Tri flow

Dave Hepworth · From: West Yorkshire, UK

Hi folks,
On vacation.......Thought I'd bring some of this back to UK .Bought it yesterday at Orchard hardware supplies San Francisco.
Question 1)
Is this form of Triflow OK to lube my Mullen RP .As you can see it is a CFC free spray with little tube you can fit on end.
Question 2)
If suitable ,how often do you use and how much do you use,may sound obvious but never used this before in UK.
If not suitable will certainly be ok in garage and around the house.
Thanks for looking Regards Dave

Bill Miller · From: Gaspe, Quebec, Canada

It is a popular lubricant among pedal steel players and I have been using it on mine for several years. What I have is a non-pressurized squeeze bottle with a fine tube applicator. Since very small amounts should be used, and only on very precise areas the pressurized format may not be the best for the job. There may be overspray which would contact wood surfaces for one thing.

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

That's the right stuff, Dave. I use it on all surfaces that contact each other, or rub together. I apply it liberally...to the point where it drips off. Just remember to shake the can frequently to keep the teflon mixed up...it settles to the bottom quickly.

The spray can is kinda awkward to work with. You can spray some into a small plastic container, then use something like a toothpick to apply it very precisely in tight spaces.

Bill is correct, of course. Keep it off the woodwork and finish, just to be safe.

Once lubed up, you'll not need to reapply the TriFlow for a couple years, or more. It doesn't age or dry up...amazing stuff.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

That is the aerosol version of Tri-flo. When I flew in January 2016 they said up to a certain size Aerosol cans could be flown with, But it must be in your checked luggage, In a Zip Lock bag, with paper towels. I would suggest you get a 2oz. bottle of Tri-Flo and put it in a gallon Zip Lock bag with a bunch paper towels and seal it to fly with to. That way you would get some Tri-Flo home, If something happened to you aerosol can in flight. I don't think they will allow it in your Carry-On-Luggage.
I WOULD CALL THE AIRLINE AND CHECK BEFORE YOU GET TO THE AIRPOR. If that spray can blew up like I have seen shaving cream cans blow up in luggage on an airplane, It would be a disaster. Good Luck and Safe Trip Home. BJ

Ken Pippus · From: Langford, BC, Canada

Almost all bike stores carry the liquid bottle with an applicator tube.

Billy Carr · From: Seminary, Mississippi, USA (deceased)

I've also used Tri-Flow at different times. Right now I'm using Rem Oil in the small bottle and the spray can w/straw. Old tee-shirts can be cut into different pieces and used to place under the area on guitars to catch excess oil. I use the small plastic bottle on everything except the changer. I spray the changer parts that move. Doesn't take much. I put my guitar together and lay it upside down on a thick old towel before servicing w/oil. Sometimes I'll leave it like this over night. Don't forget to oil pedal rods where they connect to pedals also. If these get dry your guitar will sound out of tune at some point. The string is pulled and then may not return to proper note. A few drops of oil can save problems from showing up at the worst times, such as on stage. I still remember my ex-uncle Bobby Bowman talking about this happening to him on a gig. RIP BB, we all miss you!

Dave Hepworth · From: West Yorkshire, UK

Thanks for the safety advice Bobby much appreciated.However I am sailing back to UK from San Fran. So that should be ok to take back in my man bag.
Regards Dave.

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

This is the 2oz., non-aerosol, bottle of TriFlow that Bobby referred to. It is easier to work with when lubing a steel.

_________________
Best regards,
Mike

Bobby D. Jones · From: West Virginia, USA

If you are Sailing you should have no problem. Happy Sailing, Safe trip home.

Kevin Hatton · From: Buffalo, N.Y.

Get the Tri-Flo WITH Teflon.

Dave Hepworth · From: West Yorkshire, UK

Thanks Bobby.Will post in a few weeks when I have got back and have time to lube my steel.
Regards Dave

Dave Magram · From: San Jose, California, USA

Hi Dave,

The type of Tri-Flo you bought and the one in Mike's photo is the correct type: â€œTri-Flow Superior Lubricantâ€.
I'd suggest buying the small bottle shown in Mike's photo--it comes with a little "pin-point" applicator tube and is much easier to use than the spray. (The spray can may be handy for your sailboat, though.)

Based on personal experience, hereâ€™s my advice if you want to save yourself many hours of work:
If you are going to use Tri-Flow, do NOT buy the version labeled â€œTri-Flow Superior Dry Lubricantâ€, (with paraffin) usually found in bicycle shops.
You don't want a coating of paraffin gumming up your roller nuts and changer fingers--do you?

OTOH, the â€œTri-Flow Superior Lubricantâ€ is fine, and is typically available in hardware stores. The teflon film it leaves is also dry, but does NOT add a paraffin coating on top of the teflon.

-Dave

Dave Hepworth · From: West Yorkshire, UK

Thanks for the advice Dave.I will have to stick with spray can cos my ship is leaving soon !!
However I will probably spray some of this into a small container and use a syringe and needle to apply to areas that may cause overspray with can.
The changer top /fingers could be sprayed if I cut a large piece of cardboard to profile the changer top like a slit in a post box.I could place slit over top of changer and the cardboard would prevent overspray .
Regards Dave

Mike Wheeler · From: Delaware, Ohio, USA

Good thinking there, Dave. You have good problem solving skills. Very Happy

Have an enjoyable trip.
_________________
Best regards,
Mike

Dave Hepworth · From: West Yorkshire, UK

Thanks Mike Smile

Tom Watterson · From: Texas, USA

I prefer the pinpoint applicator version. The steel syringe really allows you to apply it with great precision.

Erv Niehaus · From: Litchfield, MN, USA

That's the one I use.

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