"O" rings - what lubrcates them best?

[zooma]

I have some Walther LP2 and LP3 pistols along with an LGR rifle that have previously been expertly resealed by Laurie.

All of them are working perfectly, but to keep it that way I must find out what would be the best lubricant to use to stop them working dry and breaking up or tearing.

Laurie is not too sure what to use either, although we both agree that some lubricant would be desirable, and I am guesssing amongst the BBS membership there will be somebody who knows what works best.

"O" rings can be damaged by using the wrong lubricant - and eventually by not using any - so if anyone has any expert knowledge to share on this subject it could possible help a lot of people who have enjoyed having their airguns rescued by Laurie, but would like to avoid stripping and replacing the "O" rings for as long as possible.

[Herpquest]

Molykote 111 Silicone Compound is the stuff you need. Just a smear on the 'O' rings is all that's necessary.

ATB
Eric

[Rickenbacker]

Probably agree, but some gun makers say never put silicon lubes anywhere near thier guns!

[Herpquest]

Probably agree, but some gun makers say never put silicon lubes anywhere near thier guns!

Quite right Phil, never use silicone lubes where there is metal to metal contact. Fine to use on 'O' ring seals where there isn't any metal to metal contact.

[Rickenbacker]

Quite right Phil, never use silicone lubes where there is metal to metal contact. Fine to use on 'O' ring seals where there isn't any metal to metal contact.

Yes, but then o rings are usually somewhere near contacting surfaces. And what if tiny blobs of silicon get blown throught the whole gun!?

I know its often suggested to use the tinyest anount of silicon grease.

And I've heard SM50 recommended instead, which is silicon and moly, isn't it??

If I was rebuilding a match weapon - I wouldn't know what to use. I'd be scared Eric, really scared

Phil

[WILBA]

they did have a moly/silicon oil for air cylinder lube years ago but only used it once in a gun i once had. all oils diesel so dont think it does the seal much good. chris

[OLD JUD]

Molykote 111 Silicone Compound is the stuff you need. Just a smear on the 'O' rings is all that's necessary.

ATB
Eric

Good advice Eric. Or Molykote 33, i've been using it for years, and it's the only lube that Theoben recommend.

Probably agree, but some gun makers say never put silicon lubes anywhere near thier guns!

Silicone has been known to damage bluing, that's one of the reasons gun manufacturers warn against it.

Quite right Phil, never use silicone lubes where there is metal to metal contact. Fine to use on 'O' ring seals where there isn't any metal to metal contact.

Absolutely.

Yes, but then o rings are usually somewhere near contacting surfaces. And what if tiny blobs of silicon get blown throught the whole gun!?

I know its often suggested to use the tinyest anount of silicon grease.

And I've heard SM50 recommended instead, which is silicon and moly, isn't it??

If I was rebuilding a match weapon - I wouldn't know what to use. I'd be scared Eric, really scared

Phil

Don't panic Mr Rickenbacker!