Scope lubricants?…

[WrongPlace&Time]

The zoom on my scope is really tight. It doesn’t help that it’s a compact scope and has minimal grip room.
Is there anything safe and easy to use that won’t ‘clag up’?….

 

[Steve636]

Silicone grease on the o-ring but how you get it there?

Could try putting a throw lever on (coaster)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breakaway-Tackle-Development-Co-Ltd/dp/B006SIBGL0/ref=sr_1_1?crid=8W56DW6W86J4&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.KqHwbAv5FBe1KG9ViwKpLvr_aYjSNgd6o0Ijrr2z4Ais9Li6iKkD4eaHsxxST0TfOKTqG36A0dgTmz2iqIG26xEDoLOeRStIJLyGTOIetYsgtwdSwT7di0OJUM0p0ura1aPUlHb3bX7K8CRZ-HsCY1avdg1sAu8bOPiYi667ITqWTai9ofKy6rjJlVjhdVvH4BgiReaueBVFJAPs4YBcixK52xo_r8dm_rBZWOpy75AVLxwwRNl5VeJcCFRWnm6Wvp4RgDsYr4XXUPUZ2tFcj-l2g2TfPEcCM5NB66wOiL8.3W8_QQ6zLMB4oamdeURnrTLUO786oxFDtRUAzG2vVEY&dib_tag=se&keywords=fishing+coaster&qid=1778623344&sprefix=fishing+coaster%2Caps%2C120&sr=8-1

 

[That hurts]

The zoom on my scope is really tight. It doesn’t help that it’s a compact scope and has minimal grip room.
Is there anything safe and easy to use that won’t ‘clag up’?….

Coaster as above ... what scope is it ?

 

[pjgtech]

As above, coaster, also is it new? as often they are a bit tight when new, but just give it a few rotations and you may find it loosens up a bit. Bear in mind you don't want it too loose, otherwise it could move or be knocked too easily. Cheers

 

[Philthunder]

Silicone oil PTFE spray should help.

 

[WrongPlace&Time]

Coaster as above ... what scope is it ?

Discovery Optics VT-3 3-12 x 44
It’s not new but is in pristine condition. It’s been sat around a good while recon…
I read that silicon lubes can bloat certain silicone orings(?) and that PTFE is the best option.

 

[davehw100]

Discovery Optics VT-3 3-12 x 44
It’s not new but is in pristine condition. It’s been sat around a good while recon…
I read that silicon lubes can bloat certain silicone orings(?) and that PTFE is the best option.

iv used silicone lube before on a couple of scopes, it one i use at work on coffee machine seals, not sure if it makes a difference but its food safe lube

 

[That hurts]

Discovery Optics VT-3 3-12 x 44
It’s not new but is in pristine condition. It’s been sat around a good while recon…
I read that silicon lubes can bloat certain silicone orings(?) and that PTFE is the best option.

A very light machine oil may free it off a little, but more likely it just needs using. A coaster will certainly make things easier, but I wonder whether any of the throw levers on offer at OW would fit ... CLICK HERE

AND HERE

 

[Diddy71]

And if everything else fails…………

 

[Andy from Sandy]

A very light machine oil may free it off a little

If it's petroleum based and any rubber isn't then it will over time make things worse, IMO.

A long time ago British Telecom used Vaseline to aid putting on rubber ferrules only to see them perish. Banana oil was what contractors used at the time.

The problem with some lubricants is how they thicken in the cold and make things even worse.

 

[That hurts]

If it's petroleum based and any rubber isn't then it will over time make things worse, IMO.

A long time ago British Telecom used Vaseline to aid putting on rubber ferrules only to see them perish. Banana oil was what contractors used at the time.

The problem with some lubricants is how they thicken in the cold and make things even worse.

Should of said mineral oil ... type used on sewing machines

 

[Averageplinker]

I would try gently moving it back and forth a bit and it may ease.
If you go the coaster route don't tighten it up as hard as possible as you might damage the scope. Tighten just enough to grip the ring to allow adjustment.

 

[Martin T]

They usually get easier after a bit if gentle persuasion. If you do decide to try lubricant, just use a really tiny amount.

 

[OldStock]

I'll echo the "give it some use" before resorting to lubricants. I tend to work them back and forth until it has a little warmth in the mechanism and the existing material flows, and settles more evenly.

Just don't do that with your back to a window.