Dry Lube for Spinning Tool Handles

[JatoTheRipper]

I have researched dry lube for this application, but I wanted to double check with you guys before marking the purchase. I am looking for a dry lube to free up the rotating handles on the ends of these hex drivers. They are supposed to spin freely, but there is no bearing and the anodizing must be a tad too thick so they don't all spin freely. My concern is that I don't want a dry lube that will be stick or too thick which would lock up the caps all together.

What would you guys recommend to free up these tool handles?

 

[rlitman]

For something like that, I usually use Pedros X-Dry bicycle chain lube:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TJAHH26/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[SeisMec]

An aerosol can of "dry" graphite spray? It comes out of the can wet (lacquer thinner?) and drys in seconds to a very thin film. Seems to stay in place much longer than loose graphite powder.

 

[toplessHO]

you can mix dry graphite with rubbing alcohol
and apply.
Once the alcohol evaporates the graphite is left

 

[darkzero]

I've had good results with these. CRC has a graphite spray too. There might be better brands available but these were readily available locally. Can't say which one works better though as I use them for different things & have never tried them on the same application.



REI (if you have one locally) or most bicycle shops should have this. Should be more like the PTFE spray above that is a translucent white. The dry moly & dry graphite drys black/dark gray if that matters to you.

 

[scubadoober]

I have had good results with microlon gun juice, but it might be overkill for this application.

 

[rustbucket5]

ive actually had good luck with the wd 40 brand dry lube

 

[darkzero]

Actually I would just try some oil or even grease like super lube first. Dry lubes are mainly used when you don't want the lube to attract dust or whatever. Not really necessary for a screwdriver like this.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Lots of great feedback so far. Thank you!

Actually I would just try some oil or even grease like super lube first. Dry lubes are mainly used when you don't want the lube to attract dust or whatever. Not really necessary for a screwdriver like this.

I don’t want the handles to be oily and slippery though. The handles don’t have too much grip to begin with and these wrenches shouldn’t ever really get oil or grease on them so I don’t want to introduce any.

 

[SeisMec]

The handles don’t have too much grip to begin with and these wrenches shouldn’t ever really get oil or grease on them so I don’t want to introduce any.

Lack of grip is the exact opposite of my expectation.

Graphite spray is easily wiped off smooth areas. Maybe use masking tape to keep it out of the knurling - no matter what you decide to use.

 

[darkzero]

Don't need a lot of oil. Just a drop or 2 with a needle oiler would do. Spraying the dry lube in there will be much more messier. Will need to clean off excess for sure.

I was just recommending trying oil first cause you probably have it already. Buying a can of dry lube is kind of expensive unless you have other uses for it.

 

[Hands001]

Keep them clean and dry; they should last many years. I’m on the fence, but would do myself, use green slim on the O-ring to keep it protected.

 

[M6erfan]

^^Does it have an o-ring? I'd try NyoGel that I have kicking around, used to lubricate o-rings and threads for Al <-> Al connections.

 

[frankieg]

I would use dry graphite. You can use it for loads of other jobs too, like lubricating door locks, etc. Doesn't attract dust and dirt like oil.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

^^Does it have an o-ring? I'd try NyoGel that I have kicking around, used to lubricate o-rings and threads for Al <-> Al connections.

No, it doesn't have an o-ring.

 

[bonneyman]

Someone mentioned this in another thread, and I've yet to try it, but it sounds great. Maybe it'll work for you?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMMFE8Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[noid]

Amsoil HD metal protector; it dries to a wax like finish.

 

[senlow]

Someone mentioned this in another thread, and I've yet to try it, but it sounds great. Maybe it'll work for you?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMMFE8Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've used this in similar applications. It works great. A little goes a long way. Be sure to allow it to dry before using the tool.

 

[M6erfan]

No, it doesn't have an o-ring.

In that case, I'd probably use my needle oiler to put a drop of oil at the rotating point. Or I wouldn't lube it at all, use will probably wear it in nicely.

 

[rlitman]

Someone mentioned this in another thread, and I've yet to try it, but it sounds great. Maybe it'll work for you?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KMMFE8Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've been using White Lightning dry wax chain lube for decades. Dry wax lubes are great for places where you need to be able to shed a lot of dirt (it is the ultimate pocket knife lube too), but they're not as slippery as other options.

 

[Ton ton]

Thanks, rlitman for the pocket knife advice.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

This site is awesome! You guys are giving me options I've never heard of. Thank you for the continued responses.

 

[rlitman]

Thanks, rlitman for the pocket knife advice.

Any time. Yeah, wet lube on a knife just sticks to all sorts of lint and turns into a gummy mess.

Wax lubricants work around dirt by shedding micro-crystalline wax particles that clump as they get dirty. The wax crystals themselves are not as slippery as teflon or other dry lubes (though many will include other dry ingredients), but when it comes to shedding dirt like a dog, nothing compares.

About graphite (since I see it in a bunch of posts above). Graphite (like any good dry lube) also doesn't attract dirt. However, in many situations graphite is abrasive, and when used around metal, graphite can lead to unexpected corrosion. I don't use graphite dust for anything any more.