2011Vests forum
Eliminating metal-on-metal squeaking and creaking in camera stabilizer vests
15 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Cleaning the affected metal sections with light soap and water temporarily stops squeaking but the problem returns within days.
- Anodized aluminum surfaces in contact with each other create a particularly dry interface prone to noise under load.
- Froglube applied to degreased and heat-treated metal surfaces seals the pores and creates a dry lubricant finish that lasts for extended periods.
- Chap-Stick wax rubbed onto squeaky contact points provides lubrication lasting several months and can be reapplied quickly in the field.
- Alco Metalube grease recommended for equipment dollies eliminates vest noise for at least a year but risks staining clothing if contacted.
- Froglube works by seasoning metal surfaces similar to cast iron, creating a glass-like protective layer rather than functioning as a traditional liquid lubricant.
Depends on
- The original poster did not verify whether Froglube actually solved their problem, having moved away before testing.
- Testing of Alco Metalube on stabilizer vests appears limited to one user's report over one year.
- No direct comparison testing between the proposed solutions was documented in the thread.
- The discussion involves equipment from different manufacturers and time periods, so solutions may vary in effectiveness by model.