Ball bearing block lubrication

[Pelagic Mountie 4]

Gidday

 

Does anyone use anything to lubricate ball bearing blocks?  I read about McLube one drop but anything cheaper and more likely to have around like that 3in1 multi-purpose oil?

 

I've got some old 'easyblock' mainsheet blocks that I'm trying to revive - a good clean helped.

 

Cheers

[MartinRF 53]

Washing regurarly helps. All types of lubrication I have tried also help but nothing stay for long.

 

This is a little off topic but may be of interest anyway: http://hem.bredband.net/b262106/Boat/Blockfriction.pdf

 

/Martin

[B00B00 310]

Don't lubricate ball bearing blocks. What happens is they just end up sliding instead of rolling which creates the flat spots. It's likely you already have the flat spots and that's the problem. Lube will only make the problem worse long term.

Keeping them clean adds a huge amount to the longevity. Dried up salt is a killer.

[ballystick 72]

I had some and they had sealing race ball bearings, I freed them up after taking out the black side cover then applied chain lube refitted the side covers and they were magic after that. Different to the exposed race blocks most boats have now.

[Pelagic Mountie 4]

Thanks guys.

 

Yes definitely bearings, I can see them down in there.  Just like this except blue pulleys https://www.svb24.com/en/easylock-easymatic-two-speed-mainsheet-system.html

 

I'm trying CRC Onedrop C&C synthetic, as a cheap alternative to Mclube Onedrop.

https://www.crc.co.nz/One-Drop-Range/6895-b9b7dd31-2386-4855-b55a-00ffc53b3f5b/#Popup-Closer

 

6 bucks from Steves Marine Supplies.

 

Cleaning them and dropping from 12mm to 10mm when I buy a new mainsheet from Knot Me will make the most difference I'd say... until I can slip new blocks past the bean counter.