More Budget Airsofting

Dave Joyce

Just to add to the thread on the Walkie Talkies available in Lidl, (got a set of those today myself), they also have pretty decent knee pads in a good combat green colour and they also have silicone oil for €1.50. However, I just wanted to double check that this is suitable for Airsoft?

OzCam

Silicone oil is suitable as long as it's light enough. A tiny amount goes an extraordinarily long way, use it very sparingly.

Don't get it on your hop-up as it will stop the hop-up working properly. Try not to get it on your fingers either, it's not good for your skin. Most pharmacies will sell latex or polyeurathane gloves, they're very handy for that job.

Dave Joyce

Cheers OzCam, but without been a smart ass, how do I know if its a light silicone oil? Just after buying 2 cans so I don't want to use it if its not suitable

desertstorm

OzCam wrote: »

Don't get it on your hop-up as it will stop the hop-up working properly. Try not to get it on your fingers either, it's not good for your skin. Most pharmacies will sell latex or polyeurathane gloves, they're very handy for that job.

This I read, just as I finish with the silicone maintenance, having gotten it all over my hands pretty much.... where's the soap.. :rolleyes:

Fyr.Fytr

OzCam wrote: »

Most pharmacies will sell latex or polyeurathane gloves, they're very handy for that job.

And rip you off too, mate of mine is doing medicine, needed them for anatomy, paid €15 for a box i laughed at him, eighter stock up next time your visiting someone in hospital (sure the hse can afford it:P) or just go to a medical suppliers where youll pay a third of that for a box. Failing that i normally have a box or two in the boot lmao

Stercus Accidit

The oil in lidl is fine, lots of people use it without issue.

I've had loads of it all over me, never seemed to irritate my skin, but if oz says avoid it, its no harm to follow that advice.

OzCam

Stercus Accidit wrote: »

The oil in lidl is fine, lots of people use it without issue.

I've had loads of it all over me, never seemed to irritate my skin, but if oz says avoid it, its no harm to follow that advice.

Glad to tear that the Lidl oil is ok to use.

I knew there was some problem with silicone oil, but I couldn't remember what it was. Silicone is used in lots of products, including medical ones, and is considered very safe. The problem seems to be with the other ingredients to make it "oily".

So I had a look around and...

Wording of Risk Phrases:
R65 Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.

TOXICOLOGICAL INFORMATION
Inhalation: In high concentrations, vapors are narcotic and may cause headache, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.
Skin contact: Prolonged contact may cause redness, irritation and dry skin.
Eye contact: May irritate and cause redness and pain.
Ingestion: May irritate and cause malaise. Droplets of the product aspirated into the lungs through ingestion or vomiting may cause a serious chemical pneumonia.


For example:
http://www.struers.com/resources/elements/12/90255/SILICONE%20OIL%20(M1203143%20-%202008-05-08).pdf says that some problems arise from the petroleum included, but Materials Safety Data Sheets from other manufacturers seem to indicate that 100% silicone oil is quite safe.

Wearing gloves and glasses is always good practice regardless. Getting the stuff out of your eyes would take a good 15 minutes. I find that it gets everywhere, and it's not comfortable.

And always wear glasses while handling springs, the little bastards have a habit of flying off in all directions just when it's most awkward.