machine head lubricant (Full Version)

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mark indigo -> machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 1:33:28)

I was told years ago to regularly oil machine heads (the cog wheel bits) to prevent excessive wear, and used a drop of 3-in-1 on each when i changed strings.

A little while ago i read somewhere that this kind of oil "attracts" dust, which increases wear, that a thick grease type of lubricant should be used, and that Vaseline would be ideal.

I did try a search on this as I expect it has been thrashed out before, but can anyone tell me which is it, thick grease Vaseline or light all purpose 3-in-1 oil?

Or is there something else I should use?



akatune -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 2:37:20)

Silicon spray. Cans come with a tiny straw for tight/small spaces.



keith -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 3:29:52)

there are 3 possible lubricants one can use that will not attract dust (or at least the attraction will be minimal). graphite from a pencil, du pont teflon lubricant or a gun lubricant. the first two are readily available--a pencil is ubiquitious, du pont teflon can be found at many hardware stores. for gun lubricants you will need to go on-line or to a gun store. the du pont teflon lubricant would be a good choice as the lubricant is good for many things around the house so having to spritz your tuners every so often would not require a separate purchase.

are you sure about lubing the gears for every string change? i would suspect it would be once to twice a year.

silicon spray is also handy. one good thing about it is that you can spray the car hoses to reduce oxidation from uv and door rubber stripping in the winter time to minimize sleet freezing the car door shut. do not use an oil base lubricant as it will eat away the rubber over time. of course those living in temperate climates do not have to worry about this.



akatune -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 5:10:09)

Gun lubricant collects dust, has a strong odor and it runs. I would not trust it on wood. (I have guns).
Silicon is friendly on metal, wood and leather, etc... If it runs a bit, I would feel safer.



mark indigo -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 13:31:04)

quote:

du pont teflon lubricant


thanks, will look out for it

quote:

are you sure about lubing the gears for every string change?


No! Not sure at all!

Thing is, the only way i could remember to do it at all was to attach it to some kind of routine like string change. There was no way i would remember to do it twice a year as I wouldn't be able to remember when i last did it!

quote:

Silicon is friendly on metal, wood and leather,


is that the du pont teflon lubricant?



mark indigo -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 13:46:08)

is this stuff ok? found it at http://www.cyclesuk.com/336-447467



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Jeff Highland -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 13:46:35)

I don't let silicon anywhere near a guitar.
If you ever need to do any finish touchup it is bad news.



jshelton5040 -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 15:34:52)

quote:

ORIGINAL: Jeff Highland

I don't let silicon anywhere near a guitar.
If you ever need to do any finish touchup it is bad news.

Jeff is right. By the way, why are you worrying about lubricating machine heads? If they fit and are installed correctly even a cheap set will last for many years. There is no need for lubrication, it's not like gears in an engine that rotate millions of times. Better to keep any lubricants away from your guitar.



akatune -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 16:10:45)

The silicone is fie IF YOU KEEP IT AWAY FROM THE FINISH. Get a good silicone and use the tube and experiment with spraying only a tad. Or spray it onto a Q-tip and brush it onto the gears so its only on th emetal. You only need to appy it once. Stuff lasts a long time.

But these days I use pegs...



HemeolaMan -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 20:10:01)

what I would do is just clean em out when it comes time. i use 3 in 1 on everything. a light coat will do. maybe buy some graphite powder and mix with the oil to help get it in there.

mostly, I just wouldn't worry too much about dust and dirt. just clean ur sh*t lol



krichards -> RE: machine head lubricant (May 26 2010 23:20:25)

There is something called 'Guitar Grease' from Stewmac which seems to be a graphite/grease mixture. Its hard and works well. You only need to use it once and that should last for years.

But a pencil is best of all: no hassle, no cost and the most effective imo



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