Fluid Film

[Mike M]

It's funny watching a new guy like me ask "Which is the best way to make a splice."

But I found this to be even more diverse and interesting: "What do I use to lubricate my o-rings, and as a protectorant/lubricant for other parts?"

On my adventure to find the best answer, I was referred to Fluid Film. They offer free samples, and I just got mine today. The product delivery is like a small WD-40 can, and the medium is liquid. It's made from lanolin (sp?), a natural product from sheep? Anyway, what I find interesting is that it is also available as a grease and as a gel.

I asked the manufacturer about the flash point. 400 f. The bottle says: Danger! EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE.

Before I squirt this stuff out, I'd just assume make a request that someone with more experience than me (won't be hard to find) get this stuff and do a more extensive review of the product. By the way, it says it is not an electrical conductor.

Additional side note: I have been using those ketchup packets with silicone you get for free from Kichler, they are convenient, but I really hate grease and oil on my fingers. It's why I'm not an auto mechanic.

Mike

[Paul]

I've been using those Kichler packs for years and they have worked great. I don't try to fix what aint broke, if you know what I mean.

[Mike M]

Good point, Paul, thanks. Does Kichler offer that in a larger dispensor/tube? If so I will gladly buy it.

I like the Fluid Film for product delivery, quick, easy, not messy, etc. Just wondering if I can use something without making a little mess each time. I have this thing about grease. I get it on my fingers, it attracts dirt and pinestraw, it ends up on my shirt, etc. And the fluid film has no harmful solvents, doesn't harm plants, etc.

If anyone would like to try a free sample and get the product literature, you can request it from the company, they will even mail it to you for free. And then you can review it here.

Thanks,

Mike M

[Illuminator]

Mike,
Did you try the pool company like I wrote in another post?
I get mine from Pinch-a-Penny pools. It's a National chain; should be in your neck of the woods to......Or are you so far out that you have to watch Monday night football on Wednesday? HA!

[Mike M]

Chris, I like the idea of getting my stuff from a pool supply store, also I will be popping into a marine supply store for ideas, too.

Monday night football? I fall asleep before half-time. LOL. And I'm doing catch-up work on Sundays until about November. Maybe I'll go see the Jaguars play in 2008 after I quit my teaching job and get some weekends back in my life.

By the way, this fluid film stuff is awesome, but I don't know how accessible it is.

Mike

[LowVoltPro]

I requested a bottle of Fluid Film from them. I will let you guys know my opinion when i recieve it!

[Mike M]

Thanks!

Interesting how it goes on thin and then seems to thicken a little. I tried to burn it with a match, which only happened readily when it was first applied. If not for bulb bases, it should at least be great for o-rings, simply because it applies quickly and accurately and does not require fingers to spread it.

Curious, it says no solvents, but what thins it, and what is making it bubble? A flamable liquified gas under pressure that evaporates?

[kellyelectrical]

were did you go to get fluid film to send you a sample?
I looked but couldent find it

[Mike M]

dwilliams@eurekafluidfilm.com

Just put in the email that you want a sample. You can try it out and tell us what you think.

Thanks,

Mike

[Mike M]

Okay, I found some specs. Butane/propane serve as a propellant. No solvents used, the product does not evaporate over time.

I sprayed some on fixtures in the field, I'll be watching. Kind of interesting; goes on thin and pervasively, bubbles quickly, then thickens to a light grease. Did not seem to go back to liquid after heated.

References were made to longevity, product comparisons, and highly successful/favorable results from US Naval studies. This product has also been around for a long time, originally used in marine environments. I'd like to read the primary research source to see if there were downsides to the product, etc., but I don't know if the Navy puts that stuff up for the public.

Mike

[Mike M]

Anyone interested in lanolin may also want to read about the Briggs & Stratton product, available as the pure grease (non-flamable, non-evaporative), or the thinner versions (thinned with oil) which may be sprayed and very penetrable.

One of the biggest beneifts to using lanolin is the staying power, which supposedly lasts much longer than similar products. I also found pure lanolin on-line at a natural/organic type of site for skin care, it comes in a 7 oz jar, has a chapstick like consistency, and sells for about 5 bucks.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/display/router.asp?docid=99191

[LowVoltPro]

I got my sample, it seems liek this is very similar to WD-40. I will try it out but it doesnt seem like it is somethign I would use on connections or electrical parts. I will stick to my Di-Electric grease. I think this could work puly as a lubricator for shrouds and knuckles to keep them from siezing up with minerals.

[Mike M]

The WD-40 similarity starts and stops at application and penetration, which is actually a cool thing, as it starts thin and pervasive. But the product thickens to a waxy greese, it's nonconductive, and it does not evaporate.

About a week ago I sprayed a bunch througout the inside of a few fixtures at my own home, and put it directly on the bulb contacts as well. I will pull the bulbs out soon to examine the consistency of the lanolin, looking for thinning, etc.

[Mike M]

Okay,

I finally yanked out a bulb and examined the socket. The lanolin looked a little burned and discolored. Makes me think I may as well use butter.

The flash point is high, but I think the stuff begins browning at a much lower temp.

I'm going to the pool store to get the good stuff.

Mike

[Paul]

Keep us updated Mike.

[Mike M]

Okay, before Chris drives up here to slug me for not going to a pool supply store yet, and before Paul enjoys how I make things more complicated than a simple Kichler packet of lubricant, in the spirit of my quest for an easy to apply lubricant that will keep grease off my fingers, which is why I tried the can of fluid film, has anyone tried the Dupont product or Gunk product or similar: white lithium grease in a can?

If so, we can start a new post evaluating the product(s). Dupont's product comes in 3 types, one being a wax. All are in cans like WD-40 with a little straw like nozzle. Only problem I can see is the fact that the propellents are highly flamable, and I thought, what if it doesn't evaporate fully before sealing the bulb inside of the fixture?

Mike M

[Mike M]

Reading the dangers on the labels of white lithium grease today, I read a note about not crossing or mixing types of grease/lubricants. Since manu's often apply their own product on sockets and gaskets, this warning kept me from purchasing the product.

I suppose I need to contact the manu's and seek specific info on the materials they use.