Ballistol and other lubricants

[David Ilvedson]

I didn't like that dropper as it leaked in my kit.   Maybe your's is better made?   Looks like German made...

For generations ballistol was a good choice for centers.   Protek and Goose Juice are better...imho   How is it, that Joe Goss had problems with Goose Juice +?   Maybe Joe can fill us in on it again...at this time, he's not selling Ballistol as a center lubricant...



David Ilvedson, RPT

Pacifica, CA 94044









Original message

From: "Gregor _" 

To: pianotech at ptg.org

Received: 7/4/2008 3:39:52 AM

Subject: Ballistol and other lubricants





Using Ballistol as lubricant for action center pins is okay. I have no idea about its ingredients but the reason why nearly all German piano techs use it since generations is that it does not gum after a while. Most of my German collegues use a tool like this for applying only one drop of it:



http://www.manufactum.de/Produkt/0/753674/TropfenoelerAluminium.html?suchbegriff=%F6ler



One year ago, me too I used it for center pins, but in the meantime I use only Protec CLP anymore. I have 2 of these oilers  in my toolcase, one with Protec and one with Ballistol. Ballistol (and now Protec) are the only one lubricants which are accepted here in Germany for center pins. With one exception: your own hair grease (not kidding). When replacing a ceter pin, I pull the new pin through my hair which makes the pin getting "lubricated". And no, I am not the hippie type with greasy long hair.



Compairing Ballistol with Protec I must admit that Protec just works much better. But I never had problems with Ballistol.



Concerning ballance rail and front rail pins: most German techs use deer tallow /stag fat because it´s supposed not to gum, too. I rub a very small portion of it between thumb and index finger and apply only a very very thin layer on the pins. But never do it when the bushings are made of leather. Never apply any liquid or any grease on leather. But here too, there is one exception: you may use "nose fat" (and again: not kidding): sometimes the leather of the hammer butt is too harsh so that the jack comes not back easy enough. Some grease could help, but as mentioned: never apply grease on leather in pianos. So here comes the trick: rub your index finger left or right from your nose. You will feel that this part of your face is a little greasier than other parts. Then rub your finger on the hammer butt leather. And no, I am not the teenage type like these teenagers from Kentucky Fried Movie where teenage faces are used to get oil from.



Gregor









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