lubricating arcade bar stool bearings

[TheShanMan]

My wife picked up some used bar stools (the kind typically found in arcades that happ sells) - 3 for $50. I got them all cleaned up and put new rubber feet on the legs so they're looking great now.

However, 2 of them spin poorly. I tried using a little 3-in-1 oil but that didn't seem to improve it. What's the best kind of lubricant to use on these?

[Xiaou2]

 More than likely the cause is that they lubricant on them is polluted with
dust, dirt, and other crap.   

 Use something like  Radio Shacks  "Component Cleaner".    Its dissolves grease, oil,
dirt..etc.   It also lubricates pretty darn well on its own.  However, a little 3 in 1 after the
bearings are cleaned should be fine.

 If after cleaning it still is bad... then the bearings may be bad, or the bearing races are
too nicked up.

[TheShanMan]

Thanks! I'll have to stop by there and pick some up.

[TheShanMan]

Xiaou2, is this the product you're referring to? This is the closest thing I was able to find online. I didn't find anything by that exact name.

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2103700

[Xiaou2]

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102649&cp=&sr=1&kw=electronic+cleaner&origkw=electronic+cleaner&parentPage=search

 Precision Electronic Cleaner

 
Stuff is awesome.  Ive used them to free up trackball bearings to make them spin
better than new.  Among many other uses.   

 Its a little expensive... but you dont need much at all.


 I had found that the propellant sometimes runs out before fully getting all of the solution out of the can before it runs out.   I simply poked a hole in the can to get the rest.  Covering the hole with clay or tape to keep it from evaporation.


 To clean bearings...  Spay into bearing race.   Let sit for 15 seconds or so.   Turn unit
over and spin at high speeds for 30+  seconds.   Repeat process at least one more
time..  possibly more if there is a Lot of crap stuck in there.

[TheShanMan]

Thanks! Worth the price if it lives up to your praise.

[TheShanMan]

No luck. It might have made a minor improvement, but barely noticeable and it could be my imagination. I don't think it's the bearings - they look OK and it rolls smoothly. My guess is the pivot point is not working as smoothly as it ought to. I tried cleaning that part but it didn't seem to help, and really I didn't expect much. I think I'd have to be able to take the 2 halves of the swivel part apart to get it working more smoothly.

Does anyone know if you can buy replacement swivel mechanisms? I may contact Happ to see if they can give me some manufacturer info or something.

But really this isn't the biggest deal in the world. It does spin with effort, but it's not that important of a feature to me. If there's no cheap solution I think I can live happily with it as is.

[Paul Olson]

When I bought my barstools at the restaurant supply house, the guy told me they were designed to turn but not spin. Makes them more sturdy, I guess. He said the lower level stools spin more.

[TheShanMan]

I can understand that. But one of my stools in particular is more problematic than the other 2. And the difficult part is getting it to start to turn. Once turning it's not hard to keep it turning.