Types Of Lubricants Greases:
Greases are made by using oil (typically mineral oil) and mixing it with thickeners
(such as lithium-based soaps). They also contain additional lubricating particles,
such as graphite, molybdenum disulfide, or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, aka teflon).
Greases combine the lubricating properties of oils with added stickiness, allowing
the lubricant to adhere to the surfaces better. Greases can even act as a barrier,
protecting the surfaces from contaminants that can corrode or damage them.
Use When:
• You need lubrication to stay put and stick to surfaces for a long time
• You want to seal out contaminants such as water or dust
• You use a machine so infrequently that you may forget to oil it
Don’t Use When:
• You have fine or fast-moving mechanisms where thick grease would create too much resistance
• You don’t want a mess. When parts move, they can fling grease all around, so it may not be
the best option for keeping things clean.
Penetrating Lubricants:
Any shade-tree mechanic would agree that these types of lubricants deserve their
own special section. Penetrating lubricants are the saviors of many stuck-bolt
combatants, loosening years of rust and debris in minutes.
Contrary to the other substances covered here, penetrating oils are not designed
for long-lasting lubrication. Instead, they are low-viscosity oils with additives
that are specifically designed for one purpose: to infiltrate the tiny cracks
between surfaces (such as screw threads), add lubrication, and break up rust.
Dry Lubricants:
Dry lubricants are made up of lubricating particles such as graphite, molybdenum
disulfide, silicone, or PTFE. These particles are super slippery, so they reduce
the friction between surfaces in contact with one another.
Use When:
• You have tiny parts that shouldn’t be gunked up by grease or oil that will attract dust.
• You need to keep surrounding surfaces clean.
• Your surfaces are exposed to extremely high heat or pressure, which would typically oxidize oils.
Don’t Use When: • Your surfaces are exposed to solvents or other liquids that can wash them away
Wishing you all the best,
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