Our graphite speed tests have shown a . 544 second increase in car speed just by applying graphite to the axles. This is why graphite has been used to lubricate pinewood derby axles since the very first races in the 1950’s.
What does graphite lube do?
It creates a quick drying film that provides long-lasting lubrication. It’s recommended as a general maintenance lubricant on gaskets, transfer belts and conveyor belts. Also for use for high temperature, low load, locks, rollers, wheels, gears, chains and hoists.
What makes a pinewood derby car go faster?
High-carbon graphite is used to lubricate the wheels of a Pinewood Derby car for increased speed and performance.
What is the best graphite for pinewood derby?
Pinewood Pro’s dry powdered PRO Graphite is a special blend of ultra-fine natural graphite with sub-micron molybdenum disulfide (also known as “moly”) additive to give you the best graphite blend to minimize friction and make your car the fastest it can be.
Does graphite help pinewood derby car?
Our graphite speed tests have shown a . 544 second increase in car speed just by applying graphite to the axles. This is why graphite has been used to lubricate pinewood derby axles since the very first races in the 1950’s. The problem with powdered graphite is that it doesn’t stick to metal.
Is graphite good for car ignition?
Graphite lube is a great trick to unstick ignitions and door locks. Sometimes, when the steering wheel locks, you will have a hard time turning the key. In the heat of the moment frustrations take over and we can get a little rough turning the key and damage can occur.
Is graphite better than oil?
The greatest benefit to using graphite (rather than oil) is that the graphite leaves no sticky residue that may later attract dust. This is because the lubricating properties of graphite lie in its weak covalent bonds that allow the layers of graphite to “slide” on top of one another with very little resistance.
Is graphite the best lubricant?
The lubricating properties of graphite exist in the weak covalent bonds that make the graphite layers slide on top of each other with minimal resistance. These weak bonds between the carbon atoms make graphite the best lubricant in applications where longevity and wear resistance are essential.
Does graphite feel greasy?
Graphite is extremely soft and breaks into thin flexible flakes that easily slide over one another, resulting in a greasy feel. Due to this, graphite is a good “dry” lubricant and can be used in applications where wet lubricants (like lubricating oil) cannot.
Is it better to have more weight in front or back of pinewood derby?
PUT MOST OF THE WEIGHT IN THE BACK
Science says the heaviest part of your car should be about 1 inch in front of the rear axle. The idea is that the farther back the weight is, the more potential energy you have because your center of mass is higher up on the track.
Should I bake my pinewood derby block?
Should I bake the pinewood derby block? The short answer is no, do not bake the block. The idea behind baking the block is to remove moisture which will make the block lighter. You can then add more weight to the back of the car.
What is the fastest pinewood derby Shape?
But aerodynamics rule the day, and the best shape is a simple wedge. Just like a spoiler on the rear of a sports car, the wedge shape allows as much air to flow over the top of the car without hinderance while keeping the car pinned to the track.
Is graphite good for bearings?
Graphite does lack the durability needed for bearings, but alloying it with a metal such as copper, Babbitt, bronze, or nickel improves its strength and durability.
Does graphite help motor oil?
“Graphite increases the ability of engines to run successfully, even if they’re running slightly low on oil,” he says. One application of Krex Graphite Engine Lubricant® protects a vehicle for six months or 5,000 miles. In a typical vehicle, oil drips down into the pan after you turn the engine off.
Can you put graphite in bearings?
By using carbon graphite instead of traditional lubricated bearings, drag-out conveyor manufacturers are able to provide a much less maintenance-intensive unit that results in huge cost savings. Wastewater pumps often require fairly heavy-duty bearings that are able to run directly submerged in water.
Will graphite reduce friction?
The lamellar structure of graphite makes it ideal to reduce friction. In the friction process, solid graphite lubricant can be transferred onto the surface of the counterpart to prevent the direct contact between the metals and the occurrence of adhesion and scuffing.
What is the best angle for a pinewood derby car?
Some of the derby dads that I’ve talked to say that 1/2 to 1 degree is the way to go, just enough to get the wheels to gravitate out. I know lots of people hold 3 degrees as kind of a standard.
Can you put graphite in a lock?
Powdered graphite is the traditional material for lubricating pin tumbler locks. You can even buy powdered graphite that comes in a little tube with a thin nozzle specially designed for squirting the graphite powder into the keyway.
Can I mix graphite with oil?
Don’t mix graphite and Oil. They do not work well together and will make the car slower.
What can I use instead of graphite spray?
A pencil works great for door lock lubricant in a pinch!
Simply rub the teeth of the key with a sharp pencil until the surface is covered with graphite.
Can you use graphite after WD40?
Simple answer: don’t worry, there isn’t any adverse reaction between the two.