Dry Graphite

[Lon371]

 Would dry graphite powder work for lubing the innards for a gun? I have a coffee can of it and was wodering how well it work for trigger lube. Thanks
 
Lonny

[gunnut69]

Graphite is a solvent solution called 'Lock-Ease' is sold to lube lock insides and provide no stickiness. In firearms it does the same thing. There are drawbacks..it doesn't tend to stick really well though as good as most oils.. and it's more than a bit messy. It's main benefit is providing a realiably slick surface without atracting any dirt..as all oils does since they are wet.. There are poducts out there that provide a dry lube film, some use graphite other Moly.. I use moly and it work well.. I would avoid eating it as it's dangerous, but then so are most other lubricants..

[Lon371]

 Thanks
 
 I know it is messy. I am cleaning out a Tractor trailer, it had a spill of around 5 gallons. Makes wood slicker that snot . I saved some of it. Just wasn't sure if it would be good to use in a gun. Was thinking like you said, may not stick real well.
 
Lonny

[BW56]

In cub scouts i mix a little alcohol and graphite in to a medium thick/thin gray paint. Sticks to metal axles and plastic wheels and wood. Dries in seconds. The excess falls off.

[gunnut69]

That's the same basic idea behind the Lock-Ease. The solvent they use is likely a flourocarbon as it evaporates really quickly, but regardless the idea works well. I use the same basic idea with moly powder and solvent.. Moly does tend to stick with the metal surfaces a lot longer.. All provide the friction relief without attracting grunge as does most any oil or grease,,  Tjese work especially well in trigger mechanisms..

[soli]

Remember GunSlick grease,it has a graphite base.

[charles p]

Condensation can freeze around the firing pin of a gun or rifle and can cause it not to fire.  Only had it happen to me once.  I stripped the bolt and lubed it with graphite.  Excessive oil, grease, and moisture can cause a problem in very cold conditions.  Graphite might be better than some lubes in very cold weather.  Moisture is probably the culprit.  Moving a rifle from the warmth of a truck to the cold outside can cause freezing condensation. 

[Doug B.]

Anybody ever heard of a product called Dri-Slide? I have a small can of this graphite based liquid lube laying around somewhere. I believe it has a ball in the metal container to mix the solution much like a aerosol paint can. The liquid "mixture" is supposed to "creep" into inaccessible spaces and then dry. Works well but can present somewhat of a mess if your not careful! If memory serves me, I think their slogan was "Makes metal move".

I'll look around and see if I can find it.

This might be the product I got about 30 years ago in a small metal can............

http://www.uniquetek.com/site/696296/product/T1247

Here's some pictures of my old can.........

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I don't know if the URL above is the same stuff or not. My guess is it might be. Only difference might be now it is marketed as a firearm lubricant filling a specific void?

Doug

[gunnut69]

It certainly appears to be the same. The lubrication component of the mix is molybdynum disulphide in a mis of carriers.. The less agitation claim would certainly be nice.. It advertises rust inhibitors which may incalidate the 'dry' part of the equation... The lack of a dirt collector is a large advantage, expecially in dusty conditions.. or for blowback operated 22 rifles/pistols.