Lubricate Box Rail Hangers

[Lykele]

I have a very simple question that many of you know the answer to if you own a barn, but in my search for the answer I seem to get conflicting advice.

The stall door for our horses are wood and are attached to hangers that run along a rail above. I believe the term is box rail and box rail hanger. All I want to do is lubricate them so they move easier. Right now they are tough to move.

Some of the information I've found is use penetrating oil, silicone lubricant, WD-40, lubricant without silicone.

I really could use some 'real world' advice.

Thanks. Jim

 

[BrianDT]

Start with WD-40 as it will not prevent you from spraying something else next. You want to get it into the bearings and not all over the rail. If you get it on the rail, it will collect dust and make them hard to move also.

If the wd-40 does not work, hit them with penetrating oil and make sure to clean the rails after you spray.

 

[Lykele]

Thanks very much for a quick reply, I'll follow your suggestions.

Any trick to cleaning that rail?

Thanks again.

Jim

 

[BrianDT]

Don't cut yourself? :thumbsup:

Seriously, I try to use something that dries like carb cleaner and spray it on a rag and wipe the insides of them down. That leaves nothing behind to stick to the rails or to the wheels.

 

[gator]

Jim,
I have a box rail hanger on my barn door and I use Fabulous Blaster Garage Door Lube (GDL) on my wheels bearings. I also use it on the garage door, house door hinges and anything else that needs lubing. Pick up a can and read it (I got mine at Lowes, made by the same company as PB Blaster) and give it a try. All I can say about it is WOW. Before it took 2 men and a small boy to open the barn door, now I have to hold it to keep it from slamming open.

 

[Lykele]

Thanks for all the suggestions.

Yes, I can see the perils of cleaning that box rail and cutting yourself at the same time, so I'll try to come up with a plan "B" for that.

I'll swing by Lowes today for the Blaster Lube. I have used a can of garage door lube given to me by the installers and it has taken away every single squeak.

I appreciate your time in answering my question. You all have pointed me in the right direction. Can't wait to open that stall door with ease.

Jim

 

[nikdfish]

+1 on Blaster... also, it shoots a long stream so it can be applied from the ground w/out a ladder (if you don't mind splatter...)

Nick