Led Flashlight Cleaning & Lubrication

[N_N_R]

I've been reading a lot about lubricating your flashlights, too, and I've seen many "versions" of how to do it and what to use, but I still get quite confused

My question is regarding, particularly, the Fenix lights. I've read that it's good to lubricate them once every six months or so. Then, I've read that many people use whatnot lubricants, varying from some expensive & fancy speacial ones to ... vegetable cooking oil 

So, what do you think about this in general: how often should I try to do something with my Fenixes if I don't really use them in that much rough an environment, i.e. they don't get dirt. Also... could I use something simple like vaseline, for example?  I don't really know where to find any special lubricant and to be honest, I'd rather go with something I have at hand

[Millhouse]

I use Nyogel 760G. You don't need a lot. A few drops on the rubber O rings every few months.

[Steinar]

Vaseline is fine. Maglite recommends it actually

[tattoosteve99]

Easiest and cheapest solution I use. Go to your local auto store or hardware store. Get some non petroleum based lubricate. Apply to threads. Done. I like those little ketchup sized packs. Only takes a very small amount and it works great.

[tattoosteve99]

I wouldn't use Vaseline. Eventually you will have to replace the orings. Petroleum products degrade rubber.

[nuphoria]

It's a very minimalist thing - not something you need to do lots.

I generally only bother when I notice they look dirty or the movement on thread is gritty. My "grease" came from Dealextreme for about $2 - does the job fine

[N_N_R]

Thanks, everyone! I've had my tiny light for already four months, I use it on a daily/nightly ( ) basis and I can still feel the lube which it came with with my fingers ... so I guess some more time will go before I do anything.

[dks]

I looked into the huge threads (  )  on lubricating in the light forums some time ago and it seemed that everybody had a different idea on what to use.

I got the feeling that gun oil was good to use and since I had it I used it.
The problem with lubricants, especially thick ones, is that they catch dirt and since Aluminium is soft the dirt (e.g. Sand) may end up damaging the threads.

Usually (OK, once when I could be bothered) I clean the threads with a cloth and add a thin film of gun oil.

It is important to screw the parts together slowly and carefully as it is easy to permanently damage a thread.

[N_N_R]

I think I found a video which belongs to this very thread

[N_N_R]

Ok, I've done my first ever lubrication to my tiny little Fenix E01 ... I was amazed how effective it was - twisting the head is SO MUCH easier and smoother now.

[Heinz Doofenshmirtz]

Ok, I've done my first ever lubrication to my tiny little Fenix E01 ... I was amazed how effective it was - twisting the head is SO MUCH easier and smoother now.

It really depends on how much you use your lights and what kind of UI they have.  Twisties need it a lot more regularly than clickies.  Of course, the more you use them, the more often they'll need lubing.

I use nyo-gel exclusively on all my lights, cheap or otherwise.  It also will not degrade o-rings and fills space in threads very well and helps with keeping water out.

[Logrus9]

I think I found a video which belongs to this very thread

Thank you I hadn't seen that one before.

[Currahee]

I use denatured alcohol to clean the threads and Super Lube, which is a synthetic grease, to lube them. A 3 oz. tube will last the rest of your life and only cost about 4 or 5 bucks. Here's a link that will show you what to look for: http://tinyurl.com/Super-Lube And trust me, this stuff is the greatest! I've been using it on my Zebralight SC600 and could not be happier with the results.