While there are quite a few products billed as lubricants, two types are the most effective for garage door applications: silicone and lithium. They both work very well, but one might be better for a particular application than the other, and the winning recipe may be a combination of both types applied on different components.
Keep in mind that while most garage door parts are metal, there are other materials used in the garage door operating components.
Many rollers are plastic or nylon, and seals are usually rubber-based. Both of the main types of lubricant bases mentioned below are safe for any of these materials.
Silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting and provide moisture-resistance. These lubricants also do a good job of working their way into tight hinges, coiled springs, and other hard-to-penetrate areas.
Lithium-based lubricants do a great job of reducing friction and metal-on-metal contact. These lubricants are more likely to stay on the surface rather than soaking into a part. This makes them incredibly good for lubricating rails, rollers, and other friction points. They can dissipate too quickly or become less effective in extreme temperatures. Like all lubricants, garage door lubricants come in a variety of forms. The two most common types to consider for your garage door are grease and spray.
Grease can be messy. It usually comes in cans or tubes, and it requires you to smear it onto the surface. It can heat up and wear away over time, but it also can be the ideal choice for garage door rails and tracks. Keep in mind that grease comes in many forms, but lithium- or silicone-based greases do the best job of resisting harsh weather. Sprays are far easier to apply than grease. They do wear off or dry out a bit sooner and require more frequent reapplication, which is every few months or so.
You should also check for worn parts and replace them if necessary. Inspect the rollers. Most rollers have unsealed bearings that collect dirt and break down over time. When rollers break down, they wobble around in the track and create noise.
Check the hinges. Worn hinges can be noisy and cause the door to bind at each section as it opens. Tighten the garage door opener chain. A loose chain will make slapping sounds and cause the door to jerk around. Follow the step-by-step directions below to lubricate your garage door: Close the garage door and turn off the power to the opener if you have one.
One thing to bear in mind, though, is that this is thinner than some sprays. But be prepared for some drips.
And give yourself a few hours after application before opening your garage door. Do it too soon and you may find the lubricant drips onto your vehicle as you drive underneath!
On the plus side, the odor here is pretty mild compared to other lubricants on the market. The can should come with a straw to direct the spray. We have, however, heard of a number of cases where the straw has been missing.
Apply it regularly and it will take care of any issues with squeaks and squeals. That can mean big savings in the medium term. The straw is held securely and permanently in the spray cap. We have, though, heard of one or two instances where the nozzle has been damaged.
Take care to inspect your can before you start using it, or you may end up with a mess. In fact, if you have these on your garage door , it will lubricate them very effectively. The thin layer of lubricant will work on heavy wear areas like this for only a few days. If you keep applying it frequently, of course, that will be fine.
But you will find you use it up quickly, making it a more expensive option than a thicker product. Choose between spraying it either as a steady stream or in a fan shape.
It will also work very well on garage door rollers. It dries white, rather than clear. One thing to watch out for is that it comes out of the can quickly. And if it gets onto a fabric or other non-metal surface, you may find it stains that white too. A good tip is to leave an inch or so between the nozzle and your target. That will reduce the risk of it splashing the surrounding area. This is a lubricant that works just as well at all temperatures.
The precise length of time between applications will, of course, vary with how often you use your garage door. But in most cases, you should expect to be able to go for several months before you need to reapply.
But if you want a multipurpose lubricant, or to lubricate other garage door components, look elsewhere. Each tube is very small, containing just 0. The tubes are sold in packs of three, giving you enough for three separate applications. And although it might not sound like a lot, you may be surprised at how long it lasts. Each application will keep your garage door opener working smoothly for a whole year.
You might be wondering if you should use WD, but the advice from the pros is no. Sarah is a freelance journalist and editor writing for websites, national newspapers, and magazines. She loves testing the latest home appliances, revealing the trends in furnishings and fittings for every room, and investigating the benefits, costs and practicalities of home improvement.
It's no big surprise that she likes to put what she writes about into practice, and is a serial house revamper. For Realhomes. Let these Christmas card display ideas transform your cards into gorgeous decorations.
Black Friday sofa bed deals are starting early. Here are the top Black Friday sofa bed sales live now. Real Homes is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher.
0コメント