CAUT

  • 1.  Sailkote and TFL50

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 03-31-2025 21:58

    Greetings!

    I've been using McLube Sailkote spray lubricant with good result for the last several years, for key pins and all dry lube applications.

    Today, after I eased some Kawai keys, I used McLube TFL50 (which I haven't used for many years) on the pins.

    When I loaded the keys back on the frame they were hanging up on the pins, like I hadn't eased them.

    Even after I worked them a bit they still did not have the feel of a lubricated pin.

    Has anyone else had experience with these two products?

    What's in the Sailkote that makes this difference?



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    John Tonyan RPT
    Apple Valley, CA
    (760) 985-5855
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  • 2.  RE: Sailkote and TFL50

    Registered Piano Technician
    Posted 04-05-2025 15:47
    TFL50 (Thin Film Lubricant) is not a McLube product. 

    I believe the actual coating is similar to that of SailKote (which is also apparently identical to McLube 1745) - a formulation of PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene). TFL50 Dry probably has a higher concentration of solids.

    I don't use the spray versions, myself. Instead, I use liquid and apply usually with a pipe cleaner, sometimes with a brush (a bent pipe cleaner will coat both sides of a key pin at once). Best to avoid putting any more PTFE into the world than you need to, as it is a "forever chemical," not good for living things. Also not good to breathe in the propellent. 

    Regards,
    Fred Sturm
    fssturm@comcast.net
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