Parker-Hannifin OLUBE 884-2 O-Lube Barium Grease, 2 oz

The Parker-Hannifin OLUBE 884-2 O-Lube is a general-purpose barium base petroleum grease formulated specifically for O-ring assembly and synthetic rubber seal lubrication. It is composed primarily of petroleum process oil (75% to 80%) and a barium acetate tallow fatty acids complex (25% to 30%), resulting in a semi-solid, amber-colored grease with excellent surface adherence, superior lubricity, and inherent water resistance. Trusted by A&P mechanics, MRO technicians, and aviation maintenance professionals, O-Lube is a go-to assembly lubricant for hydrocarbon service and low-pressure pneumatic applications.

Parker O-Lube is designed for use with synthetic rubber O-rings and seals commonly used in hydrocarbon service applications – including nitrile (NBR/Buna-N), neoprene, and fluorocarbon (FKM/Viton) compounds. It is specifically not recommended for use with silicone, butyl, or ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM) rubber seals, as it can cause these materials to degrade over time. If you're unsure whether your seal material is compatible, Parker's inPHorm seal design software or their Applications Engineering team can help confirm the right lubricant for your application.

Parker OLUBE 884-2 is rated for use across a temperature range of -20°F to 180°F, making it well-suited for a broad range of MRO and aviation maintenance environments. The grease remains stable under normal storage conditions and has a flash point of ≥201°F (93°C), with zero volatile organic compound (VOC) content by weight or volume. For applications requiring a wider temperature range – down to -65°F or up to 400°F – Parker Super O-Lube (SLUBE 884-2) is the recommended alternative.

Parker O-Lube is the preferred assembly lubricant for O-ring installation in hydrocarbon service and in low-pressure pneumatic systems operating at 200 PSI or less. It performs well in reciprocating actuators, low-speed rotary fittings, and oscillating seal assemblies – anywhere that a lubricant needs to stay in place, resist moisture, and extend the service life of synthetic rubber seals. It is widely used in aviation MRO and ground support equipment maintenance, where reliable, easy-to-apply O-ring lubrication is essential.

Parker O-Lube should not be used with silicone, butyl, or ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (EPDM) rubber seals, as it is not formulated to be compatible with these polymers and may cause material degradation. It is also not recommended for systems containing micronic filters, as it can contaminate filter media. For filter-sensitive or high-pressure pneumatic applications, Parker Super O-Lube (SLUBE 884-2) is the appropriate alternative. Always verify seal material compatibility before applying any lubricant to avoid compromising seal integrity or system performance.

According to Parker, the recommended shelf life of O-Lube is one year from the date of opening – after which performance may begin to degrade, and replacement is advised. Interestingly, Parker O-Lube does not carry a formal shelf expiration date on the product itself; the "cure date" listed on Parker packing slips reflects the calendar quarter in which the lubricant shipment was received at Parker, not the actual date of manufacture. Any numbers stamped on the tube by the tube manufacturer are not batch or lot numbers and should not be used to determine product age.

Parker O-Lube should be applied sparingly to the O-ring or the mating seal surface prior to installation – a thin, even coat is all that is needed to provide lubrication and reduce the risk of abrasion, pinching, or cutting during assembly. Surface lubrication is considered a best practice in all O-ring assemblies alongside the use of lead-in chamfers and the removal of sharp edges from mating hardware. The 2-oz tube format of the OLUBE 884-2 makes it easy to apply precisely at the bench or in the field without overapplication.

Parker O-Lube is a barium base petroleum grease best suited for hydrocarbon service and low-pressure pneumatic systems up to 200 PSI, while Parker Super O-Lube (SLUBE 884-2) is a silicone-based lubricant formulated for a wider range of applications – including high-pressure systems, vacuum applications, and systems with micronic filters. Super O-Lube is rated for use from -65°F to 400°F and is compatible with virtually any rubber polymer, while O-Lube is limited to -20°F to 180°F and is not suitable for silicone, butyl, or EPDM seals. The right choice depends on your system pressure, temperature, seal material, and filtration requirements.

Parker O-Lube has a low hazard rating for normal industrial and commercial handling – it is nontoxic and non-irritating under typical use conditions, with no inhalation hazard when adequate ventilation is provided. Eye contact may cause slight irritation, and prolonged or repeated skin contact may cause mild skin irritation, so wearing safety glasses and neoprene or nitrile gloves is recommended as a precaution. The product has an HMIS health rating of 1 and a flammability rating of 1, making it one of the safer lubricants used in aviation MRO bench and field work.