Slippery business - grease

Q.G. · Oct 4, 2009

When you take apart and clean your tripods, what do you use to lubricate the thing (joints, threads on locking collars, and the like)?

resummerfield · Oct 4, 2009

I use a very thin film of a lithium based synthetic grease. Currently I'm using a Locktite product called "Viper", and I buy it in the common 14 ounce tubes.

Ian David · Oct 4, 2009

I find that a light marine grease is pretty useful for many things. I certainly wouldn't put it inside a camera, but wouldn't hesitate to use it on a tripod.

olleorama · Oct 5, 2009

I only use premium horse grease.

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

Thanks for sharing! I have used lithium grease myself, but was wondering if there wouldn't be something better, or just as good but more 'skin friendly'.

What is horse grease?

Ian David · Oct 5, 2009

Q.G. said:
What is horse grease?

I think they use it with stud stallions as part of the AI process...

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

I can understand why studs need intelligence added artificially.
But what part does grease play in it ... ?

Ian David · Oct 5, 2009

Q.G. said:
I can understand why studs need intelligence added artificially.
But what part does grease play in it ... ?

I was actually referring to Artificial Insemination and the genetic material collection process

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

I know.

Rick A · Oct 5, 2009

Oh-NOW I get it--You're talking about horses---not the two legged, self proclaimed, macho man!!

Rick

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

Uhm... i was (talking about "the two legged [etc.]").

This thread really is slippery business.

(Considering i was asking about three legged, not about two or four legged thingies).

Ian David · Oct 5, 2009

Yes, it is sometimes hard to know who is talking about what, and who else knows who is talking about what, and who knows who else knows who is talking about what...

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

What?

Looks like i'm putting lithium grease on it again though.
I'm off to get some now. Tripods are lying around in bits, and i need to put them back together again.

Dave Mueller · Oct 5, 2009

I use wax more than grease, especially if there's a chance of being around dirt or sand. Visit the local bike shop, there's a lot of new waxed based lubricants that won't collect grit like grease does.

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

They are all greased up and put together again.
So i'll have to give wax a go the next time. Thanks anyway!

Anyone have experience with silicon spray (or teflon spray) as a lubricant?
I've seen that in the bike shop, but haven't asked about it.

Rick A · Oct 5, 2009

Q.G. said:
They are all greased up and put together again.
So i'll have to give wax a go the next time. Thanks anyway!

Anyone have experience with silicon spray (or teflon spray) as a lubricant?
I've seen that in the bike shop, but haven't asked about it.

I use both. I would skip the silicon on the tripod in favor of the teflon. In my experience, teflon lasts longer.
But thats just my opinion, I'm sure there are plenty of other opinions out there.
Rick

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

Thanks, Rick.

I think i'll try the teflon on my bike's chain and gears first.

olleorama · Oct 5, 2009

Ok, a bit more serious answer, silicone is not so good, it has to low viscosity and will smear forever, so will teflon, neither is particurlary good on either tripod or bike (been a roadie for a few years, dry wax-like lube is the best for derailleur chains).

As for tripod, well you might want to have something with a high viscosity, making sure it will stay in its place and not keep smearing on hands and shoulder. Ordinary bearing grease applied with a syringe has worked for me. An even more slow flowing alternative on threads (not joints) is bees wax, sounds a bit ridiculous, but actually works good, keeps em running smooth.

On another note, horse grease is terrific for deep frying french fries.

Rick A · Oct 5, 2009

Q.G. said:
Thanks, Rick.

I think i'll try the teflon on my bike's chain and gears first.

Do not use either on your bike chain-- you want molybdinum disulfide for that task. Any reputable cycle shop can supply it for you.
Rick

Q.G. · Oct 5, 2009

Thanks! I will try a wax for my bike.
Sounds like something that will clean off again too, unlike silicon.

I have used (thick and sticky) lithium grease for the tripods today. That will have to keep for a while, until i decide it's time to do it again.
How often do you give your tripods a clean and relube?

Slippery business - grease

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