can i use petroleum jelly to lubricate an electric gate chain?

Question

or do i have to buy a special type of jelly substance to lubricate the chain

Answer 1

I would think petroleum jelly might work in an emergency, but I wouldn't use it as a permanent lubricant. The chemical properties in this just aren't intended to be used as a lubricant. Not to mention the contaminents and foreign particles like sand, dirt etc that would collect.
I would recommend some type of heavy-duty grease sealant like that used to pack ball-bearings etc. The properties of such a grease wouldn't break down too easily, and the contaminents would be contained on the outside part of the grease.
A lubricant such as WD-40 would probably dry out fairly quickly if used on an exterior gate, as would any other light oil.

good luck

Answer 2

If you are in an area that gets a lot of wet weather, you might want to go for a marine grade grease....

Oil and grease will tend to accumulate dirt. Both can be cleaned periodically with brake, or carb cleaner, from the auto parts store. WD-40 is an excellent all around oil to keep on hand, and would work well in this case, in most places.

The dry lubricants would be ideal for this application too... a silicone spray, or a product called Drycote, or TopCote (actually made for steel table saw surfaces, and blades and bits, where you do NOT want oil, hehehe) Drycote and TopCote are made by the same company, and can be found at most wood tool supply companies, like Rockler. (Link below. They have another brand of this type of lubricant too) Ive used a lot of the Dry and Topcote product over the years in professional woodworking, and have been very happy with the results.

WD-40 is probably the least expensive way to go. Just keep an eye on your chain, and clean it every so often.

Good Luck

Answer 3

You can but sand and dirt will stick to it readily and start deteriorating your chain. I would be inclined to use a dry lubricant like silicon spray or graphite spray which dries quickly but still provides lubrication.

Answer 4

You could, but it might be to thick. You could get some oil that you would use on a bike or get some 3/1 oil. This is used for small applications and appliances.

Answer 5

Yes you can!

Also WD40 or silicone spray.

Whoever installed the gate for you will probably recommend whatever they use, but in a pinch, you can certainly use petroleum jelly.

Answer 6

I would use WD40. Or there are certains types of lube/grease that can be used that you can get at Home Depot!

Answer 7

I'm sure it would do the job but why not just use WD40?