Micrometer Oil

I have a set of vintage Reed small tool works micrometers (1940's /50's ?) , 6 in total from 0-1" to 5-6" . I am in the process of cleaning them before checking out the calibration. What's the best lubricant for the spindle threads ?

.I have a good set of OPUS carbide slips to do the calibration.

Clock or horological oil is ideal because it is formulated to not congeal at least as far as possible, otherwise any high quality thin oil is OK say sewing machine oil or good old 3 in 1

John,Many thanks for the reply. I was going to use 3 in 1 oil but wasn't sure if it evaporates in time. I'll give it a try.

Just a thought - my question begs the question - when should we clean our micrometers and re- oil ?

If they squeak they need oiling so my advise is - oil before they squeak!

Rik

When I started my apprenticeship, about 50 years ago, I received a tool kit which included a M&W 0-1 micrometer. Although well used it has always been kept clean and dry in its little case. I have never thought about cleaning it (it has never been used in a dirty environment) or oiling it. I think it is still as accurate as new.

JA

I agree with JA - I am careful with all my measuring equipment and have never considered ( or found it necessary) to oil my micrometers. ( I suspect that, in any case, to do so might be counter productive as any dust could then stick to them and, maybe, form an abrasive compound).

Norman

3 in 1 dries in time and turns into a sticky varnish. Much better to use sewing machine oil or, if you have any, clock oil which is intended for clocks which run for years without attention.

Russel.

Sorry NJH - but you are wrong. Regular cleaning of internal threads and lubrication of all micrometers with something like this : **LINK**

is essential to keep your instrument in top condition and will prevent wear. Dust? Storing your mike in its protective case will protect it it from the worst contamination.

Rik

Rik I agree most of my tools are from my apprentice days, 1960 onwards when it was expected you bought your own tools! All mine still work perfectly, all are stored in either their original case or the top tray of my toolmakers box in a partitioned insert I made.

I have over the years periodically cleaned and oiled my micrometers, its unlikely that any dust will get under the thimble and onto the thread which is the part that needs oil, a little care is required to ensure the spindle is re-inserted correctly with attention to the spindle lock and on some Tesa mics with the rotating numbers in the thimble. Having said this it is very infrequently that they need oiling but I belive it will help maintain and extend the life of your micrometer.

Just my opinion John

I have a copy of a Starrett publication The Tools and Rules for Precision Measuring. It is a most useful book that used to be given away at exhibitions or by dealers. It contains a page on the care and adjustment of micrometers that includes "An occasional drop of Starrett Precision Instrument Oil on the spindle and spindle threads also assure free running performance"

Synthetic car engine oil works quite well and does not gum up like the old mineral oils. I use the 0w or 10w for machine tool and instrument lubrication. Works for me.(And I get it free from the leftovers from my son's sports car oil changes.)

Well, always things to learn - as I didn't know that you needed to oil your Micrometers.

I have several smaller Mics (0-1" & 0-25mm) but earlier this year I needed to 'compare' something to better accuracy than I could mange with my vernier calipers. So I bid on a large micrometer and (whilst at it) made some silly bids for the ones 'in-between' (M&W). To my surprise, I won them all, possibly because they didn't look too good in the photos supplied and were not in boxes.

On receipt i decided to clean them up (this is probably complete heresy to some on here!) and stripped them back to bare metal and re-sprayed them (after careful masking). They look much nicer now - and although I have no idea if they are accurately calibrated (and have no means of doing so) I don't see why they can not be used as 'comparators' (which is what I needed one for).

So I just need to make some boxes now - and maybe oil them a little too!

Regards, IanT

Most odd! I thought I posted a note saying 3 in 1 is castor oil based, so like most biological based oils it becomes gummy over time. I don't use it for things that are essentially 'static' like measuring instruments.

Still invaluable for many other uses though.

Neil

Use sewing machine oil, 3 in 1 oil is similar to WD 40 in that the lighter fluid evaporates, and leaves a gummy residue.  Maybe one of the Teflon based lubricants would be OK.

Ian S C

Edited By Ian S C on 28/10/2014 11:15:25

Have now ordered some clock oil. Many thanks for the replies