"Lube" for a PsG

Instruments, mechanical issues, copedents, techniques, etc.

Moderator: Shoshanah Marohn

Post Reply
Larry Jackson
Posts: 55
Joined: 23 Mar 2014 8:21 am
Location: Morrilton, AR

"Lube" for a PsG

Post by Larry Jackson »

I originally posted this question in Bernie's thread but thought better of it....forum etiquette, and all that.....

Many references were made to "lube" this or that to take care of an unwanted pedal sound. In relation to that, what lubricant, oil or whatever is typically used on a PSG?

Where and how often is it applied, if you have time to answer all this? More ignorant newbie questions.........
:oops:
BMI S10, Beard E model reso, Gold Tone Deluxe Beard Sig. reso, Guild acoustic guitar
User avatar
Tony Glassman
Posts: 4470
Joined: 18 Jan 2005 1:01 am
Location: The Great Northwest

Post by Tony Glassman »

Larry Jackson
Posts: 55
Joined: 23 Mar 2014 8:21 am
Location: Morrilton, AR

Post by Larry Jackson »

Got it! Thanks, Tony!
BMI S10, Beard E model reso, Gold Tone Deluxe Beard Sig. reso, Guild acoustic guitar
User avatar
Lane Gray
Posts: 13551
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Topeka, KS

Post by Lane Gray »

For all the talk of high-end and alternate lubes, Zum and Franklin use light machine oil (like sewing machine or 3 in 1)and a light motor oil (I forgot to ask the grade/weight), respectively. Since cheap stuff found at O'Reilly works for two of the best guitars, I am not convinced the advantages of the others are better enough. That said, I did buy a bottle of Dupont's alternative to liquid Tri-Flow, and it worked well (and was cheaper than Tri-Flow)
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
User avatar
Greg Cutshaw
Posts: 6610
Joined: 17 Nov 1998 1:01 am
Location: Corry, PA, USA
Contact:

Post by Greg Cutshaw »

Not every manufacturer is an expert in lubes. I've had two brand new guitars that were a bit stiff and had some binding. I think they were both dry and had no detectable lube. Applying Tri_Flo made them work super easy. Of course applying ANY lube to a dry guitar helps but I've used Tri-Flow all over the house and even over time it does not seem to attract dirt and sludge up.
User avatar
Lane Gray
Posts: 13551
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Topeka, KS

Post by Lane Gray »

Sure, Cutshaw. Pour logic all over everything.
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
User avatar
Mike Wheeler
Posts: 3058
Joined: 18 Oct 2004 12:01 am
Location: Delaware, Ohio, USA

Post by Mike Wheeler »

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Lane, I like your sense of humor.

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh.....and +1 for TriFlow......the "wet" one.
Best regards,
Mike
User avatar
Bob Isaac
Posts: 29
Joined: 27 Mar 2014 8:16 am
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

Post by Bob Isaac »

Another newbie question, expanding the original a bit (hopefully, this isn't in bad form?)
I completed disassembling and cleaning of my E9 changer, and have been reading the numerous threads concerning lubrication. My question is have any of you experienced a break-down on nylon/plastic parts from prolonged contact with petroleum-based lubricants?
User avatar
Scott Duckworth
Posts: 3470
Joined: 6 Apr 2013 8:41 am
Location: Etowah, TN Western Foothills of the Smokies
Contact:

Post by Scott Duckworth »

If you are referring to nylon bushings and the like, they do not need lube, they are the lube...
Amateur Radio Operator NA4IT (Extra)
http://www.qsl.net/na4it

I may, in fact, be nuts. However, I am screwed onto the right bolt... Jesus!
User avatar
Bob Isaac
Posts: 29
Joined: 27 Mar 2014 8:16 am
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

Post by Bob Isaac »

Scott, yes I was, in part. But also concerning the nylon spacers between the fingers of the changers.
User avatar
Lane Gray
Posts: 13551
Joined: 4 Aug 1998 11:00 pm
Location: Topeka, KS

Post by Lane Gray »

Nylon will tend to swell a bit with lube, so I bet they degrade a bit too.
2 pedal steels, a lapStrat, and an 8-string Dobro (and 3 ukes)
More amps than guitars, and not many effects
User avatar
Bob Isaac
Posts: 29
Joined: 27 Mar 2014 8:16 am
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

Post by Bob Isaac »

Reading through the numerous threads, it looks like the majority of folks prefer the dry lube, Tri-Flow. I'll give it a try (right after I clean off all of the Singer sewing machine oil I lubed it with already! :D) Thank you Lane.
User avatar
Mike Wheeler
Posts: 3058
Joined: 18 Oct 2004 12:01 am
Location: Delaware, Ohio, USA

Post by Mike Wheeler »

FYI, here's a pic of what you want. Whether it's the spray can, or the bottle (like in the pic) they will both say the same thing. I prefer the bottle because it comes with a tiny straw for precise lube application.


Image
Best regards,
Mike
User avatar
Greg Cutshaw
Posts: 6610
Joined: 17 Nov 1998 1:01 am
Location: Corry, PA, USA
Contact:

Post by Greg Cutshaw »

On tap, in the can, or in the bottle.. bartender get me a dose of Tri-Flow............
Paul Redmond
Posts: 1153
Joined: 3 Apr 2006 12:01 am
Location: Illinois, USA

Post by Paul Redmond »

I listen to Marcia Campbell's all-night truckers' show on WSM sometimes, and one of her sponsors is Motor-Kote....a hyper-lubricant you add to oil, or use as is. The jury is still out, as I just started using it experimentally. It appears to work better than gun oil which surprises me. What's also neat about the stuff is that it can be mixed WITH the gun oil to enhance its properties. It can be found at all Walmart stores on a bottom shelf in the automotive section. I paid 27 bucks for a quart...sounds bad, but in checking the comparable price of most gun oils per ounce, Motor-Kote is definitely cheaper. Buy a quart and divide it up among fellow steel players....or put the rest in your car engine.
PRR
User avatar
Bob Isaac
Posts: 29
Joined: 27 Mar 2014 8:16 am
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

Substitute for Tri-Flow?

Post by Bob Isaac »

I wasn't able to find any Tri-Flow available in Leavenworth, Kansas. So I went out on a limb and tried a substitute dry-lube, teflon-based gun oil - Remington Rem- Drilube

Image

So far, it seems to be working fine. And I like the fact that the dry nature of it doesn't seem to attract dust/lint/crud. Hopefully, there won't be some unforeseen (by me), disastrous consequence that destroys my changer and dooms me to eternal regret. Just kidding.
User avatar
Erv Niehaus
Posts: 26797
Joined: 10 Aug 2001 12:01 am
Location: Litchfield, MN, USA

Post by Erv Niehaus »

After several years in the case, I set up an Emmons LeGrande II. The changer was quite sticky. I contacted another steeler about the problem and he recommended "Break Free". It is a gun oil and I had to go to a sporting goods store to find it but it sure took care of the sticking problem.
Roger Shackelton
Posts: 3911
Joined: 18 Mar 1999 1:01 am
Location: MINNESOTA (deceased)

Post by Roger Shackelton »

BOB,

Did You Read The Danger Notice On The Spray Can?

"EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE" :whoa:
User avatar
Bob Isaac
Posts: 29
Joined: 27 Mar 2014 8:16 am
Location: Leavenworth, Kansas, USA

Post by Bob Isaac »

Roger,
Thanks, good looking out! That might explain my missing eyebrows. I wondered what that flash of light was that I saw while lubing the changer by candle-light.
I'm just glad I didn't swallow any of it.
I only tasted it. Tasted even better than Break Free. Smells nicer too.
:D
Keith Bolog
Posts: 784
Joined: 18 Dec 2010 12:32 pm
Location: Wisconsin, USA

Post by Keith Bolog »

Boe-shield T-9
Say what you mean. Mean what you say.
User avatar
David Bolin
Posts: 128
Joined: 10 May 2007 6:48 am
Location: Harrisburg, Illinois, USA

Post by David Bolin »

Zoom spout highly refined turbine oil works great. It has a retractable spout that you can direct the flow in hard to get places. I have used this for years. Mullen carried this at one time. You can also get it at Ace Hardware.
Paul Redmond
Posts: 1153
Joined: 3 Apr 2006 12:01 am
Location: Illinois, USA

Post by Paul Redmond »

The solvents and diluents are flammable....the remaining lubricant is not. TFE and PTFE are one of the only common polymers that don't have a melting point which is why you'll never see a molded part made of Teflon. However, when used as an additive in another polymer, it will flow....Teflon-filled Delrin and Teflon-filled nylon are just two common examples of adding Teflon to another resin. When Teflon does reach what would be its melting point, it burns. So does PVC and CPVC better known as vinyl. Fireproof Christmas trees and decorations are made of this stuff. You can hold a flame to it and it will burn. Remove the source and the flame goes out immediately.
PRR
User avatar
Damir Besic
Posts: 12261
Joined: 30 Oct 2000 1:01 am
Location: Nashville,TN.
Contact:

Post by Damir Besic »

In the last 25 years I lubed steel maybe twice, and didn't make any difference , only thing it did do, was helping the dust to stick better to my guitar... I never lube any of my guitars...
Db
Post Reply