Oiling tuners

[Cary Fagan]

The tuners on my F5 have gotten quite stiff. I think they need oiling. Any advice as to the type of oil, etc?

[John Flynn]

I like Tri-flow. No smell and it's made for dusty environments, so it resists attracting grit. Also, it goes on as a liquid, but then dries to a wax-like coating, so no mess. If your hardware store doesn't have it, it is a standard at bike shops.

[Gail Hester]

I agree, Tri-flow. I didn't know about it until Paul Hostetter recommended it here on these pages a few years ago. Great stuff for instrument tuning machines.

http://www.triflowlubricants.com/Tri-Flow_Superior_Dry_Lubricant.html

[Bill Halsey]

Me too.

[Paul Hostetter]

I would add that it's not necessarily a lack of lubrication. There are several things can account for stiffness, one of which is polymerized oil that's performing more like a glue than as a lubricant (which is why I don't use oil, ever). Another would be the cog screws being too tight. I line out my perspective on these and some other things on a page here (http://www.lutherie.net/tuner.maintenance.html).

[jonkka]

You can also try graphite. Draw on the sticky tuner with a pencil. That lays graphite exactly where you want it. Quick, easy fix.

[Bruce Clausen]

Glad to see that page of yours on tuner maintenance-- thanks, Paul.

I used to have an 1820s guitar with its original Baker machine heads, and with a little attention they worked perfectly. (The ivory keys were a hassle when I sold the guitar though.)

BC