|
Vintage Tape (Audio), Cassette, Wire and Magnetic Disc Recorders and Players Open-reel tape recorders, cassette recorders, 8-track players etc. |
|
Thread Tools |
26th Jul 2021, 3:30 pm | #1 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Worthing, West Sussex, UK.
Posts: 6,587
|
Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
What do people do/recommend for lubricating the various plastic gears in tape recorder mechanisms, leave dry or lubricate, if lubricate with what ?
David |
26th Jul 2021, 3:45 pm | #2 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Biggin Hill, London, UK.
Posts: 5,191
|
Re: Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
Unless the service manuals says you can, do not use any mineral oil or grease on plastic gears. Suh lubricants attack some plastics.
I normally use an Electrolube product called 'Special Plastic Grease' I bought it from Maplin many years ago, a little goes a long way. I think RS sell it now, it's not cheap but worth it. For fast-moving plastic parts, I normally use one of those PTFE-based dry film lubricants that are specified to be safe on plastic. |
26th Jul 2021, 4:01 pm | #3 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,787
|
Re: Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
I agree you shouldn't lubricate plastic gears if this wasn't done by the manufacturer.
Although grease and oil will indeed adversely affect some plastics, I always use my trusty tube of 'Mobil Shackleton Propeller Grease' which I bought for 10p in a military surplus shop in Oxford 40 years ago. I've no idea what's in it, or what the RAF used it for, but it was obviously custom made for the MOD at some ridiculous cost. I've never had any trouble with it. |
26th Jul 2021, 4:04 pm | #4 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Kington, Herefordshire, UK.
Posts: 3,658
|
Re: Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
Superlube works well on metal and plastic. Silicone based.
|
26th Jul 2021, 4:05 pm | #5 |
Dekatron
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Oxford, UK.
Posts: 17,820
|
Re: Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
The Japanese seem to have a lovely selection of lubricants which they used in videos and tape machines and CD players, with names like Hitasol and Floil.
Often dark grey or creamy white, usually not very viscous at all and good at staying put, and very long lasting. But even when available, they cost a fortune. I have some SPG but it seems to go sticky after a year or two in my experience. |
26th Jul 2021, 4:14 pm | #6 |
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 27,787
|
Re: Tape Recorder Plastic Gears Lubrication
I suspect my super duper military grease is also silicone. It certainly doesn't have that characteristic automotive grease smell, and there must be some good reason why the MOD didn't just order a few cans of Castrolease from the local motor factor.
|