SD box puller question

[Raymond]

We have a couple of SD box door pullers on which the swivel feet are freezing in place. They can then be hammered or twisted loose again but do not work smoothly. They are not designed to be lubricated except by thin lube from the 1/2-13 screw on connector.

I am thinking of drilling a small hole from the top down to let some oil in.

Is anyone else having this problem and what have you done for it.

Thanks

[cledry]

I think a non liquid lube such as graphite might work better in this application. It can be applied in solution with lighter fluid.

[Raymond]

You are probably right.

The only way I can see to apply anything heavier is to unscrew the complete ball and foot and drill a hole through the center of the thread area down to the surface of the actual foot and under the ball. If I filled this area with thick, high-pressure moly and screwed the bolt back in, the pressure should force the grease out the hole in the tip of the ball and throughout the socket in the foot.

These replacement swivel feet are too expensive to be replacing often. Maybe one good application on a new foot will cause it to last a long time.

[dll932]

You might try a synthetic light grease like Compulube or Superlube. Won't harden or separate and gives more of a "cushion." I tend to like dry teflon or molybdenum disulphide spray for places where you don't want to attract dust.

[Raymond]

Just a final comment. I fixed up a couple of 'feet' as I described previously and filled them with moly grease. They are working very well. I now recommend this procedure as I know it works.

[2octops]

I just replace them as needed when they wear out, just like any other tool.