lubing portable fish house poles

[2dalake]

About a year ago I read a thread on here about the importance of lubing the poles on a portable ice shelter to keep them from freezing up on the lake, but I don't remember what I should use. Just bought my first shelter, so can any of the veterans enlighten me?

[Surface Tension]

Its not so much freezing up its metal on metal that makes the poles bind. Any lube will work but anything oily will collect dust and worse, get on your hands. I use wax to lube my poles.

[irvingdog]

Yup! Car wax.

[IFallsRon]

Spray furniture polish on a rag and rub it on the poles.

[Polar Bear]

I polish the smaller diameter poles with either 400 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper or steel wool in a lengthwise motion. Then wipe down with a dry cloth and spray liberally with silicone based lubricant. Let dry completely and re-assemble. Mine slides like wet ice even after a couple years use. Also, make sure there isn't a burr on the inside edge of the larger diameter pole. A little work with a rat-tail or chainsaw file will take care of it.

Polar Bear

[2dalake]

Great tips, thanks guys. This will be my priority project this weekend.