Pedal Steel Lubricant

Kevin Chriss · Post by **Kevin Chriss** » 4 Apr 2002 7:48 am

I think I just found a great lubricant for our pedal steels. It is sold through NAPA automotive parts stores and is called "Wet Graphite Film Lubricant". Its an aerosol spray. Just don't spray it with your pedal steel on the carpet like I did because the lub is black and it drips. The wet carrier evaporates leaving the graphite. The dry graphite would not attract dust. See you in Grand Rapids, Steel Brothers.

P Perry · Post by **P Perry** » 4 Apr 2002 9:14 am

Kevin I use the stuff your talking about at work but I've found something better to use on my guitar. It is LPS 1 Greaseless Lubricant. It is a "fine lubricant that penetrates and dries fast" it is clear so it won't stain dries fast so it won't drip. Won't attract dust works great.

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 4 Apr 2002 11:03 am

I use Singer sewing machine oil. I always tell people that the pedal steel is a cross between a Singer sewing machine and a guitar, so we just as well lube it like one.

Uff-Da!

Bob Carlson · Post by **Bob Carlson** » 4 Apr 2002 3:41 pm

Well Erv, I guess that stuff makes your steel work as smooth as a sewing machine, hey.

Bob.

Bill Myrick · Post by **Bill Myrick** » 4 Apr 2002 4:59 pm

Well darn !!!!! Here I got a half can of alemite axle grease left !!!! -

Jerry Roller · Post by **Jerry Roller** » 4 Apr 2002 5:47 pm

Hey Beel, issit fersail? Huh? Issit?

Sam White R.I.P. · Post by **Sam White R.I.P.** » 4 Apr 2002 5:48 pm

Well I want to get my two cents in on this one.Our good freind Len Amaral gave all the members of the R.I.Steel Guitar Assoc. a tube of yomega Brain Lube with Teflon and I do beleave he said he got it from Radio Shack and it is in a small tube with a long narrow tip that makes it easy to lube small places and hard to get places.
Sam White[This message was edited by Samuel E. White on 04 April 2002 at 05:50 PM.]

Earl Yarbro · Post by **Earl Yarbro** » 5 Apr 2002 11:44 am

3 in 1 works well for me, recommended by Bruce himself,

Earl Yarbro
Zum D10
ZB D10
Nash. 400

Erv Niehaus · Post by **Erv Niehaus** » 5 Apr 2002 12:02 pm

Bob:
I still have trouble finding them chords but you should see my blind stitch!

Uff-Da!

Joerg Hennig · Post by **Joerg Hennig** » 5 Apr 2002 12:12 pm

Graphite Film Lubricant. If it does the same as Graphite Powder, I´d stay away from it. The guy I bought the ShoBud from used to use Graphite Powder like you use for doorlocks and it was sprinkled all over the underside. Not too hard to clean but it sure didn´t look nice.
I´ve used sewing machine oil (no particular brand) ever since. On my guitar before I sometimes used Ballistol, which was invented for firearms.
In my 6-string days, I even named an instrumental after it: Ballistol Blues.
Joe H.[This message was edited by Joe Henry on 05 April 2002 at 12:19 PM.]

Robert Rogers · Post by **Robert Rogers** » 5 Apr 2002 5:56 pm

There is a tool that is great for oiling the guitar with.A friend of mine had a sirenge left over from one of those ink printer kits that you buy off of t.v.So he gave it to me.It works great.

Robert

Bob Mainwaring · Post by **Bob Mainwaring** » 5 Apr 2002 11:19 pm

I've used Wynn's "Slick 'N Shine" for about 3 years now and love the easy way it just sprays either in the changer or underneath just before assembling it on the job.
It's also good for the finish with the "vehicle" being silicone based.

The can says:- Lubricates sliding doors, sliding windows, curtain rails,drawers, hinges, locks, zippers, knitting and sewing machines.

Protects:- chrome, brass, aluminum, leather, plastic, rubber, vinyl, guns, fishing tackle, sports equipment, tools, foot-wear, tire sidewalls and numerous automotive applications.

Stops :- binding, squeaking, and sticking.

I use it around the house and workshop as well.

The ol' Z.Bs. never squeak or groan, only when I try to play something nice!!!!

Bob Mainwaring.Z.Bs. and other weird things.

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Bill Hamner · Post by **Bill Hamner** » 6 Apr 2002 1:51 am

MARVEL MYSTERY OIL....Available at most Auto
Parts Stores. Has been around for over 50 yrs. First used as an upper cylinder lubricant for auto engines. An added bonus is
a pleasing smell and it is not messy. Now highly reccommended by Air Tool manufacturers
as a lubricant for air motors such as those
used in air grinders,sanders,polishers and
impact wrenches. Does not gum up or become tacky. Look for it in a red and black can.
Available in small containers similar to sewing machine oil containers on up to 1 gal. Do a search on Goggle to learn more.
Tell them I sent you!

Bill

Roger Shackelton · Post by **Roger Shackelton** » 6 Apr 2002 2:05 am

The lubrication info. on the Carter Website warns against using WD-40 or Graphite based lubricants. Check it out.

Roger

Johan Jansen · Post by **Johan Jansen** » 6 Apr 2002 11:37 am

Pure teflon spray, use in with a straw!!
Don't spray in on your jack-in contact, cause it isolates power ..

JJ

Bill C. Buntin · Post by **Bill C. Buntin** » 11 Apr 2002 3:31 am

Bud Carter is right. You can't beat just oil. I have been searching for the perfect Pedal Steel lube and applicator for years. Very soon I will have available one of the most simple and economical oil and applicator available. Its' a light weight machine oil (10-20wt). It will be in a "Handy as a Pocket on a Shirt" container with applicator. You will be able to literally "Pinpoint" a tiny drop wherever it is needed. NO MESS. No drips on the Wife's carpet. Keep a look out. I'll be offering this up on the forum in a week or so!

Ann Fabian · Post by **Ann Fabian** » 11 Apr 2002 6:01 am

Here's a very handy and easy way to put the oil just where you need it ... It's one of Bud Carter's and John Fabian's favorites:

More info

KENNY KRUPNICK · Post by **KENNY KRUPNICK** » 11 Apr 2002 11:34 am

3-IN-1 oil in the blue and white can.It's a little heavier than whats in the red and white can.

jerry wallace · Post by **jerry wallace** » 12 Apr 2002 12:10 pm

The "red" transmission oil/fluid has been used for many years by several Psg builders..In addition , its cheap and easy to find...

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Jerry Wallace-2001 Zum: D-10,8+6, "98 Zum: D-10,8+8,Nashville 1000,Session 500 ,Session 400 head only amp,Tubefex,ProfexII, Artesia, New Mexico
http://communities.msn.com/jerrywallacemusic http://www.jerrywallacemusic.com

[This message was edited by jerry wallace on 12 April 2002 at 01:12 PM.]

Rob Hamilton · Post by **Rob Hamilton** » 12 Apr 2002 7:05 pm

I have an older instrument, and I feel that the joints that endure more stress require grease. Particularly the ball joints at the pedals and the knee lever axels -- they take a beating. I've been using a white lithium grease that comes in a tube, and use a toothpick to get it into tight spots. I notice a lot less clanking and smoother action. For the changer, I use light oil. The other thing is to clean out the dirty grease before adding new grease. I use a tissue or q-tip to clean the surfaces, then re-grease. Keeping it clean minimizes the wear.[This message was edited by Rob Hamilton on 12 April 2002 at 08:46 PM.]

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 12 Apr 2002 9:47 pm

If you play in a bluegrass band, you might want to try dilithium, to speed up your pedals.

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 14 Apr 2002 12:09 pm

Earnest - Do you prefer the pill or capsule?

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Lee, from South Texas