When you think about household items and accessories that might need some extra lubrication from time to time, your mind probably goes to door jambs, hinges, and other similar targets for oiling. However, it is important to understand that some technological elements also benefit from the occasional addition of a lubricant. Knowing which everyday tech items you should oil can help you keep your devices and appliances in optimal condition over the long term.
Of course, it is also essential to research the appropriate method for oiling these items. You need to familiarize yourself with what types of lubricants are safe to use, how often you should apply oil to different pieces of technology, and how you can do so without risking accidental damage to them. Some companies offer lubricants specifically designed for use on electronics, so you can research your options and determine which type of oil is ideal for your needs.
Some PC fans benefit from lubrication
You might not know this, but PC fans sometimes include an oil well specifically intended to hold a small amount of lubricant. This is because a PC fan is naturally a moving part. As with many types of moving components inside complex machines, proper lubrication can ensure optimal operation.
The correct way to lubricate a PC fan varies depending on the exact type of fan you’re working with. For example, the method of adding oil to a ball bearing PC fan may differ from that of a sleeve bearing fan. Likewise, some PC fans feature sealed designs and are not intended to be filled with oil at all. Again, it’s a good idea to conduct thorough research to ensure you approach this task correctly.
Oiling a PC fan with an otherwise dry lubrication well can improve the fan’s efficiency. This can also increase its lifespan. This shows how staying on top of lubricating certain pieces of technology can save you a lot of money in the long run. By keeping these components lubricated, you will avoid having to replace them as soon as possible.
Turntable components may require lubrication
PC fans and turntables (yes, there is a difference between turntables and record players) can serve very different purposes. Regardless, they share a common quality: both spin. So, like a PC fan, some components of a turntable may require occasional lubrication. Signs that it’s time to lubricate the turntable parts include strange noises from the motor and uneven rotation of the turntable.
Different turntable models require different types of maintenance. Some allow engine lubrication, others do not. Before attempting to lubricate an engine, consult the owner’s manual and consider contacting the manufacturer for more information. Some turntable manufacturers even offer their own oils that are safe to use for this purpose.
The bearing system is another component of a turntable that you can lubricate often. Keeping the bearing properly lubricated will allow consistent rotation of the platter. As a general rule, however, you should aim to use a conservative amount of oil when lubricating the components of a turntable. Adding too much oil to a component can attract dust, which can damage the turntable over time.
3D printers have various moving components that may require oiling
A 3D printer has many moving parts. Ensuring that the machine remains in good working order requires cleaning and oiling the parts of your 3D printer. Unlike other items here, which only require oiling as needed, if you use your 3D printer quite often, it’s good to get into the habit of lubricating its components about once a month.
The benefits of keeping the moving parts of a 3D printer lubricated are numerous. As with the other items on this list, oiling the parts of a 3D printer will improve performance and allow the machine to continue operating reliably. By preventing wear and tear on key parts, oiling a 3D printer can extend the life of these parts. There is also reason to believe that the smooth, consistent movements resulting from regularly lubricating a 3D printer will result in more impressive finished products than what you could create with a 3D printer that hasn’t been oiled.
A 3D printer is also an example of a more specialized piece of technology that could benefit from regular oiling. A similar (although much smaller) example would be a mechanical keyboard. The fact is that this list is by no means exhaustive. If you own a device, machine, or other piece of technology that has moving parts, those parts may need to be oiled from time to time. Researching appropriate methods and tools to do this (and actually applying what you learn) will help you get the most out of your electronic devices.
