chuck assembly lube

[bruce d]

Can anybody advise please what oil or grease to use in a chuck? I have disassembled two small (76mm) three jaw chucks, cleaned them with degreaser and was about to reassemble them when it dawned on me that there may be a 'do & don’t' rule concerning lubrication. Plan A was to use a dab of Comma brand copper grease on the threads and leave the rest dry: any comments from someone with better knowledge?

Thanks in advance,
Bruce

 

[Maryak]

Bruce,

Light machine oil SAE 10, ISO 32. Don't use grease it will trap swarf and hold it with the potential to damage threads scrolls etc.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards
Bob

 

[rake60]

I use a very light application of Permatex® Copper Anti-Seize Lubricant.
I DO mean LIGHT APPLICATION! If you get that stuff flinging about on clothes
or walls, it's permanent.

I always have it on hand for my small engine repair work.
It isn't as sticky as grease so it won't hold the chips.

Rick

 

[bruce d]

Hello Bob and Rick, thanks for the comments. I suppose it is no surprise that I have received differing advice: off-board I received advice to NEVER use any lubrication at all on chucks, as well as recommendations to use specialist products like Fuchs Chuck Paste. The Permatex product mentioned by Rick is, I believe, similar to the Comma Copper Grease that I originally planned on using. What is now clear is that there is no hard-and-fast rule, so I am going for a tiny dab of Comma Copper Grease on the threads and keeping my fingers crossed. If it turns out to be a mistake, then I will confess here as a warning to others.

Thanks again,
Bruce

 

[Stan]

If the chuck was completely cleaned then you must first address the pinion side. The pinion shafts, gears and scroll plate need a generous coating of good quality grease such as Lubriplate white grease.

On the jaw side, you are on your own. As you are finding out, there are strong opinions that vary markedly.