Graphite vs. Moly Pinewood Derby Lubricants
Quick, no-nonsense comparison for Pinewood Derby axles and polystyrene wheel bores. Learn when to use pure graphite and when a graphite + MoS₂ blend wins—so you’re fast on Heat 1 and still fast in the finals.
- White zinc-plated (polished) axles (BSA Replica): Pure graphite is typically fastest at the start.
- Wet-sanded (bare spring steel) axles (BSA FACTORY REFINISHED): Graphite + ~20% MoS₂ holds speed longer over many heats.
- Nickel-plated axles (Maximum Velocity): Graphite + 15–20% MoS₂ is most consistent (graphite wipes off nickel quickly).
- Polystyrene wheels (Current BSA Wheels) : Fine graphite (325–1000 mesh) plates the bore; moly mainly benefits the metal axle.
Quick Comparison
| Axle Type | Best Lube Type | Why It Wins |
|---|---|---|
| White Zinc-Plated (polished) BSA REPLICA |
Pure Graphite | Graphite keys into zinc’s micro-porosity and delivers the best initial “pop.” |
| Wet-Sanded Spring Steel (bare) BSA FACTORY REFINISHED |
Graphite + 20% MoS₂ | MoS₂ forms a thin tribofilm on steel that resists wipe-off; speed stays stable over 4–6 heats. |
| Nickel-Plated (MV-style) | Graphite + 15–20% MoS₂ | Nickel is slick but inert; moly adds the staying power graphite alone lacks on Ni. |
One-Blend Recommendation (Works for Axle & Wheel)
Pinewood Derby Car Graphite Derby Dust ™ Dry Lube
Graphite blend of 2 different meshes of graphite now with Moly additive as more racers are using alternative axles for their derby cars.
What to Buy
Pure Graphite Dry Lube
Best for short events or zinc-plated axles where first-heat speed matters most.
Graphite + MoS₂ Blend
Best endurance on bare steel or nickel axles; stable performance across many heats.
Axle Polishing Kit
Prepare zinc, steel, or nickel axles to the correct finish for optimal lube adhesion.
Wheel Bore Prep Kit
Burnish fine graphite into polystyrene bores for low startup friction.
Speed Axles Guide
In-depth how-to for axle finishes (zinc, bare steel, nickel) and alignment.
Speed Science Blog
Advanced tuning, humidity control, and troubleshooting.
How to Apply (Fast Checklist)
- Axles: Finish to 1500–2500 grit (leave faint tooth) → degrease → rub in blend → light buff.
- Wheel bores: Burnish with blend using a soft pipe cleaner (10–15 passes each way).
- Assembly: Insert axles while slowly spinning wheels to avoid scraping the film.
- Break-in: 20–30 gentle hand spins; no track-side “puff” needed.