What do you use to lube your stabilizer jacks?

Grease, and when it get dirty use pressure washer. Works great.

wmoses wrote:

beemerphile1 wrote:
I buy the stuff in gallons and use a small pump sprayer, not aerosol cans.

Gallons?? You must be exaggerating right? :) But then you mentioned the pump sprayer and I an not so sure, I am intrigued.

I meant that I buy it in gallon cans, not that I use gallons.

Generally one gallon will last me several years for all uses. It is far less expensive than buying an aerosol can that only contains a few ounces.

Glad I didn't weigh in on the WD-40 use sooner but now that the ice is broken....

At one time, WD-40 was made with coconut oil and petroleum solvent. It still contains a lot of light petro solvents. I believe they've reformulated to use other oils and less coconut oil. We'll never know what the formula is since it's proprietary. WD-40 will attack and dissolve certain rubber materials. IMO. it's a pretty poor rust preventer and of no use as a penetrant for loosening fasteners. It is good for removing water or moisture, especially for spark plug grounding and makes a fair cutting oil for tooling metals. It's major attributes are that it's cheap, abundant, and applies easily out of a spray can.

For preventing rust on stabilizers I like to use oil or chain lube, depending on environment. I use oil if I'm worried about dirt or dust and chain lube if I want the best protection and don't care about dirt.

AirForceAngler wrote:
Three things I always keep in the TT - WD-40, Duck Tape and a hammer. If it moves and it shouldn't, use duck tape. If it doesn't move and it should, WD-40. If you can't fix it with a hammer, you have an electrical problem.

A practical man! Thanks for injecting a little humor into this discussion.

beemerphile1 wrote:
WD40 a couple times a year. Helps to prevent rust and provides a little lubrication without making them oily/greasy.

Me too.

firedguy wrote:
WD 40 is good for removing bird "droppings" from the hood-roof of your autos, picnic tables, camping chairs, etc.

It is also excellent for removing ink from carpet and fabric.

Bruce

WD 40 is good for removing bird "droppings" from the hood-roof of your autos, picnic tables, camping chairs, etc.

nomad297 wrote:
I did not intend to be dismissive or to appear to be attacking anybody. I apologize for making you feel that way. I was just limited for time and made a quick comment. I can see why you felt the way you did.
...
My original point was that, even though the lady always applied WD-40 to her stabilizers, the threads were rusty. I had to assume that WD-40 wasn't doing the trick. I was not intending to attack her.

Bruce

Bruce - I appreciate you taking the time to say that - thank you. :)

You also make some good points of course with respect to the firearms. Maybe that is what beemerphile1 is using his gallons for ... ;)

beemerphile1 wrote:
I buy the stuff in gallons and use a small pump sprayer, not aerosol cans.

Thank you for making those points - saved me the trouble! :)

Gallons?? You must be exaggerating right ...? :) But then you mentioned the pump sprayer and I an not so sure .... I am intrigued.

wmoses wrote:

nomad297 wrote:
WD-40 is a lousy lubricant. If you do a little research, you will see what I am talking about. Here's a link to an article in Popular Mechanics to get you started. Google will give you plenty of places to read as well.

Bruce

Bruce - I am aware of WD-40's limitations and I appreciate the link - interesting read. FWIW, I have WD-40 as well as several other lubricants in my garage and trailer and even in my truck. I also know the limitations and usage of each, thank you.

My question to you was to find out where you were coming from in your retort that stated her levelling jacks were probably getting rusty "because she used WD-40 instead of a lubricant".

Many would see that one line reply as dismissive and as an attack. I could also see your reply to me in a similar fashion but I will not bite on your bait. ;)

Suffice it to say that even in your words you agree that it is a lubricant (even if lousy) and as for inhibiting rust ... well I know a thing or two about rust myself and there is not a lot that you can do to inhibit rust AND lubricate AND avoid attracting dust all at the same time.

You have a great day. :) :) :)

I did not intend to be dismissive or to appear to be attacking anybody. I apologize for making you feel that way. I was just limited for time and made a quick comment. I can see why you felt the way you did.

My experience with WD-40 and its ability to lubricate and protect is mainly in the realm of firearms. Those of us who use our firearms in the rain are very quick to use WD-40 to disperse any moisture from the barrels, receivers and other exposed parts while in the field and after shooting. We are also very quick to get our firearms to a place where we can then wipe off the WD-40 and coat everything with the appropriate lubricant/protectant. Those who forget this second step are usually very upset with themselves the next time they open their gun case because they find rust everywhere. Of course, there are some gun owners who think WD-40 is the perfect lubricant, but they are far outweighed by those who know better.

WD-40 may inhibit rust if it is continually applied, but it tends to dry quickly and lose its effectiveness. This is where the correct lubricant and protectant comes into play.

My original point was that, even though the lady always applied WD-40 to her stabilizers, the threads were rusty. I had to assume that WD-40 wasn't doing the trick. I was not intending to attack her.

Bruce