Which Bearings Are You Guys Running?

[rocklobster]

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

Astroglide?

[satan]

Expand Quote

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

[close]

Astroglide?

Well.. if you've got it sitting around, its better than nothing..
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that..

[rocklobster]

Expand Quote

Expand Quote

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

[close]

Astroglide?

[close]

Well.. if you've got it sitting around, its better than nothing..
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that..

Protip - Astroglide should not be used as a replacement for wax on a ledge

Real talk - Bones Super Reds, worth the price difference versus regular Reds?

[moonordie]

Expand Quote

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Expand Quote

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

[close]

Astroglide?

[close]

Well.. if you've got it sitting around, its better than nothing..
But.. if you've got it sitting around, you probably already knew that..

[close]

Protip - Astroglide should not be used as a replacement for wax on a ledge

Real talk - Bones Super Reds, worth the price difference versus regular Reds?

Nope, is not worth it. The only super red set I had lasted me nothing and during that time I was like "i really got this shit instead of reds?"

[jay_nev]

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

any amazon links to specific products? Got a few bearings I’d like to try to free up and get rolling again. I’d take off shield and use as you mentioned.

[Daggers4life]

Been running Bones Swiss. Don't think I''l ever run anything else again except for maybe Swiss 6 Ball.
I clean them every 2-3 months and run them without shields. I've had the same set for 3 years now and they are still going strong.

On a side note I am and older guy who mainly skates bowl and ramp 3-4 days a week.... So my bearing don't take any big impacts.

[alonelikeastone]

Swiss. Powell. No shields.

It’s the only way.

[Drucksache]

Industrial bearings from a German hardware store. 4 bearings for 2 bucks.

I bought them in an emergency type situation and boy was I surprised.

Cost/performance is through the roof.

Not as fast as other high-end bearings but equally good as the budged lines of bronson, spitfire, indy, etc.

[jay_nev]

I do want to try the Reds Big Balls

[Diocletian]

I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.

[tyshoes]

I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.

if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam

[Xen]

Are Swiss really that much better? I'm riding Super Reds right now and they seem pretty great. Every time I happen to need new bearings I'm broke but I'm debating splurging on some.

Yes.

[baustin]

I've had a set of G3's in for over a year that have miraculously lasted this entire time without any major failures, probably because most of my skating is low impact in parks nowadays but still I'm pretty impressed. I have a set of Reds Big Balls and some new F4's on ice that I'm really excited to set up because I've heard only good stuff about the Big Balls so far.

[satan]

Expand Quote

I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.

[close]

if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam

There are discontinued now? So no info on them at nhsfunfactory..
Iirc they were a step up from 7's and cost about $5 more.
7's have a black retainer and the races are silver, raw steel, they don't have that black oxide coating like the Blacks.
Edit. Spaced.. I think it's a phosphate coating cuz grayish..
These are the bearings that used Shell Morlina oil and got me thinking about industrial oils for bearing lube..

I had 7's but never ran them myself. They seemed good.. ended up giving a relative a complete..


Anyone tried Super Reds and used Speed Cream before you ran them?
Typically cheaper oils are used in cheaper bearings..
Better oil, more zing..

[satan]

Expand Quote

I'll say it again
A lot of you guys' bearing problems would go away if you used penetrating lube
It's cheap and easy
Spray can with a straw will get lube past the shields. Downside is it could also push in dirt
Penetrating lube will also displace water and help break up rust. That's great for puddles or humid environments
If you're worried about max speed vs dry bearings then look for a thin synthetic lube. There might be a couple options there but I'm not 100%
Gun CLP is another option. Basically the same stuff just for higher end usage, guns vs rusty bolts..

[close]

any amazon links to specific products? Got a few bearings I’d like to try to free up and get rolling again. I’d take off shield and use as you mentioned.

I was more looking at cheap/easy options so was only looking at mail ordering good stuff, $15-20 range..
I remember seeing Renewalube on Amazon. They have a couple good options, both thin and regular/standard thickness.
Scroll way down..

This is actually tough for me to whittle down into a short post. I could write an essay and was working on an outline to organize everything.

Cheap.. I'm thinking under $10. There's some $2 options, most stuff is in the $4-6 range.
And I'm talking spray cans, regular size is 11oz, small is 4oz.
Easy.. I'm feeling lazy. I want a cleaner/lube combo. On cheap bearings I wanna just spray thru the shields.
Deep clean is shields of, soak in lube, toothbrush, spin em, possibly repeat. Not disassembling bearings again unless they're Swiss. Rinse with WD40 and then a quick shot of lube.
You can use the same lube for everything above..
And I don't wanna mail order.. I'm think 30-40min round trip to get something local.
So Walmart.. Hardware stores, Ace, Home Depot, Lowes. Auto parts stores, Napa, Carquest, Autozone, Pepboys, etc..
Canadian Tire has some STRONG stuff with solvents that's probably banned in the US now..

*warning*
- I'm not super good at chemistry but I get the basics. None of this stuff will eat plastic.. I don't think they contain any harsh solvents. They use an oil and/or other petroleum product to clean out the gum/varnish left by other oils.. Some might have synthetic oil in the mix, or a hydrocracked "synthetic" oil.
For synthetics I think ester based would be best cuz it's polar and clings to steel. Also reduces friction. Sometimes listed on SDS as diester.. I think veggie oil is ester but I'm not sure.
- I say spray a lot when I really mean spray can or aerosol. Just saying it cuz if you google for spray you might find hand pump spray bottles. Those might work too if they don't have a mister spray pattern. I never tried them..
- I was wrong on sewing machine oil, it's just USP white mineral oil. Didn't realize sewing machines drank oil like they do..

Fuck me. This is turning into an essay..

https://blastercorp.com/blaster-corp-products/
I like the og PB B'laster but it's got strong fumes and I wouldn't use in indoors.
The Multi-Max might be a better lube but not clean as well. I haven't tried it yet.
Walmart has both. Seems like all auto parts and big hardware stores carry this brand now.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Super-Tech-Lubricant-8-oz/21618346
Super Tech lube from Walmart. $2 for the small can..
I think the new can is grey. Looked good on an old forum SDS, I gotta look up a newer one.
In the auto and hardware sections.


Gun stuff..
This might be a good choice for indoor use.
Anyone remember the old Consolidated bearing cleaner/lube in a spray can?
I think it was gun CLP. Cleaner, lubricant, protectant. Smelled nice.
Walmart has the stuff below. Some stuff was out of stock at places and oddly prices varied by location.

Break Free CLP gets good reviews and I'm definitely gonna try it
https://www.safariland.com/products/holsters-and-gear/cleaning-components/cleaners-and-solvents/gun-lubricants-and-protectants/clp-cleaner-lubricant-and-preservative-15337.html

https://www.brownells.com/gun-cleaning-chemicals/oils-lubricants/lubricant-protectant-oils/break-free-clp-prod1683.aspx
Walmart stuff was black like this

https://www.remington.com/shop/Oils%20&%20Lubricants/c/Oils%26Lubricants
Remington oil and spray. Oil is just oil but it's $2..
Spray can reads like it's a cleaner/lube but doesn't say dissolve or break up rust or anything. I don't think it's an all in one CLP.
Pro3 looks interesting but WM doesn't carry it. Gun or fishing, outdoorsy store..

https://www.hoppes.com/new-products/hoppe’s®-boresnake®-clp
They also had Hoppes but I didn't notice this CLP

https://birchwoodcasey.com/products?category=95
Don't have CLP but have cleaners, oil and grease


http://www.kanolabs.com/penLub.html
https://www.crcindustries.com/products/knock-er-loose-174-penetrating-solvent-13-wt-oz-03020.html
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/KW_401712 $5.50 for 9oz
Kroil by Kano Labs. Old car guys swear by this stuff, I've never tried it but they say it's better than PB Blaster. I'd like to try it but idk if I'd mail order it.
I think they got bought by CRC and CRC's Knock'er Loose is the same stuff. Available at Napa, if your local store doesn't stock it I think you can ship to store for free.

https://www.3inone.com/products/penetrant/
3in1 Fast-Acting Penetrant
Orange bottle. Might be super thin. Maybe. Like ISO 2!?!?!?
Drip bottle only, no spray. Haven't tried it yet.

https://www.wd40.com/products/penetrating-oil/
WD40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrant
I think it's easy to find at hardware stores. Doesn't seem super special but might be worth trying.


Auto part store brands..
https://www.royalpurple.com/product/maxfilm-synthetic-penetrating-lubricant/
https://www.royalpurple.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/2018_maxfilm_pds.pdf
https://www.pepboys.com/royal-purple-maxfilm-synthetic-penetrating-spray-lubricant/product/670531 $8, 4oz
RP Maxfilm. Synthetic. Idk if I'd call RP a boutique oil company but they make (blend?) good stuff. They used to sell this in 4oz cans. Seems like a pretty good lube, no crazy fumes, but haven't used it to clean/soak. I need to "race" some of this vs Speed Cream to see which is thinner. Listed viscosity is ISO 22, 7, or 5? I don't have any super thin oils for comparison..

https://www.liquidwrench.com/products/
Liquid Wrench. I think everything uses cerflon, a ceramic/teflon mix. Pro stuff looks good, synthetic blend, I'd probably try it before the WD40 above.

https://seafoamsales.com/product/deep-creep-penetrating-oil/
Sea Foam Deep Creep. Idk doesn't seem like anything special.

https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/automotive/oils-fluids-additives-chemicals/grease-gear-oils-lubricants/lubricants-penetrates.html
Oh Canada


Good stuff
http://renewablelube.com/store/penetrating-lubricants
http://renewablelube.com/products/penetrating-lubricants/ Safety data sheet has viscosity? Idr..
https://www.amazon.com/Renewable-Lubricants-Bio-Blast-Penetrant-Lubricant/dp/B00C3LZTG4/
I remember this company as Renewalube, RLI.. they will do custom oils..
It's veggie (soy?) and biodegradable. I think it's an ester. Seems like it'd be good for indoor use.
BPL is a standard thickness/viscosity, a thin ISO 15
Bio-Blast is super thin, ISO 5
Tacky stuff will be like grease..
Now this stuff I would mail order. I'm interested in the Bio-Blast. Stuff with moly seems nla?

If you wanna mail order here's more higher end stuff
https://www.super-lube.com/syncopen-synthetic-penetrant-2
It's Kosher!!
And super thin, ISO 3!!!

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/other-products/cleaners-and-protectants/mp-metal-protector/

LPS
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/tkx TKX, ISO 10? vanilla flavor
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/lst LST
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/lps-1 LPS 1, super thin
https://www.itwprobrands.com/product/b-88 KB-88, like water

https://www.maximausa.com/product/mppl/

https://www.schaefferoil.com/penetro.html

https://torcousa.com/collections/torco-service-products/products/pl-50


Ok. I'm done for now..

[tyshoes]

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I’ve been rolling with a random assortment of bones super reds, regular reds, big balls, and Swiss but they’re finally all toast after like a year, some less than that. I just swap out from a pile when individual ones go bad. I don’t use shields so the indoor park dust finally killed them I think. I’ll just grab some reds from the local soon and keep the shields on and see how it goes *shrugs*. Too lazy to clean bearings.

[close]

if you are willing to try something besides bones. These are prob the best bearings vs price value imo. I prefer to reds and they last a while for me. Same as the current 7s.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Independent-Genuine-Parts-Black-Skateboard-Bearings-msrp-25-00/273213425430?epid=1440199454&hash=item3f9cca0716:g:xA4AAOSw3pZa-fam

[close]

There are discontinued now? So no info on them at nhsfunfactory..
Iirc they were a step up from 7's and cost about $5 more.
7's have a black retainer and the races are silver, raw steel, they don't have that black oxide coating like the Blacks.
Edit. Spaced.. I think it's a phosphate coating cuz grayish..
These are the bearings that used Shell Morlina oil and got me thinking about industrial oils for bearing lube..

I had 7's but never ran them myself. They seemed good.. ended up giving a relative a complete..


Anyone tried Super Reds and used Speed Cream before you ran them?
Typically cheaper oils are used in cheaper bearings..
Better oil, more zing..

yes discontinued. Theyre the same as the 7 bearings in build, only the aesthetics are different. Smooth matte black finish and metal case is what I was told is the only difference. great deal.

Yes. Higher end oil in these as well.

[munchbox]

whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was

[Mesteezo]

whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was

White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube

[munchbox]

Expand Quote

whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was

[close]

White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube

yes exactly that. is wd40 good?

[satan]

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Expand Quote

whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was

[close]

White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube

[close]

yes exactly that. is wd40 good?

WD40 is good at removing water. Water Displacer, 40th try..
IIRC, if you look at the Euro SDS its mostly naphtha.
It's not a good lubricant, doesn't really break up rust, but it coats a surface well and keeps moisture away. Prevents rust and corrosion..
I think it's main early use was protecting missiles inside silos. Yeah, nukes..

The penetrating lubricants I listed would work vs water. Just gotta use them regularly.
Did you roll thru a puddle that day? Then do a quick spray and spin at the end of the day..
If it's just humid where you live try every week or two?
This is where I was going with "cheap and easy" but forgot to mention it..


I'm glad twanked said lithium grease.. I'm not so good with greases and would have said silicone grease. Both are waterproof but lithium seems like the better option cuz I sorta under its chemistry, just oil + thickener. You might be able to add a thin oil (Speed Cream, etc) to thin out this kind of grease.
Idk wtf is going on with silicone grease chem but I doubt you could mix a petroleum product into it.
Plumber's grease and some brake lubes are silicone..

Standard grease thickness is NGLI #2. NGLI 1.5, 1, 0, 00, and 000 are all progressively thinner, eventually getting soupy.
Dropping point is another thing to look at. There's the temp the grease turns to liquid. Ideally you want it being liquid at operating temps for max speed.

If you want grease + speed the thing to do is use less grease.
A lil dab inside the retainer and a quick wipe to cover the balls might be enough.
If you don't wanna fully disassemble then just wipe over the balls.
BALLZ!! BALLZ!! BALLZ!! Lol
Might need to push a lil into the grooves? Toothpick might work.
Wear gloves or you'll be washing your hands with dish soap..

http://catalog.ezo-usa.com/Asset/Lubrication.pdf
Info on lubes for 608 bearings
Grease amount (% fill) info at the bottom

[radcunt]

I've not regretted buying Bones Swiss or 6s in the years i've had them.  Do regret not buying them sooner.

[moonordie]

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whats a good grease/formula to "waterproof" bearings? i remember something being said about it, but i cant recall what it was

[close]

White lithium grease. You can get it at an auto part store for like $3 a tube

[close]

yes exactly that. is wd40 good?

No, is the worst thing you can do for your bearings. Sure at beginning felt they're awesome but with time they will be screwed in a non reversible way.

[texasplant]

Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.

[sadnocomply]

Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.

This was me buying Swiss 6 3 weeks ago for the first time, ran & threw down - rolled for hours with a smile on my face

[rocklobster]

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Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.

[close]

This was me buying Swiss 6 3 weeks ago for the first time, ran & threw down - rolled for hours with a smile on my face

Are you still rolling while typing this?

[Ghost Lurker]

Same set of Swiss with shields off going 3,4...maybe 5 years strong now.

Slight crud corrosion crust buildup on outer areas of bearing, but they still work pretty good.

I want to try Raw’s but I picked up a backup set of new Swiss with a gift card I got for Xmas.

Would try Raw’s if I got some for free, or at cost.

[Diocletian]

I’ve been doing the no shields for a couple years now, decided with the new Bones I installed yesterday I’m gonna keep them on and see if they last any longer. Man I hate new quiet bearings.

[artskool]

I don't know why anybody that isn't a penniless child would buy anything other than Swiss. Instant speed boost for $65. It somehow took me decades to realize this.

Expand Quote

Bought Swiss 6 for the first timer ever the other day. Never tried anything 'expensive' aside from Raws, and compared to them they are seriously so much better. First roll at the park really caught me off guard, almost too smooth. Never again will I buy anything else.

[close]

This was me buying Swiss 6 3 weeks ago for the first time, ran & threw down - rolled for hours with a smile on my face

[texasplant]

I’ve been doing the no shields for a couple years now, decided with the new Bones I installed yesterday I’m gonna keep them on and see if they last any longer. Man I hate new quiet bearings.

I’m trying so hard to keep the shields on my Swiss 6 but this is the first time I’ve had “nice” bearings. My board sounds dead though, it’s the worst

[ohnowisee]

Got Andales swiss in and I do not like them.  My andale pudwill's worked well so I figured swiss would be better and boy is my face red. Going back to reds.