Made of a graphite and metal alloy, these bearings stay slippery at high temperatures where oil burns off and other bearings fail. With no need for refills, they require little to no maintenance. You’ll find them in pumps, propellers, and mixers that spin near steam or inside ovens. However, graphite may eventually flake off, dropping flecks and leaving smudges. If you need a spic-and-span space, consider dry-running bearings made of slippery plastic instead. All are fabricated, lubricated, and inspected in the U.S.

With no moving parts, sleeve bearings are the simplest way to support the load of a rotating shaft while reducing friction. Also known as plain bearings.