Clean and Lubricate Kennedy Cabinet and Chest Drawers Help

[rstcso]

I've had this Kennedy roller cabinet/machinest chest combo for 30+ years, having bought it used. The drawers, especially in the roller cabinet, have been very stiff since the day I got it. None have a catch to them, they just feel like whatever lube was used has thickened with a lot of resistance. I haven't bothered trying to loosen things up, as it's been an overflow to another chest/drawer combo I more regularly use. I now want to dedicate it to certain tools, but need to clean and lubricate the slides.

What would you recommend for cleaning and lubrication? Thank you. (I found this picture online. It's still being sold on clearance for $1.319)

 

[Rand]

for cleaning wd-40 or similar should dissolve like compounds (such as grease) while being benign.

For lube?.. spray white lithium grease perhaps? Super lube spray?

You could possibly use silicone spray for lube but being non petroleum not sure how that would mix or what you should pre-clean with.

 

[Boomer]

I would use spray gun barrel cleaner to dissolve the crud. I dissolves/flushes it out like it does in a gun barrel. When done, it evaporates and lets you then apply any lube that you want. Yo can buy a nice sized spray can in the $10-15 range at any sporting goods store or on line.

 

[spasm3]

I've had this Kennedy roller cabinet/machinest chest combo for 30+ years, having bought it used. The drawers, especially in the roller cabinet, have been very stiff since the day I got it. None have a catch to them, they just feel like whatever lube was used has thickened with a lot of resistance. I haven't bothered trying to loosen things up, as it's been an overflow to another chest/drawer combo I more regularly use. I now want to dedicate it to certain tools, but need to clean and lubricate the slides.

What would you recommend for cleaning and lubrication? Thank you. (I found this picture online. It's still being sold on clearance for $1.319)
View attachment 294252

I think Ballistol would work nice.

 

[D60]

S

Thread 'Lube for Tool Cabinet Drawer Sliders?'

Nov 26, 2017

15-20 years ago, I put some "general purpose" grease on the drawer sliders (non ball bearing style) of some of my tool cabinets. Over that time span, the grease has either turned into glue or hardened into a solid, making it difficult to open and close the drawer. No such problems with those drawers where I used motor oil on the sliders.

I have no idea which lube type, a grease or oil, is better at preventing a groove being worn into the slider (non ball bearing).

What do you use?

• SubLGT
• Replies: 13
• Forum: Tool Time

 

[earlyre]

I think Dad has that top box somewhere... My Uncle used to work at their Factory, then worked his way up until he was the guy who trained their international salesmen for a number of years.
all my cousins had summer jobs on their assembly line during HS/College. then the company got bought out, and the majority of assembly moved south of the border..
they still have their factory store in VanWert, Oh.....

 

[rstcso]

I hadn't thought about gun cleaners and have several I can try. I know I have some white lithium grease, too. Thank you.

 

[facility1]

best to take each drawer out one at a time clean in a good degreaser, lube with a light oil and re-install or if left in a electrical contact cleaner may work to remove the old oil film.

 

[Wireman1987]

brake cleaner and compressed air to clean drawer slides then apply a dry film lubricant. something like this or similar. i would stay away from tacky like grease/lubes.