Solo Technology

Where would repair folks be without the wonder that is 3-in-One oil? Years ago, my father taught me the trick for repairing or improving most computer fans. Peel off the little adhesive “bearing cover” (aka sticker), use a drop of 3-in-one, allow it some time to penetrate. Wipe clean, reattach sticker and you have a new fan.

Works everytime so far.

Here’s the latest usage: My wife’s computer had a video card death last month. Since then, it has been running ye olde Diamond 8MB video card.  Sure, it works for web browsing, but it is noticeably sluggish just to scroll a web page and the kids’ games don’t do well at all.

A buddy at work had an old Chaintech GeForce 4200ti laying on a shelf. He said I was welcome to use it, but I’d have to do something with the heatsink fan. He wasn’t kidding — it barely would spin.

Monday night I peeled the sticker, dropped one some 3-in-one. Since then, every 12 hours (morn/eve) I wipe off the residue, add another drop and give it a few spins. It is amazing how well this fan now spins. From barely at all to better than new.

A little bit goes a long way.  I think I’ve had the same can for almost 10 years now.  I use a drop at a time on fan bearings and, when I’m feeling zany, squeaky door hinges.  Good stuff!

Leave a Reply