LUBE

[NTBooth]

'Ello folks!

For your general all purpose lubrication needs, what are your go to's?
Not just for the bike but also things like door and window hinges, squeaky fridge doors, Locks etc...your general household issues?

I've always used WD40, Just because I like it, it also seems to work fine and I don't have any issues caused by it (that I know of). I'm interested in what the consensus is though.

I'm considering going for 3-in-1 (aerosol) or GT85 as I keep seeing people say that WD40 isn't a lubricant, its a penetrant. (but in fairness, it says it lubricates, so... )
If its something that specifically needs lube, I like to use 3-in-1 oil, but with it not being in an aerosol can be a bit trickier to get to the right place sometimes hence me considering the aerosol version.

In all honesty though - WD40, GT85 and 3-in1 (aerosol) seem to be the same thing...
I'm sure there is some chemical differences and some fancy pants reason they're not the same. but......

Interested in your thoughts gentlemen.


P.s. I'm obviously not talking about anything that needs grease or specialist lube etc.
P.P.S. I'm well aware using WD40 in locks is going to trigger some people, but ill be frigged if I'm finding some dry graphite crap to carefully get into a lock cylinder.

[Upt North]

WD40 is not a great lubricant, it is very good at what it's made for which is a penetrating oil/moisture displacer.
The Three in One is a different animal and the spray with PTFE is IMHO a very dependable and cheap garage shelf essential. As is the original Three in One in the plastic dripper.
WD is also good at cleaning grease and oil off many different surfaces.
In short I wouldn't be without it but I wouldn't lube stuff with it.
But to each their own.

[NTBooth]

Interesting.

So this is basically what I've heard and a few years ago I moved to 3-in-1 with the dripper where possible.
But the spray can for WD40 is so much better and anything "vertical" is a pain in the arse to get it in with the dripper.

Ill have to get some of the 3 in 1 spray and test it out.

[NTBooth]

I've ordered some of the 3 in 1.

I'm expecting some very smooth opening windows and doors now! 

[KingOrry]

I find ACF50 is really good on all manner of stuff.. locks, switchgear, upvc hinges, zips.. etc etc.
It doesn’t leave a sticky mess and lasts quite well.
Plus it makes all the black plastic bits on you bike, (and stuff like top boxes or car bumpers) look like new.
Spraying it in not a cloth or sponge and then applying it works best for me.

[NTBooth]

I do like ACF 50 - Bit pricey as a general purpose lubricant though!

I've been watching some videos and think Imight be being won round by PTFE lubes or maybe silicone.

I want something that's not going to attract dirt and dust for locks and hinges - which is another reason I've used WD40 over the 3-in-1 generally BUT, I'm now finding out WD40 jsut evaporates and goes away, which is why it doesn't attract the dirt   

But the PTFE and silicone ones will leave a nice slippy coating.

Think I'm going to order one of each and see how I feel (might actually have some silicone lube in the garage to try).

[NTBooth]

Yep, full tin of 3-in-1 brand silicone lube I bought for something and only used once.

I'll order some  PTFE and do 1 lock with each. See which I prefer 😂😂

[nigel s]

WD40.....won't have it in the house..
I don't know if it has changed formula but when I used it A LOT on sparkplug caps/leeds when I was a courier , it would swell the rubber covering making wet days even more interesting on a GS550.

Silicone spray for lubing anything plastic/ rubber, I.e. sliding window hinges if they have a nylon bush. But not all are made equal. Look for food safe or mould release sprays .The really cheap stuff is near useless , bar giving a shine to plastics.
Gt 85/ ACF50 for protection on the bike and where you would use WD as a water displacer. Gt85 smells of lavender...strangely.. ... I buy it in bulk, much cheaper.
That dribble of 10/40 engine oil left in the can after a change in a 10ml syringe for the jobs where old school 3 in 1 would be used, virtually free .
Penetrating oil.. plus gas or acetone mixed with engine oil , again, the latter virtually free   .

OR...whatever is to hand... if needs be...and that squeak is doing me nut in..

Ho Hum

[mr_diver]

Locks -use lock lube, made with graphite.
WD40 for releasing stuck nuts and bolts
GT85 for general lubricant
ACF50 for protection & lubricant
3in1 oil for cables
Engine oil for the chain (scottoiler on both bikes)

Synthetic grease for bearings and bushes
Moly Grease for drive splines/ couplings
Red rubber grease for rubber items like brake slider with gaiters (some manufacturers specify molly grease for slider pins)
Copper grease for anything that you want to remove easy next time.
Red or Blue locktight for things you don't want to get out on it's own.

[Barbel Mick]

WD40 now produce more than 'the original', there's something there for just about every application. 

 https://wd40.co.uk/product/

I've not used them all, but the few I have used, I thought they did the job as good as anything equivalent. 

[Rixington43]

Green Loctite for things you never want to move ever ever ever again 🤣

Much Off HCB1 is a really good ACF50 alternative, it's slightly thinner so penetrates better for combined lube and anti corrosion jobs like electrical connectors etc.
Must confess I buy the genuine Scottoil, I know it's pricey but it cleans off slightly more easily and it gets everywhere.

[porter]

Always used gt85, like it better than wd40. Use the gt on everything, wheels, frame, swinging arm etc. Then something like muc off speed polish on the paint work and screen. Finally I spray engine with some cheap silicone spray from the pound shops. Makes cleaning quick and easy.
Then I sold the bike at 10 years and 46k miles everyone commented on how clean it looked, one bloke thought it had only 4600 miles!
Look out for the gt85 on special in Asda.

[NTBooth]

Thanks for the input fellas!

I've decided to use silicone lube as my "day to day" as it definitely seems the most widely applicable.

So far seems OK!

I've been after some gt85 too but can't find any near me for some reason. I'm not bothered enough to order it online.

[mr_diver]

Halfords, usually have shelves full of GT85.

Apparently cyclists like to use it, maybe to lube their genitals??? 

[NTBooth]

I try to avoid Halfords 🤣 (and cyclists)

I'll nip in next time I pass one though! (Halfords that is)

[nigel s]

Well....my balls don't squeak...much... so the gt85 must be working
I get mine free from Infinity Motorcycles using their three times a year £10 voucher you get if you join their club ( costs nowt to join ). Or if I miss that ( like last time  ) I get it off Fleabay but in bulk , 6 cans at a time , much cheaper if you look for deals

Ho Hum

[MisterDavey]

Currently £3.09 at Halfords for GT85

It was £5 on the shelf, showed the link below to the lady on the till, got 4 cans at the discount price.

https://www.halfords.com/cycling/bike-maintenance/bike-lube/gt-85-bike-lubricant-400ml-477653.html

[pstm]

Can I ask you GT85 users, have you noticed any difference since they stopped using PTFE in it's formula? (Well, it's not mentioned anymore).

[MisterDavey]

What!!???
I just bought four cans thinking it has PTFE in it......
Either way, my hands smell nice, and they have some kind of slippery coating.