What is the opposite of a lubricant?

[Commander Quan]

I have a tablet that is used for a check in kiosk mounted to an articulating arm. The issue is that the arm is supposed to be articulate horizontally, and I have it mounted vertically to accommodate kids and adults. Over time the joints have started to droop instead of bearing the weight of the device. Is there anything that can be applied to increase the friction in the joints instead of retightening the bolts every so often?

 

[FarmerTan]

Sand.


Okay, bad joke. How about rubber bands around the joints?

 

[Commander Quan]

This is the apparatus I'm talking about

 

[FarmerTan]

This is the apparatus I'm talking about

Thank you for the picture. There has to be an engineer type on B&B that could help us.... Hey, @ShavingByTheNumbers , @Ad Astra , @ackvil ....... anyone smarter than me! (Yeah, I know, that should be easy!)

 

[Ad Astra]

AA

 

[MilkCrate]

Under those black caps, in the joints, there should be a tension scew.

 

[rbscebu]

I would suggest fitting rubber (neoprene) washers. You may have to make them yourself out of say a tyre inner tube. Another option would be rubber "O" rings.

 

[FarmerTan]

I would suggest fitting rubber (neoprene) washers. You may have to make them yourself out of say a tyre inner tube. Another option would be rubber "O" rings.

I forgot to tag you my friend! I knew someone brainiac-ish would come along!

 

[Commander Quan]

Under those black caps, in the joints, there should be a tension scew.

There are, I'm hoping to not have to tighten them as often.

 

[luv2shave]

Some nylon washers? I am not sure if such an arm stand will be able to hold its weight properly in its design. A silly alternate might be to keep the stand rigid and keep a small one foot pedestal or step for kids to step on instead of swinging the arm each time ?

 

[shavefan]

To keep the tension screws from constant loosening you might want to try a low or medium strength threadlocking compound.

 

[FarmerTan]

To keep the tension screws from constant loosening you might want to try a low or medium strength threadlocking compound.

I ain't tryin'to look all smart and all, but I was actually thinking this.

True story doggone!

 

[Saxonbowman]

What Is the opposite of lubricant you ask? Why, duct tape of course!

Not an especially elegant solution in this case sorry to say.

 

[Rhody]

Duct tape is a great answer
I’ll add
Super glue!

 

[Legion]

A layer of ladies pantie hose material in the joints should stop it moving around.

 

[Ivo4u2]

If they start sagging it means bushes have shrunk or are worn out.

Take the caps of and mark the screws so you know if these unscrew due to moving the table.
If this is the case you could try a locking washer.
Taking it apart and fully degreasing and cleaning might help
An extra thin rubber washer or even sliver of duc tape in between can work to immobilize the joint.

The big question do you need it to lock up in a position permanent which is relative easy or keep it fully adjustable all the time which is difficult

 

[Atlantic59]

Take the joints apart and fill with heavy silicone grease would be my suggestion. The friction comes usually comes from tension applied by a screw.

 

[mrlandpirate]

What is the opposite of a lubricant?
LUBRICAN

 

[Scarry Knight]

Perhaps try:

FinishLine Bicycle Assembly/Seat Post Grit Paste

 

[ByMyBeard]

To keep the tension screws from constant loosening you might want to try a low or medium strength threadlocking compound.

This is the way.