# Graphite as Lube? **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [January 29, 2013, 4:36am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791 "2013-01-29T04:36:12Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MrSquirrel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mrsquirrel/32/1008_2.png) [@MrSquirrel](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MrSquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 4:36am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/1 "2013-01-29T04:36:12Z")
I have some old graphite from Pinewood Derby cars in Cub Scouts. It was used to make the wheels spin faster and more smoothly. Do you think I could use it as bearing lube? Also, is that what Dry Play lube is? Just graphite powder? ---
**Author:** ![yuki\_onitsura](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/yuki_onitsura/32/1162_2.png) [@yuki\_onitsura](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/yuki_onitsura)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 4:39am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/2 "2013-01-29T04:39:31Z")
Not sure what the terrapin dry play stuff is made of but I am curious to find out if graphite works. If you go ahead with it, do let us know how it goes. Yuki ---
**Author:** ![dynikus](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/dynikus/32/812_2.png) [@dynikus](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/dynikus)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 4:48am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/3 "2013-01-29T04:48:07Z")
graphite powder can be used to lubricate metal. So yes, it would work. to quote a store that sells graphite lubricant, " Enlarge Image Extra-fine dry graphite powder in a small (.21oz) tube for convenient lubricating of metal, wood or plastic. Excellent on lock mechanisms, firearms action parts (recoil, bolt & trigger mechanisms), fishing reels, skate boards, roller blade wheels, pinewood derby cars, bicycles, tools, hinges, etc." seeing as how skate boards, roller blades, and bikes use bearings (and I think fishing reels and derby cars too, but I’m not actually sure) you should be fine using it for a yoyo. Not sure if it will make it responsive though. ---
**Author:** ![jhb8426](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhb8426/32/631_2.png) [@jhb8426](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jhb8426)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 5:38am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/4 "2013-01-29T05:38:02Z")
I know people that tried it a few years back. It works. The primary affect is that it turns your string black. Basically it’s messy to use. ---
**Author:** ![fjh123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/fjh123/32/325_2.png) [@fjh123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/fjh123)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 6:24am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/5 "2013-01-29T06:24:21Z")
> [@MrSquirrel](#): > > I have some old graphite from Pinewood Derby cars in Cub Scouts. It was used to make the wheels spin faster and more smoothly. Do you think I could use it as bearing lube? Also, is that what Dry Play lube is? Just graphite powder? Graphite will work with bearings but it is not remotely close to what TX DryPlay is… ---
**Author:** ![Jimmyjamma21](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a9adbd/32.png) [@Jimmyjamma21](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Jimmyjamma21)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 7:44am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/6 "2013-01-29T07:44:08Z")
After you apply put the bearing on a dowel rod or something and spin it for a while and work it in really well before u play it. This will help significantly in the breakin process. ---
**Author:** ![kyo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/df705f/32.png) [@kyo](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/kyo)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 4:56pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/7 "2013-01-29T16:56:23Z")
graphite works, it isn’t all that great and it’s exceptionally messy… it tends to get on your yoyo, your string, your hands, and just about everything else. Kyle ---
**Author:** ![MrSquirrel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mrsquirrel/32/1008_2.png) [@MrSquirrel](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MrSquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 29, 2013, 11:15pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/8 "2013-01-29T23:15:07Z")
Thanks for the help guys! But now my question is, will it still be that messy if I put the shields back on? ---
**Author:** ![jhb8426](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhb8426/32/631_2.png) [@jhb8426](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jhb8426)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 12:06am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/9 "2013-01-30T00:06:50Z")
Yes, it will still be messy. It’s a very small particle that is difficult to contain. But don’t take our word for it. Try it. ---
**Author:** ![MrSquirrel](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mrsquirrel/32/1008_2.png) [@MrSquirrel](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/MrSquirrel)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 12:19am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/10 "2013-01-30T00:19:39Z")
Ok, I’ll try it on a Crucial Grooved bearing this weekend. And if I don’t like it, can I clean it like I normally would, using mineral spirits? ---
**Author:** ![jhb8426](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhb8426/32/631_2.png) [@jhb8426](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jhb8426)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 12:29am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/11 "2013-01-30T00:29:52Z")
Yes, clean the bearing like anything else. You may need to wash the whole yoyo w/soap & water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. That’s the best cleanup for graphite. ---
**Author:** ![Mr\_Yoyoguy](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mr_yoyoguy/32/922_2.png) [@Mr\_Yoyoguy](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Mr_Yoyoguy)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 12:30am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/12 "2013-01-30T00:30:29Z")
> [@jhb8426](#): > > Yes, clean the bearing like anything else. You may need to wash the whole yoyo w/soap & water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Make sure to strip it though. :wink: ---
**Author:** ![stickman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/stickman/32/72733_2.png) [@stickman](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/stickman)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 5:37am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/13 "2013-01-30T05:37:45Z")
I have tried both the Graphite, & the Terrapin Dry Lube. I was VERY pessimistic about the Terrapin Dry Lube, but I bought it and have found it to be awesome. I purchased some bulk “C” sized bearings and used the Terrapin Dry Lube and have had wonderful results. It’s pathetically simple to apply, and thus far have no complaints about it at all. For the $5.00 you will spend, it’s definitely worth trying. Nobody was more surprised than me. Just make sure you clean your bearing first with acetone, then apply a very small drop after the dry lube to loosen it up. It will make your day !!! ---
**Author:** ![supbreh1234](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/supbreh1234/32/1131_2.png) [@supbreh1234](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/supbreh1234)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 10:22pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/14 "2013-01-30T22:22:31Z")
I acually just rubbed a pencil in there and it worked fine! 😛 ---
**Author:** ![jhb8426](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jhb8426/32/631_2.png) [@jhb8426](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jhb8426)\ **Post date:** [January 30, 2013, 11:18pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/15 "2013-01-30T23:18:07Z")
Not the same as using true powdered graphite. Don’t believe me - try it. ---
**Author:** ![Schnayke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f14d63/32.png) [@Schnayke](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Schnayke)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 12:14am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/16 "2013-01-31T00:14:05Z")
When you use graphite there can be no liquid lube in the bearing or moisture either. make sure they are clean and dry first. ---
**Author:** ![fjh123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/fjh123/32/325_2.png) [@fjh123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/fjh123)\ **Post date:** [January 31, 2013, 2:01am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/17 "2013-01-31T02:01:14Z")
Terrapin X DryPlay is now available on YYE…Check it out… ---
**Author:** ![SaltySalvador](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/saltysalvador/32/1187_2.png) [@SaltySalvador](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/SaltySalvador)\ **Post date:** [February 1, 2013, 6:17am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/18 "2013-02-01T06:17:54Z")
> [@fjh123](#): > > Terrapin X DryPlay is now available on YYE…Check it out… I guess I should buy some graphite now. ---
**Author:** ![fjh123](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/fjh123/32/325_2.png) [@fjh123](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/fjh123)\ **Post date:** [February 2, 2013, 3:03am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/19 "2013-02-02T03:03:46Z")
> [@SaltySalvador](#): > > > [@fjh123](#): > > > > Terrapin X DryPlay is now available on YYE…Check it out… > > I guess I should buy some graphite now. TX DryPlay lube is not graphite… If you want to use graphite just use a pencil… ---
**Author:** ![mds888x](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/94ad74/32.png) [@mds888x](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/mds888x)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2013, 12:52pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791/20 "2013-02-25T12:52:41Z")
Graphite is good but not by itself i use griphite powder work it in for awhile then clean it out with electrical contact cleaner and it works great by i also use a substance known as dry molly which is much more like terrapin dry play [Next page](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/graphite-as-lube/48791.md?page=2)