HunanTheSpicy t1_jcphaj9 wrote on March 18, 2023 at 3:37 PM

Use a moly dry film lube for the hinges and chain lube for the chain. Never use grease on an exposed chain, roller, or hinge. Grease will just trap dirt in an open system.

antelopepoop t1_jcpxs8h wrote on March 18, 2023 at 5:29 PM

I think you've got this backwards. Grease is exactly what you want in open systems. Yes it does trap particles, but it moves them away from wear surfaces. Think differentials and drivetrain components. The only downside is you eventually lose grease and have to refill. In closed systems we generally prefer oils with a filter system. Think car engines. I do like dry lubes for chains, but grease has been the traditional answer for open systems for a long time. Grease will be just fine for a garage door.

HunanTheSpicy t1_jcrrrxe wrote on March 19, 2023 at 1:32 AM

I have to respectfully disagree. Yes, oil is great in closed systems with tight tolerances, crank shafts, and transmission gear meshes. Grease is better left to closed systems or in applications where the grease exposed to dirt will not be able to work its way back onto the wear surfaces. Think of pins that hold hydraulic cylinders at pivot points or driveshaft joints. I would absolutely never put grease on an exposed chain or roller, as a dry lube or chain oil will be much better.

Edit: If it has a grease zerk, then grease it. For most other things, there is probably something better