Rensselaer Republican, Volume 17, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 18 September 1884 — Oiling Wagon Wheels. [ARTICLE]

Oiling Wagon Wheels.

A well-made wheel will endure constant wear from ten to twenty-five years, if care is taken to use the right kind and proper amount of grease, but if this matter is not attended to, it will be used up in five or six years. Lard should never be used on a wagon, for it will penetrate the hub and work its way out around the tenons of the spokes and wheel. Tallow is the best lubricator for wooden axletrees, and castor oil for iron hubs, but many of the present axle greases are also excellent, and have the merit of being cheaper and easier to handle. Just grease enough should be applied to the spindle of a wagon to give it a slight coating. This is better than more, for the surplus put on will work out at the ends, and be forced by the shoulder bands and nut-washer into the hub around the outside of the boxes. To oil an iron axletree, first wipe the spindle clean with a piece of cloth wet with spirits of turpentine, and then apply a few drops of castor oil near the shoulder and end. One teaspoonful is sufficient for the whole. —Farmlng h orid.