Extra long syringe oilers

[mklotz]

Nitpicker alert: This is more of a HomeASSEMBLED tool than a HomeMADE tool. The goal here is to alert people to a useful device they can assemble for themselves.

I've long used hypodermic syringes as oilers for the miniature engines I build. They work well with the standard ~1" needles. Unfortunately, I have other jobs (like oiling squeaky bearings buried deep in an office fan that can't be easily disassembled) where a longer needle reach is essential. I've struggled with extensions made from 2 mm plastic coffee stirrers but wore my patience dangerously thin while piquing my annoyance - a dangerous combination.

Then I stumbled across Amazon's selection of long and really looong syringe needles.

4" needles

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZKLBG82...p_imgToDp&th=1

7" needles

https://www.amazon.com/30ml-Syringe-...s%2C168&sr=8-7

They have longer needles (including an incredible 20") but I think anything longer than the 7" would be too fragile and too difficult to handle.

The needles are listed as 14 gauge. [Gauge numbers, another idiotic nomenclature system.] and have the correct color for that type. Standard size for a 14 is 2.108 mm OD, 1.753 ID but when I measure these I get 1.8 and 1.48. Like wire gauges, maybe Chinese needle gauge standards are different from western ones. Obviously, the difference isn't important in this application.

Oiling the fan bearings was a perfect doodle with the 4" needle. Can barely tell it's running.



Aside: Surgeons who do spinals seem to prefer all glass syringes because they provide better tactile feedback about the needle tip location. You don't have to be a surgeon to appreciate this. Glass syringes have very little stiction compared to the more common rubber-like piston used in plastic syringes. If you decide to make an oiler like mine, buy a glass syringe; Amazon sells them, e.g....

https://www.amazon.com/Glass-Syringe...s%2C160&sr=8-4

[ductape]

Be sure to blunt the pointed end of the needle before use, in order to reduce the chance of getting poked. A few swipes with a medium stone works well. Even a tiny amount of oil under the skin can be very bad.
Syringes are also useful for injecting glue into tight places like the leg tenons of wobbly wooden chairs.

[mklotz]

Be sure to blunt the pointed end of the needle before use, in order to reduce the chance of getting poked. A few swipes with a medium stone works well. Even a tiny amount of oil under the skin can be very bad.
Syringes are also useful for injecting glue into tight places like the leg tenons of wobbly wooden chairs.

These are all "dispensing" needles so, as the Amazon page clearly shows, they are "blunt tip".