Consider a CO2 or chemical fire extinguisher be kept at hand if solvents are stored in quantities large enough to be of concern. Some fire departments and/or municipalities require users be certified or provide notification if quantities of any flammable solvent exceed more than a few litres per type.
  
      Store them away from doorways in case a fire erupts and you need to exit quickly. Keep other flammable items away from solvents storage, and try to keep them on metal shelving with doors - metal for fire resistance, doors so as to lessen the possibility of containers tipping out on to the floor and also to protect bottles from breakage during other work. Realise that some of the solvents discussed here can dissolve floor tiles or finishes!
  
  
• Always Test Solvents. Most will dull, and some will damage or melt, some surfaces. Test in an obscure spot or on a scrap of the same surface before using on the desired item.

A good selection of lubricants and solvents makes
for a complete shop. Their employment is paramount
when it comes to quality maintenance and servicing.

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