If you simply must use Vaseline, be sure it is confined to a gearbox. So long as it only contacts metal, it's safe (albeit far from the best lubricant available). It will destroy anything made of rubber, neoprene, or silicone, and is not good for some plastics. I am an underwater photographer and one of the first things you learn about diving and underwater photography is that Vaseline is not to be used anywhere near any kind of underwater equipment because it will eat away the seals. It is tempting for some lazy divers to use Vaseline on seals rather than the correct silicone grease. Some divers learn the hard way when they put it on their mustache to seal their mask and it chews up the mask. The consequences of using the wrong lubricant in diving are considerably greater than with toy trains.
Originally Posted by TheGandyDancer:
Originally Posted by Rice Burner:
Can vasoline be used safely as a gear lubricant?
Thanks,
John
Absolutely. Gilbert recommended it in their owners manuals for their worm drive locos. I've use it for gear lube for decades and never had any issues with it attacking paints or plastics. I often wonder where these damage story's get started. Lionel used Lithium Grease and now THAT caked and got hard!!
Gandy
