Metal on Metal Contact Movement OK if there is no load? 1

[m899nyc]

I read that some people do not lubricate their micrometers because the screw is "highly finished" and gently adjusting the screw with "no load applied" should not result in wear. Something about that sounds wrong to me, but is it actually wrong?

 

[EdStainless]

I always lubricated micrometers, but with an extremely small amount of synthetic oil.
You don't want true metal to metal contact, but more than 1 molecule thick is a waste.
Extra oil changes the drag and leads to them getting dirty faster (which may lead to more wear).

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[m899nyc]

If that’s the case will a thin silicone lube work? I’m thinking along the lines of silicone watch oil.

 

[EdStainless]

Silicone would work, I prefer a PAO based oil but that is personal.
My lab tech did all mic cleaning and calibration, about 60/month.
She didn't use 10cc/year on them.

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P.E. Metallurgy, consulting work welcomed

 

[m899nyc]

@EdStainless Thanks. I made the mistake of loaning a mic out to someone last week and he put a heavy weight oil in it that is causing it to seize up. Trying to figure out what to do.

Does the fact that silicone doesn't have a lot of film strength matter, or is the pressure used so light that it won't push the thin silicone oil away?