Penetrating Oil (comparison)

[Johnny]

Thanks to DaleH for this contribution.

DaleH said: FWIW, the best penetrating oil one can use is a
homemade mix of 50% acetone and 50% automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

Recently “Machinist Workshop Magazine” did a test on penetrating oils.
Using nuts and bolts that they ‘scientifically rusted’ to a uniform degree by
soaking in salt water, they then tested the break-out torque required to loosen the nuts.
They treated the nuts with a variety of penetrants and measured the torque required to loosen them.

This is what they came up with:

Nothing: 516 lbs
WD-40: 238 lbs;
PB Blaster: 214 lbs;
Liquid Wrench: 127 lbs,
Kano Kroil: 106 lbs
ATF/Acetone mix (50/50 mix): 50 lbs.

I have used the 50/50 mix a few times now and tho I don't have the
apples-to-apples to compare it with, this mix did the job.
ie: Bearing sleeve stuck on the shaft tighter than whiskers on a goat.
applied a few good squirts over 15 minutes, went to lunch,
came back and tapped the sleeve and it just slid off.

THANKS for the info !!!

 

[CedarRiverScooter]

The 50/50 mix makes a good de-rusting solvent too. Use it often, just mix a few ounces at a time.

 

[overboard]

Since learning about the 50/50 mix, I started using it; it works! I had used ATF in the past, but without the Acetone.
One thing I thought was interesting, was that the much touted PB Blaster was not as effective as Liquid wrench.

 

[Johnny]

off topic of being used as a penetrating fluid, ATF probably has
several uses that it was not designed for. As with many items these days.

#1 that comes to my mind is with sign painters. We use some very expensive
brushes in our trade and they are NEVER stored dry after putting them away like you do
with a normal home or hobby brush.
There are several non-animal fat brush oils on the market formulated especially for artist's brushes.
But, what we have found to work best is the straight ATF bath after being cleaned.
just force the ATF (or whatever oil you choose) into the ferrule, lightly squeeze the bristles
to remove excess oil and they will keep for decades and still be in pristine condition
next time you want to use it. Just wash the oil out in mineral spirits and you are good to go.

Thanks again Dale for the tip, I never thought about diluting the ATF with a hot solvent.