How to lubricate Aluminum windows?

[Bob-tx]

We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum windows
were installed.

Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and hope,
that lubing them
will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I know
WD 40 is a no, and I
don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.

What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.

Bob-tx

[Han]

"Bob-tx" <Live Spam free> wrote in
news:4f6e2680$0$12392$bbae...@news.suddenlink.net:

I'd use graphite powder. Test it by using a pencil (a real pencil, and
then the writing part) on the parts that rub.

--
Best regards
Han
email address is invalid

[Bob F]

Just rub them with wax, a candle, for instance.

[Jon Danniken]

"Bob F" <bobn...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:jkl9p3$13i$1...@dont-email.me...

Second the wax suggestion; my ancient Sears aluminum ladder recommends
exactly that.

Jon

[Ed Pawlowski]

Wax or silicone spray

[Don Phillipson]

"Bob-tx" <Live Spam free> wrote in message
news:4f6e2680$0$12392$bbae...@news.suddenlink.net...

> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
> windows were installed. Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to
> open, I think, and hope, that lubing them > will fix that problem. I
> just don't know what kind of lube to use. I know WD 40 is a no, and I >
> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.

Exterior window mechanisms need to be cleaned of atmospheric deposits
and rust. This is why Pella Window Corp. recommends WD-40 for its
casement mechanisms.

--
Don Phillipson
Carlsbad Springs
(Ottawa, Canada)

[Paul Drahn]

On 3/24/2012 1:12 PM, Jon Danniken wrote:
> "Bob F"<bobn...@gmail.com> wrote in message
> news:jkl9p3$13i$1...@dont-email.me...
>> Bob-tx wrote:
>>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>>> windows were installed.
>>>
>>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think,
>>> and hope, that lubing them
>>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>>> know WD 40 is a no, and I

>>> don't want something that will be a dirt& dust magnet.

>>>
>>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>>
>>
>> Just rub them with wax, a candle, for instance.
>
> Second the wax suggestion; my ancient Sears aluminum ladder recommends
> exactly that.
>
> Jon
>
>

My vote, also. My wife cleaned all our windows last summer and I rubbed
paraffin in all the rubbing surfaces then slid the windows back and
forth several times. They still work perfectly a year later.

Paul

[Han]

"Don Phillipson" <e9...@SPAMBLOCK.ncf.ca> wrote in
news:jkla8h$mg2$1...@speranza.aioe.org:

No. It says in 4 different places:
CaUtion: Do not allow panels to soak in water. only use the cleaning
solutions listed above. never use scouring compounds, sandpaper,
gasoline, benzene, acetone, carbon tetrachloride, de-icing fluids,
mineral spirits, lacquer thinner, armor all®, Lysol®, Simple green®, wood
wash, MeK or other strong solvents, wD-40®, vegetable oil, lime-a-way®,
or highly alkaline or abrasive cleaning agents. Do not power-wash.
<http://www.pella.com/owners-manuals-and-warranties/owners-
manuals/woodownersmanu.pdf>

[Jim Yanik]

"Don Phillipson" <e9...@SPAMBLOCK.ncf.ca> wrote in
news:jkla8h$mg2$1...@speranza.aioe.org:

YUK. WD-40 gums up and does attract and hold dust and dirt.
it's mostly kerosene.

--
Jim Yanik
jyanik
at
localnet
dot com

[Tony Hwang]

Paul Drahn wrote:
> On 3/24/2012 1:12 PM, Jon Danniken wrote:
>> "Bob F"<bobn...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>> news:jkl9p3$13i$1...@dont-email.me...
>>> Bob-tx wrote:
>>>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>>>> windows were installed.
>>>>
>>>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think,
>>>> and hope, that lubing them
>>>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>>>> know WD 40 is a no, and I
>>>> don't want something that will be a dirt& dust magnet.
>>>>
>>>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Just rub them with wax, a candle, for instance.
>>
>> Second the wax suggestion; my ancient Sears aluminum ladder recommends
>> exactly that.
>>
>> Jon
>>
>>
> My vote, also. My wife cleaned all our windows last summer and I rubbed

Hi,
I used to do that with my camping trailer(5th wheel) Does not get messy.
It just works good.

[Stormin Mormon]

Young's Law of usenet: After Nazis have been
invoked and called forth from the spirit world,
someone is sure to mention WD-40. The debate
"is it a lubricant or water displacer" is not complete
until someone explains what the letters abbrev. for.
Points are earned by quoting usenet posters of old,
Aristotle, or your own personal experiences with
WD-40. Web pages abound, and are on topic for
the debate. Regardless of how worthy an argument
is, no one is allowed to change sides. The debate
must continue to eternity.

--
Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.
.

"Don Phillipson" <e9...@SPAMBLOCK.ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:jkla8h$mg2$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

[Stormin Mormon]

WD is not a lubricant, and it does attract dust.

I'd have said either silicone, or some teflon product.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"Don Phillipson" <e9...@SPAMBLOCK.ncf.ca> wrote in message
news:jkla8h$mg2$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

[Stormin Mormon]

Your ladder talks? Mine, too. Mine says "Put down the donut, fatso!"

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"Jon Danniken" <jonOHGODPLEAS...@SPAMMEyahoo.com> wrote in
message news:jkl9ro$lei$1...@speranza.aioe.org...

[Robert Macy]

The pros who installed ours use silicon spray lubes.

I don't like the mess, or residue, but does work.

[Ed Pawlowski]

On 24 Mar 2012 21:49:53 GMT, Han <nob...@nospam.not> wrote:



>>
>> Exterior window mechanisms need to be cleaned of atmospheric deposits
>> and rust. This is why Pella Window Corp. recommends WD-40 for its
>> casement mechanisms.
>
>No. It says in 4 different places:
>CaUtion: Do not allow panels to soak in water. only use the cleaning
>solutions listed above.

By mechanism he may mean the crank part, not the panels.

[HeyBub]

Hmm. WHY are they difficult to open? Several reasons come to mind:

1. The tracks and other parts that slide together are dirty.
2. The aluminum itself has become corroded.
3. The foundation of the house has shifted causing a warping of the tracks.

Lubrication is not the best answer for any of the three, although it may
help.

Try first a detailed cleaning, complete with a mildly acetic solution to
knock down any aluminum oxide buildup. Perhaps even steel wool on the really
rough areas.

[The Daring Dufas]

I once did commercial glass work, store fronts and automatic doors. I
worked with a lot of aluminum sliding parts and the best thing to lube
sliding aluminum parts with is saw wax. It can be obtained from most
good hardware suppliers and it will prove to be useful for many things.
One tube will last a typical homeowner for years. ^_^

http://preview.tinyurl.com/7a9jn5y

TDD

[Robert Macy]

On Mar 25, 6:25 am, The Daring Dufas <the-daring-du...@stinky.net>
wrote:

In AZ, the silicon spray lube lasts approx 6 months, before need to
reapply. Any idae how long for saw wax?

[DanG]

On 3/24/2012 2:54 PM, Bob-tx wrote:

Use soap. Wipe all touching, moving parts with bar soap. It does not
attract dust, etc.

--


___________________________________

Keep the whole world singing . . .
Dan G
remove the seven

[The Daring Dufas]

On 3/25/2012 8:39 AM, Robert Macy wrote:
> On Mar 25, 6:25 am, The Daring Dufas<the-daring-du...@stinky.net>
> wrote:
>> On 3/24/2012 2:54 PM, Bob-tx wrote:
>>
>>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>>> windows were installed.
>>
>>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and
>>> hope, that lubing them
>>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>>> know WD 40 is a no, and I

>>> don't want something that will be a dirt& dust magnet.

>>
>>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>
>>> Bob-tx
>>
>> I once did commercial glass work, store fronts and automatic doors. I
>> worked with a lot of aluminum sliding parts and the best thing to lube
>> sliding aluminum parts with is saw wax. It can be obtained from most
>> good hardware suppliers and it will prove to be useful for many things.
>> One tube will last a typical homeowner for years. ^_^
>>
>> http://preview.tinyurl.com/7a9jn5y
>>
>> TDD
>
> In AZ, the silicon spray lube lasts approx 6 months, before need to
> reapply. Any idae how long for saw wax?

Well, it's waterproof and doesn't wash away with plain water. A thin
film doesn't attract any more dust than any other lube I've used but
you can wipe the surface clean with a rag and reapply as needed. How
long it lasts really depends on use, I've never really considered how
long because anytime I'd service equipment, I'd clean and reapply the
saw wax to the needed parts. Oh yea, you should really learn the
difference between "silicon" and "silicone", sorry, I have to tease you
about that. I doubt you would want to bump into a woman equipped with
"silicon" implants. ^_^

TDD

[Robert Macy]

On Mar 25, 7:50 am, The Daring Dufas <the-daring-du...@stinky.net>

I know the difference, but sadly my keyboard doesn't! In defense,
it's getting old and seems to skip charactrs.

[k...@att.bizzzzzzzzzzzz]

On Sun, 25 Mar 2012 09:45:41 -0500, DanG <dgri...@cox.net> wrote:

>On 3/24/2012 2:54 PM, Bob-tx wrote:
>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>> windows were installed.
>>
>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and
>> hope, that lubing them
>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>> know WD 40 is a no, and I
>> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.
>>
>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>
>> Bob-tx
>
>Use soap. Wipe all touching, moving parts with bar soap. It does not
>attract dust, etc.

But will wash away at the first heavy dew.

[gregz]

"Stormin Mormon" <cayoung61***spam...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> Young's Law of usenet: After Nazis have been
> invoked and called forth from the spirit world,
> someone is sure to mention WD-40. The debate
> "is it a lubricant or water displacer" is not complete
> until someone explains what the letters abbrev. for.
> Points are earned by quoting usenet posters of old,
> Aristotle, or your own personal experiences with
> WD-40. Web pages abound, and are on topic for
> the debate. Regardless of how worthy an argument
> is, no one is allowed to change sides. The debate
> must continue to eternity.

It really does not lubricate much and does not displace water. It floats on
top of water.

Greg

[gregz]

I have never seen wd -40 gum up. I have seen it dry and leave a dry varnish
like protective film, but certainly is not intended for lubrication.

Greg

[gregz]

A better product, crc 2-26 , and safe on plastics.


Greg

[gregz]

Sliders?
I used to use some kind of stick. Looked like wax. How about a crayon.
I also used a spray oil with tfe in it. Solder seal product. Of course,
that always needs cleaning and redone.

Greg

[George]

On 3/25/2012 9:39 AM, Robert Macy wrote:
> On Mar 25, 6:25 am, The Daring Dufas<the-daring-du...@stinky.net>
> wrote:
>> On 3/24/2012 2:54 PM, Bob-tx wrote:
>>
>>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>>> windows were installed.
>>
>>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and
>>> hope, that lubing them
>>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>>> know WD 40 is a no, and I

>>> don't want something that will be a dirt& dust magnet.

>>
>>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>
>>> Bob-tx
>>
>> I once did commercial glass work, store fronts and automatic doors. I
>> worked with a lot of aluminum sliding parts and the best thing to lube
>> sliding aluminum parts with is saw wax. It can be obtained from most
>> good hardware suppliers and it will prove to be useful for many things.
>> One tube will last a typical homeowner for years. ^_^
>>
>> http://preview.tinyurl.com/7a9jn5y
>>
>> TDD
>
> In AZ, the silicon spray lube lasts approx 6 months, before need to
> reapply. Any idae how long for saw wax?

Silicone is the way to go but you need to use more. Best way to do that
is use silicone paste. It is commonly sold as dielectric grease or
"spark plug boot grease" in an auto parts store.

[The Daring Dufas]

Oooo, icky, that stuff gets all over everything it comes in contact
with. o_O

TDD

[The Daring Dufas]

On 3/25/2012 9:45 AM, DanG wrote:
> On 3/24/2012 2:54 PM, Bob-tx wrote:
>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>> windows were installed.
>>
>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and
>> hope, that lubing them
>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>> know WD 40 is a no, and I
>> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.
>>
>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>
>> Bob-tx
>
> Use soap. Wipe all touching, moving parts with bar soap. It does not
> attract dust, etc.
>

Don't you think that the chemical makeup of the soap could corrode the
aluminum? o_O

TDD

[The Daring Dufas]

On 3/25/2012 11:55 AM, gregz wrote:
> "Bob-tx"<Live Spam free> wrote:
>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum
>> windows were installed.
>>
>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and
>> hope, that lubing them
>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I
>> know WD 40 is a no, and I

>> don't want something that will be a dirt& dust magnet.

>>
>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>
>> Bob-tx
>
> Sliders?
> I used to use some kind of stick. Looked like wax. How about a crayon.
> I also used a spray oil with tfe in it. Solder seal product. Of course,
> that always needs cleaning and redone.
>
> Greg

That stick was probably "saw wax". o_O

http://preview.tinyurl.com/7a9jn5y

TDD

[Stormin Mormon]

I've seen dieelectric grease at Adavance Auto, cheaper than some other
places.

Christopher A. Young
Learn more about Jesus
www.lds.org
.

"George" <geo...@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:jknj6l$srk$1...@dont-email.me...

[Erik]

In article <4f6e2680$0$12392$bbae...@news.suddenlink.net>,

"Bob-tx" <Live Spam free> wrote:

> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum windows
> were installed.
>
> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and hope,
> that lubing them
> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I know
> WD 40 is a no, and I

> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.

>
> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>
> Bob-tx

I get good results lubing stuff like that with a light coat of wax.

Just ball up some wax paper and rub down all the sliding surfaces.

If you have a corrosion problem... you may be on your own.

The wax paper also works well on double hung wood windows, and other
large bearing surface area, light load applications that need to remain
clean. (Use common sense, good judgment far as getting splinters...)

Erik

[Jim Yanik]

gregz <ze...@comcast.net> wrote in
news:1573637720354340582.4...@news.eternal-september.o
rg:

WD-40 is mostly dewaxed kerosene,at least 60%.
varnish of that sort can be gummy,before it hardens.

[Robert Green]

"HeyBub" <hey...@NOSPAMgmail.com> wrote in message
news:3aWdnUN7CKkrmvLS...@earthlink.com...

Before the OP cleans off the evidence, he should look for spots that are
shinier than others. That would be a good indication of warping of the
frame and what areas need attention.

--
Bobby G.

[Robert Green]

"The Daring Dufas" <the-dari...@stinky.net> wrote in message
news:jknors$q3j$5...@dont-email.me...

I use the white votive candles that you get in the supermarket. So far, so
good. Things slide but don't get all gooed up like some spray lubricants
do. I use the same candles to rub on screws to make them easier to screw
in.

--
Bobby G.

[Robert Macy]

On Mar 25, 10:40 pm, "Robert Green" <robert_green1...@yah00.com>
wrote:
> "The Daring Dufas" <the-daring-du...@stinky.net> wrote in messagenews:jknors$q3j$5...@dont-email.me...

Great! thanks for the suggestion, got those candles around for power
outage emergencies. Should have remembered, wax on the old wooden
drawers. With all those metal channels forgot about wood on wood.

I used to use soap for wood screws, went in slick, over time STAYED
the soap dried and those screws stayed in.

[chaniarts]

lots of bar soaps have water in them, causing screws to rust unless
you've used stainless steels screws.

[Robert Macy]

a ha! nothing like a little corrosion to rough up the surface.

[zyhe...@gmail.com]

On Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 3:54:32 PM UTC-4, Bob-tx wrote:
> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum windows
> were installed.
>
> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and hope,
> that lubing them
> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I know
> WD 40 is a no, and I

> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.

>
> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>
> Bob-tx

How bout using soap?

[Bob F]

I use wax (paraffin, or candle was) for windows and door latches.

[Tony Hwang]

Soap for clening the track and rub it with candle stick.
Then open/close window few times.

[cl...@snyder.on.ca]

Or silicone lubricant

[Stormin Mormon]

Watch Uncle Monster reccomend saw wax. Hard to get
into cracks, but works nicely, would you say, UM?

I've had good results with spray silicone.

--
.
Christopher A. Young
learn more about Jesus
. www.lds.org
.
.

[Uncle Monster]

Silicone spray is very good for lubricating things especially if you need it to get deep into cracks but the spray can get all over everything around what you wish to lube. I prefer saw wax over soap for lubricating aluminum windows because it isn't water soluble, won't be washed away by rain and can't corrode the aluminum as soap might. I like saw wax for lubricating the sliding surfaces of drawers rather than soap because it doesn't react with moisture in the air, damage wood or wood finishes or corrode metal. Once you get a tube of saw wax you will find all sorts of uses for the stuff. ≖‿≖

[8~{} Uncle Wax Monster

[Muggles]

On 8/13/2015 6:55 AM, Uncle Monster wrote:
> On Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at 6:49:11 AM UTC-5, Stormin Mormon wrote:
>> On 8/11/2015 8:26 PM, zyhe...@gmail.com wrote:
>>> On Saturday, March 24, 2012 at 3:54:32 PM UTC-4, Bob-tx wrote:
>>>> We had our house built in 1996, so it is now 17 years old. Aluminum windows
>>>> were installed.
>>>>
>>>> Some windows that are seldom used are difficult to open, I think, and hope,
>>>> that lubing them
>>>> will fix that problem. I just don't know what kind of lube to use. I know
>>>> WD 40 is a no, and I
>>>> don't want something that will be a dirt & dust magnet.
>>>>
>>>> What do you guys suggest? Oh yeah, and thanks.
>>>>
>>>> Bob-tx
>>>
>>> How bout using soap?
>>>
>>
>> Watch Uncle Monster reccomend saw wax. Hard to get
>> into cracks, but works nicely, would you say, UM?
>>
>> I've had good results with spray silicone.
>> --
>> .
>
> Silicone spray is very good for lubricating things especially if you
> need it to get deep into cracks but the spray can get all over everything
> around what you wish to lube.

If I didn't read any further it'd sound like you're talking about
worshiping that porcelain god thing again. (╯°□°）╯

> I prefer saw wax over soap for lubricating
> aluminum windows because it isn't water soluble, won't be washed away by
> rain and can't corrode the aluminum as soap might.

whew! That clarifies things more. ⊂(◉‿◉)つ

> I like saw wax for
> lubricating the sliding surfaces of drawers rather than soap because it
> doesn't react with moisture in the air, damage wood or wood finishes or
> corrode metal. Once you get a tube of saw wax you will find all sorts of
> uses for the stuff. ≖‿≖
>
> [8~{} Uncle Wax Monster
>

--
Maggie

[Stormin Mormon]

On 8/13/2015 7:55 AM, Uncle Monster wrote:
>
> I prefer saw wax over soap for lubricating aluminum
windows because it isn't water soluble, won't be washed
away by rain and can't corrode the aluminum as soap
might. I like saw wax for lubricating the sliding
surfaces of drawers rather than soap because it
doesn't react with moisture in the air, damage
wood or wood finishes or corrode metal. Once you
get a tube of saw wax you will find all sorts of
uses for the stuff. ≖‿≖
>
> [8~{} Uncle Wax Monster
>

About the right size to carry in pocket for
lip balm?

[Uncle Monster]

On Thursday, August 13, 2015 at 2:00:56 PM UTC-5, Stormin Mormon wrote:
> On 8/13/2015 7:55 AM, Uncle Monster wrote:
> >
> > I prefer saw wax over soap for lubricating aluminum
> windows because it isn't water soluble, won't be washed
> away by rain and can't corrode the aluminum as soap
> might. I like saw wax for lubricating the sliding
> surfaces of drawers rather than soap because it
> doesn't react with moisture in the air, damage
> wood or wood finishes or corrode metal. Once you
> get a tube of saw wax you will find all sorts of
> uses for the stuff. ≖‿≖
> >
> > [8~{} Uncle Wax Monster
> >
>
> About the right size to carry in pocket for
> lip balm?
> --
> .

Yea, for monster lips. (˘ ³˘)

[8~{} Uncle Lip Monster

[Uncle Monster]

Some people have been known to eat a tube of saw wax to help things slide out more easily. (θ෴θ)

[8~{} Uncle Tube Monster

[Muggles]

ewwwwww

--
Maggie

[Stormin Mormon]

I was going to answer this, but I saw your
comment, and mine got cut off. And, that's
the (saw) tooth! Well, I don't want to go
round and round.