Potentiometer Grease

[Andy M0FYA]

Can anybody advise what sort of grease would be used to lubricate between the winding and the wiper in a wire-wound potentiometer, please? It looks like ordinary bearing grease, but I can't believe it is!

I've just been cleaning up some dirty recovered components, valve-holders and tagboards, in my ultrasonic cleaner, and amongst them was a mucky old Colvern pot, the sort with the paxolin back which of course fell off! I could see that there was grease on the winding and the wiper. It has come out of the cleaner looking brand new, but minus most of the grease.

Any ideas?

Andy

[Joe]

I have heard that Vaseline was the usual thing but I know of a couple of professional restorers who swear by Waxoyl, the stuff for rust-proofing cars.

- Joe

[Andy M0FYA]

I don't have any Waxoyl, but I can find some Vaseline, I'll apply a bit of that!
Thanks,
Andy

[Yorkie]

I use Servisol silicone grease, which is meant for such applications. I think Maplin may stock, but as a tube lasts for years as it's used sparingly . I can't recall where I got my last tube from. To quote the maker's description:

Quote:

A multi purpose silicone grease. Waterproofs, insulates and preserves electrical and electronic equipment. Ideal for switch contacts, ignition systems and EHT connections. Excellent dielectric properties. Working temperature range of 50 deg C to 200 deg C. supplied with extension tube to reach inaccessible areas, Y063L, Silicone Grease 70

Unquote.

Here's a link to several suppliers:

http://www.google.co.uk/products/catalog...one+grease&rls=com.microsoft:en-gb:IE-SearchBox&oe=&rlz=1I7ADRA_en&redir_esc=&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=shop&cid=16598619383923343674&sa=X&ei=dQpMToaHIY-6hAeFvJiDCA&ved=0CFoQ8wIwAQ#

Hope that helps.

David

[Andy M0FYA]

OK David, that sounds like the right stuff! I've just ordered some from DFB Sound & Light, they have an ebay shop.
Many thanks,
Andy

[rich r]

Most silicone greases will do the job as they're very good at being non-conductive. So the wiper pushes through the grease to make a contact on the track, but everything else is insulated and protected from moisture and the air.

[AlanBeckett]

I use Dow Corning DC4 but that is a fearsome price. On the other hand I'm only on my second tube in a bout 25 years.
Alan

[Andy M0FYA]

My can of Servisol Grease as recommended by David arrived in the post today - I've not had time to try it yet. It's in an aerosol so I think I'll spray a bit into a lid and apply with a matchstick to avoid flooding the pot!
Andy

[Yorkie]

My can of Servisol Grease as recommended by David arrived in the post today - I've not had time to try it yet. It's in an aerosol so I think I'll spray a bit into a lid and apply with a matchstick to avoid flooding the pot!
Andy

Best of luck with it Andy. A can or tube lasts for years.


David