Silicone dielectric compound for thread lubrication

[VanillahGorilla]

Ok, I searched around for suggestions regarding lubrication of the threads on an aluminum host. You know how it is, the end cap/switch feels gritty when you unscrew it. I know the end cap often has to ground to the rest of the host, so it seems to me the lubricant should be a good conductor. That made me think of silicone dielectric compound. Most folks call it "bulb grease", but it is used for many different applications (spark plug wires come to mind). Has anyone used this stuff? If so, how did it do? I want to avoid more mess and hassle than it is worth, so if anyone has another suggestion I'm game. I've seen folks say chapstick, Vaseline, etc, just seemed to me the dielectric compound might be better.

 

[Phased Array]

Ok, I searched around for suggestions regarding lubrication of the threads on an aluminum host. You know how it is, the end cap/switch feels gritty when you unscrew it. I know the end cap often has to ground to the rest of the host, so it seems to me the lubricant should be a good conductor. That made me think of silicone dielectric compound. Most folks call it "bulb grease", but it is used for many different applications (spark plug wires come to mind). Has anyone used this stuff? If so, how did it do? I want to avoid more mess and hassle than it is worth, so if anyone has another suggestion I'm game. I've seen folks say chapstick, Vaseline, etc, just seemed to me the dielectric compound might be better.

dielectric, insulating material or a very poor conductor of electric current. When dielectrics are placed in an electric field, practically no current flows in them because, unlike metals, they have no loosely bound, or free, electrons that may drift through the material. Instead, electric polarization occurs.

Use a conductive grease.

 

[APEX1]

I use conductive grease
http://www.w8ji.com/dielectric_grease_vs_conductive_grease.htm

 

[123splat]

clean the threads.... duh

 

[Lifetime17]

Hi,
You don't have to spend a lot of money for thread lube. Others here are correct Avery small amount of Vaseline on the the threads will smooth out the binding effect of aluminum.
Apply the Vaseline then wipe it off with a paper towel you will see the difference. And it will not harm your build it really works well you don't need much to achieve your goal.
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