All projectiles must be seated accurately and carefully in loading, otherwise not only inaccurate fire will result but also premature detonations may occur.
Rotating bands should be smoothed and lightly greased just before loading. In transport and in storage the bands should be protected by rope bands, straw tithes, etc., to prevent deformation.
CHAPTER XIII
CARE AND PRESERVATION.
OILS AND CLEANING MATERIAL, TOOLS AND
ACCESSORIES FOR ARTILLERY MATERIEL
WITH THEIR USE.
In order that all parts of the materiel may function easily, it is necessary that all the working and bearing surfaces may be properly cleaned and lubricated with the appropriate lubricant. Where such surfaces are not directly accessible, oil holes are provided; these holes should be kept free from grit and dirt. Except during oiling, they should be kept fully closed by the means provided.
For use in service, for the cleaning and preservation of this materiel, the ordnance department issues hydroline oil, lubricating oil, clock oil, vaseline, sperm oil, coal oil, neat’s-foot oil and light slushing oil. Each of these oils are suited for the particular purpose for which it is issued, as stated below, and care should be taken that it is not used for other purposes.
Hydroline oil.—Used in the recoil cylinders of the carriage and for no other purpose. Never used as a lubricant. It is characterized by its low freezing point and its non-corrosive action on metals.
Lubricating oil (Engine oil Number 1).—A light petroleum oil used exclusively in all oil holes of the materiel, and in lubricating such parts as wheels and axles, guns and cradle slides, cradle pintle and socket elevating and traversing mechanisms, exterior of cylinders, brake bearings, hinges, different surfaces of breechblocks, threads, breech recess, et cetera.
Clock oil.—Used on the spindle and all gearings of the Battery Commander’s telescope, bearings of the panoramic sight, range quadrants and fuze setters. In all cases clock oil should be used only when the instruments mentioned are disassembled for cleaning. It should be applied by dropping from the end of the dropper attached to the end of the cork. In case of emergency, use as a substitute either sperm oil or Engine oil No. 1, in the order mentioned.
Vaseline (Petrolatum).—The heavy petroleum oil free from rosin. Used on the worm gears and the worm racks of the panoramic sight, the hand and bracket fuze setter, B. C. telescope, and on the micrometer screw and bushing of the quadrant. The spare parts of the breech mechanism should also be coated with vaseline and each piece then wrapped in paper to prevent the oil from being rubbed off.