Lubrication - Tri-Flow

[waylander]

Hi All,

Now I already know that basically everyone will recommend pure silicon oil for lubrication. I actually have tons of the stuff in various weights due to 10+ years of RC. I know the logic, petroleum based will damage plastic.

Thing is, if you go on RC forums, Tri-Flow is recommended quite often. It's even recommended for real steel. I used it extensively, basically the only lubricant I'd use on my RC helis which have a damn lot of moving parts at very high speeds AND many of the parts were plastic. So the question is... will Tri-Flow damage the plastics in our airsoft guns? I don't know but after using it for years on RC I can't imagine it would. It's a superior lubricant as well.

Does anyone use it or have tried it on airsoft before?

[lurkingknight]

you'd have to research what it's comprised of and if any of those components are bad for things like o-rings and gaskets.

because it's hard to determine what material is used on gaskets in pistols and mags, you have to assume it's the lowest grade material unless otherwise stated.

You ever go to a website for an o-ring manufacturer and try to find ones for your exact purpose? they come in like 10 different types of materials, all for specialized uses for when it comes in contact with whatever it is they need to touch.

As it is, a light weight silicone oil doesn't do jack to anything in an airsoft gun so you're not worried about it getting everywhere, unless tri-flow is some how more lubricative, but stays where you put it, doesn't run and lasts a lot longer than silicone oil, then it might be worth some effort to look into. :P

[waylander]

I use tri-flow in ball joints, the entire head assembly, gears.. etc. All are pretty much exposed to the elements not sealed. As it's teflon based, it stays where you put it better than most lubricants and it doesn't really run. Used a lot on bikes for their gears.

Agreed, not really known what rubbers, plastics are used. I'm sure each manufacturer has a different composition. I guess I'll just have to test it and see for myself.

Thanks for the reply.

[lurkingknight]

I think teflon is safe on just about anything, but if it's an aerosol spray it's more than likely shot out with a petroleum product.

[waylander]

Originally Posted by lurkingknight

I think teflon is safe on just about anything, but if it's an aerosol spray it's more than likely shot out with a petroleum product.

I have the drip bottle version. Don't like sprays, they get everywhere...

[ThunderCactus]

Petroleum eats through NATURAL RUBBER
it does NOT eat through synthetic rubber