Tripod Grease
Dec 26, 2014 06:23:12 #
I would use Kryox Teflon grease. It will absorb dirt and then flake off. So it has properties that clean dirt away as well as being a pretty good lubricant. Been used in the cycling industry for years for these exact same properties. Graphite is a great lubricant if you don't mind having your hands turn black every time you touch one of the tripod legs. It is an expensive grease, however one 2 oz. tube will last many years: http://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Krytox-Anticorrosion-Grease-Nitrite/dp/B00MWLCWZQ%3Fpsc%3D1%26SubscriptionId%3DAKIAJ2JMONGJDH5NBBIA%26tag%3Djenfrecou-20%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00MWLCWZQ
Dec 26, 2014 06:51:05 #
Dec 26, 2014 06:59:48 #
Kalina54 wrote:
another Greeland image
Definitely worth the trip. Beautiful shots.
Dec 26, 2014 07:56:13 #
MT Shooter wrote:
Clean with steel wool then soak in Naval Jelly for a couple days. Clean well and reassemble dry. If needed lube with graphite.
Steel or aluminum jelly? I've seen these two at local hardware stores.
Dec 26, 2014 08:43:25 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Kalina54 wrote:
Now I am confused..When I pull apart the legs to clean them, there is a greasy substance in the joints. Some of these joints are now dry as I live in the desert southwest and have to remove sand frequently. What type of lubricant should I replace the grease with? After I clean the brushings.
With the conflicting advice, no doubt you're confused! If your bushings were originally packed with grease, certainly you do want to replace it. Also, if the plating has been damaged, it should be treated to prevent further damage. Have you tried a Google search for information?
A silicone-based garage door lubricant may be ideal - "leaves a Dry, Tack-Free film that will not accumulate Dust & Dirt, Provides Corrosion Protection." Quote from a can of "B'Laster GDL" (blastercorp.com).
Dec 26, 2014 09:16:04 #
Kalina54 wrote:
Hello, what do you guys use on a gitzo tripod to grease the flashings? Thanks..any alternatives to gitzo grease?
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Being that you are remotely located, your best bet for a lubricant is to purchase a tube of wheel bearing grease just like the grease used on boat trailers and for packing wheel bearings on most motor vehicles..
Until you relocate to more favorable conditions, lightly wipe off the grease every other day and apply a new coating. Then, once home or in a better conditions, get rid of the grease, wash the tripod thoroughly, dry it with a hair dryer, apply a light coating of lithium grease making sure to coat all ferrous surfaces, and wipe off any excess grease.
Yes, the grease will permit sand to cling to it, but I doubt if sand is your tripod's worst enemy at this time. Your tripod's worst enemy at this time is probably NaCl...
Forget using silicon spray lubricants because they will not hold up for repelling moisture nor for preventing corrosion for any length of time !
Dec 26, 2014 09:30:31 #
George II
Loc: Fayetteville, Georgia
Kalina54 wrote:
Thank you..where does one purchase Naval Jelly?
Home Depot/ Lowes
Dec 26, 2014 09:30:45 #
If there is any rubber involved anywhere, then silicone grease or spray is the best thing for rubber, like O-rings that might be part of the clamping device on the legs. It preserves, protects and revitalizes rubber.
Dec 26, 2014 09:56:13 #
Silicone spray or grease can cause o-rings and other butyl rubber gaskets or bushings to swell a very small amount. This can be good if the o-rings are somewhat worn. Can be bad if the o-rings are relatively new. PTFE on the other hand is not absorbed by butyl rubber.
Dec 26, 2014 10:33:49 #
Dec 26, 2014 10:36:48 #
RWR
Loc: La Mesa, CA
Zone-System-Grandpa wrote:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ br Being tha... (show quote)
If there are rubber or composition materials involved, one would be ill-advised to use any petroleum based lubricant.
Dec 26, 2014 10:48:50 #
Dec 26, 2014 11:25:05 #
RWR wrote:
I will second that in triplicate! Petroleum based grease (of any kind) will slowly dissolve o-rings, trust me. Pure silicone grease is required to lube o-rings. I learned this long ago working with plumbing fixtures.If there are rubber or composition materials involved, one would be ill-advised to use any petroleum based lubricant.
Dec 26, 2014 11:37:43 #
gregm
Loc: Near Sacramento, CA
Thought this might help...
http://www.gitzo.com/gitzo-grease-2-pcs-kit
Gitzo leg locking systems are designed to serve for a life time and to always perform at their best. In order to help these components to deliver their mission, it is recommended to always use the proper grease every time your tripod is cleaned. Gitzo uses a special product that guarantees a smooth operation and protects the metal surfaces from excessive wearing over time. Furthermore, thanks to its special formula, it is not sticky in order to avoid attracting dust, sand and other dirt that may dramatically reduce the locking system life time. This grease is now available in convenient small tubes sold in a set of two. Each tube is enough to lubricate a four section tripod. We always recommend to use a minimal quantity of grease. An excessive amount may attract undesired dirt and reduce the locking ability of the system.
http://www.gitzo.com/gitzo-grease-2-pcs-kit
Gitzo leg locking systems are designed to serve for a life time and to always perform at their best. In order to help these components to deliver their mission, it is recommended to always use the proper grease every time your tripod is cleaned. Gitzo uses a special product that guarantees a smooth operation and protects the metal surfaces from excessive wearing over time. Furthermore, thanks to its special formula, it is not sticky in order to avoid attracting dust, sand and other dirt that may dramatically reduce the locking system life time. This grease is now available in convenient small tubes sold in a set of two. Each tube is enough to lubricate a four section tripod. We always recommend to use a minimal quantity of grease. An excessive amount may attract undesired dirt and reduce the locking ability of the system.
Dec 26, 2014 11:39:02 #
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