lubricating sticks

[ragnar]

I have two u360s and one is kinda sticky for lack of a better term.

So, what lubricant should I use?  I saw some joystick specific lubricants for sale but they cost $20+.  My thinking is that these are existing lubricants that are rebradned as specific for joysticks thusly getting a huge mark up in price.  So, is there anything cheaper that I could pick up at a big box store?  or do I actually have to shell out $20+?

Thanks

[Smeghead]

How much is a new stick? 25? 30? Save yerself some elbow grease

[Franco B]

Try $60. Plus its not exactly hard to apply some lube to a joystick.

Info on U360 lube [here].

[Edwards80]

How much is a new stick? 25? 30? Save yerself some elbow grease

That's not a wise decision. U360's cost $60 so 5 mins and some small change on lubricant is a better idea.

Would also be interested in any suggestions. I have used some generic lubricant my old man used to use at his job building airplanes, but a more specific solution would be welcome

[bkenobi]

I generally use white lithium grease, but I don't know if it would stay in place long enough for this purpose.

[ragnar]

Try $60. Plus its not exactly hard to apply some lube to a joystick.

Info on U360 lube [here].

I am having siilar problems to that poster.  Later on a first hand account recomended Molykote 44:
http://www.neelyindustries.com/p-1099-molykote-44-high-temperature-medium-consistency-grease-53-oz-150-g-tube.aspx

Kinda pricy though.

[kagaden]

Molykote 44 Medium your U360's once and never have to do it again

I picked up a tube, you don't need much and it lasted 5 months of heavy play every day without ever needing to relube or be sticky again. Great stuff.

[ragnar]

Molykote 44 Medium your U360's once and never have to do it again

I picked up a tube, you don't need much and it lasted 5 months of heavy play every day without ever needing to relube or be sticky again. Great stuff.

Got it in the mail today and applied it.  That stuff is the solution I wanted.  Both sticks are like as smooth as silk now!

[kagaden]

Molykote 44 Medium your U360's once and never have to do it again

I picked up a tube, you don't need much and it lasted 5 months of heavy play every day without ever needing to relube or be sticky again. Great stuff.

Got it in the mail today and applied it.  That stuff is the solution I wanted.  Both sticks are like as smooth as silk now!

Good to hear! It'll last too so you don't have to keep taking apart your joysticks over and over to relube.

[danny_galaga]

like as smooth as silk now!

 

[Ed_McCarron]

Yeah, not where I assumed this thread would go.

EDit:  Oh, powdered graphite works for me.

[molton]

BUMP

I just ordered some Molykote 44, if its for airplanes than it's exactly what I was looking for, I used graphite on my OMNI-2 joysticks and it works for 2 days but then gets worse than ever, I'm hoping to get my sticks smooth as silk again and not making so much damn noise

[rCadeGaming]

The Molykote will be good.  It's basically the same chemical make-up as the "official" Shin-Etsu joystick lube.  For best results I'd take the sticks apart and use rubbing alcohol to completely clean everything and remove the old grease, before applying the Molykote.

[Nephasth]

I put some silicone grease in my U360s over 6 months ago and haven't had a problem since:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_53861-1366-88693_0__?productId=1092167&Ntt=plumbers+grease

Less than $4.

[thaddeussmith]

I use high temp lithium wheel bearing grease on my firearms. just a little dab'll do ya .. i'll try that first if I ever run into this issue with my sticks. $7 for a tub of it at your local auto parts store.

[molton]

The Molykote will be good.  It's basically the same chemical make-up as the "official" Shin-Etsu joystick lube.  For best results I'd take the sticks apart and use rubbing alcohol to completely clean everything and remove the old grease, before applying the Molykote.

thanks i was thinkig about doing that anyway after the graphite, now I will for sure and not be lazy

[TopJimmyCooks]

what nephasth posted is what ultimarc recommends.  it doesn't last forever esp. if you don't play a lot.  would not recommend graphite at all.  that is for metal on metal basically where being dirty doesn't matter. 

[dgame]

I have the U360s with the chrome pivot and use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray, about $4 a can.

Spray some on a cotton swab and apply.

[walker_tr9]

How can no one make a lude joke about the title of this thread?

[TopJimmyCooks]

How can no one make a lude joke about the title of this thread?

this is serious ---steaming pile of meadow muffin---.

[PL1]

I have the U360s with the chrome pivot and use Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray, about $4 a can.

Spray some on a cotton swab and apply.

Here are a couple of joystick lube options from/based on other threads.
(HT -- RandyT)

Lubricating pivots
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=119002.msg1260414#msg1260414
http://www.harborfreight.com/85-gram-super-lube-grease-cartridge-93744.html
Apply with a small brush to ensure a thin, even coat.

and

Lubrication for creaking springs.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=83615.msg873591#msg873591
http://www.harborfreight.com/silicone-spray-94529.html


Scott

[dgame]

I spent the past few hours looking up silicone lubricants and there is a lot of conflicting information out there. Some say the Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray is bad for plastics some say it is not. The main complaint is that it uses petroleum based propellants that can melt plastic or rubber.

My U360s have not melted and they look and feel fine to me.

But Andy also recommends silicone grease over silicone spray so I will probably try the Danco Silicone Faucet Grease next if needed.

Danco Silicone Faucet Grease (MSDS)
Dimethyl Polysiloxane 85-95%
Silicon Dioxide 5-15%

Liquid Wrench Silicone Spray (MSDS)
1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene  3-7%
Aliphatic Hydrocarbon Solvent 40-70%
Carbon dioxide 3-4%
Dimethyl Polysiloxane 3-7%
Ethylbenzene 0.1-1%
Hydrocarbon Fluid 10-30%
Low Odor Base Solvent 10-30%
Mesitylene 3-7%
Naphthenic Petroleum Distillate 3-7%
Xylene (mixed isomers) 1-5%