Constructors Corner.
Silicone grease is slippery stuff and doesn't wash off with water. You can use it to waterproof outdoor connections to antennas, rotator electrical connections and to make things (like waterproofing boots) slide on and off more easily. Silicone grease will also tolerate very high temperatures so it can be used on heatsinks. (Sometimes zinc oxide is added but this is not essential, that is the white colouring in heatsink compound.)
Now some of you will be thinking "silicone grease is an insulator, it can not be used on electrical connections". This view is incorrect.
When moisture and oxygen get inside the gaps between the contacting surfaces an electrochemical reaction causes corrosion. (Even more so for car battery terminals where sulphuric acid vapour is present and heat speeds up the chemical reaction). The corrosion is shown in green (which you have probably seen on copper).
By putting a smear of silicone grease on the clean and shiny mating surfaces we stop the oxygen and moisture from being in contact with the metal but the sharp "mountain peaks" bite through the grease to maintain the same electrical contact as before. This connection will last indefinitely because the grease keeps moisture and oxygen out.
Applying silicone grease to wall bracket bolts and to all tower, rotator and antenna nuts, bolts and clamping areas will help to ensure that they can be undone in a few years time.
Silicone grease is also perfect for preventing corrosion on vehicle battery terminals from cars, tractors and lorries to model aeroplanes.
This high temperature silicone grease is also ideal for lubricating the threads of vehicle spark plugs. It helps to conduct heat away from the spark plug and makes it easier to remove at the next service.
Do you have squeeky door seals? Try wiping some silicone grease on squeaky door seals (car or household double glazed units), you only need a thin coat.
Still with the car; Corrosion of bulb contacts can cause strange electrical problems when brakes or indicators are operated. Remove each bulb and scrape off all corrosion from the metal cap and terminals. Do this for the bulb-holder too (make sure the circuit is off first or fuses will pop!). Then thinly coat all metal parts (including the contacts) with silicone grease. This does not affect the contact but it keeps out moisture.
It can also be used to prevent crackling audio on personal audio systems (iPod for example) just a thin smear on the jack plug will stop oxidisation of the plug.
This versitile and useful grease is available from many electronics suppliers in packages ranging from toothpaste type tubes to aerosol spray and in a useful 'tool' to have in the workshop or toolbox.