Composition in Dielectric Grease vs. White Lithium Grease – Dielectric grease is a silicone-based dielectric compound made by combining silicone oil with a thickening agent and used as a vital lubricant for sealing, protecting, and insulating electrical components of automobiles. One downside to grease is that because it’s so thick and sticky, it can cause resistance in small or fast-moving mechanisms. Uses: Gears, bearings, chains, linkages Types: White lithium grease, marine grease, silicone grease.
Hi, I am wondering if it is OK to grease o-rings and other rubber components of flashlights with lithium grease. I always hear silicon grease is good, but I don't have any here. Is it worth buying silicone lubricants, or does a bit of white lithium grease work, too (or will it dissolve the o-rings)? Thanks for your advice in advance.
Does your garage door make a frightening noise when opening and closing? While many homeowners think this noise is just part of the garage’s aging process, it’s actually a sign that your door needs lubrication.
Lubrication is a value solution. Rather than spending big on repairs or replacement, you can simply purchase lubrication at your local hardware store and apply it on your own. You also don’t have to wait for noise to lubricate your garage door. Whether or not you hear creaking and groaning, you should lubricate at least once a year or more if you live in a salt-air climate.
Choose Your Lubrication
Look for either lithium grease or silicone spray — each is available for less than $10, depending on the brand and container size. An effective lithium grease will protect against friction and create a moisture-reducing barrier. Quality silicone spray products will also protect, waterproof and help preserve the materials in your garage door. Both lithium and silicone should withstand extreme cold and heat, which is perfect for garage door application. Silicone spray can also help the lubricant reach into tight spaces.
However, don’t reach for the WD-40. Many homeowners have WD-40 sitting around the garage, but it doesn’t provide the effective lubrication of lithium or silicone. WD-40 provides a cleaning benefit by destroying rust and grease. While this can help certain parts of your garage door better, it’s not a true lubricant that reduces friction and protects parts. When in doubt, check with your garage door’s manufacturer. Most brands will recommend a process for lubrication.
How to Lubricate Your Garage Door
Always start by cleaning your garage door, both inside and out. Dilute just a bit of detergent into warm water, and then use a sponge to gently clean and clear away any debris that has built up. Once your garage door is fully clean, there are four areas to address:
- Hinges — For metal hinges, be sure to fully lubricate at the points where each pivots. Do not lubricate if you have a garage door that uses plastic hinges. Lubrication won’t help plastic hinges — it will only serve to degrade the material.
- Springs — Spray lubricant to get full coverage, but stop short of applying so much that it begins to drip.
- Rollers — Apply directly to the rollers, wiping away any excess so it doesn’t drip on the garage floor or on your car. If your garage door includes nylon wheels, don’t lubricate them either. Stick to the bearings only.
- Locks — Are you having difficulty opening and closing the lock? If so, cover it fully in lubricant. This is one area in which spray comes in handy, since it’s difficult to reach inside the lock’s tight spaces.
What about the tracks? Keep them clean rather than lubricating. As described, use detergent in warm water and a sponge to fully clean and remove debris.
Once you’re finished with cleaning and lubrication, raise and lower your garage door a few times. This will help to distribute the lubrication. If any noise prevails, identify where it’s coming from and see if you missed a spot while lubricating.
Your Garage Door Authority
If your garage door needs more than cleaning and lubrication, contact Custom Door & Gate. Since 1989, we have served North Carolina with a wide selection of residential and commercial garage doors, as well as expert guidance and service.
Your garage door is more than inconvenient when it breaks. This is why it is so important that you maintain it properly. When your garage door is properly maintained, you will be less likely to be in need of repairs. One of the main parts of garage door maintenance includes lubricating all the working parts of your garage door. Quality Garage Door Repair is here to share some information on garage door lubricant and why it is so important that you choose the right one.
Lubricant is Key in Extending the Life of Your Garage Door
No one wants to experience frequent garage door repairs. One of the best ways to avoid it is to make sure all the working parts of your garage door are kept lubricated. This will ensure that those parts aren’t grinding together and wearing down sooner than they should. Here are the parts of your garage door that should be getting lubricated.
• Hinges– Some garage doors have plastic hinges, and you would obviously not need to be greasing them, but the metal hinges should be greased at the pivot point.
• Rollers– The bearings found in your rollers are what need to be lubricated. If you have nylon rollers, don’t get the grease on the nylon and just focus on the bearing. Wipe away any excess grease to save yourself from a mess.
• Springs– Spraying the torsion springs that lift and lower your garage door will keep them from breaking. Be sure you don’t over lubricate them and just give them enough that you notice they work with more ease.
What to Do After Garage Door Lubricant is Applied
Once you have lubricated all the working parts of your garage door, it is important that the garage door is lifted and lowered several times. This will help the lubricant be evenly distributed on each of those parts.
Silicone Spray or White Lithium Grease
White Lithium Grease Vs Silicone Spray
You can’t just use any lubricant on your garage door without causing more damage. Many people try using WD-40 on their garage door which is a huge mistake. This tends to cause rusting rather than true lubrication. The best lubricant for garage doors is a silicone spray or white lithium grease. These greases work to truly lubricate all the moving parts of your garage door. After a proper lubrication, you will notice that your garage door doesn’t just work better, but it can cut out some of the grinding noise you hear previous to greasing the right parts.
Residential Garage Door Inspections, Maintenance, Repairs & More in Las Vegas, Summerlin, North LV & Henderson Nevada
Uses For Lithium Grease
Because maintaining your garage door is so important, you need to have it professionally inspected and maintained by a professional garage door company like Quality Garage Door Repair once a year. This will give you peace of mind that your garage door is in good hands and has the best chance at no major repairs. Our expert garage door technicians know exactly what parts need to be lubricated and will keep them working as they should. Call us today to schedule your annual maintenance inspection.