trackball mistake

[bytemeavaj]

So I was cleaning my keyboard with those chlorox wipes when I decided to remove the ball in my Kensington and give the ball and the cradle a wipe. I replaced the ball and immediately noticed that the ball would not slide frictionless at all.

So I removed the ball and notice these three tiny balls on the inside that make contact with the big ball. I figured these had oil on it or something and I must have wiped it off.

Anyways, I put on olive oil on the three spots, and it's rolling fine again.

Anything I should do? Or is olive oil okay?

Is there a resevoir where it draws on more oil? I can't imagine it lasting that long without some sort of resevoir.

[bigpook]

Kensington Expert? Slimblade? Orbit?

I prefer the nostril method for lubing my balls.

Take the trackball and roll it around your nose, maybe even your forehead.

Skin oil works great!

[ch_123]

You need to keep those thing very clean, and even then, some lubrication is probably required.

This is why I prefer the CST with its metal support arms - you can use the things for months on end without ever need to clean them.

[bigpook]

The kensington slimblade is somewhat easier to deal with versus the expert.
On the slimblade the ruby sliders are embedded in the socket. They ain't coming out.
All you need to do is lift the ball out of the socket and swipe your finger to clear the debris.
Put the ball back and done.

[bytemeavaj]

Hi guys, it's an expert just like Ripsters pictures (thanks, that helps).

I guess everything is fine now, those little balls are clean. I should just stop from taking the big ball out of the cradle and rolling it around for fun. Gotta ... resist ...

[Auxint]

Kensington Expert? Slimblade? Orbit?

I prefer the nostril method for lubing my balls.

Take the trackball and roll it around your nose, maybe even your forehead.

Skin oil works great!

Oddly, a similar method is used for keeping smoking pipe stems from oxidizing. Nose oil is some versatile stuff.

[trievalot]

it uses the oils from your skin to lubricate

i like to run my hands through my hair, and roll the ball in my hands

works a treat, and NOONE wants to touch it afterwards

[bytemeavaj]

hey Ripster, since you have the kensington expert, can you tell me if your wrist pad protrudes upwards at the tip near the ball? Mine doesn't fit perfectly and it's a bit annoying. I don't know if its supposed to be like that or not.

[Surly73]

bytemeavaj: I have a pair of ExpertMouse trackballs that I've put a bunch of mileage on at home and work (although not lately).

I'm not a dirty/grubby guy and those ruby balls need cleaning frequently.  If your main ball wouldn't turn at all of may have only partially clean the balls.  When I clean the set up quite thoroughly, as in using chemicals on the ball and socket, it won't be as smooth until a little bit of hand oil works into the rubies.

I've never added lube of any kind.  If it was a little low on glide it would work in within 10 seconds or so of mousing.