Lubricants are to reduce friction, heat and wear on moving parts. Some also prevent or dissolve rust, displace water or clean surfaces. To choose the best type, consider the surface materials, environmental conditions and performance requirements. Avoid the nuclear option products that provide unnecessary functions for the application graphite coating at hand. Chemical overkill is wasteful and ecologically uncool.
Base oil is the heart of any lubricant. It can be mineral oil, vegetable oil such as soy, synthetic polymer, lanolin or even water. Lubricants also can be classified by type – oil, dry, silicone, white lithium or penetrating. Each graphite sheet lubricant has specific properties that make it suitable for some purposes and not for others.
Chain lube is specifically engineered for bicycle, motorcycle and garage door opener chains and cables, and garage door lube is for garage door rollers and tracks. These products are designed to stay put throughout numerous cycles and to prevent rust and friction by shedding moisture. To remove grit that can collect on links, be sure to clean chains and sprockets with a degreaser or mineral spirits and dry the surfaces before applying lubricant.
Penetrating oil is another product that declares its intended use. The thin, rust-dissolving formula seeps into the tiniest openings. This is the product of choice to soften hidden rust or to free heat-seized threads.
Dry graphite powder lubricant goes on wet but creates a powdery white film rather than an oily residue. It’s preferred for applications where a sticky, wet coating would attract dirt or stain surrounding surfaces. Dry lubricant also is odorless. Use this product on interior-door and cabinet hinges, drawer glides, folding knives and locks.
Clear silicone lubricants not only make large surfaces ultraslippery but also repel water and are safe to use on painted surfaces, rubber, plastic, wood and metal. You can reach for this type of lubricant to prevent soil and snow from sticking to shovels, snowthrowers, wheelbarrows, mowers and outdoor equipment.