Question O Ring Lubrication

[datadave]

Came across a thread the other day (can't remember where - apologies to the poster!) suggesting the use of ATF for lubricating O rings. I presume (after some thought) that this means Automatic Transmission Fluid? Is this a good thing to use - or is it likely to cause damage? I don't know whether this stuff is mineral oil based or silicon?

Crosman recommend the use of their Pellgun oil - eg: for general lubrication of their products and for placing one drop on the piercing face of a CO2 capsule before installing it. Is this silicon based? I seem to have an idea from somewhere that it is!

I have been increasingly tending to use Ballistol for lubricating and wiping over just about everything (must have become addicted to the smell) and wonder if this is OK for lubricating O rings and CO2 capsules - or is it likely to do damage?

What experiences have Peeps had using Ballistol for these applications? What is reccommended? Pellgun oil is quite expensive for the amount you get!

Cheers Everybody - datadave

[Mike1]

You will get lots of opinions and here are mine: Ballistrol great for wood & metal and I use it regularly for stock and action, it makes the stock a bit slippery unless wiped off well. I haven't used it for O rings lubrication, as I use Aquaseal 100% 'Silicone Grease' in a small tub obtainable from dive shops and totally compatible with O rings. A very small amount is all you need. Great for the end of your pump probe for your pcp and other places.
Never used Pellgun oil doesn't sound as if its a silicon and I would it keep away from my O rings without a full test or good information from a trusted source. 2 in 1 oil is also very good for keeping moving parts moving.

[mattyts]

silicon grease or spray,you can get 3 in 1 spray silicone from halfords!

[Jay Jay]

You will get lots of opinions and here are mine: Ballistrol great for wood & metal and I use it regularly for stock and action, it makes the stock a bit slippery unless wiped off well. I haven't used it for O rings lubrication, as I use Aquaseal 100% 'Silicone Grease' in a small tub obtainable from dive shops and totally compatible with O rings. A very small amount is all you need. Great for the end of your pump probe for your pcp and other places.
Never used Pellgun oil doesn't sound as if its a silicon and I would it keep away from my O rings without a full test or good information from a trusted source. 2 in 1 oil is also very good for keeping moving parts moving.

100% agree spot on only pure silicon grease on orings also only a slight smear plus make sure you have clean hands. Pelloil is a lubricant substance I use Abbey or Bisley Silicon SM35 cheaper than pelloil




Sent from somewhere on this planet on some electronic device.

[Egg]

Molykote 33 - one tube will last a lifetime.

[Mike1]

silicon grease or spray,you can get 3 in 1 spray silicone from halfords!

Be careful with silicon sprays or silicon in any form of a spray. Silicon on any working parts of a gun should be a complete No No.
Small amount on O Rings ONLY
See other threads on Silicon.

[Mike1]

100% agree spot on only pure silicon grease on orings also only a slight smear plus make sure you have clean hands. Pelloil is a lubricant substance I use Abbey or Bisley Silicon SM35 cheaper than pelloil

Not so sure now, see the problem of new gun having to be written off due to silicon oil on moving parts. Apparently the silicon converts to silicon carbide in contact with moving parts and silicon carbide is an abrasive.

[jetski]

Pellgunoil is great for seals, that's what its for. Many people say automatic transmission fluid is the very same product. Although this has never been proven to me atf has been used by many people for many years without problems. I use silicon grease on all my o rings. I wouldn't use oil as it could move around the gun too easily and screw your metal moving parts

[drobson67]

Molykote 33 - one tube will last a lifetime.

I know Molykote 33 is recommended by lots of people and I'm not knocking peoples views but Molykote 33 is a low temperature bearing grease and while I'm sure its great to use on PCP's there is also Molykote 55 which is specifically for o-ring seals, so forgiving my ignorance why dont people mention this and what's the difference between the two?.

Dielectric Silicone Grease the stuff from auto shops for spark plugs is also supposed to be good for o-rings.

[OLD JUD]

Molykote 33 - one tube will last a lifetime.

I'll second that.