Oils, Greases and Anti-Seize Compounds

Oil, grease, paste or spray: match the lubricant to the job

Oils, greases, pastes and anti-seize divide this aisle, so the first decision is the lubricant type. Oils flow into tight clearances and carry heat away, so they suit chains, reservoir-fed bearings and light mechanisms. Greases are oil held in a thickener; they stay put on exposed gears and bearings and resist wash-off. Silicone lubricants protect rubber and plastic and suit brake slide pins and seals, where petroleum products can swell rubber. PTFE adds slickness for light loads. Read the grade as well: oils use SAE numbers such as 10W or centistoke figures, and a paste is a lubricant loaded with solids for heavy duty.

Anti-seize metals and temperature ranges

Anti-seize compound stops threaded joints from galling or seizing. Pick the metal by the fastener and the heat: copper-based suits steel fasteners at high temperature but can set up galvanic corrosion against aluminum, aluminum-based is the general-purpose choice, nickel-based is listed for the highest temperatures and is used on stainless steel, and metal-free or food-grade versions avoid metal contamination. Read the listed temperature range, and remember that lubricated threads turn with less friction, so dry-thread torque values over-tighten the fastener.

Questions about Oils, Greases and Anti-Seize Compounds

What is the difference between oil and grease?

Oil is a thin fluid that flows, carries heat and reaches tight clearances. Grease is oil held in a thickener, so it stays where you put it, seals out dirt and suits slow or exposed parts. Use whichever the equipment manual specifies.

Can I mix different greases?

Avoid it. Greases with different thickeners, such as lithium and polyurea, can be incompatible and soften or separate, which shortens bearing life. Clean out the old grease where practical, or use the same type the maker specifies.

How do I apply anti-seize compound?

Apply a thin, even film to clean threads with the brush from the can. Excess can squeeze out and collect dirt. Keep it off brake pads, discs and other friction surfaces, and use a metal-free, food-grade type where the maker or the application requires one.