I finally got why the old guys swear by greasing rails the old way

I was working a service call at a 12-story building downtown last Wednesday, and the building super was watching me. He's this retired mechanic from the 80s, been around elevators forever. He asked why I was using that spray-on lithium grease instead of the thick stick stuff. I told him it's faster and less messy, and he just laughed and said 'you'll be back in 6 months to do it again.' That got me thinking. He explained that the spray dries out faster and doesn't bond to the rail surface as well as the old paste. So I tried his method on one car and kept my spray on the other just to see. After 3 weeks, the spray car is already showing wear marks while the paste car still feels smooth. Has anyone else noticed the difference with different grease types on guide rails?

2 comments

2 Comments

jessec3916d agoMost Upvoted

Honestly that super was looking out for you, that thick paste really does last way longer and hold up better. Ngl I learned that the hard way too after redoing a job in half the time I should have.

blair62616d ago

Hate to push back but I don't really agree... I've used both kinds and the thin stuff actually bonds way better in tight spots if you know what you're doing. That thick paste just globs up and leaves gaps you can't see until it's too late. Had a whole ceiling panel come loose on me because I went with the "heavy duty" option and didn't let it set right.