Squeaky bit!

[Pippity]

I've just got a new single-jointed bit, and it squeaks like anything! I normally apply WD40 to anything that squeaks, but I don't think my horse would appreciate it. Any suggestions for getting rid of the squeak?

 

[Lintel]

Just normal oil from the kitchen? Or some cod liver? ?

 

[Pippity]

Just normal oil from the kitchen? Or some cod liver? ?

I never even thought of cooking oil! *headdesk* Hopefully she won't object to olive oil.

 

[Gloi]

Try some lip salve

 

[rara007]

Vaseline?

 

[Shay]

You might want to try to figure out why it squeaks. Bits normally have a really soft and open movement for the horse's comfort. If it squeaks it is sticking and it won't be comfortable - on indeed effective because it will impair communication. Take it off, have a good look, and if it is defective replace it. Otherwise perhaps try soaking overnight in food safe oil. But my worry would be if the manufacture is such to allow it to squeak at all then any amount of application of oil is not going to make a difference in the long term.

 

[MidChristmasCrisis]

One of our sweet iron single jointed bit squeaks ..I figured cos it rusts a bit because it’s iron. I’m going to try a drop of sunflower oil....

 

[CanteringCarrot]

I have a Sprenger double jointed eggbutt that squeaks. Its an older bit, but still functioning fine. I just put whatever oil I have on hand in the "joints" on the eggbutt rings. Last time I just used some linseed oil. Put some on my fingers, rubbed it around the squeaky area and it lasted about half a year or so I'd say.

 

[GoldenWillow]

I've used vegetable oil on a squeaky bit but in the end bought another one (it was a £15 snaffle) as it annoyed me so much.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

You might want to try to figure out why it squeaks. Bits normally have a really soft and open movement for the horse's comfort. If it squeaks it is sticking and it won't be comfortable - on indeed effective because it will impair communication. Take it off, have a good look, and if it is defective replace it. Otherwise perhaps try soaking overnight in food safe oil. But my worry would be if the manufacture is such to allow it to squeak at all then any amount of application of oil is not going to make a difference in the long term.

I do think if a bit squeaks and is then oiled and operates fine, there's no reason to worry as long as you keep it oiled. I don't feel it completely abnormal for moving parts to need lubrication as they age. Especially on an item used frequently (in my case 5 days a week or so), and washed often since I rinse my bits after use.

However, I do completely take apart my bridle to throughly clean it bi-weekly and I always clean and inspect my bit. So as long as it still looks and feels ok, I'm alright with it. As I said in a previous post, one oiling goes a long way for me.

I did purchase a bit from Krämer and it squeakes when it was brand new and I returned it. That I'm not ok with. My Sprenger that is aged but still feels ok, I'm more comfortable with that. However, if you are truly concerned or doubtful of any piece of tack or equipment just replace it for your piece of mind and safety ?

 

[Bobthecob15]

I have just used a new expert bits eggbut snaffle and it squeaks terribly when I take up a contact! It’s the first time I’ve schooled with it….im not sure whether to persevere or not? It’s a comfy barrel snaffle..any ideas? I’ve emailed the company to ask if this is normal but I’ve had 3 other expert bits on my daughter’s ponies and never noticed a squeak! Saying that she doesn’t try a contact as such…