Penetrating Oils

[pineranch]

Penetrating Oils,Good info for Do-It-Yourselfers

Machinist's Workshop magazine recently published some information on various penetrating oils that I found very interesting. Some of you might appreciate this. The magazine reports they tested penetrates for break out torque on rusted nuts.

They are below, as forwarded by an ex-student and professional machinist. They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrates with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment.

*Penetrating oils Average torque load to loosen*

No Oil used 516 pounds

WD-40 238 pounds

PB Blaster 214 pounds

Liquid Wrench 127 pounds

Kano Kroil 106 pounds

ATF*-Acetone mix 53 pounds

The ATF-Acetone mix is a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone.
Note this "home brew" released bolts better than any commercial product in this one particular test.

Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is almost as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price.

ATF-Acetone mix is best, but you can also use ATF and lacquer thinner in a 50-50 mix.
*ATF=Automatic Transmission Fluid

[nosticks]

Thanks for that. I just finished removing 4 very rusted nuts on my boat trailer. I used PB Blaster. I think I'll mix up some ATF/Acetone for the future.

[Tom S.]

They didn't list my favorite method which is using a brass wrench. A.K.A., acetylene torch!

[DQDick]

Thanks for the info. No sense paying more for less!

[HOOK]

Good post , thanks! I also use a product named Marvel Mystery Oil, very similar to home brew.

[Ski Doo]

Another thanks for posting. PB Blaster had been one of my favorites, but ATF/Acetone will get the next job.

[PackerFan]

Thanks for the info. Good stuff to know.

[bigskyjimmy]

Great info Mike,I always have some ATF and Acetone laying around I will try it next time if I do not have the "BRASS WRENCH" available

[Rondo]

Thanks Mike! One other advantage is that you can light it off and it will send up a signal to the search aircraft for you too! I wouldn't try this under your Monte though!

[kab449]

quote:Originally posted by Tom S.

They didn't list my favorite method which is using a brass wrench. A.K.A., acetylene torch!

My favorite also, but I call it my gas wrench! Also when they are really frozen I just screw on the burning tip and cut the nut off. It does take lots of practice and a steady hand.