When putting together micro-trains couplers (say “Underslung Body Mount Short Shank Coupler Conversion Kit” five times fast [:P]), the instructions call for Greas-um. I assume any powered graphite will work, but will Labelle plastic-compatible oil work as well? Or just asking for trouble? Or need anything at all?
Oil or grease isn’t a substitute for dry graphite in this case. The graphite can be burnished into the surface creating a very slippery/dry lubed working of the parts. This won’t attract dirt and has minimal resistance to the moving parts. Just don’t apply too much graphite, you don’t want it tracking around the rails. A tube of Kadee greas-um will last many years. I even use in on some sticky locksets and cylinders.
i use a product called “neolube” it is a slurry of graphite and teflon in alcohol. just apply a small drop and when the alcohol evaporates, the parts are coated with a light film of dry lubricant. it is not nearly as messy as powdered graphite. stays where you put it.
grizlump
You can just use a tube of dry graphite from the hardware store. Don’t use oil or grease for couplers.
You don’t need a whole lot of graphite either.