Lubrication for Tuning Mechanism

dthorpe · #1 01-11-2002, 10:00 PM

I'm sure this has been asked and answered a hundred times on here but I'm new so bear with me. I need to lube my tuning mechanisms. They are a little sticky. What should I be using?

Thanks

Dave

Limezone · #2 01-11-2002, 10:50 PM

I know you are going to think this sounds wacky, but my luthier reccomended candle wax.

white candle, unscented, let the candle burn down so it has a nice little pool of melted wax and use your finger to apply it. (just a dap will do ya, I can't stress enough not to use to much)

jimclark68 · #3 01-12-2002, 05:05 AM

Actually, that's not wacky at all. Although I've never thought about it in that kind of application, cyclists have used wax for years to lube their chains. It's not real common due to the mess and time, but it's been around a long time.

dthorpe · #4 01-12-2002, 08:15 AM

Thanks very much gentlemen. I'm going to do this. Has anyone used plain old soap? When I had a luthier install an adjustable bridge, the adjusters were very tight. He lubed 'em up with soap. Would this also work for the tuners or should I stay away from it up there?

Limezone · #5 01-12-2002, 08:54 AM

Soap, like ivory bar soap? hmm, I would imagine the lubrication properties are very similar.

olivier · #6 01-14-2002, 11:52 PM

...and unlike candle wax, soap can be removed with water.