31/07/2026 by Daniel Tait
Mechanical equipment with moving parts critically requires adequate lubrication to operate efficiently.
Various lubricant options are available from brands like Morris Lubricants and Millers Oils that are formulated to prevent friction and wear, as well as cool, clean and inhibit rust on metal parts – allowing them to move correctly, free from damage and experience long active service lives.
Two popular options include greases and dry lubricants, which both provide the properties mentioned. However, choosing the right option for an application is essential to get the best results.
Here, we discuss when dry lubricants are the correct choice over grease, but also explore applications where grease is the better option. Read on to update your understanding and inform your lubricant procurement process.
When to use dry lubricants rather than grease
Dry lubricants, commonly called dry film or solid film lubricants, employ a dry coating to decrease friction in between two metal surfaces. They don’t rely on an oil or fluid to create the lubricating process, which can be a major advantage in harsher environments where an oil or a grease that has an oil base might be unsuitable.
They also provide effective lubrication at both low and high operating temperatures, making them ideal for unique applications where an oil or grease would degrade, carbonise or freeze. Commonly used dry lubricants include polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), molybdenum disulphide and graphite.
Metal parts working in dirty and dusty conditions can benefit from dry lubricants. They can effectively lubricate bike chains, open gears and sliding tracks operating in dry weather, whereas grease would attract dirt and lose its effectiveness, increasing component contamination that could ultimately lead to damage and loss of performance.
Dry lubricants are also more appropriate for delicate and extremely small mechanisms. Unlike grease, they don’t clog up tiny and complex components working with tight tolerances, making them excellent for lubricating door hinges, locks and intricate tools.
Grease is not ideal for lubrication at extreme temperatures, but dry lubricants can be extremely effective. Non-liquid lubricating solutions, they don’t melt or evaporate working in extreme heat, nor freeze at extremely low temperature. Instead, they continue to perform at optimum, protecting parts and keeping them moving properly.
Some applications critically require cleanliness for machinery to operate efficiently. Dry lubricants leave no oily mess behind like grease, which makes them a match for use with sewing machines, electrical components and in work areas where fabric is present that can become stained and spoiled by other lubricant types.
When grease is a better option than a dry lubricant
While dry lubricants are an effective solution for many different applications, there are some circumstances where grease is a superior option. A semi-solid lubricant, grease is made by combining base oil with performance additives and a specific thickening agent (often a metal soap) that keeps the oil in position. Unlike a liquid oil, greases stay in place and don’t drip, making them excellent for slow-moving parts
In operations involving heavy loads and extreme pressure, grease excels. Working like a sponge when under pressure, grease slowly releases oil for effective lubrication. As a result, it is a better option to lubricate heavily loaded gears, axles and bearings.
Grease is also great for wet and corrosive operating environments. When parts made from iron alloys like steel are exposed to air and excess moisture, they are at risk of rust (iron oxide) and other forms of corrosion. Grease creates a thick effective seal over metal components and defends them against rain and mud, preventing rusting.
Another coveted characteristic of grease is the long-term protection it provides. Its viscous composition and the way it can remain in place means it offers extended, durable coverage compared to a dry lubricant. This makes it especially suitable for hard to reach or continuously working parts that cannot be serviced often.
Before selecting a dry lubricant or grease for your machinery, always consult your original equipment manufacturer’s (OEM) recommended products.
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