White Lithium lube popped the container

[vavavroom]

I put a small quantity of WD-40 Specialist White Lithium Grease in a small plastic container and snapped it shut airtight. A PET container similar to but smaller than a 35 mm film container. I filled the container halfway and snapped the lid shut. Two hours later I heard what sounded like an air rifle being fired and I found the container open and its contents splattered over my workbench. Now you know how to build timed booby traps with WD-40 White Lithium lubricant.

 

[E150GT]

poltergeist or Zuul.

 

[redhat]

I did something similar. I have a brush can of fluid film. I had a spray can of FF that I sprayed a bunch into. I sealed the can and shook it to mix (black fluid film mixing with clear). When I opened the can, it hissed.

I think there's still probably a bit of the aerosol product in the lithium grease venting.

 

[vavavroom]

I did something similar. I have a brush can of fluid film. I had a spray can of FF that I sprayed a bunch into. I sealed the can and shook it to mix (black fluid film mixing with clear). When I opened the can, it hissed.

I think there's still probably a bit of the aerosol product in the lithium grease venting.

Yeah, the product did look really frothy after I dispensed it into the container. I should have let the container sit open and give the trapped aerosol time to disperse before closing the lid.

 

[vavavroom]

I let the container sit with the lube in it for a few hours. I then snapped the lid shut and 8 hours later the lid was still closed. However, as soon as I touched the container the lid once again blew out, although with less force than before. Putting WD-40 Specialist White Lithium lube in a closed container is not a good idea. I like to apply it with a brush instead of getting overspray while spraying directly from the aerosol can. So I'll just have to spray a small amount into an open container and use a small brush. Or maybe I'll put a pinprick-sized hole in the lid to allow for pressure equalization without causing a leak.

 

[vavavroom]

I found a better container, I think. It's an old metal film canister with a screw-down lid. Probably a collector's item. It shouldn't be 100% airtight so the propellant contained in the foamy lube should be able to exit the container. If not, there will be a bigger bang. A win-win scenario in any case.

In case you winder why I want to carry a little bit of WL lube. it's for the deployable wing. After pressure-washing the car I need to lube the pivots on the mechanism and I don't want to spray directly from the can because it makes an unsightly mess. I'd rather dip a small brush into a little bit of lube and apply the lube just to the pivots.

 

[vavavroom]

This morning I cracked the lid open very slowly and I could not hear any propellant escape. This container is suitable.

 

[redhat]

Sometimes it is some of the silliest things am I right?

It took a few days for the fluid film to release all of its propellant for me.

 

[jag9985]

I had a 10 year old 1lb advance auto red lithium grease can lid pop and throw some grease out as well ~ 3 or 4 weeks ago when the temp was really high in an outdoor garage. It was opened but not used much.

 

[vavavroom]

I had a 10 year old 1lb advance auto red lithium grease can lid pop and throw some grease out as well ~ 3 or 4 weeks ago when the temp was really high in an outdoor garage. It was opened but not used much.

Was it a greasgun cartridge?

 

[jag9985]

Was it a greasgun cartridge?

No just in the standard 1lb grease tub they come in. Generally cardboard or plastic container with a metal bottom and plastic lid.

 

[vavavroom]

No just in the standard 1lb grease tub they come in. Generally cardboard or plastic container with a metal bottom and plastic lid.

Lithium grease is not supposed to be that reactive. I wonder why it appears to be gassing out. Need a chemist to chime in.