Manifoil Mark IV is stiff to turn.. which lubricant to use?

[Toadstool23]

This 1984 MK IV manifoil has been taken apart entirely and cleaned back together its still seems stiff to dial..

On some parts (copper washers) there was some grease which I removed. Plenty of gunge and bits among it all..

I flattened the 'base washer' to reduce the pressure among the parts. This as suggested online elsewhere.. https://www.timwarriner.com/manifoil/page1.html

Back together again, there is equal or more resistance than before. I used a PTFE 'dry' spray lube this time.

The manifoil turning action feels like stirring a pot of Lego compared to the Chubb safe, which I expect is down to the greater complexity of the former with the presence of the two rollers in place specifically to increase noise. Its just a question of whether to strip/clean and re-lube with grease over what I seem to hear quite consistently which is dry PTFE.

Anyone with experieince of strip down and rebuild of these locks?

Thanks,




There was some grease

[MartinHewitt]

Do you have experience with the Manifoil and this one is much more stiff than the other Manifoils? Or do you know only the standard combination locks?

The Manifoil has a special friction ring in the dial ring to make the lock more stiff and making manipulation more difficult. If you do know only normal locks then I think this is what confuses you.

[Toadstool23]

Thanks Martin,
It is my only Manifoil experience, yes.

Wonder though what the ideal lubricant is though?

Perhaps there is a specialist out there?

Thanks

[MartinHewitt]

S&G has a mechanical safe lock guide, which is very interesting as it addresses servicing and the identification and handling of issues:

https://sargentandgreenleaf.com/knowled ... ock-guide/

It states:

Lubrication Points for the S&G R-6730-TOR

All parts should be wiped thoroughly clean before applying lubricant. Use a thin, almost invisible film of AeroShell 22 (preferred), Novagard Versilube G-322-L, or Dow Corning Gn Metal Paste for all lubrication points inside all S&G lock cases. Aeroshell 22 is the current factory lube.

Although not necessary, a thin film of lube may be applied to the inside of the Delrin dial ring bushing or the underside of the dial bearing.

NOTE: Heavy petroleum lubricants can cause swelling and distortion of Delrin or Celcon (plastic) components. Use only recommended lubricants (AeroShell, Versilube, and Gn Metal Paste).

I see the greases as an example in which direction to look. The lubrication points are a generally good idea to work with also on other locks.