Lubricating points ( pun intended )

Mike in Devon

Mike in Devon

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Hi folks
I've seen quite a few posts here that mention lubricating points. Undoubtedly a good idea but but please can an expert tell this ex - spurt suggest which bits of a point would benefit from what lubricating material? I keep thinking of different stuff but keep thinking of their disadvantages too.
TIA
From Mike in a sunny Devon (but those evenings are pulling in)
 
I use copper slip on the brass strips that are under the point blades....
 
What ever you use beware that you can cause more issues, as oil or grease will attract grit, which will wear and bind moving parts. Personally unless specified by the manufacturer, I would clean and de-grease, and run dry, or use a dry lubricant.
 
JimmyB said:
What ever you use beware that you can cause more issues, as oil or grease will attract grit, which will wear and bind moving parts. Personally unless specified by the manufacturer, I would clean and de-grease, and run dry, or use a dry lubricant.
Click to expand...
Thanks both of you. This is an outdoor rural set up so grit and all sorts of debris are an issue. I use a small leaf blower which is a blessing and a curse around points. Using copper slip does worry me on the gunge issue but oddly it has given me a light bulb moment for another non-railway job I have to do.
Dry lube does seem a solution and I have both silicon and teflon sprays here but would they act as current insulation?
 
Mike in Devon said:
Thanks both of you. This is an outdoor rural set up so grit and all sorts of debris are an issue. I use a small leaf blower which is a blessing and a curse around points. Using copper slip does worry me on the gunge issue but oddly it has given me a light bulb moment for another non-railway job I have to do.
Dry lube does seem a solution and I have both silicon and teflon sprays here but would they act as current insulation?
Click to expand...
Most greases (copper slip is not actually a grease) and oils are not fully conductive, if at all conductive, as always you need to weight up the pros and cons, and a little testing ;)
 
If you want conductivity, and lubrication, use graphite powder. - Sparingly!

PhilP
 
PhilP said:
If you want conductivity, and lubrication, use graphite powder. - Sparingly!

PhilP
Click to expand...
This intrigues me. I've used graphite from a soft pencil (B? 2B?) on threads that threated to jam. Methinks I'll nip out later today to a point that sometimes wants to stick and see how that works while pondering the other ideas you folks have kindly given me
 
Mike in Devon said:
This intrigues me. I've used graphite from a soft pencil (B? 2B?) on threads that threated to jam. Methinks I'll nip out later today to a point that sometimes wants to stick and see how that works while pondering the other ideas you folks have kindly given me
Click to expand...
Stick to graphite, it has a degree of electrical conductivity, eg the graphite bullets which transfer the dc current from the LGB loco metal wheels to the wiring to the motor.
 
That does remind me that I used a soft pencil to wipe over point contacts to get ease of working plus help with DC current in my 0 gauge exhibition layout days. Worked quite well though tis only inside experience that I can relate to.
 
"Electrolube" is a trade-name..
The 'standard' Electrolube electronic cleaner, is not a lubricant.

There are many products in their range, so do read-up, and choose wisely.

PhilP
 
Again, a different brand / make..

CRC products did seem to be phasing out the 'Servisol' brand.

PhilP
 
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