Do you lube your rod?

[Woody's Workshop]

First and farmost, no matter what your rod is made of, graphite powder will lube the rod, won't prevent rust, but won't let engine biproducts stick either. I never go less than 320 grit when cleaning, but thats me.
On the other side of things. His and hers KY seams to be a great new experience for what it's worth, why not a try? Not that I'm experienced myself, but the commercials have got it down. :handshake:

 

[edwinshap1]

to prevent rust...hmm? the motor thrust may get rid of the lube on a small area.

don't use anything that ignites easily

as for lubircation i'd suggest silicone spray. it dries into a very fine film but it's very very smooth

 

[plastic_gorilla]

so i only do the lpr, and recently earned my BAR wings.

With that I had to clean up some old equipment to fly - 20yrs in a basement do not a smooth launch rod make.

For the blast plate i used WD-40 just do to the fact that it basically will lift rust and then i wet sanded with it using steel wool. let is dry did a bit more - nice and clean. for the launch rod i have both an the 3/16 and 1/8". Just steel wool and about 5 minutes and it is smooth as glass.... however i think i need to replace the 1/8" rod it is bowed in the middle and i just can't seem to straighten it...

so I would go with just 000 or 0000 steel wool to clean after each launch day.

 

[WizardOfAZ]

After reading this entire post, I was surprised to see that nobody suggested KY.

Seriously though, I wonder if a glycerine based lubricant would be effective if thoroughly wiped off prior to launch. My first thought was gun oil. Personally, I haven't come far enough in rocketry to sweat things like friction or lugs affecting my rockets. I'd rather the dang things stay slower and lower to the ground so I can find them! :smile:

But let's face it men, if your rod is getting that rusty, then you need to be using it more!

 

[JStarStar]

You can get 1/8 stainless steel rod at Home Despot for a buck a foot or so. (3/8 and 1/4 not a lot more expensive). If I had an old launch rod all bent and twisty, I'd just pitch it.

 

[Solomoriah]

JStarStar, I doubt the Teflon wax lube I suggested would bind; further, those advocating car wax have apparently actually used it... which would indicate that it didn't bind for them, else they would not have suggested it.

 

[Highpowerrocketyahoo]

I use sandpaper to get the rust off (progressing from 220-800) the I use a good car wax (meguiars) and wax them. After the launch I'll use mequiars Quick Detail (a spray cleaner wax) and I haven't ever had them rust.

Cj

What are you talking about you always show up after we setup! Buahhhh

 

[Larry Curcio]

Steel wool scouring. Then Vaseline. Lip balm is convenient for the purpose and only slightly less effective.

I do this always - or I regret it.

-Larry (Of course, when I do it, others regret it) C.