Silicone spray

Silicone spray is used to lubricate many surfaces such as metal, rubber, plastics and even wood. Lubricating joints can be critical to help maintain the life of the device you are lubricating. One downfall to silicone spray is that dust and dirt participles can be attracted to the spray, causing a higher chance of squeaking after the Lubrication was performed. For this reason, if you are lubricating a tight area, it is essential to clean the area first with a degreaser such as WD40 then only use a small amount of silicone spray to help lubricate the area. A good rule of thumb to follow when lubricating is if it’s not squeaking or rubbing, do not lubricate as it is possible to over lubricate devices.

Uses of Silicone spray

Lubricate hinges on doors to prevent squeaking
Lubricate moving joints on mechanical devices
Lubricate after cleaning an area with WD40
Spray on a snow shovel to help the snow slide off shovel on those snowy winter days
Lubricate zippers to help them move easier
Spray on wood to stop wood from drying out

When not to use Silicone spray

Tight joints where dust could cause damage or friction (If Lubrication is needed, clean with WD40 first then use a small amount of silicone spray)
Treadmills that have a perfin wax running belt
Any equipment that is self-lubricating or does not require Lubrication

TRH Services use for Silicone spray

Silicone spray is used During the Lubrication of physiotherapy equipment such as recumbent bikes, pully systems, and shuttle units.
During the Lubrication of units after a deep cleaning with WD40.

WD40

Many people believe that WD40 is a fix-all lubricant; however, they would be wrong. WD40 is not a lubricant at all. WD40 is used as a degreaser or rust remover, and the main reason why it will stop those pesky squeaks is that it will clean most partial out of joints; however, the results will be short-lived. WD40 contains petroleum distillates, also known as paint thinner and can, therefore, do damage on some plastics and other fragile surfaces. WD40 can also cause some joints to cease since it can dry out the surface that it is cleaning by displacing water. That is why, in most cases, you should use some form of accurate Lubrication after cleaning a device with WD40.

Uses of WD40

WD40 is excellent to use on the screw that is rusted on; it will eat through the rust and hopefully loosen the screw enough to be removed
Rusty or dirty joints on furniture like mobile beds, recliners, or other moving furniture, however, should be followed up with a lubricant such as Silicone spray. It is possible to over lubricate so best to leave joints alone unless they are squeaking.
Removing crayon from your walls or paint rub from another car that is on your car.

When not to use WD40

Plastics or other sensitive material, like WD40, can break down and damage these materials.
Drive chains, WD40 can create rust to form on the chain over time. The lubricant that should be used would be a high-grade synthetic 20W.

TRH Services use for WD40

Cleaning medical bed joints from debris
Cleaning grease spills from equipment such as generators
Door hinges for contract sites
Removing old rusty screws from older equipment
when cleaning rust off outside of older equipment

For more information on TRH Services, and the work that we do please call 519-893-9488 or email info@trhservices.ca

Written by Melissa Bond
Edited by Tyler Hasenpflug, C.E.T.