RoryJ 0 #1 January 14, 2009 So, at my old DZ the rigger swore by silicone spray, but my new rigging loft (where I am doing a bit of work) uses WD-40 (I believe that is what grade it is...). To all the riggers out there: which do you prefer and why?Not again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybum1 0 #2 January 14, 2009 Depends on the application. If you have a squeaky door hinge use WD-40. If you want to lube your cut away and reserve cables use dry silicone spray. I prefer not to use the wet silicone because it attracts dirt. Although silicone also works on squeaky hinges. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
likestojump 3 #3 January 14, 2009 did -U-KY ? I prefer the silicone from the scuba shop. but I can't offer a technical reason short of knowing that unlike WD40, it's was made for people who put it near/on their skin. and I don't *think* WD40 is food grade :) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porpoishead 5 #4 January 14, 2009 dude i would slap the fuck out of somebody for putting WD40 anywhere on my rig.. is this thread a joke???if you want a friend feed any animal Perry Farrell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RoryJ 0 #5 January 14, 2009 Hardy har har, Paul. I have been U KYing a lot in the past two days... the beauties of actually getting to work in a loft... Silicone seems like a better option to me, as petroleum products are more likely to be sticky in nature, not something that you want on your cutaway cable, making it dirtier in the end. And yes, some use WD-40 to lube up cutaway cables, to our poster just above. Ask your rigger what they use. And I will try to not use the silicone spray as a salad dressing because it is not food grade. ;)Not again! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porpoishead 5 #6 January 14, 2009 I dont need to ask my rigger. I know for a fact that he uses silicone spray only for the cutaway cables. he doesnt ever have to clean and lube my cables anyway I do it, and I use silicone as well. who wants to smell WD40 on their rig...thats just fucking ghetto... may as well and just wrap the handles up with electrical tape.. really set it off!!! what the fuck BWAHAHAHAAA!!!!if you want a friend feed any animal Perry Farrell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
airtwardo 6 #7 January 14, 2009 Quote Hardy har har, Paul. I have been U KYing a lot in the past two days... the beauties of actually getting to work in a loft... Silicone seems like a better option to me, as petroleum products are more likely to be sticky in nature, not something that you want on your cutaway cable, making it dirtier in the end. And yes, some use WD-40 to lube up cutaway cables, to our poster just above. Ask your rigger what they use. And I will try to not use the silicone spray as a salad dressing because it is not food grade. ;) WD-40 is a petroleum based lube that degrades plastic... And my rigger doesn't clean my cables...I DO! ~ If you choke a Smurf, what color does it turn? ~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
porpoishead 5 #8 January 14, 2009 Quoteuses WD-40 (I believe that is what grade it is...). what does that mean?? is it WD40 or not??? is it in a orange can?? aero-kroil??? grade??what grade??? which rigging loft do you work at??if you want a friend feed any animal Perry Farrell Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kawisixer01 0 #9 January 14, 2009 omg I'd kill anyone that brought wd-40 near my rig. As stated already wd-40 will attract and hold on to dirt, dust, and crud and trun into one gummy ass mess. I work in a food plant so I "borrow" a can of food grade silicone ocassionally. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #10 January 14, 2009 I've used both, and I'm comfortable with either one.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
councilman24 36 #11 January 14, 2009 But it should be food grade. You don't want silcon spray with an organic solvent carrier. Many used light oil, WD-40, sewing machine oil, 3 in 1 oil for years. Many still do. Then we 'found' the silicon spray. BTW most of what your cleaning off your cables is residual oil mixed with dirt from the flexible metal hose manufacturing process. From the Vector manual. "Clean and lubricate the release cable with a light oil such as “3 in 1” brand or silicon. Put a few drops on a paper towel and firmly wipe the cable a few times. A thin, invisible film should remain - too much will attract grit and dirt, or the oil could become tacky in cold weather. Too much oil will require more force to extract the cable during a breakaway." I'd stay away from WD-40 but would and did use 3 in 1 oil. There is enough information, and lack of ingredient list, on the WE-40 website partly quoted below for me to stay away from it. "What does WD-40 contain? While the ingredients in WD-40 are secret, we can tell you what WD-40 does NOT contain. WD-40 does not contain silicone, kerosene, water, wax, graphite, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), or any known cancer-causing agents. Top What is the shelf life of WD-40? Indefinite. While some products may have an expiration date, WD-40 lasts so long that a "use by" date isn't necessary. Top How long does WD-40 last after application? While this may vary depending on the application, WD-40 remains effective even after it appears to dry. The corrosion and rust protection ingredients remain adhered to the surface. External conditions may, of course, require additional applications of WD-40 for maximum protection. Top I've heard that people use WD-40 as a cleaner/remover. What can it be used on? WD-40 removes sap, tar, adhesives, labels and tape from surfaces without damaging existing paint. It's an effective cleaner for tools, equipment, and vehicles. Use it to remove splattered bugs from the front of cars. WD-40 will even help remove gum from carpet. Just spray, wait, and wipe with a clean cloth. Top How is WD-40 different from 3-IN-ONE®? WD-40 is the ultimate multi-purpose problem solver. WD-40 cleans/degreases, penetrates to loosen up stuck parts, prevents corrosion and is a light lubricant. 3-IN-ONE, with it's special drip spout, enables you to lubricate without any overspray or splatter. 3-IN-ONE is ideal to use on tools, rollers, hinges, in-line skates, wheels...nearly everything that moves. Top What does WD-40 do? WD-40 fulfills five basic functions: 1. CLEANS: WD-40 gets under dirt, grime and grease to clean. It also dissolves adhesives, allowing easy removal of labels, tape and excess bonding material. 2. DISPLACES MOISTURE: Because WD-40 displaces moisture, it quickly dries out electrical systems to eliminate moisture-induced short circuits. 3. PENETRATES: WD-40 loosens rust-to-metal bonds and frees stuck, frozen or rusted metal parts. 4. LUBRICATES: WD-40's lubricating ingredients are widely dispersed and tenaciously held to all moving parts. 5. PROTECTS: WD-40 protects metal surfaces with corrosion-resistant ingredients to shield against moisture and other corrosive elements. Top What surfaces or materials are OK to use WD-40 on? WD-40 can be used on just about everything. It is safe for metal, rubber, wood and plastic. WD-40 can be applied to painted metal surfaces without harming the paint. Polycarbonate and clear polystyrene plastic are among the few surfaces on which to avoid using a petroleum-based product like WD-40."I'm old for my age. Terry Urban D-8631 FAA DPRE Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hackish 8 #12 January 14, 2009 There are actually a few different formulations of WD-40. 2 that I am personally aware of. I know someone working in a poison control lab she got me some ingredient lists. Most of it is kerosone and someone once told me they used JetA but I hope it was a joke. I use WD40 on the bores of an engine to stop them from rusting but that's about it. I use 3 in 1. While some complain that it attracts dirt we're not in an overly sandy environment so maybe those in AZ have to worry more. I also think people tend to under-maintain their cutaway and 3 rings. So some user-education is also worthwhile. -Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hookitt 0 #13 January 14, 2009 QuoteSo, at my old DZ the rigger swore by silicone spray, but my new rigging loft (where I am doing a bit of work) uses WD-40 (I believe that is what grade it is...). To all the riggers out there: which do you prefer and why? Replace that with silicone lubricate. preferably food grade. Why? I don't trust WD-40 to not degrade lolon. I've never experimented with it so I don't know for certain. WD-40 will clean grease off a chain, break down adhesive and gum from floors Silicone is slippery. It works well and does not attract dust like WD-40.My grammar sometimes resembles that of magnetic refrigerator poetry... Ghetto Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koppel 3 #14 January 18, 2009 The loft where I trained taught me to use WD-40 sprayed directly onto the cables to clean them, wipe off with clean and dry cloth. Then spray with silicone and then wipe off exces with clean dry cloth. Works a treat.I like my canopy... ...it lets me down. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
darkwing 4 #15 January 18, 2009 There is only one correct answer, whatever the manufacturer says to use. -- Jeff My Skydiving History Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 2,396 #16 January 19, 2009 WD-40 is not designed as a lubricant. It's a water displacer and corrosion preventer, and should not be used as a lubricant on parachute equipment unless specifically called out by the manufacturer. Its ability as a lubricant are due to one component of the mixture (10%) being mineral oil. In general if you want to lubricate something with WD-40, mineral oil works as well or better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
