Anyone use locksmith's graphite in comp tube/cylinder ?

[vbull]

In the process of re-building a springer and have run out of dry-slide so was wondering if I could use fine graphite powder instead, just in the cylinder, as I have loads of the stuff ? Can't think of a reason why not but then I'm not too clever with this sort of thing. Thanks.

[Airsporter1st]

In the process of re-building a springer and have run out of dry-slide so was wondering if I could use fine graphite powder instead, just in the cylinder, as I have loads of the stuff ? Can't think of a reason why not but then I'm not too clever with this sort of thing. Thanks.

You can definitely use it, but I didn't think it was as slippery as molybdenum disulphide - however, see below.

An excellent and easy to understand (for a simpleton like me) article here

[vbull]

Interesting article that, thanks. I use Moly paste on other parts so I guess I could use that in the cylinder/comp tube making sure to polish it off after applying but I think the problem I could find with just the graphite powder is that it won't stick without a carrier. Maybe I'm wrong here ?

[LESS THAN FORTUITOUS KENNETH]

I asked this question recently on another forum and was told to leave it alone as there were more modern, better things to use.

[vbull]

I've just bought a can of spray moly for £15, it seems the stuff Abbey used to make for the job is no longer available.

[Airsporter1st]

I asked this question recently on another forum and was told to leave it alone as there were more modern, better things to use.

Quoting from the paper I linked to:
Graphite blends and pure graphite dry film lubricant systems are commonly used in applications such as hot and cold forming, wire drawing and billet coatings; on high-speed cutting tools; as a mold release for die cast, plastic and rubber mold applications; cylinder head and exhaust bolts; ammunition and armament applications; automotive engine and many common industrial applications.

It may be old but it still has its uses, today. I don't know who it was now, but there's at least one BBS'r who swears by it.

[vbull]

I'm now wondering if I use graphite in the cylinder it may adversely affect the efficiency of the synthetic seal in some way. Don't the seals, both leather and synthetic require a tiny amount of oil to work properly? ? My other concern about the graphite is that if used in the cylinder a small amount may get into the barrel on firing which could cause accuracy problems, a bit like a badly or unevenly Moly coated centre fire rifle barrel. What do you guys, that do this sort of thing all the time use in the cylinder when re-buliding a gun, do you use anything in the comp tube or just leave it dry ?

[Airsporter1st]

I'm now wondering if I use graphite in the cylinder it may adversely affect the efficiency of the synthetic seal in some way. Don't the seals, both leather and synthetic require a tiny amount of oil to work properly? ? My other concern about the graphite is that if used in the cylinder a small amount may get into the barrel on firing which could cause accuracy problems, a bit like a badly or unevenly Moly coated centre fire rifle barrel. What do you guys, that do this sort of thing all the time use in the cylinder when re-buliding a gun, do you use anything in the comp tube or just leave it dry ?

If I used graphite powder, I'd use it dry and burnish it in, just as with moly powder. There would be practically no surplus to get in to the barrel.

If I was relying on the graphite or molypowder to provide the lubrication, I wouldn't oil the seals.

However, many roads lead to Rome. Given that most springers are pretty easy to disassemble/reassemble, why don't you just give it a try and see how it performs? Who knows, you might discover the Holy Grail!