Ran into a dumb problem. I can't identify a suitable type of grease, and have nothing on hand that's working.
I have a device where there is an approximatly 2" diameter ball that's captive in a cage of sorts with handwheels that tighten the cage against the ball. when lose, there neesd to be some drag, when clamped, it locks solid.
I've found no suitable grease to replace what was there from the factory. The stuff there was similar to what's in electric drill gearboxes. A yellowish grease, it stretches and tears like vaseline, has nearly no smell and something that did NOT separate into oil and tickener. Not really sure what sort of grease in used in power tools, but it seems to be about the right stuff.
Things I tried that did not feel right were Super Lube grease, this stuff separated into oil too easily. Hell it's separating in the tube itself.
Tufoil lightning grease, also separated into an oily layer. Love this stuff otherwise, it does have a stronger smell than I'd like though.
Some sort of blue urea based Mobil electric motor grease, also separated into an oily layer on the ball.
So it seems like the usual NGLI grade 2 greases are just to oily.
Any types of NGLI 2 or 3 greases that remain greasy and not oily at room temp and have low to no odor, or any ideas on what's used in power tools?
Last thing, didn't try and dark molybdenum greases as they're too dirty and will leave black stuff all over. The ball part can be touched with your hands.