Maya Ellison
Lithium grease is a petroleum-based product that is used as a lubricant for metal components. Some people claim that lithium grease is safe to use on certain types of plastics, such as RC servo gears, while others argue that it can damage or destroy plastics over time. There are mixed reviews on online forums, with some users reporting no issues when using lithium grease on plastics, while others claim that it has softened or destroyed their plastic components. Therefore, it is recommended to check the manufacturer's instructions and perform a small patch test before applying lithium grease to polystyrene plastic to avoid any potential damage.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Does lithium grease harm polystyrene plastic? | Some sources claim that lithium grease has destroyed plastic parts. |
| Are there alternatives to lithium grease? | Yes, alternatives include silicone grease, synthetic grease, and Molykote PG-641 and Molytone black grease. |
| Are there specific types of lithium grease that are safer for plastics? | Some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics. |
| Are there specific types of plastics that are more susceptible to damage from lithium grease? | Petroleum-based greases may damage plastics due to the petroleum-derived nature of most plastics. Nylon plastic gears are particularly susceptible. |
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What You'll Learn
- Lithium grease is petroleum-based and can damage plastic
- Some lithium grease products are specified for metal-on-metal use only
- Some lithium grease products are specified for use on metal-on-plastic
- Some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics
- Some people say lithium grease is fine on certain types of plastic
Lithium grease is petroleum-based and can damage plastic
Lithium grease is sometimes petroleum-based and can damage certain plastics. While some people claim that lithium grease is safe for plastics, others have reported that it can cause discolouration and brittleness in nylon plastic gears. In one case, a user applied lithium grease to their cassette deck gears, only to find that the plastic had turned yellow and needed to be replaced. Another user reported that petroleum-based lithium grease had leached into the plastic and altered its original colour.
It is important to carefully read the product specifications and datasheets before applying lithium grease to any surface, as some products are specifically intended for metal-on-metal applications, while others are safe for use on metal-on-plastic surfaces. Silicone grease is often recommended as a safer alternative for lubricating plastics.
While lithium grease may be suitable for certain types of plastic, it is always advisable to exercise caution to avoid potential damage. If you are unsure, it is best to opt for a different type of grease or consult with a specialist.
It is worth noting that lithium grease can also be detrimental to rubber parts. In one instance, a user applied lithium grease to rubber bushings and found that the rubber had melted and adhered to the bolts, requiring significant force to remove them. This highlights the importance of carefully considering the compatibility of lithium grease with the material it will come into contact with.
To summarise, while lithium grease is a common lubricant, its potential to damage certain plastics and rubber cannot be overlooked. Users should be vigilant in checking product specifications and selecting the appropriate grease for their specific application to prevent unwanted consequences.
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Some lithium grease products are specified for metal-on-metal use only
Lithium grease is a popular medium-to-heavy-duty multi-purpose grease that is often used to lubricate metal-on-metal surfaces. It is the most commonly used lubricating grease around the globe. It demonstrates excellent adhesion to metal, which means that once applied, it stays put. This cuts down on re-application and saves time.
However, it should be noted that lithium grease is not suitable for all surfaces. It is not advisable to use lithium grease on plastic parts as it is based on petroleum, which tends to speed up the decay of plastic components. While some sources state that lithium grease should only be used for metal-on-metal applications, others suggest that it can be used on certain types of plastic. Therefore, it is important to read the instructions and precautions of a lithium grease product before use to determine its suitability for a particular surface.
Lithium grease is commonly used in the automotive industry as a lubricant in wheel bearings and chassis applications. It is also used in heavy machinery and guns. It demonstrates excellent water resistance and high-temperature resistance, making it suitable for challenging metal-to-metal heavy-load applications.
It is important to note that lithium grease should not be used on electrical wires or connections. It is also not suitable for heavy-duty applications that require grease rated for high pressure. The specific formula of lithium grease can vary between brands, so it is crucial to always read the instructions to understand its capabilities and limitations.
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Some lithium grease products are specified for use on metal-on-plastic
It is important to note that not all plastics react the same way to lithium grease. While some lithium grease products are specified for use on metal-on-plastic, others are recommended for metal-on-metal applications only. Lithium grease has been observed to damage certain plastics, particularly nylon plastic gears, causing them to become brittle and break off. This is because lithium grease is often petroleum-based, and the petroleum nature of the grease can react with the petroleum-derived nature of some plastics.
However, some people have used lithium grease on plastics without issue. For instance, lithium grease is used in the gears of CD players and RC servo gears without any reported damage. It is also worth noting that some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics on official websites.
When considering the use of lithium grease on polystyrene plastic, it is essential to refer to the product's specifications and datasheet to determine its compatibility. Some lithium grease products may be suitable for use on certain types of plastic, while others may be restricted to metal-on-metal applications. It is always advisable to exercise caution and opt for greases specifically labelled as safe for use on plastics, such as silicone grease.
In the specific case of a vintage 1980s Roland SH-5 synthesizer, a user sought advice on a suitable grease for a metal-on-plastic slip-type joint. The user was considering Dow Corning 7 Silicone Grease but found it too thin. While some commenters suggested that any grease might cause stickiness, others provided specific product recommendations, including Super Lube synthetic grease, silicone grease, and Reef's grease.
To summarise, while some lithium grease products can be used on certain plastics without causing harm, it is crucial to verify the product's specifications and exercise caution when applying it to polystyrene plastic.
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![WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease Spray with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 10 OZ [6-Pack]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91IyKDPI9ML._AC_UL320_.jpg)
$44.19 $48.39
Some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics
The compatibility of lithium grease with plastics is a highly debated topic. While some sources claim that lithium grease has destroyed plastics, others suggest that it is compatible with certain types of plastics. Lithium grease is known to be petroleum-based, and some believe that it can damage plastic and rubber. However, it is important to note that not all lithium greases are the same, and some lithium complex greases are specifically listed as compatible with plastics on official sites.
Lithium complex greases, such as marine grease and Red N Tacky, have been used by hobbyists on their RC vehicles without issues. These greases are applied to diff gears, transmission gears, and even to create a barrier against muck and water by applying a thin layer underneath the plastic bulkhead. The users of these lithium complex greases have not reported any abnormalities or damage to their plastic parts.
On the other hand, some users have experienced issues with white lithium grease softening or destroying plastics. This could be due to the specific type of plastic or the unique composition of white lithium grease. It is worth noting that some products specify metal-on-metal use only, while others are designed for metal-on-plastic applications.
When it comes to the compatibility of lithium grease with polystyrene plastic specifically, there is limited information available. However, it is always advisable to refer to the manufacturer's recommendations and perform compatibility testing to ensure that the grease is suitable for the intended application.
To make an informed decision, it is essential to consider the specific type of lithium grease, the nature of the plastic, and the intended use case. While some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics, it is crucial to verify compatibility through appropriate testing to prevent potential damage or issues.
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Some people say lithium grease is fine on certain types of plastic
The effects of lithium grease on plastics are disputed. Some people claim that lithium grease is fine on certain types of plastic, while others argue that it can damage or destroy plastic components.
Lithium grease is a petroleum-based product, and it is known that petroleum-based greases can damage plastics due to their petroleum-derived nature. However, some people have observed that lithium grease is used in electronics, such as CD players, without causing issues. It is worth noting that some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics on official websites.
Those who claim that lithium grease is safe for specific plastics assert that it can be used on nylon gears and RC servo gears without any negative effects. They argue that it is the best lubricant for these types of plastic and that it has been used successfully for many years. Some people also mention that they have used lithium grease on their RC vehicles without experiencing any plastic damage or abnormalities.
On the other hand, some people have shared their experiences where lithium grease has damaged or destroyed plastic components. For example, one person mentioned that lithium grease ate the plastic on their V1 Kraton 4s diffs. Another person shared that they made a mistake by using lithium grease, only to find out later that it was petroleum-based, and now they need to remove it from their gears.
It is important to carefully read the datasheet of the grease and confirm its compatibility with specific types of plastic before use. While some people stand by lithium grease for certain plastics, others remain cautious due to the potential risk of damage.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, lithium grease can damage plastic. It is petroleum-based, and petroleum is known to be harmful to plastic.
Lithium grease can cause plastic to become brittle and snap, or it can soften the plastic.
Yes, some alternatives that are safe to use on plastic include silicone grease, synthetic grease, Molykote PG-641, and Molytone black.
Using lithium grease on the wrong material can cause damage, such as making the material sticky or heavy to move.
Some people say that lithium grease is safe to use on certain types of plastic. Some lithium complex greases are listed as compatible with plastics, and it is commonly used in electronics such as CD players.
