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How to Apply Silicone Graphite to Derby

Silicone and graphite are two different types of axle lubricant for pinewood derby cars. In many councils, liquid lubricants are banned. In those that allow liquid lubricants, silicone is the most common. Graphite is allowed in all councils. The purpose of either graphite or silicone is to reduce friction to make the cars go faster. Most hobby shops sell graphite pads that can be put between the wheel and the body of the car in order to reduce friction from the wheel to the wood. The graphite pads do not replace axle lubricants, but are used by some people as a supplement.

Things You'll Need

Pinewood derby kit
Lubricant (graphite or silicone)
Shammy

Instructions

Graphite Lubricant
- 1
  Find an axle in the car kit. Attach a wheel to one side of the axle.
- 2
  Shake the graphite tube vigorously, then hold the wheel down and puff graphite into the gap where the wheel meets the axle. Tap and rotate the wheel to get the graphite distributed throughout.
- 3
  Hold the axle up horizontally and spin the wheel around with your finger to make sure it rotates smoothly. If there is any hitch, apply more graphite and tap it until you can spin the wheel freely with your finger.
- 4
  Repeat the above steps for the remaining three wheels, then attach the axles to your car.
Silicone Lubricants
- 5
  Take an axle from your derby kit. Apply one drop of silicone lubricant to the axle.
- 6
  Rotate the axle in different directions until the lubricant has coated the entire axle.
- 7
  Insert a wheel into the axle and spin it with your finger until it turns smoothly. Remove the wheel from the axle and wipe the excess lubricant off the axle with a shammy, then reattach the wheel.
- 8
  Repeat the above steps for all wheels, then attach the axles to your car.

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