Lubricating filter threads?

[alet]

Hi all,

I have a circular polariser filter with a thread problem - sometimes it sticks slightly to my lens / step up ring when i take it off. (It always comes off eventually if i keep rotating the front part in the right direction.)

I am wondering whether a spot of wd40 might help my problem? Anybody have any advice?

I know the prudent approach would be to replace the filter but i have just started out so i would prefer to wait a bit and see what kind of lenses i might buy (and their filter sizes) before buying a new filter. I use it with a step up ring on my kit lens 99% of the time so the risk to my lenses are minimal.

 

[Vivid Art]

Running round the threads with a pencil sometimes helps as the graphite lubricates. Don't go mad with it though as you don't want black dust over all your gear.

 

[Cyclops]

WD 40 Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo

 

[brad131987]

Little tip I've used is use a washing up glove gives you loads of grip and should come off easily

 

[rjbell]

Yes use a pencil if that doesn't work then try a candle. Do not use wd40!

 

[AJQS]

Graphite - a nice soft pencil should do it

 

[CSB]

Forehead grease

 

[alet]

Thanks for all the helpful tips.

Just out of interest why is wd40 a no-no? (Sorry if this is a stupid question.)

 

[Cyclops]

Thanks for all the helpful tips.

Just out of interest why is wd40 a no-no? (Sorry if this is a stupid question.)

It will go all over your lenses front element also it will attract dirt and grit into the filter threads and exacerbate your problem. :nono:

 

[alet]

It will go all over your lenses front element also it will attract dirt and grit into the filter threads and exacerbate your problem. :nono:

Thank you! Good job I checked on here before doing that then

 

[HoppyUK]

Try a silicon based spray polish (good for sticky curtain rails too).

Obviously don't squirt it on. Spray some on a surface then then apply with something like a cotton bud. You only need a smear really. Then wipe off any excess with kitchen roll, which will leave a tiny amount in the threads.

 

[johnf3f]

Most mineral oil lubricants degrade most plastics - don't take the chance! A tiny amount of Graphite powder works well (similar to soft pencil) + it's dry so it doesn't hold grit. Oils can make a nice grinding paste if there is dust about.

 

[Dave *]

Spend a couple of £ on Amazon and buy some graphite powder lubricant (sold as a lock lubricant). Finer and purer than a pencil, and has the bonus you can protect all your locks as well .

 

[Surrey Sam]

It's easy to distort the filter shape by squeezing too hard, so using a rubber washing up glove to help grip for the 'twisting' action really works a treat for stuck/tight filters.

I have used a soft pencil (graphite) as a temporary measure to alleviate the problem but would prefer a longer term solution and have been told that using molybdenum disulphide would be a more appropriate and permanent solution.

 

[johnf3f]

It's easy to distort the filter shape by squeezing too hard, so using a rubber washing up glove to help grip for the 'twisting' action really works a treat for stuck/tight filters.

I have used a soft pencil (graphite) as a temporary measure to alleviate the problem but would prefer a longer term solution and have been told that using molybdenum disulphide would be a more appropriate and permanent solution.

Moly works well, but in my limited experience, is just as temporary as Graphite, also I was given a nice big tin of powdered Graphite so it's no contest!