What Lubricant for Home Gym?

muscle96ss · Mar 22, 2020

I have a piece of equipment my son bought used and rarely uses that is now going to get some use since it is all I have. Its one of those all in one thingys where you have the bench, lat pull down, etc.. I was checking it out yesterday and the weight stack is really stiff, it definitely needs some lubrication on the guide rods(not sure if that is the correct terminology). What is the best lubricant to use to loosen up the stack so it moves smoothly? Do I need to lubricate the cables as well and do I use the same lubricant? I was thinking WD-40 but I remember from years ago someone saying never to use that for weight equipment.

Reno911 · Mar 22, 2020

I just use a "pure silicone" one from ACE Hardware. I have used this kind for 18+ years and it seems to do the job on the guide rods. Just try not to overspray or get it on your hands as it's a little slick.

I have never lubricated the cable pulleys. One the guide rods on the stack and or between the stack plates if needed.

buck · Mar 22, 2020

WD-40 is not a lubricant. Even though lots of people use it that way. WD(water displacement)-40 can be used for things that have seized up. But as it leaves a microscopic tacky residue. It can make things worse the longer you use it. 40 years working in production got me irritated at the people that didn't know what they were doing and caused more work in the long run. I am sure any very light weight lubricant would do the job fine. Just don't over due it as then you have something that can collect dust and dirt which can be a bit abrasive and make things tacky. A silicon cloth or lightly oiled rag should work. A small drop of oil were the parts rotate and rub.

Rogue · Mar 22, 2020

WD, or any spray lubricant.

maldorf · Mar 22, 2020

I like using white lithium grease. Like Buck said, don't use WD 40.

Alzadosghost · Mar 22, 2020

Don’t use wd40. It is not a lubricant

lookslikesausage · Mar 22, 2020

I use something called Super Lube

johnjuanb1 · Mar 22, 2020

Any type of anal butt lube. Ask Little Slice.

Gunsmith · Mar 22, 2020

I use this shit on everything I need to keep moving , from tools to AR-15 BCG , bike chain. It stays through heat , water and everything else.

muscle96ss · Mar 22, 2020

Thanks guys!! Went to Ace Hardware a couple miles away and got some silicone spray. It made a big difference and is very slippery now, but there is still a lot of resistance. I sprayed the bolts on the pulleys too, but this is one of those cheapo pieces of shit my 15 y/o son got a couple of years ago used and probably was tight when it was new too. Unfortunately its all I got until shit opens back up other than dumbbells 15 lbs and lighter.