How do you lubricate collimation screws?
Kathryn Hudson
Could anyone give me any advice on lubricating collimation screws?
The secondary on my small Newtonian is badly out and I cannot get the
screws to turn. I have a collimation device and instructions, also the
telescope came with a small screwdriver for this purpose. I am afraid I
may strip the screw heads if I really try to force them. On the other
hand I have been advised that lubricating them may just make them loose
so I am not quite sure if I should be trying.
If I did try would sewing machine or shaver oil be OK?
K. Hudson
William Sommerwerck
Kathryn Hudson wrote:
> Could anyone give me any advice on lubricating collimation screws?
> The secondary on my small Newtonian is badly out and I cannot get the
> screws to turn. I have a collimation device and instructions, also the
> telescope came with a small screwdriver for this purpose. I am afraid I
> may strip the screw heads if I really try to force them.
Right. Don't.
> On the other hand, I have been advised that lubricating them may just
> make them loose so I am not quite sure if I should be trying.
You can always remove the lubricant. You have nothing to lose.
> If I did try would sewing machine or shaver oil be OK?
Try a teensy-weensy drop of WD-40. WD-40 comes in a spray can, so you
sure DON't want to go squirting near the telescope. Squirt a bit into a
cap, then use a toothpick to apply a little to the screw. Let it sit for
a while for the WD-40 to penetrate.
Dave Kriege
In article <32B052...@kensun2.ukc.ac.uk>, Kathryn Hudson
<ka...@kensun2.ukc.ac.uk> wrote:
> Could anyone give me any advice on lubricating collimation screws?
> The secondary on my small Newtonian is badly out and I cannot get the
> screws to turn. I have a collimation device and instructions, also the
> telescope came with a small screwdriver for this purpose. I am afraid I
> may strip the screw heads if I really try to force them. On the other
> hand I have been advised that lubricating them may just make them loose
> so I am not quite sure if I should be trying.
> If I did try would sewing machine or shaver oil be OK?
> K. Hudson
Hi,
Lithium grease works very well. Try it. You can get it at Ace hardware.
BTW check out my web site at: