Tripod Head Grease

**LaurenOE** · 11-14-2011, 08:16 AM

Does anyone know where I can get the sticky tripod grease?
I'm not looking for thick grease or moly grease, but that new really tacky/sticky stuff they seem to be using in fluid and pan heads.

Its something new and its white - it's not lithium, but something that doesn't wash off easily.

Any ideas?

Thanks.

Adam · 11-17-2011, 11:06 PM

Moving this to the accessory forum. Hopefully you get some answers there.

**LaurenOE** · 11-27-2011, 02:52 PM

Thanks. NO replies.

excanonfd · 11-27-2011, 06:44 PM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

Thanks. NO replies.

When you say it's not lithium grease, are you talking about the lithium grease in aerosol? That's mostly propellant and small amount of lithium grease thinned with mineral spirit to be able to shoot through an aerosol nozzle. The lithium grease that's available in a tube for lubricating ball joints on an automobile or heavy machinery is thick and sticky. It's available in most automotive supply stores.

**LaurenOE** · 11-27-2011, 07:07 PM

Originally posted by excanonfd

When you say it's not lithium grease, are you talking about the lithium grease in aerosol? That's mostly propellant and small amount of lithium grease thinned with mineral spirit to be able to shoot through an aerosol nozzle. The lithium grease that's available in a tube for lubricating ball joints on an automobile or heavy machinery is thick and sticky. It's available in most automotive supply stores.

Thanks, but I don't think it's the same stuff. The grease I am talking about seems to be put into fluid heads and is *very* sticky - much more so than something that is merely sticky. It's not for lubrication, but for stickiness/fluidity.

I've never touched stuff so sticky. It's almost like warm taffy.

**LaurenOE** · 11-27-2011, 07:09 PM

Maybe it *is* the stuff you are talking about, since I've never done automotive work to know what *real* lithium grease is.

excanonfd · 11-27-2011, 10:24 PM

Originally posted by LaurenOE

Thanks, but I don't think it's the same stuff. The grease I am talking about seems to be put into fluid heads and is *very* sticky - much more so than something that is merely sticky. It's not for lubrication, but for stickiness/fluidity.

I've never touched stuff so sticky. It's almost like warm taffy.

If this grease wasn't so sticky (sticks to everything), and if I could shape it into a ball I think it will maintain the spheroid form for a very long time. I found a tube at a farm equipment supply store that I wanted to use to lubricate stiff focus rings but without cutting the grease with machine oil, it's way too stiff to use straight out of the tube. A tube will cost you about 5-10 dollars and will lubricate hundreds of fluid heads or your favourite automotive lube/oil change outfit (like Mr. Lube), might be able to supply you with a bead of lithium grease.

**LaurenOE** · 11-28-2011, 08:00 AM

Originally posted by excanonfd

If this grease wasn't so sticky (sticks to everything), and if I could shape it into a ball I think it will maintain the spheroid form for a very long time. I found a tube at a farm equipment supply store that I wanted to use to lubricate stiff focus rings but without cutting the grease with machine oil, it's way too stiff to use straight out of the tube. A tube will cost you about 5-10 dollars and will lubricate hundreds of fluid heads or your favourite automotive lube/oil change outfit (like Mr. Lube), might be able to supply you with a bead of lithium grease.

Hmm...It just might be the stuff I'm looking for. I will go and look for the real lithium grease.

Lloydy · 11-29-2011, 04:23 PM

If it's viscous and white it might be packing gland grease - the waterproof stuff used in pump glands and ships stuffing boxes. I use it on my competition 4x4 that sees a lot of mud and water and it doesn't wash off. ( 32 years as a maintenance fitter in the water industry

)

Water Resistant Grease

There's buckets for sale here, but try a boatyard or a pump workshop and they'll more than likely give you a cupful.

.

**Ex Finn.** · 11-30-2011, 05:31 PM

You are looking for something like /www.clearcoproducts.com/pdf/high-viscosity/NP-PSF-100000cSt.pdf. Silicon friction fluid. Not lithium grease.

Nye has a sampling kit for some coin. www.amazon.com/Fluorocarbon-Gel-868-10CC-Syringes/dp/B005KLD100

Maybe someone can add more info and a cheap source for this elusive stuff.

Lloydy · 12-01-2011, 04:04 PM

That silicone fluid is used in pressure gauges on hydraulic equipment to damp the needle, many industrial gauges use it - as stated in the link Ex Finn has put on.

Those gauges will be all over scrap machinery, and on the back of the gauge there is usually a little rubber plug that will prise out so you can get the fluid in, or out.

Maybe a trip to a scrap yard will find some for free ? If not, an engineering supplies store should have some.

**LaurenOE** · 12-01-2011, 04:27 PM

The quest continues...

Lloydy · 12-01-2011, 05:00 PM

Actually, I've got some on my desk, not that that's much use to you.

But this small 5ml vial of silicone oil has the name 'Hach Company, Ames, IA. USA.' on the side , and the catalogue number is 1269. It might be the same stuff as is used in damped heads ?

Steinback · 12-01-2011, 05:49 PM

Have you tried contacting the tripod manufacturer to ask what they use or to try and buy some through them? Industrial suppliers will sometimes send small engineering samples out to potential customers but you need to know what to ask for and to explain your intended use.

**LaurenOE** · 12-02-2011, 09:11 AM

It's the Manfrotto 128RC head that has the stuff I need.
I doubt Manfrotto will send me a sample since my quest is based on making my own head. I have my own metal lathe and mill and the concentric halves to the 128RC are pretty easy to make. The key component in the above head seems to be the grease used.

I think it would be easier to find the formula for Coca Cola.

11-14-2011, 08:16 AM	#1
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690	Tripod Head Grease Does anyone know where I can get the sticky tripod grease? I'm not looking for thick grease or moly grease, but that new really tacky/sticky stuff they seem to be using in fluid and pan heads. Its something new and its white - it's not lithium, but something that doesn't wash off easily. Any ideas? Thanks.

11-17-2011, 11:06 PM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,594	Moving this to the accessory forum. Hopefully you get some answers there. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

11-30-2011, 05:31 PM	#10
Ex Finn. Site Supporter Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern Maryland. Espoo. Kouvola. Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 7,975	You are looking for something like /www.clearcoproducts.com/pdf/high-viscosity/NP-PSF-100000cSt.pdf. Silicon friction fluid. Not lithium grease. Nye has a sampling kit for some coin. www.amazon.com/Fluorocarbon-Gel-868-10CC-Syringes/dp/B005KLD100 Maybe someone can add more info and a cheap source for this elusive stuff. Last edited by Ex Finn.; 11-30-2011 at 05:41 PM.

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11-27-2011, 02:52 PM	#3
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Thanks. NO replies.

11-27-2011, 06:44 PM	#4
excanonfd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,421	Originally posted by LaurenOE Thanks. NO replies. When you say it's not lithium grease, are you talking about the lithium grease in aerosol? That's mostly propellant and small amount of lithium grease thinned with mineral spirit to be able to shoot through an aerosol nozzle. The lithium grease that's available in a tube for lubricating ball joints on an automobile or heavy machinery is thick and sticky. It's available in most automotive supply stores.

11-27-2011, 07:07 PM	#5
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Originally posted by excanonfd When you say it's not lithium grease, are you talking about the lithium grease in aerosol? That's mostly propellant and small amount of lithium grease thinned with mineral spirit to be able to shoot through an aerosol nozzle. The lithium grease that's available in a tube for lubricating ball joints on an automobile or heavy machinery is thick and sticky. It's available in most automotive supply stores. Thanks, but I don't think it's the same stuff. The grease I am talking about seems to be put into fluid heads and is very sticky - much more so than something that is merely sticky. It's not for lubrication, but for stickiness/fluidity. I've never touched stuff so sticky. It's almost like warm taffy.

11-27-2011, 07:09 PM	#6
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Maybe it is the stuff you are talking about, since I've never done automotive work to know what real lithium grease is.

11-27-2011, 10:24 PM	#7
excanonfd Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,421	Originally posted by LaurenOE Thanks, but I don't think it's the same stuff. The grease I am talking about seems to be put into fluid heads and is very sticky - much more so than something that is merely sticky. It's not for lubrication, but for stickiness/fluidity. I've never touched stuff so sticky. It's almost like warm taffy. If this grease wasn't so sticky (sticks to everything), and if I could shape it into a ball I think it will maintain the spheroid form for a very long time. I found a tube at a farm equipment supply store that I wanted to use to lubricate stiff focus rings but without cutting the grease with machine oil, it's way too stiff to use straight out of the tube. A tube will cost you about 5-10 dollars and will lubricate hundreds of fluid heads or your favourite automotive lube/oil change outfit (like Mr. Lube), might be able to supply you with a bead of lithium grease.

11-28-2011, 08:00 AM	#8
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	Originally posted by excanonfd If this grease wasn't so sticky (sticks to everything), and if I could shape it into a ball I think it will maintain the spheroid form for a very long time. I found a tube at a farm equipment supply store that I wanted to use to lubricate stiff focus rings but without cutting the grease with machine oil, it's way too stiff to use straight out of the tube. A tube will cost you about 5-10 dollars and will lubricate hundreds of fluid heads or your favourite automotive lube/oil change outfit (like Mr. Lube), might be able to supply you with a bead of lithium grease. Hmm...It just might be the stuff I'm looking for. I will go and look for the real lithium grease.

11-29-2011, 04:23 PM	#9
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	If it's viscous and white it might be packing gland grease - the waterproof stuff used in pump glands and ships stuffing boxes. I use it on my competition 4x4 that sees a lot of mud and water and it doesn't wash off. ( 32 years as a maintenance fitter in the water industry ) Water Resistant Grease There's buckets for sale here, but try a boatyard or a pump workshop and they'll more than likely give you a cupful. .

12-01-2011, 04:04 PM	#11
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	That silicone fluid is used in pressure gauges on hydraulic equipment to damp the needle, many industrial gauges use it - as stated in the link Ex Finn has put on. Those gauges will be all over scrap machinery, and on the back of the gauge there is usually a little rubber plug that will prise out so you can get the fluid in, or out. Maybe a trip to a scrap yard will find some for free ? If not, an engineering supplies store should have some.

12-01-2011, 04:27 PM	#12
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	The quest continues...

12-01-2011, 05:00 PM	#13
Lloydy Veteran Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Shropshire, UK Posts: 1,114	Actually, I've got some on my desk, not that that's much use to you. But this small 5ml vial of silicone oil has the name 'Hach Company, Ames, IA. USA.' on the side , and the catalogue number is 1269. It might be the same stuff as is used in damped heads ?

12-01-2011, 05:49 PM	#14
Steinback Veteran Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: GTA, ON, Canada Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,673	Have you tried contacting the tripod manufacturer to ask what they use or to try and buy some through them? Industrial suppliers will sometimes send small engineering samples out to potential customers but you need to know what to ask for and to explain your intended use.

12-02-2011, 09:11 AM	#15
LaurenOE Site Supporter Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Back in Florida, but worldwide gigs! Photos: Albums Posts: 3,690 Original Poster	It's the Manfrotto 128RC head that has the stuff I need. I doubt Manfrotto will send me a sample since my quest is based on making my own head. I have my own metal lathe and mill and the concentric halves to the 128RC are pretty easy to make. The key component in the above head seems to be the grease used. I think it would be easier to find the formula for Coca Cola.