Tipup lube

[wally1]

I have several of the Polar tipups and they are losing the lubricant in the shaft. When it gets too cold the center shaft gets real stiff and the light biters can not trip the flag. Can anyone tell me what can be used for a lube to keep them working properly?

[Walleye Express]

> I have several of the Polar tipups and they are losing the
>lubricant in the shaft. When it gets too cold the center shaft
>gets real stiff and the light biters can not trip the flag.
>Can anyone tell me what can be used for a lube to keep them
>working properly?

[b]Wally.

This may sound silly, but versus having to put actual greese on them that might work it's way into/onto your line and other fish exposed parts, I use my fish scent. I've sprayed my reels and anything else that needs a little lube with it. Even my Big Jon planner board stand and reels one day. I guess all have a little oil value being made from shad, crayfish or other fish-like pulp in a way. I know it may wear off fast, but lets face it, tip-up season only last a short time.

I'm thinking petrolium Jelly would also work and it don't smell. Don't know if it would freeze though.

[Pitts]

Go to polars web site and read care instructions if present but I think I read that they are sealed and lubed at the factory.

If the seal goes out then water gets in and freezes causing them to be stiff after getting cold.
If they are stiff in the warm then try to lube with a non freezing grease or oil.

Rew should know what to do maybe he will post.



Pitts

[Larry L]

HT makes a tip up lube. It is called BLU-LUBE. I order it from National Sports Supply. http://www.877ICEFISH.COM/ (920) 994-9218 PO Box 14, Random Lake, WI 53075. You can take the Polar tip ups apart and will know right away if there is water in them. If they have set for a while there will be signs of rust as well. After i clean the rust up, I just smear some BLU-LUBE on the shaft and put it back together. I have never had it freeze up or get stiff.
Good luck Larry

[wally1]

Thanks for the info. I'll give it a try.

[Headwaters]

You want to really watch what you use cause a lot of stuff can eat away at the line. I use to use just WD-40 but went to vegtible oil cause I think its safer / fish freindly. You dont want any type of oil lube on that stuff anyway it will end up on your presentation eventually and might cause a spook out you cant get rid of.

wally, Take them apart,clean them like a gun barrel w/ a 22 patch and a coat hanger. Put a small squirt of blu lube in the tube,hold your finger over the top and insert the shaft from the bottom. You will feel it working until you need to move your finger to releave pressure and finish pushing the shaft up. This distributes the lube up and down the shaft when inserting. Too much lube will cause stiffness too so don't go nuts with it. They will be as good as new. The guy at Polar told me this about 10 years ago. Works great. Sounds kind of sexy doesn't it.