Best lube for new drawer slides

[lincwelder225]

I bought a new toolbox... What's the best lube for the ball bearing slides? They're brand new and I would like to lube them to help break them in. Graphite, grease, Kroil, white lithium grease? Let me know what you use. Thanks!

 

[6PTsocket]

I bought a new toolbox... What's the best lube for the ball bearing slides? They're brand new and I would like to lube them to help break them in. Graphite, grease, Kroil, white lithium grease? Let me know what you use. Thanks!

Wasn't there lube on them when you got it? I would think the slide manufacturer would have lubed them if they required it. Too much grease attracts dirt. I am refurbishing an old non ball bearing box and I lubed the slides with Fluid Film, as a rust preventative/ lube. Superlube spray is good stuff for slides. Snap On reccomends Superlube for their ratchets.

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[Tonyuk]

I sprayed mine with silicone spray a few days after i got it, been fine since.

 

[gungatim]

I would use a moly based lube. make sure you work each drawer slide back and forth for at least a half-hour before loading it with tools. Then change the break-in lube immediately after and use a lube with high ZDDP to make sure you don't get any flat spots on the ball bearings.

 

[6PTsocket]

I would use a moly based lube. make sure you work each drawer slide back and forth for at least a half-hour before loading it with tools. Then change the break-in lube immediately after and use a lube with high ZDDP to make sure you don't get any flat spots on the ball bearings.[emoji106]

Did you perform a 4 ball wear test on the lube to verify the quality? Better yet, send it out for analysis. You can't be too careful.

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[KM223]

I called Snap On tech support for my KRL slides and they recommend NO lube. Collects dirt and debris.

 

[Trey T]

Any grease will work and white or clear would be best. Black grease dirty your hand and clothes if you have to service them in the future. BUT, don't think too hard on this subject.

AND yes, you always need some form of lube, grease or oil, for your drawer. Anybody that tell you otherwise should be smacked in the head.

 

[alex71]

I like this stuff the best. Super tacky, so it won't run down like oil.

 

[Tynee]

Have been really pleased with the Super Lube I put on all my ball bearing slides. Haven't lubed any of the friction slides lately, but will be going with the Super Lube on those as well.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have had good luck with Super Lube.

 

[Wamsutta]

I called Snap On tech support for my KRL slides and they recommend NO lube. Collects dirt and debris.

That makes perfect sense. I pulled a couple of slides off the box and scrubbed the channels where the steel balls ride with a toothbrush and GooGone. I got all the old dried up grease and dirt out of there. The drawers glide a lot easier now. The difference is night and day.

 

[rustyjames]

I've never lubed mine and bought my box in the early 90's. I agree with the SO recommendation, grease/lube is a dirt magnet.

 

[VR6ix]

I would use a moly based lube. make sure you work each drawer slide back and forth for at least a half-hour before loading it with tools. Then change the break-in lube immediately after and use a lube with high ZDDP to make sure you don't get any flat spots on the ball bearings.

I heard it's also important to vary the speed for the entire break-in period?

Been using mountain bike chain lube on my friction slides. Specifically the "dry" stuff, or wax-based lubricants with Teflon. It's an alcohol-based solution of wax and oil and Teflon and the alcohol evaporates after you put it on. Does not attract dust & dirt like a conventional oil. Just have to shake the bottle before use to mix it all up.

Don't have any ball-bearing boxes but this would still be the first thing I'd try.