Various penetrating Oils findings

[johnnyclack]

For all my buddies that like to tinker!


Interesting! Even if you're not mechanically inclined, this might be worth
noting.

"Machinist's Workshop" recently published information on various penetrating
oils. The magazine reports they tested these products for "break out
"torque" on rusted nuts and bolts. A subjective test was made of popular
penetrating oils, with the unit of merit being the torque required to
remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" bolt.

Average torque load to loosen nut:
No Oil used ........................516 foot pounds
WD-40 ..................... ........238 foot pounds
PB Blaster .........................214 foot pounds
Liquid Wrench ......................127 foot pounds
Kano Kroil .........................106 foot pounds
ATF/Acetone mix...................... 53 foot 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.

Our local machinist group mixed up a batch, and we all now use it with
equally good results. Note also that Liquid Wrench is almost as good as
Kroil for 20% of the price.

ATF/Acetone mix is best, but you can also use ATF and lacquer thinner in a
50/50 mix. ATF = Any type of Automatic Transmission Fluid

This version of the story was in one of the Military Vehicle Club newsletters.

[Orange Crate]

Thanks very much for this info. Like so many on this forum, I have used probably most if not all of the products listed in your post and I do like the results I get from "AeroKroil" made by Kano. I ran out of that recently and can not find it locally so I have been back to trying different brands. I have noticed that some brands attract oxygen and accelerate rusting (want to sell more oil?). Also they have increased the can pressure AND are using the wide area spray pattern (have you noticed that they don't include a small tube any more? Want to sell more oil?). Just some of my observations lately...I am going to mix up an ATF/Acetone batch today and try it out. Thanks again.

[arturo7]

ATF + acetone = kick arse

[_Ogre]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

"scientifically rusted" bolt.

they could have used my truck, nothing scientific about it but very rusty

[johnnyclack]

So Sorry they could use only “Scientific Rusted Bolts” ; it was Government research grant money …… NoT

[pritch]

I'll have to try the acetone/ATF someday.

I didn't notice Gibbs brand in the test. I'd like to see how it does.

[Orange Crate]

I like to think of rust as "chemical milling"!!

[jtj143]

Very interesting johnnyclack -
I wonder a couple things if you mix your own ATF/acetone;
1) Will the acetone evaporate out of the mixture over time?
2) Can the mixture be safely stored in a glass, or plastic, or metal container?

[arturo7]

The ATF/acetone mixture, from my experience, should be used withing a few days or maybe a week.

I use this el cheapo oil can from HF.

[midniteblues]

I must say that after I read about the ace/atf mixture I gave it a whirl and holey cow does that stuff work good.

I wanted to use it with a spray bottle so I emptyed the last little bit of a cleaner/windex type bottle(the kind that sprays a stream and fan)rinsed it out and mixed up a big batch.
I used up a good portion of the bottle within a couple days on tearing down two frames and just about a inch left in the bottle it sat on the bench for a while and the bottle started too melt away so just be carefull what you put it in.

for the price i like buying the acetone and atf it is like haveing a duel purpose products in the shop and only makes sense too me cause it can and will be used either way

also there still is a place for the proper rust penetrant/lubricant I dont think you would want too use the atf mixture on parts that are sensitive too the acetone so sometimes a small test spot is a good idea

[ETsC10]

Sounds like a good "soak" for rusty bolts, tools, etc.

[midniteblues]

Originally Posted by ETsC10

Sounds like a good "soak" for rusty bolts, tools, etc.

yes it is and it has a aroma thats is kinda nice

[ETsC10]

I’ve always liked making homemade concoctions so this whole thread
intrigued me from the start (thanks Johnny for starting the thread!).

Originally Posted by jtj143

Very interesting johnnyclack -
I wonder a couple things if you mix your own ATF/acetone;
1) Will the acetone evaporate out of the mixture over time?
2) Can the mixture be safely stored in a glass, or plastic, or metal container?

2)Perhaps a plastic gas can & store as you would gas?
PET, PVC plastic or metal should work...do not use HDPE.

Originally Posted by midniteblues

yes it is and it has a aroma thats is kinda nice

haha...my girlie-side says you are right. Probably wintergreen oil.

I'm going to try a home brew that uses contaminated gasoline
(unusually hard to dispose of otherwise), lacquer thinner,
ATF, turpentine &/or mineral spirits...things I already have.

(Plus my own super-secret ingredients)

[johnnyclack]

I'm going to try a home brew that uses contaminated gasoline
(unusually hard to dispose of otherwise), lacquer thinner,
ATF, turpentine &/or mineral spirits...things I already have.

(Plus my own super-secret ingredients) [/QUOTE]


Carefull with the gas, it has a very low flash point

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

Carefull with the gas, it has a very low flash point

Thanks for the reminder and, yes sir, I will be VERY carefull.
Plan on mixing only small amounts as needed.

[ETsC10]

Originally Posted by johnnyclack

Carefull with the gas, it has a very low flash point

Thanks for the reminder and, yes sir, I will be VERY careful.
Plan on mixing only small amounts as needed.