Gitzo Grease

[Range Loser]

Anyone know what kind of "grease" is recommended for Gitzo Carbon Fibre tripods? I keep using mine in the sea, and after cleaning out the salt and sand from the leg locks, it could do with a little lube.

 

[MCTuomey]

I've used white lithium grease and, once in a pinch, some wheel bearing grease. Very light application. I don't know what Gitzo actually recommends. Graphite-based lubricants would make a lot of sense, wouldn't they?

 

[Roberto V.]

I'd go with white lithium grease too.

 

[Trooper]

First thing to come to mind is silicone grease, but lithium should work just as well.

 

[peter_n]

White lithium grease. Very inexpensive and widely available in automobile stores.

 

[pgeobc]

It seems to me that a silicone based grease would be more water resistant and less likely to gum. However, Lubriplate makes a very light (NLGI #1) lithium based grease in small tubes. I have gotten mine in automobile parts stores that carry Lubriplate.

In years past, greases made for wet applications were made with calcium, magnesium, or aluminum soaps. Those soaps, unlike their lithium analogs, are relatively insoluble in water. Such a grease might be found in a grease made for use in boat trailer bearings or water pumps.