Which lube?

[Ozwynn]

I have a modular motorcycle helmet I wear at work. The latching mechanism is getting stiff and feel is like it needs lube. It has a few tiny little plastic pieces in it and I’m wondering if I can use WD40 or will that eat the little plastic pieces…..

 

[Ranger850]

Try a small dab of white lithium grease. A little goes a long way and it will stay there for a long time.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

WD-40 is probably about the most versatile and least reactive thing on the market. It’s not really a great lubricant though, IMHO. It would probably work fine, but would probably need repeated on a regular basis.

FWIW, WD-40 stands for Water Displacement (formula) #40

 

[Bill]

WD-40 isn't intended to be a lubricant and it isn't safe to use on most plastic and rubber. Silicone grease is usually safe for plastic and rubber. Look for something like Sil-Glyde. Dialectric grease is a silicone grease, so you can use that if you have some around.

Sil-Glyde Silicone Lubricant

Sil-Glyde silicone grease lubricant protects rubber, metal & plastic from -20 °F to 400 °F. Won’t melt or wash away—ideal for automotive, home & industrial use.

www.agscompany.com

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7651351

Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Brake Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE)

Super Lube® Silicone Lubricating Brake Grease with Syncolon® (PTFE) is a NLGI Grade 2 compound designed for caliper and wheel cylinder assembly work as silicone is an excellent lubricant for rubber and plastics.

www.super-lube.com

 

[97RangerXLT]

A dab of silicon based lube

AJ

 

[Ranger850]

graphite powder works pretty good too, stays longer than you would think. easy enough to get, if you have a pencil laying around.