Some engineers see lubricants as a straightforward, messy ancillary of the industrial age. However, much like rolling-element bearings themselves, lubrication is an ancient technology that’s highly engineered in modern forms. In fact, engineers have used fluids to reduce friction thousands of years, but the advent of the oil industry in the late 19th century spurred modern bearing lubrication. Today, bearing lubricants serve several functions:
- White Lithium Grease Vs Silicone Grease For Garage Door
- Is Lithium Grease Dielectric
- White Lithium Grease Vs Silicone Grease
- Silicone Vs Lithium Lubricant
Caliper grease, wd-40, 3-in-1, lithium grease, white lithium grease, silicon spray, contact cleaner, etc. In this post I'll concentrate on WD-40, Silicon Spray and White Lithium Grease as they are by far the most popular 'multipurpose' libricant/greases. I'll keep it simple for everyone. Five common uses for synthetic silicone oil based lubricant grease. The uses of silicone lubricating grease are nearly endless, but here are five of the most common: Scuba gear and underwater devices. Divers use silicone grease to seal and protect dry suit gaskets. Spear-fisherman use it to protect their speargun rubbers and keep them supple. Lucas gun oil works like a champ and doesn't gum up, that and a dab of silicone grease for the gear train once about every three months keeps my reels running smoothly and casting like a rocket. One word of caution; don't use anything in a spray can, the propellant is usually going to do some long range damage and at best, mess up the drag system. Keep reading the article on Lithium grease vs silicone grease to know the answer, What’s the Difference? Let’s Start # Introduction to Silicone Grease. As the name suggests, silicone grease is made from silicone oil along with a thicker. Silicone grease is sometimes mentioned as dielectric grease, and it is waterproof.
Creating a barrier between rolling contact surfaces
Creating a barrier between sliding contact surfaces
Protecting surfaces from corrosion
Sealing against contaminants
Providing heat transference (in the case of oil lubricant)
Creating a barrier between sliding contact surfaces
Protecting surfaces from corrosion
Sealing against contaminants
Providing heat transference (in the case of oil lubricant)
Lubricants take the form of either oil or grease. Oil lubricants are most common in high speed, high-temperature applications that need heat transfer away from working bearing surfaces. Bearing oils are either a natural mineral oil with additives to prevent rust and oxidation or a synthetic oil. In synthetic oils the base is usually polyalphaolefins (PAO), polyalkylene glycols (PAG) and esters. Although similar, synthetic and mineral oils offer different properties and are not interchangeable. Mineral oils are the more common of the two.
The most important characteristic when specifying oil for a bearing is viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of a fluid’s internal friction or resistance to flow. High-viscosity fluids are thicker like honey; low-viscosity fluids are thinner like water. Engineers express fluid resistance to flow in Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS) and centistokes (mm2/sec, cSt). The difference in viscosity at different temperatures is the viscosity index (VI). An oil’s viscosity is correlative to the film thickness it can create. This thickness is crucial to the separation of the rolling and sliding elements in a bearing. Bearings in some applications use oil, but grease is the lubricant of choice for 80 to 90% of bearings.
Grease consists of about 85% mineral or synthetic oil with thickeners rounding out the rest of the grease volume.
Grease consists of about 85% mineral or synthetic oil with thickeners rounding out the rest of the grease volume.
The thickeners are usually lithium, calcium or sodium-based metallic soaps. Formulations for higher-temperature applications often include polyurea. The higher viscosity of grease helps contain it within the bearing envelope. The most important considerations when choosing a grease are the base oil viscosity, rust-inhibiting capabilities, operating temperature range and load-carrying capabilities.
Check out the 5 best bearing lubrication videos on the internet here.
Does your garage door make a frightening noise when opening and closing? While many homeowners think this noise is just part of the garage’s aging process, it’s actually a sign that your door needs lubrication.
White Lithium Grease Vs Silicone Grease For Garage Door
Lubrication is a value solution. Rather than spending big on repairs or replacement, you can simply purchase lubrication at your local hardware store and apply it on your own. You also don’t have to wait for noise to lubricate your garage door. Whether or not you hear creaking and groaning, you should lubricate at least once a year or more if you live in a salt-air climate.
Is Lithium Grease Dielectric
Choose Your Lubrication
Look for either lithium grease or silicone spray — each is available for less than $10, depending on the brand and container size. An effective lithium grease will protect against friction and create a moisture-reducing barrier. Quality silicone spray products will also protect, waterproof and help preserve the materials in your garage door. Both lithium and silicone should withstand extreme cold and heat, which is perfect for garage door application. Silicone spray can also help the lubricant reach into tight spaces.
However, don’t reach for the WD-40. Many homeowners have WD-40 sitting around the garage, but it doesn’t provide the effective lubrication of lithium or silicone. WD-40 provides a cleaning benefit by destroying rust and grease. While this can help certain parts of your garage door better, it’s not a true lubricant that reduces friction and protects parts. When in doubt, check with your garage door’s manufacturer. Most brands will recommend a process for lubrication.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Always start by cleaning your garage door, both inside and out. Dilute just a bit of detergent into warm water, and then use a sponge to gently clean and clear away any debris that has built up. Once your garage door is fully clean, there are four areas to address:
- Hinges -- For metal hinges, be sure to fully lubricate at the points where each pivots. Do not lubricate if you have a garage door that uses plastic hinges. Lubrication won’t help plastic hinges — it will only serve to degrade the material.
- Springs — Spray lubricant to get full coverage, but stop short of applying so much that it begins to drip.
- Rollers -- Apply directly to the rollers, wiping away any excess so it doesn’t drip on the garage floor or on your car. If your garage door includes nylon wheels, don’t lubricate them either. Stick to the bearings only.
- Locks -- Are you having difficulty opening and closing the lock? If so, cover it fully in lubricant. This is one area in which spray comes in handy, since it’s difficult to reach inside the lock’s tight spaces.
What about the tracks? Keep them clean rather than lubricating. As described, use detergent in warm water and a sponge to fully clean and remove debris.
Once you’re finished with cleaning and lubrication, raise and lower your garage door a few times. This will help to distribute the lubrication. If any noise prevails, identify where it’s coming from and see if you missed a spot while lubricating.
White Lithium Grease Vs Silicone Grease
Your Garage Door Authority
Silicone Vs Lithium Lubricant
If your garage door needs more than cleaning and lubrication, contact Custom Door & Gate. Since 1989, we have served North Carolina with a wide selection of residential and commercial garage doors, as well as expert guidance and service.