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Nylon 6/6 rubbing on anodized aluminum lubricates it

September 11, 2019

Q. I have a cramp lock made of nylon 6/6 that locks an anodized aluminum tube from sliding. When forced beyond the locking limit, the tube will slide. After this happens, the lock will easily slide even with a light load on the tube. However, when the tube cleaned with IPA and a clean towel, the lock works even better than before the issue occurred. I am hoping to nail down the cause of this issue.
1) Cramp lock is a ring made of Nylon 6/6 and locks when the ring tilts.
2) When forced beyond lock limit, the tube will easily slide and the lock will not engage even under a light load.
3) A new locking ring will also easily slide on the "rubbed" tube.
4) A new tube will lock perfectly when used with the "rubbed" lock ring.
5) when "rubbed" tube is cleaned with Isopropyl Alcohol it locks even better than it did before the issue occurred.
My best guess is that the tough nylon knocks down the microscopic ridges of the oxide creating a oxide residue that acts like graphite on the surface. When cleaned off, the surface is even smoother than it was before the knock down, which creates more surface contact for the cramp lock ring. Looking for any thoughts here.

Vincent Jay
- Depoe Bay, Oregon, USA