I think someone out there in forumland found the commercial equivalent of grease XG 297. Maybe he can come in with the answer POL (Petrol, oils and lubricants) was a specialised field in the REME but not one of mine although I did spend a few days on an associated course at Castrol in Swindon. XG340 is good old graphite and I learned there that graphite grease was not the same as graphited grease. No, I never understood it either!

As someone who's learned 'in theatre' the importance of grease between the wood and steel and the effects of not having it does, I look on eyes agog when people spend ages getting rid of it. It's there for a good reason. Not just a GOOD reason but a xxxxxxg good reason I say!