Penetrating Oils

[LJ-TJ]

   
• "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 toremove 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 withequally good results. Note also that Liquid Wrench is almost as good asKroil 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.

[talon59]

and we have been using those high priced cuncoctions all these years. for shame Hm?

[ibdilbert01]

A Link to the original article.   

[Lefty]

I've used Kroil for years, it works really good on rusted bolts. It can also be squirted into cylinders to either prevent rust/seizing (for storage purposes), or to free up stuck rings on a seized engine.

Never tried the ATF/Acetone mix, I'll have to give it a shot.

I've also used PB Blaster, it works good too.

[ClydesdaleKevin]

Very good to know!  Thanks!  I thought PB-Blaster was the bomb, but after reading the review, I'll try my own mix next time.

Kev

[cosmic]

good to use this when your just to close too something to use the torches.

[circleD]

I know this thread is old but I finally got around to doing the 50/50 mix and its awesome!! I sprayed a rusted motorcycle chain a few months ago with liquid wrench and it didn't do anything worth while. I mixed 4oz of ATF and acetone into a glass jar then dipped the chain into it. I could then move a few of the links so I put the whole chain in the jar for a few seconds and it moves freely now with no rust on it. Just becareful of paint and fiberglass with it.

[Stripe]

Oooh....    the possibilities...

[circleD]

Oh yes Fred! I'm going to get an old rag and let this stuff soak into it and start dabbing it onto rusted bolts so when I work on them in a few months they'll be ready. Remember the acetone will evaporate so keep it sealed.