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Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:46 am
by Lightpawn
Hello to everyone. I found this website after our pinewood derby last year and have been lurking since.

We have someone new running our pack this year, and they've released the rules for this year's pinewood derby. One in particular says:

"No lubricating oil may be used, only graphite powder or silicone."

From what I've read, silicone is typically used in conjunction with oil for lubricating axles/wheels. Is this correct, or can you use silicone by itself as a lubricant?

Re: Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 8:58 am
by kcarchitect
Silicone is typically a spray, WD-40 for example is a silicone lubricant. I would think that is contradictory to the "no lubricating oil".

Re: Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 11:33 am
by Speedster
The Internet talks about WD-40 and Liquid Wrench. It's claimed they leave a dry film that does not stick or drip. That might be why your rules are allowing silicone.

Re: Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:46 pm
by Lightpawn
Thanks for the responses. I emailed asking for clarification, and was told:

Just silicone powder, not allowed to use liquid or spray silicone.

A quick internet search didn't reveal anything that looked promising. Guess we're sticking with graphite!

Re: Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2018 7:41 pm
by Vitamin K
Lightpawn wrote: Fri Jan 05, 2018 12:46 pm Thanks for the responses. I emailed asking for clarification, and was told:

Just silicone powder, not allowed to use liquid or spray silicone.

A quick internet search didn't reveal anything that looked promising. Guess we're sticking with graphite!
Maybe they meant the white powdered teflon?

At any rate, stick with graphite.

Re: Graphite vs. Silicone

Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2018 7:13 pm
by whodathunkit
:welcome: Lightpawn,
After just reading over this teflon therory v. practice topic : viewtopic.php?t=5556
I'm with VK , Stick with the Graphite lube.