How do you lubricate your clamp threads if any?

[toolmiser]

This summer I've found numerous 6-8" name brand C clamps in surface rust condition but very repairable.  I use the regular methods to get rid of the rust, and usually paint the bodies.  My question is do you apply anything to the threads to make them turn nicer?  My college professor always said never use oil on woodworking equipment but use wax as it doesn't attract dust.  Since I've been out of college for 40 years, I thought maybe the thinking has changed?

Anyone have any thoughts?  I think oil will lubricate better, and it wouldn't be a big thing to remove a little dust once in a while.

Wax  will probably get the job done also.

I just don't like the feeling of the friction of the screw, and lots of times I don't have enough hands anyway.

[Katzrme]

3-in-1 oil. A few drops along the threads, screw the length of the threads both ways and you’re good to go. Been using it for 50+ years with no issues.

[Tapper]

3-in-1 oil. A few drops along the threads, screw the length of the threads both ways and you’re good to go. Been using it for 50+ years with no issues.

This ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

I also use WD40 in some applications, wipe off the excess and it works fine. I've found the "wax" procedure to be a "red herring." Sure if you slop on the oil and it's in the direct line of sawdust somehow, might be a problem. Otherwise, not an issue - common sense prevails.

Doug

[Gary G™]

Kano Dryphite Graphite Lubricant —great stuff.

[fredhargis]

I've been putting wax on with a toothbrush, seems to work fine.

[Bob Vaughan]

Years back I put Mobil 1 on some clamps.  It worked too well, particularly with clamps with a plated screw.  I tightened up the clamps and they unscrewed by themselves.  That last turn would unscrew about one turn.  Mobil 1 is good stuff, for sure, but not for clamps.  Since then, I've used no lubricants on clamps unless I was cleaning a rusty flea market buy and then only WD-40 since it really isn't a lubricant.  My favorite is to clean the treads with a fine wire wheel on my buffer.  That makes the biggest difference.

[5thumbs]

This summer I've found numerous 6-8" name brand C clamps in surface rust condition but very repairable.  I use the regular methods to get rid of the rust, and usually paint the bodies.  My question is do you apply anything to the threads to make them turn nicer?  My college professor always said never use oil on woodworking equipment but use wax as it doesn't attract dust.  Since I've been out of college for 40 years, I thought maybe the thinking has changed?

Anyone have any thoughts?  I think oil will lubricate better, and it wouldn't be a big thing to remove a little dust once in a while.

Wax  will probably get the job done also.

I just don't like the feeling of the friction of the screw, and lots of times I don't have enough hands anyway.

I gave about 20 lbs of beeswax, so I use that sparingly.

[kurt18947]

Another possibility for woodworking machine lube is DuPont Dry Film Teflon spray lubricant. It shouldn't attract dust but should reduce or eliminate friction. No silicone. I used it on a table saw and so far so good.

https://www.amazon.com/DuPont-Non-Stick-...233&sr=8-4

[fishhh4]

3-in-1 oil. A few drops along the threads, screw the length of the threads both ways and you’re good to go. Been using it for 50+ years with no issues.

+1