Is it normal practice to lubricate Ring Gages before use?

[QCOcra]

I was wondering if it's normal practice to lubricate ring gages before use? And if so, what type lubrication? Should the lubrication be cleaned off after each use and re-applied after using it?

I have read some websites mention 3-in-1 oil and some companies sell specific gage lubrication (such as Deltronics gage-life-extender or lano lube).

Thanks!

 

[Michael_M]

I tell everyone to spray gage lube on thread gages once every 10-15 uses, I don't think it happens that often, but I try. We use it for thread gages as I have to replace gages due to wear and tear and it looks like it is wearing due to drag. We mostly make medium size threads 1"-3"

 

[QCOcra]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply! What kind of gage lube do you use?

I work with approximately 1/2" threads and smaller. We have been having issues with gages and I'm wondering if lubrication will make a difference. We mainly check threads dry. We do clean using nylon brushes.

 

[DRAMMAN]

I never worked anywhere e we lubricated plug or ring gages. But then again this was usually in machining environments where gages were continually exposed to lubricants from either machines or the parts. In other environments we always kept the gages clean and never had problems. What type of materials are you checking and how many parts do you check?

 

[Michael_M]

Hi Michael,

Thanks for the reply! What kind of gage lube do you use?

I work with approximately 1/2" threads and smaller. We have been having issues with gages and I'm wondering if lubrication will make a difference. We mainly check threads dry. We do clean using nylon brushes.

We use two types: Starrett M1 lubricant. This is a brush on type that typically comes in a gallon container. We also use Del-tronic gage lube spray.

I did not think of this, until I read dramman's post but material will make a difference. If you are checking soft materials such as aluminum or brass, you most likely do not need gage lube, however if you are running hard materials (316 etc), then I would recommend it.

 

[Michael Malis]

We use mineral oil for tread gauges, it is light, protect the thread gauge and extending the life expectancy.

 

[QCOcra]

Our company started as a machine shop. Now we have transitioned to focus on our product line and our suppliers are machine shops. We ideally check clean parts so they won't have machine oil on them. They range from 6061 aluminum to 416 to 316 stainless steel.

Since I worked for this company lubrication was never used on the plug or ring gages. I know we've had issues with passing parts (mainly go gage), even with new calibrated gages.

Thank you for the replies, I will look into the lubricants for the gages.

 

[Mike S.]

Isporopyl alcohol will also act as a lube that evaporates on its own after use, leaving behind no residue.

 

[Michael Malis]

Isporopyl alcohol will also act as a lube that evaporates on its own after use, leaving behind no residue.

Sorry Mike,

isopropyl alcohol is a cleaner not a lubricant. Available in 50%, 70 and 90% percent concentrations is routinely used in a clean rooms to wipe parts from dust and disinfect for sterile use.

Regards,
Michael

 

[DRAMMAN]

Yes. IPA is the go to cleaner for circuit boards. It evaporates very quickly so I do not see how it could lubricate.