Where's the PTFE? McLube Sailkote versus WD-40 Dry PTFE

[TernVI]

I use the Toolstation PTFE spray for some things.
Tesco Cheapo furniture polish is very good for others. squirt a load in the luff groove and run a rag up and down, it cleans and leaves a slippery wax. It also gets absorbed by the luff rope for a lasting effect.
For spinnakers, we use 'silicone spray' for water repellant slipperyness.

 

[ghostlymoron]

I bought some Holts PTFE at £4.99 per can rather than McLube at £24 !


The Holts worked well on running up the sails last week, but trying it on the *********** hatch tracks, was a disappointment. No PTFE residue visible; no reduction in shriek.


Then I discovered there's a can of McLube in a secret compartment on board


I wonder about the WD40 stuff. PTFE dispersed in light oil ? Used on e.g. tufnol, that would cause the material to swell.

Would it be worth using PTFE pipe sealant ??

https://www.rocol.com/products/ptfe-liquid-pipe-sealant

When my Tufnol runners became stiff and noisy, I unscrewed them and turned them upside down which transformed them - quiet and smooooth. I didn't need to use lubricant.

 

[sarabande]

That suggests that the worn surface of screechy tufnol runners is more serrated than a new surface . Perhaps something to do with the cotton fibres which form the composite.

As my runners are symmetrical, I will try turning them over as you suggest instead of wiping more PTFE on them as I do at the beginning of each season.

 

[tjbrace]

Candle wax has worked on my companionway hatch.

 

[johnalison]

Candle wax has worked on my companionway hatch.

I lubricated the companionway on our Cirrus back in the ‘70s. I still remember the problem it caused when the hatch slid back and forth on every small wave. I must have overdone it and possibly should have just used wax.

These days I use variously McLube or PTFE grease or spray. The McLube does seem to be much more effective but I reserve it for critical items and use the cheaper stuff on things like canvas zips.

 

[Graham_Wright]

I believe that 'pure' PTFE, along with many elastomers and plastics, is colourless. The white colour of tape, sheet, washers, etc is due to the glass filling that gives it some mechanical strength. Maybe the WD40 contains the pure stuff?

Not my experience. I (used to) buy both. Straight ptfe is white. 25% glad loaded ptfe is very slightly grey.