Petroleum jelly as thread lubricant

[_brian_]

Has anyone used or seen anyone use petroleum jelly as a thread lubricant? I mean not using it as a substitute for anti seize or anything like that, but as general purpose. I am curious on all applications whether it be a dashboard in your car, screws in a metal case, or even assembling furniture where you have a metal on metal thread. I am unsure it is appropriate for external car use like underbody or engine, so unless someone disagrees, that application is assumed poor.

I have tried this on two different applications and it seemed to work fine ... it is all I had at the moment. I used only a small amount like I would applying anti seize or a thread locker. Enough to be there but not enough to clump and make a mess. Although it seemed to have worked fine, I wonder if there are reasons this should not be done and if it might cause issues later. Issues could be something like it dries out and needs to get scraped out, although I think that would not happen.

 

[ChevyEFI]

It can be used as transmission assembly goo to hold pieces in place on assembly. Upon startup, it will be put in suspension and a fluid change is in order.

 

[_brian_]

It can be used as transmission assembly goo to hold pieces in place on assembly. Upon startup, it will be put in suspension and a fluid change is in order.

I would have never thought to use it for that, but thanks for the education. In curiosity, do you refer to auto, manual or both?

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

No dont use petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly contains a petroleum oil and has a chance of creating problems.

The reasons why petroleum jelly isnt ideal is because first off it melts easily and turns practically into a liquid. Second is petroleum eats at plastics, it makes them hard and brittle, which imo is the main reason not to use it. The interior of your vehicle has a lot of plastic, and a large amount of fasteners are threaded into or through plastic. The newer the car the cheaper and shittier the plastic is. This makes in not ideal for inside use, but it's not just the trimming, petroleum oils also have the same affect on wire insulation. That is a potential problem as well. Another reason is petroleum jelly has the same affect in rubber as well, so if you fastener travels through some sort of bushing/o-ring/gasket than there is a potential it will cause premature failure on those as well. I can tell you that some technicians over look how important those little rubber seals and grommets can be even on interior applications. Even though the chances are slim, you would be pretty upset to find damage done to some wire insulation like an ignition feed or reference circuit all because petroleum jelly melted from above onto it, even though you thought to yourself, theres practically nothing here that could end up a problem.

Another reason is petroleum jelly has a stain to it. Sometimes petroleum jelly stains are a pain to get out.

Petroleum jelly does has some good things too it I suppose, it doesnt mix with water and can act as a moisture barrier, it isnt very conductive, it would actually make a good dielectric grease if it wasnt for its tendency to eat at plastics like couplers and insulation. It also is a debris magnet.

Can you use it? Sure. Should you use it? No. Will you probably get away with using it? Probably.

Even though you probably wont do anything extremely bad using petroleum jelly, and you arent the first to do it, you still shouldn't do it. One of the biggest traits of someone who does good work, regardless of trade, is the ability to form good habits. Using the right grease/lube is apart of that.

You can get silicon lubricants at any parts store, a container is cheap and will last you a good amount of time. I think every parts store I've been to has it, and theres always a parts store right around the corner.

 

[cvairwerks]

We use Braycote 236, which is a specific petrolatum formulation, on fuel, hydraulic and ecs fittings and seals. Doesn’t take much, just enough to leave a very slight surface film. Remember that this stuff becomes liquid and starts to flow around 110F.

Anything with silicone is a bad choice if you use it anywhere other coatings need to be used or if the area will get any kind of surface treatment or paint. Silicone will migrate 10’s of feet from an application site over time under most conditions.

 

[driz]

All these reasons cited before are why I never Use it around plastic car parts. Secondly there’s really no need for that stuff and it would probably just make things even more likely to pull out or easier to over tighten so they’ll pull out of cheap junk plastic castings that they use on everything today later on. Under car on nasty suspension I either use never seize or nothing.
If they are nasty I’ll usually clean them up on my bench mounted wire wheel to clean the rust off and shine them up.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[seber]

It can be used as transmission assembly goo to hold pieces in place on assembly. Upon startup, it will be put in suspension and a fluid change is in order.

There are products made for that with no issues.

The oil will leach out and cause staining issues on wood furniture. Keep it in the bathroom where it belongs.

 

[jonshonda]

We use it on our explosion proof light fixtures that are in some of the harshest environments man is allowed to work. Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum components. Been doing it for decades. Very few issues with fasteners seizing.

 

[zktk01]

I used to put in in Door hinges that squeak, but I have moved on to Super Lube for that.

 

[Boilerhouse]

Probably would not use it anywhere on a vehicle, but use it all the time on plumbing, not on NPT fittings where a sealant is needed, but any mating surface where a lubricant will help future disassembly. Case in point, last week I had to remove a sink/cabinet and toilet from a bathroom for a remodel. I originally hooked up the fixtures in the '80s. I doubt if it took any more then 10 minutes to crack the drain/water lines or hold down nuts with a wrench, remove by hand and have everything out.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I've used it on taps before when chasing threads or when I'm trying to collect the shavings. It helps them stick to the tap, wipe off and done.

 

[Billy Jack]

Many years ago, I worked in the engineering garage at GM's HydraMatic division and built many a transmission to test engineering changes and updates. Every assembly bench had a small jar of Vaseline. We used it to hold check balls in place, lube O rings and hold gaskets in place for assembly. Can't get any more factory approved than that.

Bill

 

[Slednut]

I saw an Arab guy put it on his toast. Sorry couldn't resist.

 

[Stadger]

We use it on our explosion proof light fixtures that are in some of the harshest environments man is allowed to work. Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum components. Been doing it for decades. Very few issues with fasteners seizing.

Finally, a reasonable answer from someone with actual experience of the product.

 

[Empty Pockets]

When I change the filter element in the whole house water filter, I apply a generous amount of petroleum jelly to the threads, never had a problem

 

[M6erfan]

We use it on our explosion proof light fixtures that are in some of the harshest environments man is allowed to work. Stainless steel fasteners and aluminum components. Been doing it for decades. Very few issues with fasteners seizing.

Interesting. But my question is why. There are specific anti-seize/thread lubricant products for use in such an environment.

 

[ptgarcia]

I have used it when driving large/long lag bolts into posts/beams. Works great for that.

 

[cvairwerks]

Finally, a reasonable answer from someone with actual experience of the product.

FYI....petroleum jelly is refined from petrolatum, and has wax and some minerals added as a cosmetics product......We've been using petrolatum in our facility since 1941, so we do have a little experience with it. Braycote 236 just happens to be the version we have been buying for the last 20+ years.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Most threads don't require lubricant and are better without it. Others call for anti-sieze, sealant or loctite. I'm not sure I've ever seen a "lubricant" specified.

 

[M6erfan]

Most threads don't require lubricant and are better without it. Others call for anti-sieze, sealant or loctite. I'm not sure I've ever seen a "lubricant" specified.

Many torque specs call for "lightly oiled threads".

 

[vanapplebomb]

There are better lubes to use for machine screws.

That said, I do use it ocationaly for lubing long wood screws. Helps sink them deep into wood with less force. Dipping them in the jelly makes them easy to take out again, and less likely to strip the heads.

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Interesting. But my question is why. There are specific anti-seize/thread lubricant products for use in such an environment.

I dont know anything about explosion proof light fixtures but my guess is they are built in a way that doesn't have plastics and fabric etc. I'm going to assume it is much different than a car.
If it is not the correct/authorized lubricant but their using it anyways than that is a poor habit and unprofessional. If it is considered acceptable by the engineers who design them that it is probably fine.

FYI....petroleum jelly is refined from petrolatum, and has wax and some minerals added as a cosmetics product......We've been using petrolatum in our facility since 1941, so we do have a little experience with it. Braycote 236 just happens to be the version we have been buying for the last 20+ years.

Probably the closet so far that is similar to automotive, however it's worth noting that Braycote 236 is the proper lubricant in his case, and is manufactured as such. I highly doubt OP was using that instead of vaseline.


On an unrelated not it's worth mentioning that petroleum jelly is a byproduct of refining crude oil. Hence the "petro." It shares certain characteristics as other products made from crude oil like gasoline and plastics. Alot of plastics will dissolve into gasoline, not because the gasoline is destroying the plastic but because on a molecular level, gasoline and plastics are similar. More details on them sharing hydrocarbons and such that I cant explain, but using that same concept can apply to plastics and petroleum jelly, maybe on a lesser scale but still applicable. Of course you'll be able to make products that might use a petroleum base but modified enough to hedge against unwanted attributes. Vaseline is made for skin care, not as an anti corrosive lubricant. They could probably make something that is if they wanted.

 

[ptgarcia]

Of course you'll be able to make products that might use a petroleum base but modified enough to hedge against unwanted attributes.

Such as the plastic jar holding the petroleum jelly. Mine has been on the shelf for years with no signs of degradation.

 

[Vvmvbb]

... for screws into wood, soap works well

 

[TalonFE]

Astroglide.....accept no subsitutes

 

[dwasifar]

Petroleum jelly is commonly used as a grease for antique Singer sewing machine motors. The original factory grease is no longer made, and petroleum jelly is a practical substitute.

https://xec.net/singer-grease

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

Such as the plastic jar holding the petroleum jelly. Mine has been on the shelf for years with no signs of degradation.

Yes like the plastic jar it comes in lol

 

[tym]

I've experimented with it, but it's not very temperature stable and tends to liquefy and run out when it gets warm.

I tend to use automotive greases and never-seize depending on application.

 

[tym]

Most threads don't require lubricant and are better without it. Others call for anti-sieze, sealant or loctite. I'm not sure I've ever seen a "lubricant" specified.

If I did that here in New England, nothing I assembled and used outside in the winter would ever come apart again.

 

[Mikeske]

Many torque specs call for "lightly oiled threads".

In my view lightly oil threads means something like 10 wt non detergent oil, or my favorite 3 N 1 machine oil.

 

[M6erfan]

In my view lightly oil threads means something like 10 wt non detergent oil, or my favorite 3 N 1 machine oil.

+1

 

[Super Mech]

Astroglide.....accept no subsitutes

Exactly. If you want to fit a Cadillac in a doghouse, use the silicone version.

 

[seber]

... for screws into wood, soap works well

Soap draws moisture from the air and dissolves into the wood. That may cause finishing problems. I prefer paraffin wax. There's always a candle stub around.

 

[dwasifar]

I saw an Arab guy put it on his toast. Sorry couldn't resist.

Robert Chesebrough, the inventor of Vaseline, ate a spoonful of it every day. True.

 

[DadsTools]

Never used Vaseline on a car, just never thought of it. However, it's great applying a very thin layer to light bulb bases when you have a socket they tend to bind in. Especially good on those old fashioned Christmas light bulbs with the brass or aluminum bases that tend to oxidize over time.

 

[kctyphoon]

Robert Chesebrough, the inventor of Vaseline, ate a spoonful of it every day. True.

Well - he ‘claimed’ to have eaten a spoonful of it for several years before his death.. he died happily at the ripe old age of 47.

Just kidding, he was 96, and now the label says ‘Warning - EXTERNAL use only’ lol

 

[yhprum]

Use crisco on some turbine engines as a packing lubricant and assembly aid.

 

[giants]

No dont use petroleum jelly. Petroleum jelly contains a petroleum oil and has a chance of creating problems.

The reasons why petroleum jelly isnt ideal is because first off it melts easily and turns practically into a liquid. Second is petroleum eats at plastics, it makes them hard and brittle, which imo is the main reason not to use it. The interior of your vehicle has a lot of plastic, and a large amount of fasteners are threaded into or through plastic. The newer the car the cheaper and shittier the plastic is. This makes in not ideal for inside use, but it's not just the trimming, petroleum oils also have the same affect on wire insulation. That is a potential problem as well. Another reason is petroleum jelly has the same affect in rubber as well, so if you fastener travels through some sort of bushing/o-ring/gasket than there is a potential it will cause premature failure on those as well. I can tell you that some technicians over look how important those little rubber seals and grommets can be even on interior applications. Even though the chances are slim, you would be pretty upset to find damage done to some wire insulation like an ignition feed or reference circuit all because petroleum jelly melted from above onto it, even though you thought to yourself, theres practically nothing here that could end up a problem.

Another reason is petroleum jelly has a stain to it. Sometimes petroleum jelly stains are a pain to get out.

Petroleum jelly does has some good things too it I suppose, it doesnt mix with water and can act as a moisture barrier, it isnt very conductive, it would actually make a good dielectric grease if it wasnt for its tendency to eat at plastics like couplers and insulation. It also is a debris magnet.

Can you use it? Sure. Should you use it? No. Will you probably get away with using it? Probably.

Even though you probably wont do anything extremely bad using petroleum jelly, and you arent the first to do it, you still shouldn't do it. One of the biggest traits of someone who does good work, regardless of trade, is the ability to form good habits. Using the right grease/lube is apart of that.

You can get silicon lubricants at any parts store, a container is cheap and will last you a good amount of time. I think every parts store I've been to has it, and theres always a parts store right around the corner.

Thanks!

To lubricate car engine oil seals, what do you recommend?

 

[giants]

Never used Vaseline on a car, just never thought of it. However, it's great applying a very thin layer to light bulb bases when you have a socket they tend to bind in. Especially good on those old fashioned Christmas light bulbs with the brass or aluminum bases that tend to oxidize over time.

Can I use vaseline instead of dielectric tune up grease on spark plug wires and bulb grease on car light bulbs?

 

[Super Mech]

Thanks!

To lubricate car engine oil seals, what do you recommend?

Engine oil comes to mind.