Need help with my Slim

[BlackBard]

I have a problem with my Gillette Slim. While the adjustment collar and door opening and closing all work smoothly, sometimes I cannot turn the knob that final quarter turn that is supposed to secure the closed razor.

I am considering introducing some light oil into the razor. Since the "locking" mechanism is at the bottom end of the handle, I suppose it would make sense to add the oil there. Is this the best way to lubricate the inside of the razor or should I try to add the oil from the top of the handle, under the head, and let it drip down to the bottom?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mandoman]

a little WD40 should do the trick

 

[Kentos]

It may be a gummed up tension spring, or gummed up threads... If the oil doesnt work try a long soak in hot water and repeated rinsings. If you are really courageous there are some who have dismantled theirs, although most disapprove in all but the most dire situations.

 

[bluemantra]

Maybe also trying soaking it in some mineral oil for 30 minutes to an hour. That should help long term.

 

[GatorShaver]

Either mineral oil or some sort of solvent like lighter fluid down the center hole until it runs out of the bottom clear instead of gunky will clear it up. I fixed a Fat Boy which wouldn't ever make that turn at all with solvent.

 

[Go West Young Man]

Oil attracts dirt, and will just make things worse in the long run.
What you need to do is get the accumulated gunk out of the razor - hot water, vinegar or light cleanser, long soak.

 

[dfollett_98]

BlackBard:

+1 on the mineral oil soak.

I have used this method for razors I bought on E-Bay that were sticky and difficult to open and/or close:

Soak your razor for 30-minutes in almost boiling water, borax and salt (amounts listed on the razor cleaning wicki), dry off, and repeat if necessary to remove the gunk, dried soap, etc. A light polish with Maas on stainless steel razors.

Follow this with a 30-minute soak in mineral oil (I used a plastic leftover container with a lid) followed by a day-long drip dry in different positions on an old rag, followed by a good wipe down. Bingo, no more sticking.

Good luck, Happy Thanksgiving to all my B&B brothers and sisters and God Bless our troops serving us so honorably both overseas and at home.

Don

 

[BigFoot]

Oil attracts dirt, and will just make things worse in the long run.
What you need to do is get the accumulated gunk out of the razor - hot water, vinegar or light cleanser, long soak.

How about scrubbing bubbles? It sure works to clean up old razors when you buy them. Would it penetrate and clean up the TTO nob.?

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

 

[Hank21]

A few drops of mineral oil (baby oil).

Wipe dry.

 

[BlackBard]

Thanks for all the advice, guys. Even if I do use some oil, I think a vinegar soak or soaking is some kind of solvent that will not harm the finish will be my first step. There is probably some gunk hidden inside the handle that should be dealt with first.

 

[Kentos]

Depending on your disposition you will either be fascinated or disgusted at the amount of gunk that will come out of that thing... I was fascinated.

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

One question to be asked is what number you have your razor set to. Set at a 1 the razor can turn quite a ways for that last locking twist, but set at a 9 it will be considerably less than a full quarter turn, so don't freak out over something like that. If it is very difficult to turn I'd steer clear of the WD40. Mineral oil might be OK.

 

[BlackBard]

One question to be asked is what number you have your razor set to. Set at a 1 the razor can turn quite a ways for that last locking twist, but set at a 9 it will be considerably less than a full quarter turn, so don't freak out over something like that. If it is very difficult to turn I'd steer clear of the WD40. Mineral oil might be OK.

I tried it at settings from 1 to 9. There was no difference in the resistance. Question: Why is mineral oil OK, but not WD40? What about silicone spray?

 

[Hank21]

If you apply WD40 or Silicone spray you'll have to wash the
razor thoroughly before putting it against your skin. The oil
and solvents in WD40 and silicone spray, even in small
amounts, will probably irritate your skin. If your intent is to
lubricate the razor and you wash it after applying those
products it won't be lubricated. I wouldn't want that stuff
coming in contact with my skin while I'm shaving.

The small amount of baby oil used to lubricate the razor
shouldn't cause dermatitis and will wash out after a
while of normal use. I clean and lubricate my razors
every once in a while and never have a problem.

 

[BlackBard]

If you apply WD40 or Silicone spray you'll have to wash the
razor thoroughly before putting it against your skin. The oil
and solvents in WD40 and silicone spray, even in small
amounts, will probably irritate your skin. If your intent is to
lubricate the razor and you wash it after applying those
products it won't be lubricated. I wouldn't want that stuff
coming in contact with my skin while I'm shaving.

The small amount of baby oil used to lubricate the razor
shouldn't cause dermatitis and will wash out after a
while of normal use. I clean and lubricate my razors
every once in a while and never have a problem.

Thanks. I didn't even consider the possibility. Now I know.