guitarguy423
Member
I have a tub of high temp (disc brake) axle grease, and was wondering if anyone uses something similar to lube the slide/frame rails on their pistol. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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Safe to use axle grease on slide rails?
- Thread starter guitarguy423
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Steve C
Member
Grease is used to hold lubricant in place where its likely to run off. It also hold powder residue and other fouling in place.
While it is "safe" it may lead to jamming and other failures attributed to slowed slide speed especially as dirt accumulates from firing the gun. There are some lighter weight greases like Tetra gun grease or Rig gun greas and similar products like Gunslick graphite lube that are firearm specific but automotive greases are much higher viscosity.
An old saying was "oil pistols and grease rifles". This is probably a good guide to lubrication choice.
While it is "safe" it may lead to jamming and other failures attributed to slowed slide speed especially as dirt accumulates from firing the gun. There are some lighter weight greases like Tetra gun grease or Rig gun greas and similar products like Gunslick graphite lube that are firearm specific but automotive greases are much higher viscosity.
An old saying was "oil pistols and grease rifles". This is probably a good guide to lubrication choice.
Angry Bill
Member
i use small dabs of white lithium grease on my rails
gunny4053
US Veteran
Axle grease probably isn't your best choice, smells bad and dissipates with heat.
The disc brake caliper grease mentioned above, on the other hand, is a synthetic which stays in place, is unaffected by heat, and would require very little to maintain a level of lubricity.
This is the same reason many use Mobil 1 to lubricate their guns. Since it is a synthetic, it takes only a small amount and maintains lubrication as the molecules bond to the metal surfaces and is not affected by heat.
As to the original question, it's probably safe, just not your best choice.
The disc brake caliper grease mentioned above, on the other hand, is a synthetic which stays in place, is unaffected by heat, and would require very little to maintain a level of lubricity.
This is the same reason many use Mobil 1 to lubricate their guns. Since it is a synthetic, it takes only a small amount and maintains lubrication as the molecules bond to the metal surfaces and is not affected by heat.
As to the original question, it's probably safe, just not your best choice.
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oberon
Member
You gotta have some kind of lube in there. grease tends to cake up and attract more crud than you might prefer.
I use a little ballistol smeared on with a q-tip. Some guns need a lot of lube to keep 'em running, but for ordinary shooting with decent ammo, a little good oil when you clean it up will keep that thing running like a spotted ape.
I use a little ballistol smeared on with a q-tip. Some guns need a lot of lube to keep 'em running, but for ordinary shooting with decent ammo, a little good oil when you clean it up will keep that thing running like a spotted ape.
Edmo
US Veteran
+1...
I use Mobil1 20W50 V-Twin motorcycle oil dispensed from a needle-tipped bottle.
Edmo
OP
guitarguy423
Member
Thanks for all the responses! I do have 10w30 Mobile 1, so I may consider that as well.
Pilgrim
US Veteran
If it turns, oil it.
If it slides grease it.
If it slides grease it.
Fishslayer
US Veteran, Absent Comrade
I use engine assembly lube with moly & graphite. If not that then CorrosionX. Both stay where ya put them.
mstuhr
Member
Anti seize
Howdy,
I use Mobil 1 ATF, but did use copper anti seize for a long time.
The anti seize worked great and made the guns feels so much smoother.
Anti seize, however, is the nastiest stuff you can get on your hands or clothes.
I don't see anything wrong with a good grease in warm weather.
Good luck
Mike
Howdy,
I use Mobil 1 ATF, but did use copper anti seize for a long time.
The anti seize worked great and made the guns feels so much smoother.
Anti seize, however, is the nastiest stuff you can get on your hands or clothes.
I don't see anything wrong with a good grease in warm weather.
Good luck
Mike
Lee Jones
Member
Good article
GrantCunningham.com - Library
Good info on lubricants. This guy is a top revolver smith.
Lee Jones(Celtgun)
GrantCunningham.com - Library
Good info on lubricants. This guy is a top revolver smith.
Lee Jones(Celtgun)
I use Brownells Action Lube, which is a type of synthetic grease with special additives for lubricity and gun corrosion protection. A tiny dab is plenty, and it stays put in our 106 degree summers.
I'd be concerned that auto axle grease might have the wrong additives for gun use, but why risk it?
Spend $20 for the good stuff and use it for the next 10 years.
I'd be concerned that auto axle grease might have the wrong additives for gun use, but why risk it?
Spend $20 for the good stuff and use it for the next 10 years.
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There is a light grease manufactured locally called STOS, on the order of vasoline but holds in place very well and when applied in a very thin application holds up well on frame slides. I've used the stuff for years on 1911 and other metal to metal frame slides. Its the best frame slide lube I've ever run across, I'm no expert but never have problems with lubrication on any weapon I've ever owned. There really is no place I use it on any revolver, only sliding mechanisms like frame rails.
catcus-jack
Member
Just what I want on my slide rails lapping compound and thats pretty much what your getting when you use any kind of grease.Grease holds any kind of debris it picks up from pieces of brass,dirt etc.While oil lets that kind of stuff mostly be flushed out with each cycle of the slide.But in the end use what you want its your pistol.
