I recently had occasion to adjust the pressure in one of my lines. I couldn't turn the adjusting knob on my Micromatic regulator by hand. Reluctantly, I pulled out a pair of pliers and turned it. It's fine now, though a little stiffer than the others. What can I use to lubricate the threads on this? I believe it's strictly brass on brass, and it's not in line with the gas flow, so it probably doesn't need to be a food grade lubricant. But I'm not a lubrication expert, so I don't want to just slap on something from the garage. Suggestions?
I wouldn't do anything except live with it. the threads can get a bit rusty but all they need is some exercise now and again. I carry a leatherman and will occasionally turn the regulators on our 50 line system a half turn each way just to break the lock. one solution is to use a Taprite regulator or something similar that has a knob on the adjustment screw. maybe graphite, the kind used to lubricate door locks? anything that squirts from a can, WD 40 or white lithium, you know that will drip everywhere and stink. Cheers.
This is typically caused by cross threading the adjusting screw into the regulator bonnet. Most regulator bonnets (the housing that the screw goes into) are made of zinc die cast. This is a sturdy but somewhat soft metal that is prone to cross threading. However, because the threads are fine and not course doing what you did will generally overcome the thread although in the long run will eventually freeze up permanently. We recommend a small dab of Vaseline applied to the adjusting screw in these situations. Cheers!
I've never disassembled this regulator, plus it used to work fine, so I doubt this is a case of cross threading. It had been a few months since I adjusted it. A bit of muscle, and it's working fine, though not quite as loose as the others. I simply wanted to know how to prevent this in the future. I could probably turn it occasionally, but I'll try the Vaseline thing - though I suppose a dab of Keg Lube will work just as well.
