Thinking that the o-ring was probably silicone anyway, I lubed the spindle of a top-leaking water tap with common petroleum grease, as that was the thickest I had and I didn't have a proper replacement o-ring on hand. The effect was that in a few days the o-ring swelled (natural rubber, evidently) and the leak stopped, but I don't expect it to last.
Oh no! I just bought some of that nextorch stuff from DX before this thread started... and all of my flashlights have non-anodized threads! :O
Ole WD40 isn't as flammable as it used to be. It used to be a good starting fluid for small engines and propellant for potato guns until they changed the formula.
Still isn't a good lube (beyond short term) since it evaporates so quick.
okay so summing up most of the stuff , its up to me,what to use?
does anybody have some experience with stuff from any of the HK based sellers? with link? (except the silicone stuff that people think is no good).. is there anything that Everybody likes?
This is my observation with my small collection of lights. Silicon grease works well generally for anodized threads & o-rings. Do not use it on bare aluminium though. Even without any lube/grease, black powdery particles can be seen with a simple finger wipe, that's how soft the alloy are. That's the gunk normally mentioned when silicone lube is used. There are reasons why at one end of the threads are not anodized and the reason chiefly being that its not meant to be open & close frequently, use the anodized end instead. If both ends of your light are anodized, its a big bonus and if both ends are not, there are other lubes that will work instead of silicone grease, SuperLube for instance.
I tried silicon grease. Now I use waterproof lubricant that came with a tap washer repair kit. Works fine. I have tried oil that is meant for lubing up fishing reels. It worked ok too.
I've used many products and they all seem to work fine. (all the different oils and lubes mentioned above however my ultimate favourite is paste wax (also known as generic furniture wax). It helps provide a seal that is not greasy or sticky. I wax it maybe once every 2 to 3 months. Everytime I change out the battery I give it a quick buffing and it's back to new.
I've even used the those toilet wax rings on my torches once or twice before (although it's generally used to help me lubricate 3 inch screws to drive into wood).
good luck
Anti Seize Compound $1.26 & free shipping from DrillSpot
Use just a TINY BIT. It will stain your clothes & hands if you get it on you, but it is electrically conductive, so joints like flashlight end caps & heads stay in good electrical (grounding) contact with the bodies.
Welcome BIGWOOD .
... How do I know if my threads are anodized or non-anodized? Is there a certain look to it?
1 drop spread with a brush on non-anodized threads are now buttery smooth. Granted I've only been using this for 2 weeks, but what most impressed me is it did not creep on the head threads. Even after being on for over 20 minutes (XM-L P60 3.1 amps) no creep. Turned the Dry tail cap into a dream to change the batteries. So far so good......
Will post an update after the end of the year.
I just started using a product called Ox-Gard on non-anodized threads. It's sold at hardware stores and intended for use in household wiring connections. The grease-like consistency improves the thread feel some and the package claims it "guards against oxidation and improves conductivity". I'm curious to see how it does long-term.
Ohhh . . . so, that's why my non-anodized threads get instantly grey/black - I'm using silicone grease. Didn't know it would do that to bare aluminum and I never knew why some of my hosts felt so gritty.
thoughtIkneweverythingFoy
How about a grease/lubricant I can use for both my budget flashlights and my budget stainless steel knives? Any ideas? Thanks
How about a grease/lubricant I can use for both my budget flashlights and my budget stainless steel knives? Any ideas? Thanks
If you can a hold of some engine oil, it work wonders/miracles. 
How about mobil 1 full synthetic but what weight?
Don't worry about the grade, mineral or synthetic, light or heavy they are all good.
I'm using 20/50 at the moment, all I say they are way smooth.
Doesn't it make a mess though?
No mess, all you need is a drop or 2.
