When it comes to Pinewood Derby racing, every fraction of a second counts. Optimizing your car for speed involves numerous factors, and one crucial aspect is lubrication. Racers are constantly seeking the best way to reduce friction in their wheels, and questions often arise about unconventional lubricants. One such question is: is air tool oil good for pinewood derby cars?
To answer this, we need to delve into the world of pinewood derby car lubrication, explore different lubricant options, and understand why air tool oil might be considered, or not considered, an optimal choice. Let’s explore the insights from seasoned racers and lubrication experts to guide you in making the best decision for your derby car.
Understanding Pinewood Derby Car Lubrication
The primary goal of lubrication in pinewood derby cars is to minimize friction between the wheel bearings and the axle. Less friction translates directly to faster speeds. Pinewood derby cars, despite their small size, can reach impressive speeds for gravity-powered vehicles, making even the slightest friction reduction significant.
The original article highlights this pursuit of minimal friction, with racers experimenting with various substances to gain a competitive edge. The bearings in pinewood derby wheels, while seemingly simple, are critical components. They are typically open bearings, meaning they are not sealed, which makes them accessible for cleaning and lubrication.
Air Tool Oil for Pinewood Derby Cars: Exploring the Option
One of the experts in the original article, Craig Murray, directly suggests: “the best lubricant for yours, mine or anyone else’s soap box derby wheels is a good quality air tool oil.” This recommendation provides a starting point for our investigation.
Air tool oil is designed for pneumatic tools, which operate at high speeds and require consistent lubrication to reduce wear and tear. Its properties are geared towards:
- Low Viscosity: Air tool oil is typically lightweight, allowing for minimal resistance and free movement of parts. This low viscosity could be beneficial in reducing rolling resistance in pinewood derby wheels.
- Penetration: It’s designed to penetrate tight spaces within air tools, ensuring thorough lubrication. This could be advantageous for reaching the inner workings of pinewood derby bearings.
- Preventing Rust and Corrosion: Air tool oil often contains additives to protect metal parts from rust and corrosion, which is mentioned as a concern in the original article regarding bearing races.
However, the question remains whether these properties translate perfectly to the specific demands of pinewood derby cars. While air tool oil might offer low friction, we need to consider other factors and compare it to alternative lubricants.
Exploring Alternative Lubricants for Pinewood Derby Cars
The original discussion forum is rich with suggestions for pinewood derby and soap box derby car lubricants, showcasing the diverse approaches racers take. Let’s examine some of the prominent alternatives mentioned:
- Krytox: This high-tech lubricant is mentioned as a current choice by the original question asker. Krytox is known for its exceptional slipperiness and is used in demanding applications. It is likely a very effective, albeit potentially expensive, option.
Alt text: A bottle of Krytox lubricant, a high-performance oil often considered for pinewood derby cars due to its exceptional slipperiness.
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STP Oil Treatment: Jim Sivertsen suggests STP Oil Treatment, noting its success in heavy-duty applications. STP is a thicker oil, designed to provide robust lubrication and cling to surfaces. While potentially offering long-lasting lubrication, its higher viscosity might introduce more initial friction compared to lighter oils.
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Militec-1: Freeman Newton and Mike Harrigan advocate for Militec-1, a synthetic metal conditioner. Militec-1 is designed to reduce friction by treating the metal surfaces themselves. It’s suggested as a lubricant that doesn’t attract as much dirt and offers long-lasting performance.
Alt text: A portrait of Freeman Newton, an expert who recommended Militec-1 as a top lubricant for mechanical devices, including pinewood derby cars.
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Teflon (PTFE) products: Freeman Newton also mentions Teflon (PTFE) as a potential friction reducer. Teflon comes in various forms, including powders and sprays. Its low friction properties are well-known, and it could be considered as a dry lubricant option or in spray form for bearing lubrication.
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Sewing Machine Oil: Mark Madcharo suggests sewing machine oil as a “really light oil” after cleaning bearings with kerosene. Sewing machine oil is known for its very low viscosity and is designed for delicate mechanisms, making it potentially suitable for pinewood derby car bearings where minimal friction is desired.
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Castor Oil: Joe Luke mentions using castor oil in derby racing. Castor oil is a vegetable-based oil with good lubricating properties and a higher viscosity than lighter oils. It might offer a balance between lubrication and film strength.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid: Freeman Newton humorously recounts using automatic transmission fluid in a manual gearbox for racing. While not directly suggested for pinewood derby cars, it highlights the idea of using unconventional fluids to reduce friction, although ATF might be too viscous for optimal pinewood derby performance.
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Bicycle Lubes: Brooks Allen Mick suggests exploring high-tech bicycle lubes, which are designed to reduce friction and repel dirt. Bicycle-specific lubricants are often formulated for low friction and durability in bearing applications, making them a relevant category to consider for pinewood derby cars.
Expert Opinions and Practical Application
The variety of suggestions in the original article underscores that there isn’t one single “best” lubricant universally agreed upon. Different racers have found success with different approaches.
Craig Murray’s recommendation of air tool oil offers a practical and readily available option. His advice to thoroughly clean bearings with isopropyl alcohol before applying air tool oil and to avoid over-lubrication are crucial steps for any lubricant choice. Cleaning ensures that dirt and debris are removed, maximizing the effectiveness of the new lubricant. Avoiding over-lubrication is important because excess lubricant can actually increase drag.
Tommy Gullett’s suggestion of Harley Davidson synthetic Sportster transmission oil further emphasizes the idea of using low-viscosity synthetic oils. This reinforces the concept that lighter oils are generally favored for minimizing friction in pinewood derby applications.
Conclusion: Is Air Tool Oil a Good Choice?
So, is air tool oil good for pinewood derby cars? Based on expert opinion and the properties of air tool oil, the answer is yes, air tool oil can be a good lubricant for pinewood derby cars. Its low viscosity and lubricating properties align with the requirements for minimizing friction in wheel bearings.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that air tool oil is just one of many viable options. High-performance lubricants like Krytox, metal conditioners like Militec-1, and even lightweight oils like sewing machine oil are also strong contenders.
The “best” lubricant might ultimately depend on experimentation and personal preference. Factors like the specific type of bearings, track conditions, and even environmental factors could influence lubricant performance.
Key Takeaways:
- Air tool oil is a recommended lubricant for pinewood derby cars by an expert in the field.
- Its low viscosity and lubricating properties are beneficial for reducing friction.
- Cleaning bearings thoroughly before lubrication is crucial.
- Avoid over-lubrication, as it can increase drag.
- Consider alternative lubricants like Krytox, Militec-1, sewing machine oil, and bicycle lubes for comparison.
- Experimentation is encouraged to find the optimal lubricant for your specific car and racing conditions.
Ultimately, the quest for speed in pinewood derby racing is a journey of optimization. Choosing the right lubricant, whether it be air tool oil or another option, is a significant step in that journey. By understanding the principles of lubrication and exploring different options, you can enhance your car’s performance and strive for victory on race day.
