Had an old-timer tell me to stop using WD-40 on elevator rails

I was working on a 1990 Otis in a 12 story building downtown last Tuesday and this guy who used to work for Otis back in the 80s walked up. He saw my can of WD-40 on the cart and basically said I was ruining the guides by using that stuff long term because it gums up after a while. Said I should switch to a dry silicone lube instead. I never really thought about it before, I just grabbed whatever was in the truck. Any of you guys run into issues with WD-40 leaving buildup on the rails over time?

4 comments

4 Comments

the_anthony2mo ago

Wait, a 1990 Otis? Those are the ones with the original analog controller boards that are a nightmare to find replacements for. I didn't know they were still running those in a 12 story building. @mary_west is right about the waxy residue though, I've seen it on the guides in humid basements more than anywhere else.

joel_jones1mo ago

Honestly, I've gotta push back on that. I've seen those old analog boards run smooth as silk for decades with minimal maintenance, and the real issue is usually cheap replacement parts from the 2000s, not the original 1990 equipment.

hollyl252mo ago

Tbh I've never seen it gum up on any Otis I've worked on.

mary_west2mo ago

Huh. That's interesting because I actually read a piece in some trade magazine a while back that said basically the same thing. Something about the solvent evaporating and leaving a waxy residue that attracts dust. @hollyl25 maybe you got lucky with drier environments or something. I've seen it go both ways in the buildings on my route. Some of the older mechanics swear by that Tri-Flow stuff for the exact reason the old-timer mentioned. WD-40 isn't really a lubricant anyway, it's more of a water displacer that happens to be a light oil. Over years of use you might end up with a sticky mess.