Would the type of graphite sold for bicycle chains be suitable for lubricating SP-15 gripper posts? But I was hoping to find it in a dispensable container, not pressurized in a can, to avoid a mess.
Where’s a good spot to find it in small quantities?
Thank you.
Thank you for your info Deborah.
I found a small tube of graphite powder next to the key cutting machine at my local Home Depot.
With some pre-masking of my cylinder and surrounding area I managed fairly well, containing the mess somewhat by squeezing a bit of graphite into an empty BIC pen tube and taping a bit of it out at a time.
But I’ll certainly look for this Dri Slide, sounds interesting, not sure if one would want the added distillates and oil though? Anyone can offer feedback on that please?
Thanks Deborah. I’ll check it out.
I have used a product called Bike Aid by Dri Slide, designed for lubricating motorcycle cables. The nice thing about this lubricant is that it comes in a 4 fluid ounce container with a screw-on 4″ long metal needle applicator, so you can get the admittedly messy lube where you want it, i.e. on the gripper posts. I have seen it at several motorcycle shops, for about $10. The contents listed are petroleum distillates, corrosion inhibitor, naphthenic oil, molybdenum disulfide, and graphite. You need to shake it well before and during application.
Paul, Eric,
as usual thanks very much for your timely comments. I’m off looking for graphite powder now!
Applying powdered graphite directly is indeed messy. Many places on the Linotype, parts are polished with flake graphite. That leaves no excess, which can get gummy when damp, but just a thin film for lubrication. By polishing, I mean rubbing a part on a soft board with graphite sprinkled on it, or applying it by cloth and buffing.
You should be able to find it in squeezable plastic tubes at any hardware or even a drugstore. It’s messy nonetheless.