[Hassles]

having encountered TOO many long neglected saxophones with frozen rods and pivot screws I have often pondered what could be done to minimise the potential damage of neglect. I like to oil the threads of hinge rods with heavy oil while I have of late taken to applying a copper based anti-seize grease for pivot screws. I would like to seek a consensus of those here with what methods they employ to minimise the potential for long term neglect or simply what they use for pivot screws and hinge rods.

 

[1saxman]

Nothing on a sax is 'high pressure', 'high temperature' or 'high speed' so mainly what you're trying to do with lube is prevent corrosion and keep the action free-moving. I would favor the use of a light grease like 'Super Lube' rather than an anti-seize compound. I use it in two ways - as a grease when reassembling and as a liquid from the spray can into a needle-tip oiler without disassembly. The solvent in the liquid carries it through the tube, rapidly evaporates and leaves the grease behind. The other problem with lubes is having sulphur compounds that attack the brass. This is what causes the black sludge at the joints, and it is not seen with the Super Lube if the parts are clean of old lube before use. This lube also does not gum or harden and doesn't retard movement in cold weather.

 

[datsaxman]

Agreed that Anti-Seize seems a bit heavy handed. I work in a moto shop, and have a wide array of lubes and goop and such.
Like some Anti-Seize where it is appropriate. Probably not here though.

Stephen Howard gives an interesting take on this question in two articles. Original and an even more technical followup:

Oiling the Action

How to oil the action of a woodwind instrument.

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

Oiling the action - for geeks

The science of oiling the action

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

 

[saxoclese]

I get good results using Music Medic Ultimax pivot and roller lubricant on pivot screws. I haven't done so, but I imagine a dab could be applied to the threaded post a hinge rod screws into to prevent rust.

 

[Hassles]

What I have done is applied the grease into the ends of the hinge tubes and applied a a drop of oil onto the pivot screw thread just before it disappears into the post. I used this anti seize grease purely because it was what I had at hand. The Music Medic Ulimax and Super Lube I will look into and thank to all for your contributions. FWIW - the anti seize is copper based and as copper is a component of brass I'm thinkin' all will be well.

 

[Hassles]

Agreed that Anti-Seize seems a bit heavy handed. I work in a moto shop, and have a wide array of lubes and goop and such.
Like some Anti-Seize where it is appropriate. Probably not here though.

Stephen Howard gives an interesting take on this question in two articles. Original and an even more technical followup:

Oiling the Action

How to oil the action of a woodwind instrument.

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

Oiling the action - for geeks

The science of oiling the action

www.shwoodwind.co.uk

Thanks for those recommendations - yeah I have read them previously plus I have Stephen's manual. I have also used a product called Lanox to very goodm effect with tools etc and "may" trial this with an unimportant saxophone