Penetrating Oil and Its Worth - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**GOPAPA** · 04-03-2010, 05:06 PM

Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break
out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! 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. A local machinist group mixed up a batch and 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.

Anyone have any personal experience backing up these claims?

powerdriver 1958 · 04-03-2010, 05:31 PM

I have used ATF and starting fluid in a pinch and has worked well,but need all the doors and windows open to do so.

Company buys PB blaster and its about what I thought.Not as good as the Liquid Wrench we were using.

63 & 64 Bowties · 04-03-2010, 05:46 PM

That's interesting.
And, I thought PB Blaster was the greatest invention since sliced bread.
I haven't tried Liquid Wrench in probably 20 years. Just kinda forgot all about it.

**El Jay** · 04-03-2010, 06:19 PM

That's good to know, Ol' Guy.

When I worked in the refinery they bought Kroil by the boatload. Sooooo, I've used it for years with good results. But, I'm down to my last can; I guess I'll start making my own penetrant with the ATF/acetone recipe.

If I have something really tight, I heat it with a propane torch and then hit it with some wax, before I try to loosen it

dammitmitchell · 04-03-2010, 06:42 PM

i wear by kroil and PB blaster, it's just a pain to find kroil locally..
doth taste terrible just as a heads up.

and i dont use WD-40... it's popular but never worth the opinion in my experience.

**fine69** · 04-03-2010, 06:45 PM

Love this stuff.

http://www.kanolabs.com/

sparkydog · 04-03-2010, 07:33 PM

I belong to a jetboat forum and there's always a post or two asking about ways to free up old hardware stuck in the aluminum castings. Several guys there swear by the 50/50 ATF acetone mix. The ATF is the lube and the acetone cuts it enough to let it wick into the threads.

red69ss · 04-03-2010, 07:55 PM

used kroil in the machine shop I use to work in, it works well. never seen it in a store though.

Walts_restoration · 04-03-2010, 07:58 PM

we order kroil directly from the manufacturer. So ya, we swear by it, and everyone we tell about it loves it as well.

PanelDeland · 04-03-2010, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

i wear by kroil and PB blaster, it's just a pain to find kroil locally..
doth taste terrible just as a heads up.

and i dont use WD-40... it's popular but never worth the opinion in my experience.

WD-40 is not much of a penetrating oil.The WD stands for "Water Dispersant" formula 40.I do't even consider it penetrating oil.I mostly use it for stopping the kinges on the doors from squeaking and removing bugs and tar from the paint on my older cars.

PanelDeland · 04-03-2010, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dammitmitchell

i wear by kroil and PB blaster, it's just a pain to find kroil locally..
doth taste terrible just as a heads up.

and i dont use WD-40... it's popular but never worth the opinion in my experience.

WD-40 is not much of a penetrating oil.The WD stands for "Water Dispersant" formula 40.I do't even consider it penetrating oil.I mostly use it for stopping the kinges on the doors from squeaking and removing bugs and tar from the paint on my older cars.

BTW dammitmitchell,I don't think I would want to drink either,I don't need loosening up that way.

**GOPAPA** · 04-03-2010, 08:30 PM

Very interesting answers guys ,,we all would like some thing that works instantly so thought I would see if any one has one that works in a heart beat .

I have heard that Zep 45 works real good ,,so if anyone has any experience with this product I would like to hear about it ,,

Also I have a old Oil can and it is made of metal so I could mix up the acetone and tranny fluid and be able to quirt it onto the rusty bolts and not worry about plastic being disolved .. any other thoughts on a way to contain acetone would be helpful to all so if you have an idea ,,,please tell all. thanks gp

Tx Firefighter · 04-03-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

Very interesting answers guys ,,we all would like some thing that works instantly so thought I would see if any one has one that works in a heart beat .

I have heard that Zep 45 works real good ,,so if anyone has any experience with this product I would like to hear about it ,,

Also I have a old Oil can and it is made of metal so I could mix up the acetone and tranny fluid and be able to quirt it onto the rusty bolts and not worry about plastic being disolved .. any other thoughts on a way to contain acetone would be helpful to all so if you have an idea ,,,please tell all. thanks gp

I can speak for the ZEP45. I use a lot of it in my shop. It's as good as I have ever found, but I haven't used Kroil.

BarryB · 04-03-2010, 08:41 PM

Going to put the ATF- Acetone to the test on a motor thats locked up. We'll see if it will break that loose. My Dad sprayed 4 cans of PB Blaster in there today. Then I called him up and told him I seen this here. So it gunna be tested.

Restrorob · 04-03-2010, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

WD-40 is not much of a penetrating oil.The WD stands for "Water Dispersant" formula 40.I do't even consider it penetrating oil.I mostly use it for stopping the kinges on the doors from squeaking and removing bugs and tar from the paint on my older cars.

Fluid Film is the cats meow for lubrication and rust prevention of all moving/non moving parts, WD40 ain't squat to this stuff. It also makes faded plastic/rubber parts shine like new again and last for months un-like Armoral.

I wipe the body side moldings/rubber door and window seals and spray all hinges on my 97 with it and have had people at shows ask what I use. Sand doesn't stick/form around where it's used either.

This stuff smells great so won't stink the inside of your vehicle up....

If you try it I'll bet you continue using it !

How's that for a review ?

BarryB · 04-03-2010, 08:47 PM

I have some ZEP 45, with added teflon out in the garage. Does pretty good, I've used Kroil, and it is good stuff. But the price for either is almost to crazy to consider. for the smell of either I would take the Kroil over the Zep 45. The Kroil smells like pinesol to me..

**leddzepp** · 04-03-2010, 09:43 PM

PB Blaster and liquid wrench both work equally well for me. Add a torch and breaker bar if it's really stuck. This has always worked for me so I have no need to try anything else. WD-40 is a great lubricant, not a penetrant.

Walts_restoration · 04-03-2010, 09:47 PM

use silikroil and watch it disolved the rust away, dont believe me? i have a field of test subjects. Makes 30 years of the most neglected lugnuts come off easy.

**truckdude239** · 04-03-2010, 10:01 PM

i use pb at work got something i need broke loose i spray it every 30 mins or soo for like a day and it brakes loose everytime

hounddogs! · 04-03-2010, 11:25 PM

Kroil products from Kano Labs all day long. Every one of our maintenance guys at the plant have a can on their tool cart.

I used SiliKroil on the headers and the turbo on my GN--no broken fasteners.

dammitmitchell · 04-03-2010, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PanelDeland

BTW dammitmitchell,I don't think I would want to drink either,I don't need loosening up that way.

HAHAHA!

i have the habit of being too close and it usually gets in my mouth.. OR im retarded and dont pay attention while poppin in a chew..
hehe

OHH LOOKY
https://secure.cnchost.com/kanolabs....siltrial.shtml

Sillyoldman · 04-04-2010, 12:12 AM

Larry it's nice to see you here! I so badly want to joke about the penetrating oil but I'd be off topic. For automotive use I like PB spray.

chickenwing · 04-04-2010, 01:55 AM

$11 a can for kroil, I'll stick with liquid wrench.

63 & 64 Bowties · 04-04-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

Also I have a old Oil can and it is made of metal so I could mix up the acetone and tranny fluid and be able to quirt it onto the rusty bolts and not worry about plastic being disolved .. any other thoughts on a way to contain acetone would be helpful to all so if you have an idea ,,,please tell all. thanks gp

I wondered about that also. I know that acetone will melt plastic in a heartbeat. So, using an old spray bottle is out of the question. Only problem with the old metal cans is that you can't spray uphill.

**fine69** · 04-04-2010, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chickenwing

$11 a can for kroil, I'll stick with liquid wrench.

Worth every dime of that money. IMO

04-03-2010, 05:06 PM	#1
GOPAPA "Tail Gate Best Seat In House" Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,393	Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! 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. A local machinist group mixed up a batch and 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. Anyone have any personal experience backing up these claims?

04-03-2010, 05:31 PM	#2
powerdriver 1958 Kid's Mechanic Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Kansas City Posts: 8,241	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth I have used ATF and starting fluid in a pinch and has worked well,but need all the doors and windows open to do so. Company buys PB blaster and its about what I thought.Not as good as the Liquid Wrench we were using.

04-03-2010, 05:46 PM	#3
63 & 64 Bowties and a few others Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Blue Ridge Mountains of VA Posts: 5,638	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth That's interesting. And, I thought PB Blaster was the greatest invention since sliced bread. I haven't tried Liquid Wrench in probably 20 years. Just kinda forgot all about it. __________________ Bill US Army Vet -193rd Infantry BlueRidgeMuscleCars.com “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” Gandhi

04-03-2010, 06:19 PM	#4
El Jay Gone to greener pastures Join Date: May 2007 Location: Gateway to the Delta Posts: 7,354	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth That's good to know, Ol' Guy. When I worked in the refinery they bought Kroil by the boatload. Sooooo, I've used it for years with good results. But, I'm down to my last can; I guess I'll start making my own penetrant with the ATF/acetone recipe. If I have something really tight, I heat it with a propane torch and then hit it with some wax, before I try to loosen it __________________ '69 Chevy 1/2 T LWB Stepper: Daily Beater '72 GMC 3/4 T Fleet: Another Daily Beater '72 Plymouth Gran Coupe: ? "Ah women. They make the highs higher and the lows more frequent." Friedrich Nietzsche "Never kick a fresh turd on a hot day." Harry S. Truman GUN CONTROL: Never having to say, "I missed you." Always fire two warning shots into your attacker's chest area before putting a bullet between his eyes. Paraphrased from Louis Awerbuck Last edited by El Jay; 04-03-2010 at 06:22 PM.

04-03-2010, 06:42 PM	#5
dammitmitchell the pollock Join Date: May 2008 Location: abilene, texas Posts: 4,423	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth i wear by kroil and PB blaster, it's just a pain to find kroil locally.. doth taste terrible just as a heads up. and i dont use WD-40... it's popular but never worth the opinion in my experience. __________________ Jack of ALL trades, Master of none.. (but one... procrastination) Army vet 02-08 RIP El Jay! Miss you brother! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=343538 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=386042 Last edited by dammitmitchell; 04-03-2010 at 06:42 PM.

04-03-2010, 06:45 PM	#6
fine69 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Urbana,Ohio,USA Posts: 4,618	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Love this stuff. http://www.kanolabs.com/ __________________ 2008 Chevy HHR 1/2 panel. 1949 Chevy Panel truck(just sittin, waiting) Board member #6 Last edited by fine69; 04-03-2010 at 06:46 PM.

04-03-2010, 07:33 PM	#7
sparkydog Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fallbrook, CA Posts: 910	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth I belong to a jetboat forum and there's always a post or two asking about ways to free up old hardware stuck in the aluminum castings. Several guys there swear by the 50/50 ATF acetone mix. The ATF is the lube and the acetone cuts it enough to let it wick into the threads. __________________ Balls and a Sawzall Project Halfbreed Porsche 944 L67V6 CARB Legal & Other Stuff

04-03-2010, 07:55 PM	#8
red69ss Burnouts are therapeutic Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: lancaster, south carolina Posts: 851	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth used kroil in the machine shop I use to work in, it works well. never seen it in a store though. __________________ 1969 CHEVELLE SS 1972 C10 ALMOST DAILY DRIVER 1968 C10 RUSTBUCKET (MISSION IMPOSSIBLE) 1972 PONTIAC LEMANS CONVERTIBLE (WIFE'S CAR) "My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met." - Rodney Dangerfield "The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has its limits." - Einstein

04-03-2010, 07:58 PM	#9
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth we order kroil directly from the manufacturer. So ya, we swear by it, and everyone we tell about it loves it as well. __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums

04-03-2010, 08:30 PM	#12
GOPAPA "Tail Gate Best Seat In House" Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,393	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Very interesting answers guys ,,we all would like some thing that works instantly so thought I would see if any one has one that works in a heart beat . I have heard that Zep 45 works real good ,,so if anyone has any experience with this product I would like to hear about it ,, Also I have a old Oil can and it is made of metal so I could mix up the acetone and tranny fluid and be able to quirt it onto the rusty bolts and not worry about plastic being disolved .. any other thoughts on a way to contain acetone would be helpful to all so if you have an idea ,,,please tell all. thanks gp

04-03-2010, 08:41 PM	#14
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Going to put the ATF- Acetone to the test on a motor thats locked up. We'll see if it will break that loose. My Dad sprayed 4 cans of PB Blaster in there today. Then I called him up and told him I seen this here. So it gunna be tested. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff!

04-03-2010, 08:47 PM	#16
BarryB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Blountville, Tn. Posts: 3,904	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth I have some ZEP 45, with added teflon out in the garage. Does pretty good, I've used Kroil, and it is good stuff. But the price for either is almost to crazy to consider. for the smell of either I would take the Kroil over the Zep 45. The Kroil smells like pinesol to me.. __________________ We could learn a lot from crayons... Some are sharp; some are pretty;and some are dull. Some have weird names; and all are different colours;but they all have to live in the same box. You may be only one person in the world, But you may also be the world to one person. * Some mistakes are too much fun to only make once. Two rules in life. 1. Never sweat the small stuff! 2. Everything is small stuff!

04-03-2010, 09:43 PM	#17
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 19,990	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth PB Blaster and liquid wrench both work equally well for me. Add a torch and breaker bar if it's really stuck. This has always worked for me so I have no need to try anything else. WD-40 is a great lubricant, not a penetrant. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man

04-03-2010, 09:47 PM	#18
Walts_restoration Real Projects never die Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Lawrence, kansas Posts: 1,508	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth use silikroil and watch it disolved the rust away, dont believe me? i have a field of test subjects. Makes 30 years of the most neglected lugnuts come off easy. __________________ Ill put it this way, ive got a few lawn ornaments My name tag says Ryan KansasTwister On other forums

04-03-2010, 10:01 PM	#19
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,217	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth i use pb at work got something i need broke loose i spray it every 30 mins or soo for like a day and it brakes loose everytime __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube



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04-03-2010, 11:25 PM	#20
hounddogs! Restoring it $200 at a time... Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: NE Kansas Posts: 886	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Kroil products from Kano Labs all day long. Every one of our maintenance guys at the plant have a can on their tool cart. I used SiliKroil on the headers and the turbo on my GN--no broken fasteners. __________________ Charter member of the 'Put the dimmer switch back on the damn floor where it belongs' Society '68 5.3L-4 speed LWB C20; grandpa bought it for the farm in '71. Now LS 5.3, rather than 327. DD '09 Pilot Weekender '65 Skylark 300-4V-4 speed Wife's '07 Lexus ES350; 117 actuator motors and I can't see the engine. Son's '04 F250 SuperCab 6.0

04-04-2010, 12:12 AM	#22
Sillyoldman #16876 Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Auburn WA Posts: 12,266	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth Larry it's nice to see you here! I so badly want to joke about the penetrating oil but I'd be off topic. For automotive use I like PB spray. __________________ Posted via Stationary Device '71 Custom Deluxe C-20 402. '67 Buick Special 455. '49 Plymouth Special Deluxe. *"I love that old car smell"* *Some people are like Slinkies... not really good for anything, but they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.* Last edited by Sillyoldman; 04-04-2010 at 02:00 AM.

04-04-2010, 01:55 AM	#23
chickenwing Lovin' Life in Miss.! Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Puckett, Mississippi Posts: 1,937	Re: Penetrating Oil and Its Worth $11 a can for kroil, I'll stick with liquid wrench. __________________ The truck... you hear that? No really, you did hear that?!!!

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