Lubrication

[BigLes]

This is strictly a boating question!

My 20 year old Jaguar has a GRP hatch that slides on hardwood runners. Needless to say the GRP and wood contact area is getting worn and although was OK last season it's drying out and causing the hatch to stick.

Any ideas for lubricating it? I thought about vaseline but it's in an area where hands can come into contact when climbing in and out of the hatchway. I think some people use wax on wood drawer runners.

 

[ccscott49]

Beeswax, or dry silicone, had the same problem myself, I used furniture wax first, then found some beeswax.

 

[ToMo]

I think you'll find either rubbing a candle (not lit!) over the runner area or using Mr Sheen houshold cleaner (contains silicon I believe!) sorts the problem out.
TôMö

 

[BigLes]

I think I've got some beeswax in the kitchen cupboard so I'll give it a go!

Many thanks.

 

[longjohnsilver]

A bar of soap also works, rub it on dry.

 

[Col]

Bubble bath when it rains ???

 

[tony_brighton]

Rather than lubrication, had you considered attaching some thin PTFE strip to it

 

[Guest]

I believe you can get PTFE in a spray can from Radiospares....

BB.

 

[vyv_cox]

and lots of other places. That's what we use for this purpose, plus genoa boltrope into foil, mainsail sliders, blocks, sheaves, mainsheet traveller, snaplinks, etc. etc. Invaluable stuff.