Fine Flake Graphite

[DigitalM]

Is this useful for anything? I don't have a Robot automated toaster, and daren't open the tin in case the contents are some noxious health & safety risk from our barbaric past. Well, that and the fact I'm absolutely bound to drop it on the carpet, right!

So, chuck it in the bin, or press it into use on something (but I know not what...?!).

 

[Rorschach]

I have half a jam jar of powdered graphite, never have found a use for it, sorry lol.

 

[AndyT]

I believe it's good for lubricating things such as locks, where it makes surfaces slide nicely but with no risk of picking up grit, like you'd get with oil or grease.
Pure carbon, so not toxic at all.

 

[dynax]

as Andy says it is a dry lubricant, would quite often be used on models, like trains etc, and useful on electrical contacts that move as it eliminates friction but keeps the conductivity,

 

[CHJ]

Mix with a spot of liquid paraffin to brighten up your leaded windows or cast iron as a 'polish', and get in a good old mess at the same time of course.

 

[NazNomad]

Use it on your skateboard bearings... No? Just me then (decades ago).

 

[NazNomad]

Anyway... Robot Automatic Toaster.

[youtube]LRq_SAuQDec[/youtube]

 

[Rorschach]

I believe it's good for lubricating things such as locks, where it makes surfaces slide nicely but with no risk of picking up grit, like you'd get with oil or grease.
Pure carbon, so not toxic at all.

Now I have heard that graphite just makes a mess in a lock and you should use a teflon based dry lube instead.
Oh and that's from door fitters who fit new and repair old doors.

 

[DigitalM]

Well, thanks for the info everyone. Sounds a bit speciality to me, and not worth the risk of the large insurance claim and withering looks for destroying the lounge carpet.

 

[Sheffield Tony]

I believe it's good for lubricating things such as locks

My father used to keep (and still may !) an old Jiff squeezy lemon container filled with graphite powder for just this purpose.

 

[MusicMan]

Happy to take it off your hands to save throwing it away. Not particularly valuable, but a handy dry lubricant to have around. Non toxic.

 

[Droogs]

It is the main ingredient in fire black for polishing woodstoves and ranges. Is also the lubricant for firearms from pistols right up to 155mm artillery guns in sub zero temperatures. Ive used it in dados for mitre guides etc and on linear bearing guides

 

[DigitalM]

Anyway... Robot Automatic Toaster.

[youtube]LRq_SAuQDec[/youtube]

Fellow fan here. I can't believe how bad the latest series is

it really is time to change the bulb.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

I believe it's good for lubricating things such as locks

My father used to keep (and still may !) an old Jiff squeezy lemon container filled with graphite powder for just this purpose.

It used to come in little puff bottles especially for locks.

 

[ED65]

Interesting coincidence that you asked in this forum as graphite does have a connection with hand tools. It was apparently favoured for lubricating wooden threads in some applications and is why some handscrews are so very dark in colour.

 

[DigitalM]

Interesting coincidence that you asked in this forum as graphite does have a connection with hand tools. It was apparently favoured for lubricating wooden threads in some applications and is why some handscrews are so very dark in colour.

Ah! That then does make it useful to me. Will be buying some wood threading tools soon.

 

[AndyT]

I've remembered that my dad used to have a tin of graphite grease. One of my jobs as a small boy was to put some on the tips of woodscrews to make them easier to drive into the wood, back when nobody had heard of an electric screwdriver and a Yankee was an expensive tool for professionals only.
Maybe liquid paraffin was the other ingredient?

 

[sunnybob]

$14 a lb apparently
http://www.asburystore.com/ProductDetai ... 5FLAKE-1LB

 

[DigitalM]

Used in machine shops where close tolerances are needed? That doesn't sound like me at all. I'm all about wood and intolerance!

 

[DigitalM]

I've remembered that my dad used to have a tin of graphite grease. One of my jobs as a small boy was to put some on the tips of woodscrews to make them easier to drive into the wood, back when nobody had heard of an electric screwdriver and a Yankee was an expensive tool for professionals only.
Maybe liquid paraffin was the other ingredient?

Yeah let's chuck a load of liquid paraffin on the carpet cleaning mixture!