Gus Correa <g...@ldeo.columbia.edu> wrote: > > What is the right lubricant for computer rack sliding rails? > Silicone, paraffin, graphite, WD-40, machine oil, grease, other?
If a set of rails isn't sticking, then I think "nothing" is the best choice. Rails generally don't get very much use, at worst going in and out a couple of times a year. That isn't going to wear off the lubricant they ship with. (Not sure what that substance is, but it feels almost like vaseline, so probably it is a very light grease.) If a set is sticking you might try a very small application of lithium grease, run the sliders in and out until the action is smooth, and then wipe off any excess. Lithium grease probably isn't ideal for ball bearings as it is a bit thick, but it is readily available, isn't very volatile, and likely won't dry out over the life of the system. A lighter grease might be better, the stuff they use to lube guns should be good, but unless you keep guns you probably won't have any of it around. Oil might work but it tends to stink and drip. Similarly, WD-40 is not a good choice. WD40 is very volatile and is a better grease cleaner than it is a lubricant. WD40 would definitely unstick a stuck slide, and would lube it for a while, but then it would evaporate, and the slider would likely stick even worse than before. WD40 is volatile enough that it might create a blast danger as it cycles in the evaporated state around and around a machine room. Regards, David Mathog mat...@caltech.edu Manager, Sequence Analysis Facility, Biology Division, Caltech _______________________________________________ Beowulf mailing list, Beowulf@beowulf.org To change your subscription (digest mode or unsubscribe) visit http://www.beowulf.org/mailman/listinfo/beowulf
