i have a variable power scope that is real stiff when i try to twist the power up or down. is there some kind of lubricant i can squirt into the joint?
No, nothing you can really do about it other than getting one of those clamp-on throw levers which work pretty well.
The magnification lens assembly moves axially fore/aft to increase or decrease magnification. The thread pitch on the ring and barrel vary from design and manufacture and combined with the design of the lens assembly is what's causing the resistance. Tolerance in the barrel and body and interface to the eyepiece and being sealed to the environment are all contributors.
All the oil/lube you want to squirt in there (bad idea) will pretty much do nothing.
If it's an issue that inhibits operation and even a throw lever can't do anything about, I'd send it back to see if there's something the company can do. Might be an o-ring all bunged up and they can fix it.
The magnification lens assembly moves axially fore/aft to increase or decrease magnification. The thread pitch on the ring and barrel vary from design and manufacture and combined with the design of the lens assembly is what's causing the resistance. Tolerance in the barrel and body and interface to the eyepiece and being sealed to the environment are all contributors.
All the oil/lube you want to squirt in there (bad idea) will pretty much do nothing.
If it's an issue that inhibits operation and even a throw lever can't do anything about, I'd send it back to see if there's something the company can do. Might be an o-ring all bunged up and they can fix it.
i could be wrong but i think the resistance is mainly coming from the oring seal on the external adjustment.
That’s what it will probably feel like, but that’s probably not what it is.
Seems like they use some type of silicone lube or you could try a dab of vasoline. Could be the O'ring breaking down and binding. But I've also had new scopes that were and are just tight.
Again, aftermarket throw lever or send it back. Most likely, there is nothing wrong with it and this is part of the design. Many scope companies know this and provide a throw lever in the box or throw levers for their scopes as accessories you can buy.
Vasoline will break down the o-rings if you somehow manage to get it in there. Any oil will break them down. O-rings use a silicone grease for assembly but that's it. Scopes don't need oil or any other lube. Clean with water if a brush doesn't remove crap, follow instructions for lens cleaning, and dry it. That's it.
Nah, poor choice
Vasoline will break down the o-rings if you somehow manage to get it in there. Any oil will break them down. O-rings use a silicone grease for assembly but that's it. Scopes don't need oil or any other lube. Clean with water if a brush doesn't remove crap, follow instructions for lens cleaning, and dry it. That's it.
