Hi,
I was wondering if Wahl Clipper Oil was safe to use for lubricating steam locomotive drive/side rods (all moving points), axle bearings (steam and diesel engines) and axle points (both metal and plastic trucked rolling stock)?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
It must be plastic compatible for use on hair clippers, so it should be okay for hobby use. Personally, I prefer Mercon Dexron III Automatic Transmission Fluid.
I’ve never used Wahl so I have no personal experience on how it performs under the temperature extremes of our HO scale club, which goes from near freezing in the wintertime to very hot in the summer. Some synthetic oils harden when cold.
Because Wahl comes only in a spray can, it would be difficult to use it for lubricating motor bearings, etc.
I happened to mention to my barber that I was looking for some Wahl clipper oil for my model railroad and he gave me a small tube to try. He said it was a sample tube that he gets often with his shop supplies. Now he never fails to ask me if I need any more and gives them to me free. Maybe because he’s been cutting my hair for over 50 years ! Joe Voisin Sr
I wouldn’t use it for that purpose as it is a sharpening lubricant. Use LaBelle or Hobby-Lube’s plastic compatable oils or the transmission fluid as was suggested.
Btw, Wahl’s Clipper oil is also available in bottles.
NO, don’t use it for any type of lubricating unless it’s on a set of clippers. It has a cleaning agent in it that might just damage something over time. Use a good hobby oil like Labelles.
Isn’t it great still having hair after 50 years??![:D]
just my opinion but with all lubricating oils and grease that are made for hobbies like ours , its seems silly to use and unknown product…
I understand what you mean. On the other hand, most of us have a container of ATF handy, even if it is an empy one, that can be inverted and a teaspoon of the fluid drained out into a little vial. That little bit can keep a modest stable of ferrous equines mobile for a while. [:D] And it is at least as good at any hobby lube for the same purpose.
Then again, Wahl’s wouldn’t be my first choice for a hobby lube, either. I hadn’t thought about its unwanted characteristics, which it apparently has (?), but I have heard of it used on the tracks…so, based on the title, I hadtuh look!
-Crandell
I use clipper oil on my clippers and LaBelle on my locos.
Isn’t ATF used to remove paint from plastic? Doesn’t seem too smart to use it on expensive loco paint jobe.[2c]
Not that I have heard, Bruce, and so far my engines don’t seem to mind. I have heard that Pinesol, pure alcohol, and other liquids are good for stripping paint on models, but never heard say of ATF being a paint stripper.
-Crandell
You’re probably thinking of brake fluid, which will strip paint.