Truth or just an excuse

[Infinia]

Why?

RE WD40 in pneumatic tools
from my experience used in coating tools for corrosion protection, it gets gummy and even hardens up when left to dry out, if you use WD40 don't let it sit unused for very long. You could use it in a pinch but clear it out sooner than later.

 

[Infinia]

So the better question is why one would use something other than what is specified?

Yes this is good advise. Clear and straight to the point. Read the manual folks!

Side note. Ester base stocks (Group V) are vegetable derived. In their purest form, they are actually clear. So it isn't unreasonable to assume some airborne oil fog won't be as bad as others.

Synthetic oil base stocks are not to be confused with vegetable oils. Why would you even include this as a side issue? "clear as mud" to my thinking, ambiguous trigger words (like 'mineral' oil, see above) trip common folks up. Leave this to the chemists..


side note > Industrial alcohols are produced from fermenting "vegetables" it can also kill and maim you if upmost care isn't used. Don't jump to conclusions, many clear liquids are often unsafe. ATF and MMO add red dye to clear oil to ID it from other fluids.
Look for the 'USP label' for safety concerns.

 

[mudflap]

When i get to work tomorrow i'm going to look the NAPA air tool lubricant up in our MSDS book ..and see if it sheds any light on the subject.. And look back thru the inspection docs.. I know there is some reason OSHA "suggested" we use that instead of other stuff... They may have detected it in the air.. My guys had to wear noise, and airborne particulate monitors for 3 days.

 

[Syberia]

The only air tools I own are nail guns, but I've always just sprayed a shot of motorcycle chain lube (still have a few cans of it, but no more motorcycles with chains) in the air fitting and haven't had a problem yet.

 

[Fedwrench]

Given the low cost of dedicated air tool oil and that it's readily available, why look for an alternative?

 

[Infinia]

When i get to work tomorrow i'm going to look the NAPA air tool lubricant up in our MSDS book ..and see if it sheds any light on the subject.. And look back thru the inspection docs.. I know there is some reason OSHA "suggested" we use that instead of other stuff... They may have detected it in the air.. My guys had to wear noise, and airborne particulate monitors for 3 days.

In my experience safety officials will never tell you what to use, but they'll certainly tell you what not to use IF you declare any verboten materials. Better to look up any regulations cited. They (inspectors ) could get in serious trouble if they verbally suggest what to use or what to do. Everything by the book! as an example, recently someone in the White House 'suggested' in public to use 'Trump" products.
Particulate sensors don't analyze dangerous substances per se. I think they use light and read ppm. AFAIK they have some ppm threshold and trigger a red flag if exceeded.

 

[gte718p]

I think I would be worried about the friction modifiers in ATF if I used it as a air tool lubricant. Yes it would be good for the seals, but is also has modifiers to give the clutch packs and break bands just the right bite. I could see them reacting badly on air tools.

I paid $5 at Wally world for my bottle of air tool oil. It has been close to 5 years, and still going strong. I see no reason to look elsewhere.

 

[Farmall450]

A bottle of air tool oil is like $3 and last a long time.

^ This.

 

[mudflap]

In my experience safety officials will never tell you what to use, but they'll certainly tell you what not to use IF you declare any verboten materials. Better to look up any regulations cited. They (inspectors ) could get in serious trouble if they verbally suggest what to use or what to do. Everything by the book! as an example, recently someone in the White House 'suggested' in public to use 'Trump" products.
Particulate sensors don't analyze dangerous substances per se. I think they use light and read ppm. AFAIK they have some ppm threshold and trigger a red flag if exceeded.

They Didn't specify any brand.. NAPA brand is just convenient..my choice..we buy most everything else from there.. And i think it's an industry specific concern..When they interviewed the guys concerning workplace practices / procedures...They were all asked what they were using to lubricate air tools..and a 100 other things...lol

 

[[memphis]]

I think I would be worried about the friction modifiers in ATF if I used it as a air tool lubricant. Yes it would be good for the seals, but is also has modifiers to give the clutch packs and break bands just the right bite. I could see them reacting badly on air tools.

I paid $5 at Wally world for my bottle of air tool oil. It has been close to 5 years, and still going strong. I see no reason to look elsewhere.

Plus breathing in all that ATF goodness as it becomes vaporized from the air tool because you know joe blow will add too much. ATF new and used is some nasty stuff

 

[Al Borland]

Ok, what is ***** juice...

Usually used to lubricate mud flaps.

 

[Infinia]

They Didn't specify any brand.. NAPA brand is just convenient..my choice..we buy most everything else from there.. And i think it's an industry specific concern..When they interviewed the guys concerning workplace practices / procedures...They were all asked what they were using to lubricate air tools..and a 100 other things...lol

well unless you got dinged for a no-no , saying OSHA suggested you use 'bla bla' has zero bearing about choices of air tool lubes. yer implying something that is nothing. An OSHA pass doesn't mean a golden seal of approval of all your product choices. LOL

 

[lakeroadster]

I would NEVER use WD40 in air tools.

Why?

RE WD40 in pneumatic tools
from my experience used in coating tools for corrosion protection, it gets gummy and even hardens up when left to dry out, if you use WD40 don't let it sit unused for very long. You could use it in a pinch but clear it out sooner than later.

I have 20 years experience using WD-40 in my pneumatic tools, never an issue.

They sat unused for over a year when we moved in 2015.

 

[mudflap]

well unless you got dinged for a no-no , saying OSHA suggested you use 'bla bla' has zero bearing about choices of air tool lubes. yer implying something that is nothing. An OSHA pass doesn't mean a golden seal of approval of all your product choices. LOL

I don't think you get it... It was a voluntary inspection..we called them in to point out "would be" violations..so no getting dinged...We did however have to agree to correct whatever problems they found within 30 Days. They said....Don't use ATF / WD40 / ETC. They did say to use only air tool lubricant.. They didn't say what brand. The NAPA guy is at the shop making a delivery every day..so picking that brand was simply a matter of convenience..

 

[Infinia]

They said....Don't use ATF / WD40 / ETC. They did say to use only air tool lubricant.. ..

did they say why?
look at MSDS sheets, the OSHA occupational exposure limits RE oil mist, mineral. Both are the same ATF Dextron III and CH air tool oil.

all are refined from petroleum and classified as 'mineral oils', MMO is same except ~15-20% are Stoddard solvents E.g. mineral spirits.

 

[lakeroadster]

did they say why?

Likely because they (OSHA) are to ensure devices are used per the OEM spec's.

Are there any water dispersing lubricants than can be snorted and/or dropped into your eyes that won't cause irritation?

Unsalted Butter?

 

[vettex2]

I use ATf and most of my air tools are 30 years old and still work fine

 

[bubinga]

I use ATf and most of my air tools are 30 years old and still work fine

I agree, that would be just fine.

 

[mmouse]

I have a HF air body saw that didn't have enough power to cut cardboard. My dad suggested a heavy weight oil. I happen to have Yamalube 20w-50 on the shelf and gave it a shot. No kidding, the thicker oil must seal up the motor better, because it will at least cut sheet metal now. The saw is still a underpowered POS, and will stall out once in a while. But at least it is usable. And the smell makes me want to quit working and go riding.

 

[6PTsocket]

Wow - a positive OSHA inspection experience - I wasn't aware such a thing was even possible.

Thise OSHA guys may be in for an unpleasant experience of their own, along with their friends over at the EPA.

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[Marlin]

10 weight non-detergent oil is all that you need.

 

[vintage nut]

I usually use atf, mainly because I keep a goldenrod can of it around anyways

If the tools start loosing power, a shot of seafoam deep creep makes a huge difference. Picked up an old CP impact with no guts what so ever. Good dose of seafoam and it's hitting like new again. Never would have believed it until I tried it

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[Infinia]

I usually use atf,... snip..
If the tools start loosing power, a shot of seafoam deep creep makes a huge difference.

For a general 'clean out' I'd try heating up the tool by leaving it the hot sun or oven, and then using a 50/50 mix mineral spirits and ATF, should melt any old gummy deposits. Don't forget to free up the hammer side too. It's pretty easy to take apart for a real cleaning.

 

[vintage nut]

For a general 'clean out' I'd try heating up the tool by leaving it the hot sun or oven, and then using a 50/50 mix mineral spirits and ATF, should melt any old gummy deposits. Don't forget to free up the hammer side too. It's pretty easy to take apart for a real cleaning.

Good to know
Next time it feels lacking I'll give it a shot

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[RivennHewn]

I never oil my some of my tools. When I'm woodworking, I don't want to run the risk of having oil ruin a finish.

I have some air tools that I haven't oiled, and it's been 25+ years of use.

All of my finish nail guns and sanders and such will never see any oil. Some are designed to be oilless, but most are not.

 

[bubinga]

Been using PB blaster or WD-40 for my whole life up until I recently bought the first bottle of air tool oil ever.

I think pB and WD40 are a little thin, but sometimes I run something like that through, to clean it out a little.
The I use oil.
As stated, been using ISO 32, or 3 in 1.

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[bubinga]

Yes this is good advise. Clear and straight to the point. Read the manual folks!

Synthetic oil base stocks are not to be confused with vegetable oils. Why would you even include this as a side issue? "clear as mud" to my thinking, ambiguous trigger words (like 'mineral' oil, see above) trip common folks up. Leave this to the chemists..


side note > Industrial alcohols are produced from fermenting "vegetables" it can also kill and maim you if upmost care isn't used. Don't jump to conclusions, many clear liquids are often unsafe. ATF and MMO add red dye to clear oil to ID it from other fluids.
Look for the 'USP label' for safety concerns.

Ok, so what water do we use in batteries? Distilled right?
OK so what's wrong with the water from the 5 gallon polar water bottles. (the drinking water cooler)
Those guys all said NO!
but they couldn't tell me why not.
I used it anyways.
I contend the water in the water coolers is spring or Distilled.

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[Infinia]

Ok, so what water do we use in batteries? Distilled right?
OK so what's wrong with the water from the 5 gallon polar water bottles. (the drinking water cooler)
Those guys all said NO!
but they couldn't tell me why not.
I used it anyways.
I contend the water in the water coolers is spring or Distilled.

Sent from my MotoG3 using Tapatalk

yes distilled H2O for batteries. Drinking or spring water that tastes really good has salts, minerals and other impurities. Spring water since it has other 'substances' makes for 'bad' battery chemistry. Distilled and spring drinking water are NOT equals, one has more purity than the other.
FWIW Some fancy imported bubbly bottled water is incredibly salty. Distilled 'pure' water tastes uhm really bland.