The quest for speed in Pinewood Derby racing is relentless, with participants constantly seeking marginal gains that can shave precious milliseconds off their race times. Lubrication of the wheels and axles is a critical factor in minimizing friction and maximizing speed. Among the many lubricants discussed, air tool oil often surfaces as a potential candidate. But is air tool oil genuinely a good choice for Pinewood Derby cars? Let’s delve into the details, drawing upon expert advice and racer experiences to provide a comprehensive answer.
The Need for Speed: Understanding Pinewood Derby Car Lubrication
Pinewood Derby cars are gravity-powered miniature vehicles raced on an inclined track. The core objective is simple: build the fastest car. Friction is the enemy of speed, and the wheel-axle interface is a primary source of friction. Therefore, selecting the right lubricant is paramount to achieving optimal performance.
The original article highlights the importance of lubrication and explores various options, ranging from high-tech Krytox to conventional STP Oil Treatment. Racers are constantly experimenting to find the “secret sauce” that will give them an edge. The debate includes dry vs. wet lubricants, cleaning methods, and the types of oils that offer the lowest friction and longest-lasting performance.
Air Tool Oil for Pinewood Derby Cars: Is It a Viable Option?
Within the original forum discussion, Craig Murray from Tucson, Arizona, directly recommends air tool oil as a “good quality” lubricant for soap box derby wheels. He advises racers to first clean their bearings thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol and then lightly lubricate them with air tool oil before each race day. Crucially, he cautions against over-lubrication.
This recommendation positions air tool oil as a practical and effective solution. Air tool oil is designed to lubricate pneumatic tools, reducing friction and wear in high-speed, metal-on-metal applications. Its properties, such as low viscosity and lubricating capabilities, might make it suitable for the small bearings in Pinewood Derby car wheels.
Pros of using air tool oil:
- Designed for bearings: Air tool oil is specifically formulated for lubricating bearings and pneumatic tools, suggesting it can handle the demands of wheel bearings in derby cars.
- Reduces friction: Its primary function is to minimize friction, which is exactly what’s needed for faster Pinewood Derby cars.
- Readily available and affordable: Air tool oil is easily found in hardware stores and auto parts shops, and it is generally less expensive than specialized racing lubricants like Krytox.
- Ease of application: Being a liquid oil, it’s easy to apply a small amount to the bearings after cleaning.
Cons and Considerations:
- Not specifically designed for racing: While effective for pneumatic tools, it’s not explicitly formulated for the ultra-low friction requirements of competitive racing like Pinewood Derby. More specialized lubricants may offer even lower friction.
- Potential for over-lubrication: As Craig Murray mentioned, over-lubrication can be detrimental. Too much oil can actually increase drag and attract dirt, slowing the car down. Precise application is key.
- Longevity: The original article mentions races lasting around 30 seconds. Air tool oil may perform well for this duration, but its long-term performance compared to other lubricants in extended races or multiple runs might need consideration.
Exploring Alternative Lubricants for Pinewood Derby Cars
While air tool oil is presented as a viable option, the original discussion highlights a range of other lubricants that racers have experimented with, each with its own set of properties and potential benefits.
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Krytox: Mentioned by Ryan Harrigan, Krytox is a high-tech, synthetic lubricant known for its exceptional slipperiness and performance in extreme conditions. It is often considered a top-tier lubricant for Pinewood Derby cars by those seeking the absolute best, despite its higher cost.
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STP Oil Treatment: Jim Sivertsen suggests straight STP Oil Treatment, citing its effectiveness in severe conditions like deep drawing and swaging tubing. This suggests STP might offer robust, long-lasting lubrication, potentially beneficial for heavier loads or multiple runs.
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Militec-1: Recommended by Peter Wilbur and tested by Mike Harrigan’s group, Militec-1 is a synthetic metal conditioner that claims to reduce friction and wear, and also not attract as much dirt as conventional lubricants. This could be advantageous in maintaining consistent performance throughout a race day.
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Teflon (PTFE) products: Freeman Newton suggests Teflon (PTFE) for its low friction properties. Teflon-based powders or sprays could offer a dry lubrication approach, potentially minimizing dirt attraction and providing a different type of friction reduction.
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Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF): Freeman Newton also shares his experience using ATF in racing car gearboxes to reduce friction. While unconventional for wheel bearings, it highlights the principle of using low-viscosity, slippery fluids to minimize drag.
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Castor Oil: Joe Luke mentions using castor oil in derby racing. Castor oil is a vegetable-based oil known for its lubricating properties, particularly in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
The diversity of these suggestions underscores that there isn’t a single “magic bullet” lubricant. The best choice can depend on factors like budget, desired level of performance, and personal preference.
Cleaning and Lubrication Best Practices for Pinewood Derby Wheels
Regardless of the chosen lubricant, proper cleaning and application are crucial for maximizing performance. Several contributors in the original article emphasize the importance of cleaning bearings before lubrication.
- Cleaning Agents: Isopropyl alcohol and brake cleaner are both recommended for cleaning bearings. These solvents effectively remove old lubricants, dirt, and debris, ensuring a clean surface for the new lubricant to adhere to.
- Cleaning Procedure: Thoroughly cleaning the bearings is essential. This may involve flushing them with the cleaning agent until all visible dirt and grime are removed.
- Lubrication Application: “Lightly lubricate” and “only a drop per bearing” are recurring phrases, emphasizing that less is often more. Over-lubrication should be avoided. Tommy Gullett suggests “Boca Bearing Soak,” indicating specialized bearing lubricants and application techniques exist within the Pinewood Derby community.
- Storage: Tommy Gullett advises storing wheels standing up after lubrication to prevent the lubricant from leaking out. This is a practical tip to maintain consistent lubrication until race time.
Conclusion: Is Air Tool Oil a Good Lubricant?
Based on expert recommendations within the Pinewood Derby and Soap Box Derby community, air tool oil appears to be a good and practical lubricant choice for Pinewood Derby cars. It offers a balance of friction reduction, affordability, and ease of use. While it may not be the absolute top-tier, most specialized racing lubricant, it is a significant step up from running bearings dry and is likely to provide a noticeable performance improvement.
For racers seeking the ultimate edge, experimenting with more specialized lubricants like Krytox or Militec-1 might be worthwhile. However, for many Pinewood Derby participants, especially beginners or those looking for a cost-effective and readily available solution, air tool oil is a solid option.
The key takeaway is that lubrication is crucial, and air tool oil is a viable and recommended lubricant. Combined with proper cleaning and careful application, air tool oil can contribute to a faster Pinewood Derby car and a more competitive racing experience.
Ultimately, testing different lubricants, including air tool oil, and meticulously tracking performance is the best way to determine what works optimally for your specific car and racing conditions. Good luck, and may the best lubricant win!
