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Penetrating oil-what do use?

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Thedroid

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Feb 16, 2009
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New Mexico
I came across an article that was published in PM I believe that had test results of different penetrating oils in a lab setting. ATF and acetone was #1 and Kroil was #2 all the rest were far behind. PB tested only marginally better than WD-40. I've used PB for years, and like its, but was shocked by the test results.

I found some info, but not he actual article


"Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! They are below, as forwarded by an ex-student and professional machinist, Bud Baker.
Don't forget the April 2007 "Machinist's Workshop" magazine comparison
test.

*They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with
the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a
"scientifically rusted" environment.


*Penetrating oil ..... Average load*

None ..................... 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 was a "home brew" mix of 50 - 50 automatic transmission
fluid and acetone.*
*Note the "home brew" was better than any commercial product in this one
particular test. Our local machinist group mixed up a batch and we all now
use it with equally good results. Note also that "Liquid Wrench" is about
as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price.
"
 
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stricht8

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I heard about that stuff from a western New Yorker. He swore by it. I've been looking all over for it but can't find it. It think it comes out of Rochester NY and is only available locally at Mom and Pop type auto parts stores. I did find it on their website but can't justify spending more on shipping than the stuff is worth.


I like Thrust by Castle. I know that there are a ton of brands. What works best for you?:beer:
 

Bustawrench

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South Jersey
Kroil works for me.............

Boss buys it and the customers pay for it, plus it's readily available...........

Win-win in my book.
 

usmc_noma

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virginia
pb blaster and liquid wrench. i feel pb blaster is good enough for what you'll need at home working on cars/trucks, etc.
 

Nik_95Cobra

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I've never used anything that can remotely compare to being as good as ZEP. All the ones from the retail stores have sucked for me.
 

fatfillup

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Free all is amazing. I get it from a company that sells to body shops.

Thrust by Castle is sold by Castle distributors who mainly sell to car dealers. They have a complete line of auto chems, additives, detailing products. Don't know if they have national coverage.

The additional tool I use for getting rusted stuff is my air hammer with a hammer head bit. A little juice, a little whack, whack, whack andmost stuff comes apart.
 
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DragPack69

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We use liquid torch at work. (Castle) tried quite a few but nothing unsticks up a frozen fire hydrant as good.
Some of them haven`t been used (correctly) for years and out in the extreme elements. just my .02

John
 

stevejh82

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I just got my hands on a product made be Seafoam called Deep Creep. It definitely works better than wd40.
 

DetroitDIESEL444

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We exclusively use Sea Foam deep creep at work. we have tried other brands but always seem to prefer the seafoam.
 

volvo420coupe

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central Michigan
The best stuff EVER is pre 1999 Volvo Swedish penetrating oil. They had to change the formula in 2000 because of some EPA ****, so the only place you can find it is in someone's garage (like me) who used to work at a dealer and scammed a bunch of cans the day they saw the new stuff come out.
 

stricht8

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I have also had good results with seafoam. Expensive stuff. Anywhere from $6-10 a can depending on geographic location

We exclusively use Sea Foam deep creep at work. we have tried other brands but always seem to prefer the seafoam.
 

sammerdog

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Used WD40 for years and years and never knew any better. Got a hold of a can of PB Blaster and thought that was the cat's pajama's.

The ATF & acetone combo is intriguing.

^^^^ question though:
would I have to use Mercon & acetone on Ford products....
and Dexron & acetone for GM's?
 
OP
T

toolnut

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Lockport,NY
U

The ATF & acetone combo is intriguing.

^^^^ question though:
would I have to use Mercon & acetone on Ford products....
and Dexron & acetone for GM's?

Now that's funny!!:thumbup::beer:

I had packed away a couple original cans of Liquid Wrench for display so I dug them out. Any other originals out there?
 

PowderKeg

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Little Rock, AR
Used WD40 for years and years and never knew any better. Got a hold of a can of PB Blaster and thought that was the cat's pajama's.

The ATF & acetone combo is intriguing.

^^^^ question though:
would I have to use Mercon & acetone on Ford products....
and Dexron & acetone for GM's?

:lol_hitti Ya beat me to it - is Type F or Dexron preferred (please say Type F)....

That ATF/acetone combo will be on the try it list. Otherwise, Deep Creep, PB, and Liquid Wrench most lately here. Also Aerokroil and CRC. WD-40 is way over-rated....
 

LGMechanical

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Etobicoke, Ontario
I like using universal products like Fluid Film and Honey Goo because I can use it as a lubricant to free up locks and hinges, and I can use it on a wire harness to prevent corrosion or coat battery terminals.

I know it won't penetrate like the thinner stuff but I seem to get along without using them.
 

tw33k2514

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Now call me crazy, but wouldnt the acetone evaporate very quickly? I would think if one was going to use this mixture they would have to mix it and use it right away.
 

r6_cannibal

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Southern California
Now call me crazy, but wouldnt the acetone evaporate very quickly? I would think if one was going to use this mixture they would have to mix it and use it right away.

That was my thought too. It would be interesting to setup a test and see if it is indeed shelfable. If so I wouldn't mind keeping a oiler of the 50/50 mix.

:edit:
thinking about it though, maybe the rapid evaporation causes enough of a temperature drop to aid in penetration.
might need more extreme temp differences for it to make any difference, but it's just a thought.
 
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