While strolling through the aisles of Ace Hardware on my lunchtime, I came across the Pen Oiler by Super Lube. It contains synthetic oil with PTFE (remember Slick50?). Recommendations include fishing equipment and firearms. Anyone ever try this on rotor bearings? It looks like it might be good, but it could also be a little too thick of a viscosity. Figured I would see if anyone tried it before I become the guinea pig and drop five bucks. Any thoughts / experience?
As a side note, I remember about a decade ago adding a few drops of Slick 50 to Al Cass, and coming up with a very good and long-lasting piston oil. Hetmans has since supplanted that need, although I have been impressed with the Tromba T2 lately.
Sorry if I was ambiguous, I mean the top and bottom spindles on the rotor; not the linkage.
I have seen cases where if I use too thick an oil in those locations, the rotors can become sluggish on the return stroke.
I occasionally use Hoppe's No.9 Gun Oil. Works great and comes in a big yet portable metal can. Since that is primarily used for firearms,fishing reels,machinery I imagine that this stuff will work pretty good to.
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I would recommend Hetman bearing and linkage oil. Why use a product that is "cheap" on your "expensive" instrument? Just a thought....I've used Hetman for years and find it everything I need in "oil".....
fwiw,
Russ
Russ Dickman
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I stopped by ACE and bought a tube yesterday. I liberally applied it to both spindles on the 40+ year old rotor on my bass trombone. So far, I am very satisfied with the results; the previous oil I was using on it was a little too thin. Plus, I really like the dispenser as well. The Rotax on my Kalison does not like a very thin oil on the spindles either, I will probably try that next.
The main thing I bought it for was the rotors on my 181 F; they need "Goldilocks" oil - anything too thick and they are a little sluggish on the return, too thin (like the multi-purpose valve oil I am using now) and they get dry way too soon.
I suspect that, despite the relatively high cost of 5 bucks, this tube will easily last a few years with its dedicated "spindle" usage.
I would NOT recommend it for pistons, or for dumping down the leadpipe or tuning slide of a rotor horn; La Tromba T2 seems to be my favorite choice for those uses at the moment.
The viscosity is too thick; I have discontinued using it on all instruments. Over time, it slows the rotors, even when only applied to the spindles - including on the aged Reynolds. It also seems to hold onto dust and grime. Possibly, it may still be a viable solution for ball joints and linkage.
