Niche lubing threads

dndrich

Coffeetimepals:

I took off my upper ring on my Niche to inspect something but did not clean it. When I screwed it back in it really moved roughly. So I took it off and cleaned the threads and the threads in the machine. It is still pretty rough. Should I give it a tiny lube with some Moly 111?

DavecUK

dndrich You can, but inpect the thread first for debris or in case you x threaded it.

dndrich

DavecUK Definitely not cross threaded. It just runs rough and binds a little near the coffee range. I ordered some Moly 111. Should I clean the threads with alcohol to get rid of what ever gunk there might be there? I have brushed with a toothbrush and also used a toothpick, but it is still rough. The removable ring is totally clean. It looks like the issue is the threads in the housing. They do not look damaged.

DavecUK

dndrich Wiping round with a toothbrush and then some kitchen towel before lubrication should be sufficient.

dndrich

OK, we’ll see how it goes. The stuff won’t be here until later this week, so I am stuck with some binding for now.

DavecUK

dndrich If you have haemorrhoids, you can always use Vaseline, or a chap stick if you have badly chapped lips.

Doram

dndrich OK, we’ll see how it goes. The stuff won’t be here until later this week

Another option that might help is one or two rounds of PTFE tape if you have it.

JammyDodger

DavecUK

DavecUK If you have haemorrhoids, you can always use Vaseline, or a chap stick if you have badly chapped lips.

Can you still do this if you don’t have haemorrhoids Dave or do you have to be ‘in the club’ so to speak?

dndrich

Hmm. Good plan!!

dndrich

Doram I just did that. Seems to help. Not totally smooth, but pretty good.

Inspector

Clean threads well and apply a smear of olive oil, it should do the job. I used to have this problem, not anymore.

dndrich

Inspector I like this plan. I may give this a go when I have a chance.

dndrich

OK, took off the teflon tape, cleaned a bit, and went with the olive oil. Pretty good! Slight friction, but not much. Much smoother. I like the idea of the olive oil since it is always around, obviously food safe, and easy to clean and apply. I will see how this works.

Inspector

it must be a cold pressed extra vigin olive oil though, otherwise wont work well.

😋

dndrich

Inspector of course! Nothing but the best for my treasured Niche…

hornbyben

I would be cautious using olive oil due to the chemical composition. It contains mostly unsaturated fatty acids. This means they have double bonds in, and over time these can react and make a sticky substance, similar to how linseed oil cures, but not as extreme.

If you want a food grade oil, coconut is a better choice. This is mostly saturated fatty acids that don’t react.

dndrich

hornbyben I actually have some coconut oil at home. I may try it. At room temperature it is a paste.

Inspector

I was also worried about olive oil getting sticky over time but i clean my Niche about every two-three months and reapply oil and havent noticed it. If you were to leave it there for a year or so, maybe.

Good to know about coconut oil vs olive oil 👍

darkstefano

I have a niche i disassembly end clean it once a month. If I understand the question, it can be could the part adjustment piece that moves badly up/down. Check the springs that hold the piece around the conical. Also check that the piece has no coffee hardned around bottom frame.

dndrich

darkstefano No, the basic issue is the threads are binding without lubrication and perhaps with some fine coffee grounds in there. So cleaning and lubing is the thing that needs to be done. It says so also in the Niche user manual. So now I will do that. Working quite well now with the olive oil lube, but I will try coconut oil next time.

-Mac

Tried graphite? It’s what they use to lubricate locks.