The Steel Guitar Forum

I'm sure a lot of you have different ideas as to the best way to lube up your ax and the best lubrication to use. Appreciate the input......Jon

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I like sewing-machine oil. It's clear, has little odor, and it's designed not to "gum up" over time. Gun oil is good, too, as it's designed not to gum up, but it does have more odor, and it's probably more likely to stain your clothes, since it's not as highly refined as the sewing-machine oil.

There are probably bucket o' threads on this subject. Here's one from another forum. http://pub14.ezboard.com/fpedalsteelguitarsteelguitartechnical.showMessage?topicID=55.topic
Short answer from me is Super Oil, every other string change.

I've read somewhere that fishing reel oil is acceptable... available at your local hardware stores.. comes in a small plastic tube with a pocket clip on it... John

Have you guys ever tried Permatex "Fast Break
Super Penetrant? It has an odor but it is a good lube and keeps parts from rusting. I bought a can at an auto parts store. So far it seems to have worked.

I use dry graphite mixed with bees wax.

Ooh, dry graphite with bee's wax. That sounds cool. Does it get dirty?

Brad Sarno

Brad. No it doesn't. But it has to be hot so it will seep in. It does take alot of time tho. A lot of patience.

I use Dura Lube (for cars). Works great, does not collect dirt. (cheap too) a quart will last you forever. Use a Q-tip, dip it in, place wherever you require the lubrication.

I have used transmission fluid for several years at the recomendation of Bruce Zumsteg. It has worked very well for me.

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The Steel Dr.
Johnny Cox P.S.D.
MSA Customer Service
www.msapedalsteels.com
www.thetimejumpers.com

Thanks to all of y'all. Sounds Like I have a lot to choose from.....Jon

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Rex,
Do you meant the same superoil that is also called Lubit-8, comes in the little 'pen style' oiler with the needle? I have some of that stuff I got at a local auto parts store (advance auto, part of the PartsAmerica chain)... seems like it is pretty good, so far, and supposedly has teflon (don't know what percentage, but from what I've read, teflon only helps IF the other oil has dried up or migrated out, since it is a dry lubricatn only... so any of the 'liquid teflon' or 'paste teflon' are basically other oils w/ teflon added), so only time will tell... I do know that this is the same stuff that a LOT of Harley shops recommend for lubing the chain, since even the 'Harley Davidson labelled spray' chain lubes tend to do as spray lubes do-- go ALLL over the place!<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Gino Iorfida on 17 April 2003 at 01:38 PM.]</p></FONT>

Transmission fluid . . sounds strange but if it works for Johnny Cox . . it be good enough for me . . Hey Johnny, you do that ecery 20,000 miles and is it GM or Ford ?

Carl West

Hi Gino!
No, Super Oil is from the makers of Gunk & Liquid Wrench. It's "the premium household oil" or so it sez on the bottle. It comes in a 4 oz. plastic bottle, can be had at Dollar General for a buck, I bought a "needlepoint bottle" for it & I'm good to go.
Super Oil is what Derby recommends on their guitars.
Good to hear from you Gino. Hope all is well.

<CENTER>The favorite of the Carter Steel Guitars
factory folks: Bud Carter and John Fabian is

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More info is here ... very handy.

More "how-to" info on lubrication here also
<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Ann Fabian on 17 April 2003 at 02:13 PM.]</p></FONT>

Marvel Mystery Oil,applied with an insulin syrenge,or Mobil 1 5w30 synthetic if you have it apart for whatever so you can clean everything properly and start fresh.

BF

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Bill Ford

Make sure to change oil, every 3000 Chords or you'll void the warantee.

Go get'm Ann !!

That dispenser you folks have is the best !!! You can get into every spot under the cabinet and the oil is clean and non sticky . Guys -- take a look at the picture Ann sent ! That extension is retractable ( and will also extend outward a good deal more than is shown). Works great to get to those hard to reach places . I'll bet you can order one ( or some )from them --I did

Highly recommended !!

John

Yep, we used those exact same Zoom Spout oilers 25 years ago at Dekley. They used to be about $1.50 in any hardware store. I still have mine from that long ago and don't think I've ever refilled it.

The trick on the motor oil is to use only the synthetic.

Didn't know that. Thanx, Richard.

Graphite mixed with bees wax. That's a good idea but isn't it hard to catch a bee when you need the wax, though??? Just a thought!
Uff-Da!

HEY GUYS! BREAK-FREE IS GOOD. IT ACTUALLY PENETRATES THE METAL. IT TAKES A LICKIN AND KEEPS ON TICKIN. YOU APPLY IT, WIPE THE EXCESS OFF, LET IT SIT AND PENETRATE AND THEN WIPE IT CLEAN. MUCH BETTER THAN WD40 OR SUCH. OH, BY THE WAY, IT WON'T GET GUMMY OR STICKY LIKE WD40.<FONT SIZE=1 COLOR="#8e236b"><p align=CENTER>[This message was edited by Barbara Hennerman on 19 April 2003 at 11:26 AM.]</p></FONT>

WD 40 is not a lubricant!!!!!It is a water /moisture displacer,rust remover.

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Bill Ford

The turbine oil that Ann Fabian has pictured is available at most hardware stores. Look in the plumbing department where they sell it for oiling heater and swamp cooler blowers.