Best lubricant for pivoting optic heads

NMPaul · Sep 30, 2010

I am assuming that it would be silicone lubricant or some plastic lubricant.
I dont want to buy the wrong stuff or put the wrong stuff on my pivot head.

nickman · Sep 30, 2010

I have some lube called STOS. I bought it years ago to used on my O/U trap gun. I've had a 2 oz jar for 20 years.

I don't know that it is still on the market, but this is some seriously slippery stuff and it won't melt at all when it's hot.

TSX · Sep 30, 2010

Rem-Oil. Has been manufactured so it will not be affected by cold temperatures. It has a teflon like base formula. Used it for years and have had no problems. Any good sporting-goods store will have it.

cjg_beef · Sep 30, 2010

LAST EDITED ON Sep-30-10 AT 12:07PM (MST)[p]I've had two gun actions lock up in below 0 tempuratures. I only use the stuff to protect non moving parts now.

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NMPaul · Sep 30, 2010

So, I assume that a silicone based lubricant would not be the way to go for a pivot ball?

TSX · Sep 30, 2010

That would be correct.

NMPaul · Sep 30, 2010

OK, Rem-Oil it is. I just ordered some one ebay with the teflon.
However, while I was reading it said it was for metal on metal.

I do not think that the ball that pivots on a Manfrotto optic head is metal I could be wrong though.

Thanks for the advice.

eelgrass · Sep 30, 2010

The stuff that came on my "high dollar" tripod pistol grip ball head looks and feels like graphite, but not sure.

Eel

bragabit · Oct 1, 2010

I would think a dry moly-lube would work best then it wouldn't attract dirt.

Deuce · Oct 1, 2010

>The stuff that came on my
>"high dollar" tripod pistol grip
>ball head looks and feels
>like graphite, but not sure.
>
>
>Eel

Graphite might work pretty well, try looking in a locksmith shop. They should sell it in a squeeze bottle, they use it on locks to keep the pins inside lubed. It's in a fine powder form.

mmwb · Oct 2, 2010

Most auto parts stores should have tubes of graphite as well.

Bulzeye · Oct 3, 2010

I always just use graphite on my Outdoorsman pistol grip head. I really wouldn't want to use a liquid and have it collect dust and get all gummed up.

Gator · Oct 5, 2010

Graphite is the ticket.

"I have found if you go the extra mile it's Never crowded".

BigPig · Oct 5, 2010

I've used Chapstick in a pinch.

NMPaul · Oct 5, 2010

The stuff I ordered did not come in time. I used gun oil and it worked great. Sure it will get dirty, but, I will clean it with some brake cleaner.

Chapstick, never thought of that.