UK equivalent to Windex

[snapper78]

I've been reading again the instructions for relubing an Industar 26 or 61 and the author of the article, Matt Denton, recommends Windex as a cleaner for the rings and helical threads. Is that similar to Windolene and will Windolene do?

What is the best grease to use before reassembly? Presumably whatever it is is to be used sparingly.

 

[KoNickon]

I'm totally not able to answer your question about the UK equivalent of Windex, but I am a little surprised at his recommendation. Windex is an ammonia-based cleaner, great for glass and metal surfaces but I would say quite a bit less so for cleaning out grease from helicals and the like. I would use something like naphtha (cigarette lighter fluid) for that purpose.

 

[snapper78]

Thanks. I have some lighter fuel. Not sure if it's naphtha. It's labelled petroleum distillate.

 

[Keith]

Strange thing to be recommending to clean a helical IMO ... I'd be going for the ligter fluid also.

Lithium grease is good for helicals ... you don't need much.

 

[Scrambler]

Thanks. I have some lighter fuel. Not sure if it's naphtha. It's labelled petroleum distillate.

That's the stuff.

 

[snapper78]

Thanks. Have applied some lighter fuel and sent for some lithium grease. The lens already feels a lot better and there are others lining up for treatment.

 

[sevo]

Windex is an ammonia-based cleaner,

Is it still ammonia-based? The European equivalents dropped ammonia ages ago, if any, they only use tiny amounts as a scent.

 

[KoNickon]

I believe it still is, yes.

 

[Grytpype]

Windolene is good for cleaning lenses - the glass, that is. Definitely naptha/lighter-fuel for helicals, though!