new autotaper

**sq ames taper** · 07-12-2012, 03:51 PM

just bought myself a new bazooka from a painter i know, its about 5 years old but never been used, its as tight as hell and drags the tapes a good few inches along and was wondering how i can loosen it up? was thinking of spraying with wd40 or is it a case of just working it loose?
any thoughts???

**Dillon** · 07-12-2012, 04:27 PM

Wd40 loads of it

**big g** · 07-12-2012, 05:03 PM

second that,plus make sure mix is not to heavy.

**saleen836** · 08-12-2012, 09:57 PM

WD40 will eat away at the seals and dry out very quickly, you would be better off using Swarfega Duck Oil spray, which will lubricate better and give better protection.

**forestbhoy** · 08-12-2012, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by saleen836

WD40 will eat away at the seals and dry out very quickly, you would be better off using Swarfega Duck Oil spray, which will lubricate better and give better protection.

Have been doing this job for going on 30 years and always used wd40 for as long as i can remember.A lot of people have always told me about it eating away at the rubber/plastic parts.I have NEVER had any such problems.....maybe the duck oil,which i have not used,is better,but thats my 2 penny's worth...

**big g** · 08-12-2012, 11:16 PM

ditto forestbhoy,always used it on zook,runs sweet as a nut,are there any rubber parts on the cutting assembly,clutch,and drive dog.not used duck oil either but use silicone spray on rubbers on boxes.

**sq ames taper** · 10-12-2012, 09:59 AM

Cheers guys using bazooka now sprayed it to death with wd40 worrks much better, still tighter than i would want but i gies it will work loose through use

**belmoreboy** · 10-12-2012, 10:16 AM

Hi keeping taper lubed up is always a good thing! one of the main reasons is to stop any corrosion that you cant see hidden under the hood! and the side chains and other parts that that are not stainless.
If tape is still tight it would probably point the main running gear or the side bands. couple of things to look at:
The drive dog on the side (opposite side to cog) these corrode inside quiote often and they start to go a little out of shape (square ped round hole syndrome!) try turning it, it should be nice and free running and pull the cable drum up on its own with ease.
The bands on the side of the tape could have been over tightened, loosen these off a bit, and purchase new scews if thread looks worn. One other thing that could of happened if bands overtightend, the tube could have a bend in it - not visable to the eye, we re straighten these all the time, its a common fault and will eventually snap cables due to the pressure on the drum.

A good yearly or 2 yearly service is always reccomended, keeps tapr taping and can often save money in the long run with expensive rebuilds if a part breaks whilst using the taper.

Regarding the wd40 issue, the reason we suggest not to use it it because it actually dries out, not the rubbers, but the fluid, WD40 if allowed to 'breath' can eventually dry out and become useless, thats why we use a fluid that stays 'wet' even if taper left standing, you know when you pick it up that it's ready lubed, but there is no harm in spraying taper everytime you use it before and after.