3 in 1 Oil

[Al Borland]

After several weeks of looking, I found some 3-in-1 oil at Tractor Supply.
What the hell? Everyone and their uncle is out of stock on this.

 

[WWheeler]

Hmmm, showing as in stock at Lowes and Home Depots near me. Also Amazon seems to have a plenty. Maybe someone in your area has been going store to store stocking up, perhaps buying it up before the prices started rising along with everything else petroleum based so they can then try to make bank selling it on ebay or whatnot? Camel-Camel-Camel shows that the price on Amazon has gone way up in the past few weeks.

 

[Meursault74]

I've had the same metal can since the 80's. I use it sparingly and I have other lubes I prefer.

Looked this up and WTF, mine looks like this. Is there an oil can market for it as well?

Vintage Oval 3 in 1 One Electric Motor Oil 3 Oz Can Handy | Etsy

Vintage Oval 3 In 1 One Electric Motor Oil 3 Oz Can Handy Oiler Tin.

www.etsy.com

 

[seber]

As far as I can tell 3 in 1 oil has not been changed since 1894. Oil has improved enormously since then. I still have my old tin can of it but I certainly don't use it for anything. Modern oils make it seem like only slightly better than water.

 

[nadogail]

Bought a can of 3 in 1 Garage Door Lube from Home Depot Saturday.

 

[Al Borland]

I already had the penetrating oil version, but my regular, basic 3-in-1 had gone for a walk somewhere. I use it in ratchets. Used it for years on bicycle/motorcycle chains. Door hinges/cabinet hinges, garage door rollers, etc. around the house too. Also seems to work unsticking the locks in the work vans after our workers use WD-40 on them. Better than WD-40 as it doesn't evaporate and leave the yellow sticky residue.

 

[anndel]

Our local Ace and City Mill hardware stores have tons of them in stock. Interesting to see why people are hoarding this or is it a supply issue due to COVID. People here head straight for the WD-40 display and rather get that than 3 in 1.

 

[corn chip]

harbor freight has or had truck loads of it

 

[Maui]

I bought the last bottle they had on the shelf at my local Harbor Freight last week. Nobody else had any on the shelves. Nobody. I called Lowe’s, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, Walmart, all of the local auto parts stores. etc.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Skyrocketing demand after covid, labor shortages, additive shortages, and high oil prices (resulting from geopolitical activity and insecurity) have all seemed to affect the availability and price of products like this.

Amazon has been known to price-gouge based on demand, and a bottle of 3-in-1 is almost $18 at the time of this response. So I would try local stores first, or even use a different product.

 

[Komet]

I always think I want 3-in-1, then I hose down whatever it is with waaaaaayyy too much penetrating oil in aerosol form and forget about it again.

 

[Half-fast eddie]

People here head straight for the WD-40 display and rather get that than 3 in 1.

The power of advertising. Am i correct that wd-40 is not intended as a lube?

 

[bonneyman]

The power of advertising. Am i correct that wd-40 is not intended as a lube?

Personally, I wouldn't use it as a lube. Break free or water displacement only. Or grease cutter for dirty hands.
The new formulation is mostly kerosene anyways, so, why pay a premium for a name. Get a gallon of low odor kerosene and pour into small squeeze bottles for these tasks.

1-K Heater Fuel Kerosene - Klean Strip

kleanstrip.com

All around lube oil - this is what I use:

Supco

 

[Bubba Fett]

The power of advertising. Am i correct that wd-40 is not intended as a lube?

It was initially designed Rocket Chemical Co. as a rust preventative and water displacement for the aerospace industry. It was the 40th formula for water displacement, hence the name.

 

[Al Borland]

WD-40 is a mediocre lubricant, acceptable rust preventer/cleaner. Fair to good penetrating oil, just not a good lubricant.
Terrible in locks.
Western NY seems to have no 3-in-1 anywhere. Websites CLAIM to have it, but when you get to the store "Sorry, it's out of stock."

 

[mikebaker1129]

Wow this is as crazy as the toilet paper shortage!

 

[minke]

Is 4-in-1 close enough?

Multi-Bit Electronics Screwdriver, 4-in-1, Phillips, Slotted Bits

Klein Tools electronics screwdrivers are designed for precision work, and feature a swivel cap for optimum control. Made of the highest quality tempered steel, carefully heat-treated for maximum strength, and precision milled to fit screw openings securely. Rotating caps and Klein's exclusive...

www.kleintools.com

 

[Max]

I switched to turbine oil years ago instead of 3 in 1. I love the extendible spout - makes it easy to get just one drop where you want it. I haven’t looked for it at HD or Lowes but Ace carries it for sure.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000ARGX68/?tag=atomicindus08-20