Grease versus oil

[Onmilo]

Just wanted to post this to remind people that if the owners manual recommends the use of grease as a lubricant on certain points of a firearm, the type of grease isn't so much of as importance as the fact you really need to use grease and NOT oil on those lubricating points.

Just looked at an original M1 Garand that had been fired for sometime using only oil as a lubricant.
The locking lugs, side rails, bolt and operating rod lug all display obvious signs of excessive galling and peening.

The gun receiver may be repairable but the op rod and bolt are badly damaged and need to be replaced.
Not a cheap fix in this day and age.
Heed the manufacturers recommendations.

 

[peacebutready]

Thanks.

I'm wondering if the person lubed with oil at the same intervals as specified with grease.

 

[briansmithwins]

It's the oil that's trapped in the grease that actually does the lubricating.

The soap that forms the body of the grease may have other affects, like holding EP lubricants, or preventing water wash out, but the base oil prevents wear.

Designing lubricants is hard, and what works in one application may be harmful in another.

BSW

 

[R.W.Dale]

It's the oil that's trapped in the grease that actually does the lubricating.

The soap that forms the body of the grease may have other affects, like holding EP lubricants, or preventing water wash out, but the base oil prevents wear.

Designing lubricants is hard, and what works in one application may be harmful in another.

BSW

As you mention grease is just a carrier for oil.

But that soap is important because it's what keeps the oil in place instead of flowing away with gravity

 

[Squeeze]

A local gunsmith once told me, "If it pivots, I oil it. If it slides, I grease it."

 

[skidooman603]

Words to live by..

 

[briansmithwins]

Which is why wheel bearings are typically oiled, and piston rings greased...

BSW

 

[HoosierQ]

I am of the opinion that anybody who takes the time to really think all this through is probably doing a fine job of lubing their gun...regardless of what product (or class of product) is chosen.