How & Where To Use Grease, Fiber Grip, Threadlock + Anti Seize On Your Bike

Here's our guide to the various greases, fiber grips and threadlocks out there and how and where you should be using them on your bike.
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There are loads of products out there that claim to protect the threads on your bike or prevent bolts from seizing, which makes everything a bit confusing. To simplify things, we went out and spoke to the manufacturers to find out which products they recommend for which application. This is how we prepare threads and bolts on our bikes.
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[@YeetxBoi]

A great tip is to be careful using your finger to spread the substance around the threads, if you're threads are sharp (when damaged or whatnot) you can and most likely will slice open your finger and it won't be fun. Not sure if this is an issue only I have or not but thought I'd leave this here just incase.

[@spacedad1853]

Been wanting to learn more about these products and their applications. For a car. Only finding results for bikes. Your video provides pieces of the answer.

[@Rehnn83]

I also use Anti-Sieze on pedals (when I screw them into Cranks) and cleat bolts (otherwise trying to replace damaged cleats can be nigh on impossible!)

[@kriterium123]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!

[@Gabe_A]

Thanks! You videos are always the best!

[@markvaccaro9605]

I've had the not-so-pleasant chance to remove pedals from a bike that had lock-tight on them. I can say from experience that it does what the name suggests. It took 4 guys 3 hours to get the pedals off. I don't know about other components on the bike, but i would suggest not using lock-tight on your pedals.

[@eberlegarreta2363]

Great video GCN. Thumbs up!

[@chrisnilsson91]

This is a really good helpful video!

[@benphua]

Grease Uses Starts at 4:16

[@jvw8303]

Helpful video, thank you!

[@benforrest8590]

I love your videos GCN!!!

[@weareallbeingwatched4602]

Forgot the *huge* anti seize location. Bottom bracket threads, particularly steel BB shell put into an ally frame.

[@vinnychoff]

thanks for all those tips

[@vinnyjhawer7847]

Thanks Simon, you the man.

[@ebigarella]

This soooo helped me out. I'm coming from an 80s bike and this are considerably different now. =D

[@leejohnmitchell]

Copperslip / anti seize on the back of disc brake pads can help with stopping brake squeal. Its common to apply there on car and motorbike brakes too.

[@eh2688]

Thanks for your video

[@StanSorochan]

Like attending a cycling mechanic university online. Thanks Si!

[@crwn_munkz]

Hey GCN! love the videos, super helpful! about this video i got a question... I ride an aluminum frame and a carbon seatpost. How often do i need to put fiber grip on it? Thanks!

[@aaronfaucett6442]

I use universal automotive wheel bearing grease on everything. The pink stuff with moly. Works amazing

[@AndrewL]

this video is so much better/useful compares to your other videos.

[@gcn]

Andrew L We shall take that as a compliment!

[@elephantcup]

damning with faint praise?

[@stophl007]

i mix up all-purpose-grease with sawdust (very fine one, directly from the dustfilter of my shopvac) as anti-seize on my seatpost works ridiculously well!

[@dartme18]

Excellent information! I'm planning on greasing some bolts that hold in the gas apertures on my stove, and appreciated the information here. What are those last few words? "By to kill me" is all I can make out of it.

[@Guoenyi]

Anti size is a bit gritty. Use it when metal on metal joint is slipping even under the correct torque with grease. Generally parts are overbuilt to tolerate way more clamping force than the required to not slip even with grease, so you are pretty safe with good old multi purpose grease unless you are using some super weight weenie parts. Further more, threadlock can be used on Ti or Alu parts if you use an activator (contains metal ions) like loctite 7471. Hope this information helps!

[@bradsanders6954]

Any steel bolt going into aluminum gets grease and tightened properly,threadlock on aluminum can corrode the threads and they come out with the bolt. Directions from threadlocker builders say this.

[@RockShoxLoon]

Says on the Loctite website that the Loctite 248 they show in this video is ok to use on aluminium.

[@koDiacc]

I did not know not to put carbon paste on the steerer. thanks for the tip

[@MagliaNera]

great video. I have to check Anti Seize. it's not much popular in Japan yet. and be careful about using Loctite 222. it melted decal of my stem.

[@rejean1337]

As for creaking BB, there is green bearing retaining compound made specially for bearings. Locktite makes some

GCN videos are fantastic, bike maintenance made easy !

[@dr_skipwith]

So I can use Loctite on my crank arm bolts then? My left one comes loose no matter how much I tighten it, and I've stripped two bolts now from having to constantly retighten it.

[@PartTimeRonin]

Be careful with threadlocker, don't use it near plastic part. It will cause plastic to be brittle unless it is plastic-safe threadlocker.

[@alanramsay8345]

As usual great video, but which grease do you use on ball bearings please, I took my freewheel hub apart and used grease that was too thick, have you a video on which greases are best for which bearings etc the chat on line say some lighter greases disappear after 1200 miles and cause big problems, can you please help cheers Alfie in Warnham.

[@kalijasin]

Definitely use anti-Seize on the pedals. Put a bunch on the threads before screwing them onto the cranks. With the pedals its better to use to much than to little. Any excess that comes out after screwed onto crank can be wiped off with a dry microfiber cloth.

[@Temporalplace]

There are different anti-seize's, with copper and without copper that are naamed aquaproof, which one is best ?

[@odysseusreturns9133]

Anti seize definately on the bottom bracket. These are prone to corrosion and notoriously difficult to remove. I had to cut my previous one out.

[@Temporalplace]

There are different anti-seize's, with copper and without copper that are named aquaproof, which one is best ?

[@RandallSteen]

Brilliant

[@butunercouk]

Great information and thank you! Here is another question, I have specialized enduro evo 2014, it has very short and slack headtube. Now it's generating creaking sounds. Loctite has some gasketing solutions (500series) or 603 for filler metal to metal adhesive upto 0.1mm diameter shall I use it between the angular contact headset bearings and the bearing seats(head tube itselft)? I hope your answer will help me thank you so much!

[@evymeto]

I've only had my bike for a year and haven't run into any problems but have any of you ever had to stop someone from trying to kick your ass for your bike? great grease vid guys

[@Fill0016]

Anti Seize is also good on pedals

[@IamHappyTerry]

Question - what is the best way.to lubricate/protect the pedal's clear locking mechanism? Thanks

[@DarxusC]

I really wish this mentioned cable adjusters on the downtube. Would've saved me dealing with that seizing.

[@HKberg]

One thing about loctite i.e. threadlocker: be VERY careful on which bolts you apply it! I almost screwed up my expander plug situated in the (carbon) steerer tube (to secure the top cap. I know not really clever too put on loctite, because the lower nut should be loose to untighten the exapnder. Whith loctite it wil rotate with the bolt because its really STUCK.....one tip if you want to remove loctite: put the bolt and nut in 90% alcohol, works like a charm

[@indobleh]

I'd always just use the grease but threadlocker (Loctite) think I should get some of that

[@abellokwanting]

Do we need to apply thread locker or grease on the lock ring thread of both rear cassette and lock ring type disc rotor?

[@abedfo88]

Has Lasty banned you from using WD40 on his bike :P ?

[@milliewarham5910]

Question: Is it safe to use Morgan Blue Calcium grease for your chain?

[@tingchun6040]

HI, What about lithium grease? I just got it online, but not so sure if it can be used as normal grease. I had one straight from a tub

[@algerianatheist2755]

I have an aluminum steerer tube and a carbon fork. There are no metal cups for the sealed bearing. Question: shall I grease the bearings even the parts that are in contact with carbon?

[@luizwippel9848]

What grease should I use when mounting a pressfit on a new carbon frame?

[@michaeldennis597]

Global Cycling Network I'm surprised that Simon isn't using WD-40 in any of these videos... kudos to him for learning from his mistakes

[@gcn]

I am however still riding a spotlessly clean bike with a super smooth drivetrain, and it's all down to WD40. ;-) Simon

[@luke1978]

Global Cycling Network ACF-50 is the new WD-40 - keep up guys!

[@zachfriedrice]

Hopefully not too much of a beginner question, but will a tube of grease from the hardware store be ok? I've read a few comments below stating that teflon grease is the way to go. Is that correct? Thanks for the help in advance.

[@andyandym75]

Should I put threadlock on my crank arm nut as I keep having to re-tighten it?

[@craigscott3133]

My LBS guy recommends anti-seize on thru-axle threads and shafts.

[@tylerhill2945]

What type of anti seize is the best

[@prokopf-9332]

Is it benefical or is it harmful to grease the fork stays, where your wheel gets mounted and secured by the quick release axels.

[@jeremywatson6321]

What about bike chains multi purpose grease,I want to get one those bike chain cleaners

[@lillithbena1211]

what about Buzzy;s Slick Honey? what can and can't it go on? is it safe for carbon - asking for a friend? (pulled the fork out of a preowned pristine carbon headtube/fork and the steerer was covered gobs in bluish grease. knee jerk reaction was to remove it. but then after reading, i saw grease will decrease the amount of force needed to torque the bolts? so back down i went and put grease back on 3 of 5 steerer tubes in my stable. one is carbon in steel, and i read the 2 different materials could corrode without grease. one aluminum steerer inside a carbon head tube and the last was the carbon/carbon set up mentioned above).

[@michalwiktorow2188]

What about cleat bolts to ... titanium plate (S-Works shoes) ... should it be anti-seize (copper containing grease) or ... lock-tight blue?

[@Sudipto17Kolkata]

Is threadlock okay on mudguard nuts and bolts? They tend to come off on bad roads. How difficult do they make (blue Loctite, to be precise) taking the bolt off?

[@russellbutt1553]

Loctite for fitting a hydraulic disc caliper to a carbon frame? Or anti-seize?

[@larchman4327]

I have a 13 year old aluminum trek 1200 I bought 1100 miles ago a last fall of 19 it still had very worn original tyre in the front I'm guessing 3000 miles on bike. My question the bottom bracket has no play and it's not making noise I was wondering if I should grease it if so would it make much of a difference like going up a steep hill average speed ect. My cassette and rings are still good too. I don't have the tools so I let it go.

[@gabelagrand4163]

should I use fiber grip on my steerer tube to stem? the steerer tube is carbon

[@kitamajster]

How about using anti seize on aluminium frame and aluminium bottom bracket?

[@JWKEL88]

I use anti seize compound for pedal thread

[@angelfab786]

google it. wakos grease is the best grease for bb creaks. its stupidly expensive and is only available from japan. i heard that either trek or cannondale japan have officially recommended it also. this stuff works and check it out.

[@richycoles]

is there going to be a meet the presenter video for Lasty?

[@Lendres100]

I managed to think it was a good idea to put ferwicks carbon paste on bolts as well as bars etc. I have cleaned the bolts as soon as I realised why that's an awful idea, is this that detrimental to the bolts? should I take bolts out again and make sure there's no grip left behind?

[@Madman5698]

A Monday two-for!

[@henkdevrjes9640]

Like the youtube branded merch

[@derekwildash2683]

Use anti seize on the water bottle bosses on aluminum frames especially if they are nutsert type

[@toniburginkov9819]

He forgot to mention to grease disc rotors on disc bikes. Very important!

[@clintjones9848]

WAT

[@redapple73]

Can i use anti seize to the slipping aluminium seatpost

[@Gabe-zz5gw]

Put anti-seize on your chain to lube it up xD

[@Decalto35]

if i have a carbon frame with an aluminium seat post should i stil use fiber grip?

[@Eng586]

I know I’m 4 years late but yes you should

[@bikechopp]

Hi GCN! I can use fiber grip on front derailleur clamp on a carbon seat tube? thx

[@VanDungLe2510]

+bikechopp I'm not GCN, but yes you can :) I mean seriously, it won't hurt you right :)

[@Pat00xxx]

What about skewers? Should they be greased at all? I have titanium skewers

[@gcn]

Yep, very lightly. They can sometimes creak when dry.

[@dinosaur4jr548]

Why not use anti-seize paste on the pedals and bottom bracket? Seems like a better option to me, not?

[@seanbailey317]

I tend to use Anti sieze on my Pedal threads. Bottom bracket not so much as anti sieze usually contains copper and this can wear your BB or cups out.

[@VanDungLe2510]

So what should we use on the steerer tube ( when using carbon stem of course )

[@jacoblund7231]

Guess that fits right in at "pretty much everything else"!

[@olkoslawski]

Hi Simon. I noticed you recommend applying grease on pedal threads to stop them from seizing? Obviously anti seize paste It's design for this application, right? Grease will do to but since you've got a tub of anti seize there, why not?

[@alexanderkelley2556]

I believe you dont want to use anti seize on moving parts, there is ground up copper in it which gives it a grittier texture which will cause extra wear on a moving part such as pedal threads.

[@anttitapio4145]

@@alexanderkelley2556 threds are fine because they should not be moving. Axles, pivot, steerer tubes and bearings are no-go for copper paste

[@abhaysharma2988]

Nice I havw subscribed u

[@glitterballz101]

5:38 recap

[@JebarooTheDirtyJew]

Not sure if you guys have this because I didn't see it in the playlist, but is there a "regular maintenance" video that explains what to do to your bike say, once a month or every XXXX miles?

[@gcn]

Hi - try these out, hope they help. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nIrElol6o7h-aMU kzbin.info/www/bejne/jHvEo5SMZrmSgc0

[@chrislukes9037]

Confused by the recommendation for Anti-Seize Compound -- Summary is basically "seize-prone metal-to-metal joints" but then why do you elaborate that the only place to really use it is metal seatposts in metal frames...? I was definitely thinking I might want to use on my Alloy BB cups threading onto a steel frame, and possibly also on pedal threads... I know you can pretty much get away with using grease as a "default" if it's the only thing you have, but is there any harm in putting anti-seize in these areas?

[@carlosamador8085]

Can I put anti seize by Park Tool on my full carbon Seatpost in an aluminum frame??

[@VanDungLe2510]

+Carlos Amador Maybe, but i think u should use fiber grip; cuz you know, it's CARBON seatpost

[@bradsanders6954]

I tried that,the seatpost will never ever stay tight and will slide down as you ride. Even if the post is tightened really good.

[@bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

Quick heads up to anyone in or near Liverpool, UK. Local police are running a free registration scheme & there were free lights at the main station lime street. Prob there until 10 .

[@StrzelnicaFX]

What about the headset cartridges what about them? Grease or carbon lock?!

[@carlomagnotm]

F*ck finally a well made video about this, 😊 btw am a big fan about lubes to put on my bike, I have a bunch of greases ,motors oils,steering oils,and spray lubes on my repair space, mostly greases are bearing n#2 type and due to the hard import lubes part in my country they are lithium base mostly, but I traveled over here and catched some distributors here and there and I found some Citgo grease, here is nearly impossible to buy those marvelous bike synthetic greases that I would love to buy each 1 of it ,so I tell you guys my bests matches for fork lube are oils,I bought a bunch of oils,atfs oils,motor oils,and proved with even cosmethics like vaseline and so... XDD anyway I got finally to the best match for fox green oil wich is valvoline syn power 0w-20 and 5w-20 if you want the red fox fork oil, as an option for fox fluid blue I found the engine assembly lube suitable for it like permatex assy oil wich is damn great for non bath forks and air shocks also for pivot points, for stanchion anti dust spray I use pb blaster silicone lube wich is damn good, and for chain well... I proved many things due to hard to find proper bike chain lube but I found the perfect 365 all condition lube for non able to find all lubes you want which is motul 3c off road chain lube,this thing is awesome and easy to clean,last longer and doesn't catch dirt,any way in the future I researched and I will import this lubes: Royal purple synth lube,motorex 2000 ,pm 600(this is the u.s. Army lube that rock shox air forks and shox recommends) and rock n' roll greases and oils,also others more, I got a list but those are the stars on it haha, btw I really enjoy to watch your channel and providing so much info thanks guys from Bolivia 😊.

[@matto809]

Cool :D

[@spanish111japan]

I'm surprised he doesn't use WD-40 as a substitute for grease as well

[@diegocastillo1397]

little question for you guys.....how come you always have a different bikes on your how to videos? how many bikes do you each have?

[@earthstick]

You never mentioned lithium grease. It gets sold as bike grease but I find it dries out and turns to very high friction power.

[@ParkerTinsleyRides]

I don't know if this has been answered in previous videos, but what is the filming location of this workshop? Is it a GCN presenter's own space or an LBS in your town?

[@gcn]

Hi Parker, it's at www.rollforthesoul.org/ which is a great non-profit community bike café in Bristol. If you're ever in the area, totally go and check them out!

[@bagziseyler]

TL;DR: Cervelo says you should use carbon paste on the steerer. Page 24 of my Cervelo User's manual from 2011 says: "Cervelo strongly recommends the use of carbon assembly compound/friction paste for all areas of clamping to carbon fiber such as the seatpost to frame, the stem to fork, and the handlebar to stem joints."

[@fiddleronthebike]

tmr5555 they don't say to use it on the steerer

[@bagziseyler]

So What do you think "stem to fork" means? That's literally what the manual says. Unless you attach your stem to the fork legs, in which case I applaud you, that would be the steerer :-) Page two four

[@fiddleronthebike]

tmr5555 stem to fork, yes of course - but NOT steerer tube to steerer! Never do that!!!

[@samhill4818]

Can you use lock tight on your pedals as mine come loose frequently

[@sjakila]

Best is to use a torque wrench

[@TobyMinecraft]

Pass the message to Tom that his bars look better with white tape ;)

[@kovie9162]

It's just as confusing which one to use when working on cars as there's a lot of overlap and bad advice, like putting antiseize on brake caliper pins, which you should NEVER do, only rubber-safe grease. It gets confusing when you don't want a fastener loosening due to vibration, but also don't want it to seize when it's time to remove it, like on a seatpost. When it's a reactive metal like Ti or Al, I use antiseize.

[@callummackenzie]

What type of grease should I be using for bottom bracket/headset. There are so many types of grease such as Ceramic, Teflon, Lithium, silicone and such. I have no idea what I should be using.

[@Beesa10]

+callum mackenzie I use Finish Line Teflon Grease but I'm sure generic stuff like 'Lithium Grease' and 'Silicone Grease' is totally fine. I agree the labelling of greases is a bit confusing, tbh I think the 'Teflon Grease' is probably Lithium grease with some Teflon powder mixed in. I have heard that it's not a good idea to use 'Copper Grease' on Aluminium parts.

[@franciscobraganca5291]

What is the loctite number? 248?

[@cstrike105]

Can I use motorcycle grease on a bike?

[@Gixer750pilot]

His titanium reactive? I thought it was inert like gold so didn't react or corrode. While the body doesn't reject it in implants. Aluminium and zinc reacts, along with any ferous metal.

[@groovy_bear]

About anti-seize, shouldn't I consider putting some on any steel bolt that goes into an aluminium frame (like carriers, bottle cages, disc brakes calipers, etc.) ? These are two metallic materials so I guess this what it's intended for... but you seem to recommend threadlock or grease instead. So I'm confused...

[@user-du6op6qx5s]

hello my friend. galvanic corrosion can occur, not only between different metals but between the same metal material. alu to alu for example. Never afraid to use anti-seize to threads or any other metal to metal contact. So anti-seize to bolts and any other threaded surface like bottom bracket, stems (not bolts but stem clamp and handlebar contact), pedals (not the main bolt that screws in the crank arm) etc. but it is better to use trheadlocks into stem bolts, brake bolts and main pedal bolt. What ever you do, never put grease to threads. You will need to screw it beyond the specified torgue , and even then, sooner or later, something will come loose. grease is only for bearings and that's it. Don't be affraid to use copper anti-seize, to aluminum frames , there is not a chance of galvanic corrosion , as everyone affraids of. I assure you there isn't any danger to use copper anti-seize. it is specifically designed to prevent it. automotive industries use it between high grade steel bots (10.9 or 12.9 even 14.9) and their aluminum engine head threads. fiber grip only used on carbon fiber seatposts and seat tube, in order to screw less than what it is recommended and thus not compromising the integrity of the carbon fibers from overtorgue. I use thread lock to brake bolts calipers,stem bolts and pedals. In any other bolt to thread application, i use anti-seize, bottom bracket, head tube main screw, levers screws, and pedal penetrating screws , like the small allen grip screws some mountain bike pedals have to hold your foot better. also anti-seize to seat post clamps and rail way screws and between clamp and saddle rails. Don't be afraid, anti-seize is not grease , nothing will slip on anything.