Seals and Ball Bearings
- , by Trudy Chuoke Trudy Chuoke
I get so many customers that come into my store and want a lubricant. Almost always they ask for WD40. I understand this because WD40 is advertised as a lubricant, and it might lubricate things, but is it the best? Not really.
There is a superior lubricant called Tri Flow. Why is it better? Tri Flow is a dry lubricant that is made for dry and dusty conditions. Tri Flow goes on as an oil but dries to a wax like finish that does not attract dust. Because it doesn’t attract dust, it will keep a part moving instead of gumming up and causing problems. Tri Flow is good for anything that moves. Use it in locks, hinges, sliding glass door rails, mirror doors, bicycle parts, garage door rails and so much more. It’s like liquid ball bearing in a spray can.
I like to protect my tools using Tri flow. Any moving parts on adjustable wrenches, pliers, and nippers all move better with Tri Flow. Your outdoor lawn tools will move better with Tri Flow. Just wiping them down with a rag saturated with Tri Flow will keep your tools from rusting. Next time you’re in your hardware store and you are looking for a spray lubricant…. move down the aisle and look for Tri Flow.
Now to some great questions….
Question: I have grout in my kitchen that used to be light colored but now, with all the foot traffic, the grout looks dark and dirty. Underneath the cabinets next to the toe kick the grout is still this light color that looked so good with my tile. I have tried all kinds of cleaners, but nothing seems to bring it back to the original color. Do you have anything you can suggest?
Answer: I would definitely use Stone Tech Deep Klenz. It’s the deepest cleaning grout cleaner that I have ever seen. It’s easy to use – and will go quickly if you use the right tool to clean with. Spray the Deep Klenz on the grout, then take a wallpaper brush (the 12” size”) and then start scrubbing the grout, rinse and move to the next area. I like using the wallpaper brush because you can clean up to 3 ft at a time, instead of using a small toothbrush. Once all the grout is clean, then use a sealer to protect the grout from ground in dirt. Stone Tech makes Bullet Proof Sealer and that’s what I would use.
Question: I have a porcelain tub that is 40 years old and looks like it. All the porcelain is still intact, but the tub looks so dull. I went shopping for new tubs and they look beautiful. Well, I had a plumber come over and give me a quote on replacing the tub, and I was shocked. So, I am wondering what your opinions on a resurfaced tub are.
Answer: I have seen resurfaced tubs, and they look good- however I wonder about the longevity of the process. Can we try one thing before you pull the trigger on the resurfacing? Try cleaning the tub with Delete Germ. My guess is what is making you tub look dull is a hard water build up on the surface of the tub. Apply Delete Germ and immediately start cleaning, scrubbing with a Scotch Brite green scrubby sponge (wear gloves). Once you clean rinse immediately with clear water. You can also use the method on the ceramic tile surround. The most important part of using Delete Germ is to clean quickly, and rinse thoroughly. This is a great project, call if you have questions.
Question: I have cleaned my glass shower doors so many times only to have them get cloudy again with hard water within three weeks. I like using Delete Germ to clean the doors and it does a great job. My friend said to use wax on the doors to keep them clean. Does that sound like a good idea?
Answer: I think a better answer would be to use Invisible Shield Glass Protectant. After you clean the doors with Delete Germ, then apply the glass protectant. Apply two coats with a soft rag. It smells like rubbing alcohol. Then when you clean your shower, apply Invisible Shield Glass Cleaner. It will reinforce the glass protectant. You should be able to keep the doors clear and clean for almost a year.