I put vaseline on my cable machine cables, huge improvement

[VTLifts]

I read in a few threads about users putting vaseline on their cables to improve smoothness & reduce friction. I just did this and can vouch for a huge improvement.

I have a body solid BFFT10R functional trainer that I got off craigslist as well as an old powerblocks lat pulldown / low-row tower.

The machines never pulled that smooth, but I never expected much since they were used, low-end equipment. However, it did make me reluctant to use cables as much as I wanted.

But i just put a thin layer of vaseline around the plastic pulleys and the cables themselves and it's like I have a new machine.

The pull and vertical adjustment for the handles are both incredibly smooth now. Actually a joy to use.

And as opposed to some messy grease / chemical spray, it was very easy to apply and it's just vaseline so not a big deal if I accidentally rub against it or get it on my clothes/equipment.

[BulkMore]

Im a big fan of vaseline...but not on cable machines.

[risingstarl96a1]

I use Vaseline to fap.

[keyboardworkout]

My gf likes the taste of coconut oil so I use it on everything.

[oldandintheway]

Use silicone. Vaseline is going to collect dirt and dust. Like a magnet

[daniel327]

I use Vaseline to fap.

You rub petroleum on your junk?

[Duplicitous]

It makes a great firestarter. I don't recommend using it for that purpose after fapping though.

[oldandintheway]

I use Vaseline to fap.

Until you hit the flashpoint

[BenMcLeodNZ]

3 in 1 oil is good too.

[ripper238]

Use silicone. Vaseline is going to collect dirt and dust. Like a magnet

100%, Vaseline going to be a mess long term.

Using Vaseline is just hiding the lack of real lubricant. ;-)

[VTLifts]

100%, Vaseline going to be a mess long term.

Using Vaseline is just hiding the lack of real lubricant. ;-)

Use silicone. Vaseline is going to collect dirt and dust. Like a magnet

Solid posts gents. Nothing like a good ole vaseline topic to get the creative juices flowing...

But I hadn't really thought about that issue of dirt buildup over time. So can you recommend a particular product? I used to have a silicone spray, but I can't imagine the mess trying to spray that over the 15-20 pulleys and cable lengths.

[radrd]

I bet this would work great:

https://.amazon.com/dp/B01M4FDQ41/?c...I30M0U4SOB663N

Though vaseline is a hell of a lot cheaper.

[kevin3636]

Solid posts gents. Nothing like a good ole vaseline topic to get the creative juices flowing...

But I hadn't really thought about that issue of dirt buildup over time. So can you recommend a particular product? I used to have a silicone spray, but I can't imagine the mess trying to spray that over the 15-20 pulleys and cable lengths.

Can you spray on a cloth and rub on the pulleys?

[Duplicitous]

Solid posts gents. Nothing like a good ole vaseline topic to get the creative juices flowing...

But I hadn't really thought about that issue of dirt buildup over time. So can you recommend a particular product? I used to have a silicone spray, but I can't imagine the mess trying to spray that over the 15-20 pulleys and cable lengths.

Can you spray on a cloth and rub on the pulleys?

^ This. I generally use type of silicone spray with PTFE (Teflon). Liquid Wrench makes one.

[VTLifts]

^ This. I generally use type of silicone spray with PTFE (Teflon). Liquid Wrench makes one.

How long have you done this? How long does the application last before you need to re-apply? Any negatives?

[BulkMore]

Funny how everyone is emulating bulkmore in this thread. Bout time you guys wake up. #woke

[bishdipbrah]

Huge slide improvement huh

Try the rectum, slike butta bebe

[Duplicitous]

How long have you done this? How long does the application last before you need to re-apply? Any negatives?

I've been doing it since I started piecing the home gym together about a year ago. I do it about once a month. No negatives.

[Greybird2]

I use Pledge. Slippery, no mess, repels dust. Don't laugh. Try it.

[ampire]

Some materials such as plastics don't respond well to petroleum based lubricants, which can cause premature wear and tear on the cable's exterior liner. Silicon and PTFE based lubricants would probably work better.

Also for those spouting sex references, petroleum jelly can cause latex condoms to fail, so be careful with that.


This site has various silicon and ptfe spray lubricants https://www.sportsmith.com/lubricants/category/820/1

https://www.hoistfitness.com/pages/hoist-maintenance

[VTLifts]

I've been doing it since I started piecing the home gym together about a year ago. I do it about once a month. No negatives.

I use Pledge. Slippery, no mess, repels dust. Don't laugh. Try it.

[QUOTE=ampire;1593326931]Some materials such as plastics don't respond well to petroleum based lubricants, which can cause premature wear and tear on the cable's exterior liner. Silicon and PTFE based lubricants would probably work better.

Also for those spouting sex references, petroleum jelly can cause latex condoms to fail, so be careful with that.


This site has various silicon and ptfe spray lubricants


Didn't know petroleum jelly could harm plastics. Anyone have any experience with petroleum jelly harming their cable machines? Or this like a 30-year issue when I really only care about a few years?

But perhaps I'll eventually remove what I put on and get some silicone spray just to be safe. However, I'm not going to apply monthly like Duplicitous. That's too much maintenance for me. Maybe twice a year.

[Duplicitous]

Didn't know petroleum jelly could harm plastics. Anyone have any experience with petroleum jelly harming their cable machines? Or this like a 30-year issue when I really only care about a few years?

But perhaps I'll eventually remove what I put on and get some silicone spray just to be safe. However, I'm not going to apply monthly like Duplicitous. That's too much maintenance for me. Maybe twice a year.

No one is pushing you to do anything. You posted, we answered. You may not like the answers, but it is what it is. Do whatever you'd like.

[AttyGuy]

Im a big fan of vaseline...but not on cable machines.

No doubt you are...

[AttyGuy]

Anyone have any experience with petroleum jelly harming their cable machines? Or this like a 30-year issue when I really only care about a few years?

But perhaps I'll eventually remove what I put on and get some silicone spray just to be safe. However, I'm not going to apply monthly like Duplicitous. That's too much maintenance for me. Maybe twice a year.

Silicone spray is the answer and it's what I used on Body-Solid equipment before I moved up to Legend Fitness. There really aren't many other acceptable answers out there. Vaseline is going to attract or accumulate particulates.

[ampire]

Petroleum jelly can cause breakdown of plastic due to the chemistry of plastic, and the cables are coated with a plastic liner and the pulleys are made of plastic. Furthermore, the grease will attract dust and grit which will cause friction and abrasion to the surfaces as they are operated which will also cause premature failure of the plastic liner and scoring of the plastic pulley. As far as a how long this will take, it is really hard to say but definitely sooner than 30 years, generally these parts need replacement eventually anyway after several years if used frequently. Its probably more likely to wear out sooner than it would otherwise, but I can't really guess how much sooner.

[gym62richard]

I've never felt the need to lubricate pulleys and cables, these days I have 3 cable machines from Cybex and Watson, all run very smoothly and the only maintenance the cables/pulleys receive it to wipe off any dust.

On guide rods and chrome tube sliding adjustment points I tend to use a PTFE based spray lubricant, but in the past I used silicone to good effect.

[smokinHawk]

[QUOTE=VTLifts;1593342321]

Some materials such as plastics don't respond well to petroleum based lubricants, which can cause premature wear and tear on the cable's exterior liner. Silicon and PTFE based lubricants would probably work better.

Also for those spouting sex references, petroleum jelly can cause latex condoms to fail, so be careful with that.


This site has various silicon and ptfe spray lubricants


Didn't know petroleum jelly could harm plastics. Anyone have any experience with petroleum jelly harming their cable machines? Or this like a 30-year issue when I really only care about a few years?

But perhaps I'll eventually remove what I put on and get some silicone spray just to be safe. However, I'm not going to apply monthly like Duplicitous. That's too much maintenance for me. Maybe twice a year.

There are no stories of petroleum jelly actually breaking down the coating on cables or wearing down pulleys. I've looked pretty extensively. Quite a few companies from the 80's had recommended lubricated with petroleum jelly and their pulleys and cables had lasted. also it is used to lubricate gears of plastic wheels in toy model trains and the break down takes a very long time.
The only downside is the dirt dust it will accumulate.

Just don't use loctite near plastic. That stuff will break down plastic fast.

[ripper238]

Solid posts gents. Nothing like a good ole vaseline topic to get the creative juices flowing...

But I hadn't really thought about that issue of dirt buildup over time. So can you recommend a particular product? I used to have a silicone spray, but I can't imagine the mess trying to spray that over the 15-20 pulleys and cable lengths.

Just straight silicone spray is recommended, you don't need much and they have the straw adapters for focused spray. But you are trying for a solution that there really isn't a true fix short of replacing cables and pulleys. Over time the Vaseline will gum up everything and its already on there so just use it sparingly. It should not harm the coating on the cables or pulleys since its natal, but it will gum up over time with all the dust it will collect.

[piratelifebad]

A cable machine should run smoothly without any lubrication. If it doesn't, you need to figure out and correct the issue. It's often things like misaligned or bent guide rods or plastic/nylon bushings could be too tight or dirty. Also, check each pulley to make sure the bearings are intact and operate smoothly. It should move smoothly with just the top plate and you shouldn't feel it catching or tension changing as it slides up and down.

Then you can use a a dry lubricant to make it even smoother. Otherwise, you're just dealing with the symptom instead of addressing the cause.

[VTLifts]

Never thought this post would trigger so many responses. But appreciate all the input and the lube jokes.

I think part of the problem is that I have a body solid BFF10 cable machine. This ain't no Cybex Bravo. This thing has 12 pulleys per side or 24 pulleys in the whole machine and then a section on each side where two cables link together.

Perhaps with enough tinkering and adjustment it would consistently pull smoothly, but I think it's much easier to throw on some silicone / vaseline.