Read awhile back, maybe way back, that people used NO-OX-ID A-Special for preventing contact issues with their track and switches.
Well, besides my HO trains, I also collect & refurbish pinball machines and some of the contacts on the digital machines do seem to lose contact from time to time.
I was about to order some NO-OX-ID A-Special from Amazon and then remembered I had a conductive grease from USATRAINS (R50002) 2oz. (a lifetime supply!). Does anyone know if this is basically the same as NO-OX-ID A-Special?
I called USATRAINS and, maybe it was me, but the accented guy seemed as though he didn't understand what I was talking about -- didn't even seem to realize I bought it from them and they still sell it, so he could offer no help. I even asked if their product prevents oxidation and he said he had no idea.
Appreciate any info on this as I'd hate to order another lifetime supply of something if I already have it.
Thank you. Ken
Well, I've never heard of NO-OX-ID A Special, for contact cleaner and lub, but I have used CRC 2-26, and it works great. Comes in a spray can, I spray a tiny bit into a container, or on a small brush, and clean and lub contacts on locos' and turnout rivets, and where ever I have an electrical contact point that can't be taken apart for manual cleaning.
I've used it on the pick-up point where the loco wheels and axles pick up the power from the track, and, I've used on many of the Atlas track and turnout control switches, that can't be taken apart.
Mike
My You Tube
Yes, the no-Ox is a conductive product that is an anti-corrosive. I used it on my rail tops and at all the track connections when laying track almost 3 years ago. No problems and no track cleaning required yet. I have no knowledge of USATRAINS grease.
Dante
Sanchem seems to be the company that makes NoOx. They call it a conductive lubricant.
I have always used Penetrox A made by Burndy. Never used No Ox. ( I worked in the electrical industry for over 38 years). But No Ox looks to be a lubicate for moving parts. If you are going to use either of these products, make sure the surfaces are clean.
2-26 is an excellant product for electrical connections, although I never thought to apply it with a tooth pick.
mbinsewi I have used CRC 2-26, and it works great.
Count me as an avid CRC 2-26 user, too.
I found a supplier that had it in a pump spray bottle (02007) but that might be difficult to find. I'm pretty sure the aerosol is carried at Home Depot.
http://www.crcindustries.com/ei/product_detail.aspx?id=02007
I keep a bottle with a very fine needlepoint applicator (A-West used to have them but no more) I've heard some use a trick where you sand away the eye of a sewing needle, press the sharp end into a handle (dowel or old paint brush handle) and use it as a micro-applicator. Seems like a good idea since I can not see how much I'm applying and with the needle-eye applicator you will pretty much get the same sized droplet.
CRC 2-26 is fine enough for motor bearings and I have great results on Walthers passenger car axle ends.
Enjoy! Ed
It would seem to me that conductive grease would not be condusive to traction, and it may not react well with rubber traction tires or plastic on locomotives. That having been said, others seem to have used it. You could test a short piece of track to see what happens.
"Conductive" greases are not conductive.
Here is NO-OX
And here is dielectric:
If they are conductive, why don't they cause a short across the terminals?
In order for a compound to be a conductor, some metallic particles would need to be suspended. Thermal paste used on PC processors and graphite come to mind.
NO-OX and dielelectic grease are not conductors. They are a anti corrosive lubricant and work very well to prevent water intrusion.
Jim
Burndy Penetrox A is conductive.
So you have a choice.
My need is more in the way of stopping oxidation on the digital board connection fingers and the Molex wired connectors than as a lubricant since once mated I will rarely separate the connectors from the boards.
Interesting stuff from you guys here.
I followed one comment and put my M/M probes across the USA Trains conductive grease. Yup, no conduction.
Mike, Dante & Ed commented on CRC 2-26. I tried that years ago and it didn't help with the oxidation issues. BUT, I seem to vaguely recall I sprayed it on and wiped it off. Re-reading the directions, it says to leave it on for awhile. So, I will try the toothpick or sanded needle or a micro-tip applicator idea and give it another shot.
South Penn -- I never heard of Penetrox-A, so I'll definitely look into that. This one sounds really good as it specifically
says it is used in preventing galvanic corrosion -- just what I suspect I have as the board has gold or copper fingers and the Molex connectors are either tin or aluminum. There's also a Penetrox-E4, but not sure what it is for as it reads like the A, but is sa lot more expensive.
Mel, the white grease and graphite sounds interesting to be a good idea , but it sounds kind of messy.
Thanks to all of you for your helpful responses. Hopefully one of these will work for me.
Ken
kenkal Mel, the white grease and graphite sounds interesting to be a good idea , but it sounds kind of messy. Ken
I use No-Ox on my rail head and it works great. I have a G gage track around the wall in my computer/office and it had many conducting issues with the Bachmann steel track until I coated it with No-Ox, and that was two years ago. You clean the track first, apply a little No-Ox with a cloth or paper towel and then wipe it with a clean cloth. That leaves a thin film on the rail which remains conductive and prevents oxidation. I don't even clean the rail anymore.
I do the same for my HO layout and it also works great there as well.
-Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
Isn't no-ox basically automatic transmission fluid? Lots of people (not me) have used a little bit on their rails to improve long-term operations (like museum display layouts). People are starting to use graphite on their rails with (apparently) good results...if you only use a little, traction isn't affected too much. I've tried graphite lock set lube on some axle points (rolling stock)...I think there is some kind of petroleum carrier in it that might reduce friction, but is thicker than a dry lube so cars don't roll freely (which is sometimes a good thing...trying to couple onto a light caboose with free rolling wheels just pushed the cab down the track before the couplers engage). I like graphite (scraped from a pencil) for axle points or dry Teflon powder...apply both with a paintbrush dabbed into the powder (similar to using weathering pastels) then rub into the sideframe. Graphite is conductive and inert so it won't gum up...not sure if Teflon has those same properties (but Teflon tape seems to hold up for years on plumbing threads).
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
SEMI Free-Mo@groups.io
I also use CRC. And the transmission fluid on rails is wonderful. A couple of drops does the job for my 30x18 ft layout. DCC sound issues have mostly disappeared after using the fluid. track stays cleanier longer as well..
Tony
EK Sub in HO Scale
Not to hijack this thread, but I have to add my two cents worth on using graphite. I use it, and no longer worry about cleaning tracks or contact issues. On another model railroading forum there's a pretty full thread on graphite. People are getting very good results with little or any cleaning after initial application.
delray1967 Isn't no-ox basically automatic transmission fluid?
Isn't no-ox basically automatic transmission fluid?
This is from a supplier which provides connector grease to the automotive industry. It does a pretty good job explaining contact grease and why it works. Note, no where does it state its a "conductor". The other products referenced in this thread have the same properties.