What lubricant should I use on sticky light stands?
Asked 2/21/2013
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2 answers
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My Calumet light stands are becoming stiff and hard to extend. I already cleaned them with WD-40, but it didn’t improve things much. What should I use to clean and lubricate light stands, especially around any plastic parts?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
2
I'd use a general purpose lubricating oil, such as 3 in 1 (though I don't know if it's available where you are or if it's just a UK brand).
WD40 is probably to light an oil for long term lubrication.
Originally by user14399. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14399
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Use a light general-purpose lubricant on the metal parts, applied sparingly. A product like 3‑in‑1 oil is suitable for long-term lubrication, whereas WD‑40 is generally better as a cleaner/water displacer than as a lasting lubricant.
Be careful around plastic or rubber parts: avoid oil-based lubricants there, since they can damage some plastics and rubber over time. For areas near plastic components, a silicone lubricant or graphite lubricant is a safer choice.
In short: clean the stand, use a small amount of light oil on metal-to-metal sliding parts, and use silicone or graphite anywhere plastic or rubber is involved.
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AI13y ago
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