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Adjusting Tension

Harris Chan

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Joined
Mar 18, 2006
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783
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2007CHAN07
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I have 2 cubes right now...1 is nice and loose at the beginning, and the other is plain stiff. I've played with it for a couple month, and it's still stiff, and I tried to lube it, but it's still not working. Even cooking oil doesn't help very much.

Is there a way to loosen the tension of the cube? Please!


Harris
 

pjk

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Mar 13, 2006
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I picked up a can of Silicone Spray at Big R (Ace Hardware owns it I think) for $3.39. I rotate the U face 45 degrees, push the middle piece up a little bit was I can fit the tube in, and spray it. Then solve the cube once, and let it dry for awhile. Come back and try it again, and see if it is more loose. If not, take it apart and sand down the plastic and re-spray. Good luck,
Pat
 

Scott

Member
Joined
Mar 17, 2006
Messages
207
Location
Glastonbury CT, USA
DO NOT SPRAY ONTO A FRESHLY SANDED SURFACE!

You must first gloss over the surface so that it is smooth. Silicone on a rough or not-smooth surface will acualy work it in reverse.
 

Sniph

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2006
Messages
65
Location
Washington State
I had the same problem as you, but I was able to solve it by sanding it with a process I learned from lapping heatsinks.

I first found a flat service, preferably a slap of marble or glass.

Then, you need multiple types of sand paper, something from like a 200 grit, and 500-800 grit, then a very fine 1000-1500 grit.

First, sand down each cubie with a 200 grit, dont remove to much, but remove enough. Do this on top of the glass. It helps to tape the sand paper down.

Second, repeat the step above with the 500-800 grit.

Third, now with 1000-1500.

Once you hvae done those steps, the cubies will be very smooth. I recomend then washing the cubies to remove all excess cube matter. Once it is good and dry, put the cube back together and lube.
 

anime_file

Member
Joined
Oct 2, 2006
Messages
9
What if the problem isn't with the pieces, but the center core itself? The center is very stiff when trying to turn unlike my other cubes. I've lubed it many times and it is already as broken in as its gonna get. Any tips?
 

MasterofRubix

Member
Joined
Jul 4, 2006
Messages
167
Location
Canada
What i did was i switched the centers of my very loose speedcube with my very stiff brand new toys r us cube. the looseness and stiffness balances out and now i have 2 really good speedcube. not too loose but still very fast.

The super fast cube that looks brand new becomes my speedcube, and the older looking cube with the stiff center, is fast enough to not get me frustrated when solving so i just play around with it. Makes your fingers stronger and "unstiffens" it.
 
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