Coming up in AMTs October issue, Part2 willfocus largely on grease compatibility, conversions, and contamination. Uses and Advantages of Silicone Lubricant. Be sure to store it properly, too. AI Score. Formulated in San Diego, Calif., in 1953, WD40 is the same formula the company sells today. If youre looking for precise control and application, then check out Permatex White Lithium Grease. Excessive amounts can lead to a buildup that can attract dirt and debris, resulting in premature wear on the plastic parts. Choose white lithium grease when there's metal on metal contact. Applying them on plastic or rubber surface will lead to accelerated component wear. AGS Lith-Ease White Lithium Grease, Tub, 16 oz. White lithium grease provides the best performance in extreme temperatures, pressures, bearing loads, and load-carrying applications. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Most applications in our homes, cars, and automobiles need bearings to run smoothly. This can happen under consistent operating conditions or sudden shock load conditions. Best used where cleanliness and maximum performance are required as it dries quick leaving behind a lubricating film that . Lithium grease is the most commonly used lubricating grease around the globe - accounting for 75% of lubricating applications across all industries. Attach the small applicator hose to the spray can. You can always . We created this blog site in 2018 to enable us to share our knowledge with other automotive mechanics and car owners. How to Clean Secateurs Effectively in 3 Steps. However, you should not use lithium grease on plastic and rubber surfaces. Plumber's silicone grease is much more durable than Vaseline. Some types of plastics may not be compatible with petroleum-based products such as white lithium grease, which can cause damage or weaken the plastic over time. . Given enough time, were sure that you will find many more household uses for it. DO NOT AND REPEAT DO NOT use anything but a silicone grease on your caliper guide pins. Ans. I'm not sure how long it should take the petroleum to start to affect the o-ring, but after 6 months (half year for those who are bad at math), it doesn't seem to have done anything. After all, white lithium grease doesnt really go bad. It sprays on as a liquid and sets dry to a thick coating. You can use it at higher temperatures, and it will hold up better under high stress. And best of all, it wont harm plastic, metal, or rubber. As mentioned previously, to maximize shelf life, normal storage temperatures should range from 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F), and containers should be kept indoors in a clean and dry environment. Additionally, white lithium grease has water-resistant properties, making it a great choice for outdoor applications that require moisture resistance. You can also buy a pack of six bottles. You can use it to lubricate metal on metal or metal on plastic. As the product exceeds its shelf life, a decrease in the performance additives that provide wear protection, oxidation stability, and grease structural stability may be observed. Doing tough jobs in low temps? . A thick gel lubricant that provides long-lasting lubrication and won't run or drip. Lithium grease is a white lubricant thats considered an all-purpose lubricant. Learn more . If your job involves lubrication of metal-on-metal surfaces that are exposed to the elements and potentially harsh weather conditions, reach for WD-40s White Lithium Grease. In a few cases, those polled were apprehensive to respond, probably because of the significant influence storage conditions have on storage life. On the contrary, white lithium grease does the exact opposite. If youre not using lithium grease, you should start. You also should not use it for heavy-duty applications that require grease rated for high pressure. It helps reduce wear and is an extreme friction reducer, making it ideal for use in household applications such as garage doors, hinges, openers, and springs. There are so many advantages of silicone lubricant, and it is a great product to have on hand to prevent damages to your tools and extend their lives. When applying white lithium grease to plastic parts, it is important not to use too much of it. Conclusion. As mentioned previously, to maximize shelf life, normal storage temperatures should range from 0 C to 40 C (32 F to 104 F), and containers should be kept indoors in a clean and dry environment.. Though both are used for lubrication, lithium greases and silicone lubricants have different specialties and use. You can order one tube or a pack of 12. Choose white lithium grease when there's metal on metal contact. We never really asked for guidelines, but I would think some guidelines are available in writing if requested. If you are new to car maintenance or have never considered adding a lubricant to the window tracks, I highly recommend buying WD-40 silicone spray. It wont work in the highest heat or coldest temperature applications. This is the greases ability to resist flow or liquidity. You should only use silicone on rubber materials. For example, keep plastic injection molds in top condition by giving them a generous spray before storage. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. White Lithium Grease is an ideal solution for reducing friction on metal surfaces since it provides long-term lubrication without dripping or running. Thirdly, remove any excess grease from the plastic parts surface using a dry, lint-free cloth. Use When: You need lubrication to stay put and stick to surfaces for a long time. Where and how should you store greases? Technically, one vehicle requires several greases to apply in different areas, which increases the need to purchase different greases for one vehicle. Stock WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease in the garage to keep fleet vehicles on the job and on the road. It can maintain its lubricating properties at temperatures as low as minus 150 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal choice for use in cold places on earth (and even in many cold places in . Google Analytics sets this cookie to store a unique user ID. Wipe away any overspray or messy application. The video below has some great information about lubricants, but we do not recommend putting anti-seize on spark plugs as he does in this clip. PO Box 649 You are not alone. What Is an NLGI Number? Applying a recertified grease is risk-free. Today, things have changed. * We have now updated our Featherweight Shop Motor & Gear Lubricant video tutorial with a "Part 2" to reflect the new SEW-RETRO Grease TM brand! Best Value: Blaster Chemical Company 9.3 Oz Garage Door Lubricant Spray. Lithium complex grease is ideal for applications that involve frequent changing or . WD-40 and lithium grease are great products to have in the home, and you will use them for different purposes. This is just a waste of grease. It is not compatible with regular lithium-based greases and will cause it to malfunction. // Leaf Group, How to Remove Caked-on Grease From Nonstick Pans. Zinc is added to this general-purpose grease, giving it a white color so you can easily see it. Base oil is a lubricating fluid; the thickener is used to disperse the fluid into a gel form, and the additive augments the performance and protection. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. How long does grease last in bearings? Otherwise, you can reach for WD-40s Silicone Lubricant if you have a surface made from wood, rubber, plastic, or most other materials that require lubrication, protection from moisture, dirt, grime or dust or the prevention of sticking or binding. Grease containers should be stored indoors in dry, cool, and clean environments. It also stays put wherever its sprayed or spread because it goes on wet and retains its lubrication properties after it dries. Look for the certification tag, NLGI GC-LB. The GC means it is certified for disc brake wheel bearings. A small brush or microfiber cloth can be used for this purpose. 2. Typically, Lithium grease falls between 1 and 3. Where do you use lithium grease? All Rights Reserved. How to Use White Lithium Grease. So, if youre wondering whether or not white lithium grease is the right choice for your plastic parts, read on. That depends on the type of terrain you frequently drive your car in. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". So, what the heck is plumber's grease, anyway? Although white lithium grease can be used safely on plastic parts in most cases, there are some situations where a silicone-based lubricant may be more suitable due to its increased protection against moisture and corrosion. What can I use instead of bike grease? Some plastics are more porous than others, and they may require more grease to ensure proper lubrication. All Rights Reserved. That job is for silicone grease. White lithium grease can be used to: Lubricate car door hinges. The responses ranged from pretty good guidance to no guidance whatsoever. Most people have a can of WD40 in their garage or tool shed. What is marine grade grease? 8852 Views 11 Replies 11 Participants Last post by HrnyGoat, . Most automotive applications require the grease to be soft so that it can easily lubricate and move around the parts. However, its important to be aware of potential drawbacks when using this kind of lubricant on certain types of plastics. Lubrication book authors George Wills and Dr. A.R. Why Does My Car Get So Dusty? Stock WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease in the garage to keep fleet vehicles on the job and on the road. Even when using thermoplastics, it is essential to consider the specific type and grade before applying any kind of lubricant. The main difference between the two is appearance. Can I Use White Lithium Grease On Rubber Bushings? Agitation also serves to emulsify water into the oil, increasing its catalytic effect on the oxidation process. Keep out of eyes. Lithium grease is the most common and popular grease worldwide. link to Why Is Take 5 Oil Change So Expensive. This is a heavy-duty lubricant that works well in high-moisture and high-heat areas. Firstly, use a mild detergent when cleaning the plastic parts. How long will lithium grease last? This increases the surface area contact between air and the oil, increasing the rate of oxidation. This grease is non-conductive, but it also shouldnt be used for restoring corroded switch contacts. Once a container is opened, the grease should be used as soon as possible to avoid potential contamination or degradation. The NLGI also makes this easy to find. It has a maximum temperature resistance of 345 degrees. Lithium grease for bearings and other applications accounts for 75% of all grease worldwide. It is essential in the automotive industry and other applications as a multi-purpose grease. Lithium is the thickener. Check with the grease manufacturer to confirm the intended use before you apply it. On the other hand, WD-40 is a light-penetrating oil used to lose rust and corrosion. Lithium grease is inexpensive, so stock up and save yourself a trip to the store later. Using your finger or an applicator brush, apply the grease to the hinge. The total grease in the global market consists of polyurea, clay-based, sodium, calcium, calcium sulfonate, aluminum/aluminum complex, lithium/lithium complex, etc. On the other hand, an under-application can lead to decreased lubrication and ultimately increased wear and tear of the parts. But what is Lithium grease? Frequent agitation of the lubricant incorporates air into the oil. Marine grease. Since white lithium grease is usually packaged in an aerosol can, you must be careful not to inhale the fumes. These uses havent been tested by WD-40 Company and do not constitute a recommendation of suggestion for use by WD-40 Company. AGS. You don't want to use white lithium grease cause when it gets hot it will OOZE out all over the board and chip socket causing huge problems like stated before get some AS5 . Heat to 80-84C (176-183F) Add all the 12-HSA and HCO in any order and allow it to melt. Too much of this type of lubricant can cause build-up and attract dirt and debris, leading to clogging of the parts. White lithium grease provides excellent resistance against rust, corrosion, and wear making it a popular choice for metal components. Silicone grease can last for years once applied. This product also includes the aptly-named Smart Straw attachment. Perfect for rugged outdoor performance, WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease will protect farm equipment from corrosion without freezing, melting or running. White lithium grease also has a high viscosity, water-resistant formula (on dry film), which means it sprays without dripping or running and will resist water (on dry film). MORE INFO>>. No, WD-40 Multi-Use Product and lithium grease are two different things. Before applying white lithium grease to plastic parts, consider the specific form and grade of plastic first. The storage container itself can affect the rate of oxidation. Does anyone use White Lithium Grease with their reloads? Good luck and I hope you can find a way to earn the $ for your endeavor! Can I plug my hot tub into a regular outlet. You can find WD40 in four out of every five households today. Depending on the quality of the bearing, they normally last . Its a common question that many people ask, but the answer isnt always clear. When it comes to protecting your plastic parts, you want to make sure youre using the right lubricant. Typically, aviation grease shelf life is listed as the use by date on the container. Box 308 Budd Lake, NJ, 07828. We are an automotive mechanic blog that helps mechanics and car users to find the most recent and accurate technical and repair information for their cars. Effective in temperatures ranging from 0 F to 300 F for unbeatable protection. This type of grease is a petroleum-based product. Spray the white lithium grease where needed (anywhere metal might come in contact with other metal). Flush with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary. It can withstand high temperatures and pressure too. Best Earth-Friendly: Leafy Garage Door Lubricant. To better understand the aviation industrys key concerns and pain points related to grease storage, handling, and application best practices, ExxonMobil asked MRO Americas attendees to submit their grease-related questions directly to the ExxonMobil team. Grease will have a viscosity measurement of 0 to 6. Calcium sulfonate outperforms lithium complex when it comes to shear stability, oxidative resistance, and dropping point. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. Keep out of eyes. Some people provided information that was more helpful than others. So you won't need to worry about reapplying . It is both water and heat resistant which means it protects metal from corrosion and rusting and can function in extreme temperatures up to 150oC. 4. Like most WD40 products, this one includes an ergonomic sprayer with an integrated straw that you wont lose. Well also discuss alternative lubrication techniques that may be more suitable for certain types of plastics. Can I Use White Lithium Grease On Plastic. Secondly, consider the climate in which your plastic parts will be exposed to if they are in a region with extreme temperatures or harsh weather you may need to use more white lithium grease than normal. Once youve applied the white lithium grease, you should carefully work it into any tight spaces or crevices using the applicator or brush. White lithium grease has been used for decades to lubricate metal components and protect against rust and wear. WD-40 Specialist Dry Lube with PTFE is a dry lubricant that keeps your equipment running smoothly with long-lasting corrosion protection that does not attract dirt, dust, or oil. Product Highlights Customer Reviews. Of course, lithium grease also eats up rubber parts, so there is a give and take here. While its dependent on the products history, its likely an expired grease has degraded. The WD-40 Specialist High-Performance White Lithium Grease can be used for trade applications such as lubricating: Graphite is a good choice for a lock body that is new or has been cleaned, but too many people put in too much graphite! Conclusion. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. What should you do to guard against storing a lubricant beyond its usable date? On the other hand, silicone lubricant can be used on a variety of surfaces. Lithium has displaced the traditional calcium and sodium-based greases with this percentage. The answer lies in considering a few key factors. They can react to each other badly and cause them to separate. #ShopEssentials. It is also best for metal-to-metal applications, garage door openers, bicycles, and hinges. This means that White Lithium Grease spray uses could be car or boot hinges, bearing, gear or piston mechanisms or on equipment that involves being out in the elements like boats, tractors, trucks, or industrial machinery. Is lithium grease better than regular grease? Uses for WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease. Landsdown. Silicone grease, on the other hand, is rubber-based, making it suitable for everyday applications. The lithium grease is formulated with three essential components, which include; Base oil is a lubricating fluid; the thickener is used to disperse the fluid into a gel form, and the additive augments the performance and protection. Spray the white lithium grease where needed (anywhere metal might come in contact with other metal). Set inventory levels to stay within targets. Types: White lithium grease, marine grease, silicone grease. Lock Cylinder Gunk'd up with Graphite. The main difference between the two is appearance. Most manufacturers place a date of manufacture on their product labels and publish shelf-life information for their products. It is a dry lubricant that keeps your equipment running smoothly with long-lasting corrosion protection that does not attract dirt, dust, or oil. And unlike oil, which tends to seep away, grease stays in place and lasts much longer.Aug 27, 2019. It is also important to note that white lithium grease is petroleum-based; thus, it may not be suitable for certain types of plastics that are sensitive to petroleum products. However, white lithium and WD-40 are the two most common degreasers used in many household applications, and both of them share their pros and cons. Using white lithium grease on doors is one of the best uses for it. Additionally, it should never be used on rubber surfaces as this could cause deterioration. We asked once, and the oil company supplied written guidelines. Recommended length of storage time, as collected from various sources surveyed, is condensed into the following tables: Table 2. You may be wondering what on earth lithium grease is. 2022Recurrent Ventures. However, it is important to note that several greases are classified as regular grease as there are many forms of greases in the market. Do not mix different types of grease. Does white lithium grease get hard? This long-lasting formula won't melt, freeze, or run in harsh weather conditions. The NLGI has alist of certified productson its website. It does not store any personal data. Spray the hinge with grease. The general rule with all greases is dont mix, but you can change if necessary. Lithium-based grease is the most popular and commonly used grease in the globe. New Relic uses this cookie to store a session identifier so that New Relic can monitor session counts for an application. This high-quality grease is designed to meet NLGI-2 performance and is long-lasting. Several gave ranges of recommended length of time, while others had little or no information to give. Wills Recommended Shelf Life for Select Lubricants, Store, Plan, Execute, Excel: (R2P) Lubricant Storage and Lube Room Factor Overview, Product Unboxing - Oil Safe Lustor Lubrication Storage Systems, Strategies for Incorporating 5-S into Your Lube Room, FS9V4 Particle Pal Plus w/ Atten2 Particle Counting & ID Technology, Shell Turbine Oil with Gas To Liquid Technology (Turbo S4 X & GX), Five Reasons Predictive Maintenance Programs Fail When Evolving into Industry 4.0, Optimizing Regreasing Field Practices with Ultrasound Technology, The Role of Vibration Analysis in Prescriptive Maintenance, International Council for Machinery Lubrication. NSW 1710. Thermosets are typically stronger than thermoplastics, but they have low compatibility with white lithium grease due to their chemical structure. Use in a well ventilated area. Please express your opinion and/or willingness to volunteer time and expertise to such an effort by e-mailing info@lubecouncil.org. Learn more . On the other hand, thermoplastics can be melted and reformed multiple times without losing their original properties, making them more compatible with white lithium grease. Records the default button state of the corresponding category & the status of CCPA. Lubricate sunroof sliding panels. Its also important to use the correct amount of white lithium grease too much will result in buildup and produce dust and rubble. If you have read this far and you can now answer the question, White Lithium Grease vs Silicone Lubricant: Whats the Difference?, you might be wondering if there are any other lubricating products that could be useful for the jobs you have around your house or workshop. Do not worry! If youre looking to save a few bucks, CRC White Lithium Grease is likely your best option. Step 9: Plug your Washer into Power Outlet. A. The shelf life of grease is really a measure of the useful life of the components in the grease to ensure it is still fit for use. The last step is to plug your washing machine back into the power outlet followed by running a test cycle to ensure the grease is evenly distributed. Its especially useful for lubricating points of metal-on-metal contact, such as bike chains and car door hinges. It works only in coordination with the primary cookie. WD-40 White Lithium Grease sprays onto your surface white and does not run, which makes it more controlled and less messy than regular . A good garage door spring lubricant can either be a white lithium grease or a silicone spray. a little bit goes a long way. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The editorial staff of Machinery Lubrication magazine polled several lubricant suppliers, large and small, to see what they had to say about the issue of lubricant storage life limits, then reviewed the literature on the subject in efforts to report a consensus best practice.