When it's time to replace batteries on some of my contact sensors, the sliding plastic cover gets super stuck over the years and it takes so much pulling to remove it I'm afraid to break the sensor (or my fingers). I need to put a tinny tiny drop of lubricant on the rails so it slides off easier a couple years later. Which would be safe on this kind of plastic, a mineral oil or something else? Need to make sure it would not dry out or rubberize.
I've used this stuff on other things besides o-rings.
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Candle wax is used on drawers, so it's probably useful for this too.
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How about silicone grease used on plumbing fixtures? Sold in hardware stores.
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Do not use mineral oil, it will degrade many plastics. Variations of silicone work the best or you could use wax from a candle.
I would recommend either wax or a spray silicone. The O-ring lubricant for pools will work but it gets messy and is a pain to clean when it gets on an unwanted surface.
For wax, I use an old candle and simply rub it on the surface to be lubricated.
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I typically use paraffin wax for this purpose. It is solid and can be rubbed on the surface. It use to be sold in grocery stores with supplies to make jam or canning (mason jars).
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Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! A candle or paraffin wax seems to be the easiest solution...
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