Penetrating Oil Testing

[RawrImAMonster]

Repost from another forum, but its good info. Anyone try the ATF/Acetone mix?


"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.



Edit: I now see this was posted here 3 year earlier. I knew I had read it somewhere before. Whatever, still good info.

[Mike]

Any data for KY?

[SlimKlim]

^ For realz though a little water-based lubricant is not a terrible thing to keep into the garage. It is designed to make parts fit together after all.

I've heard of the homebrew thing but never tried it. I'm a PB and Liquid Wrench fanboi though, I've had great luck with both of them. The biggest trick seems to be giving it enough time for the oil to penetrate, I'll soak down what I'm going to be taking apart a couple days in advance and again the night before when I'm starting a big project.

[ScottyB]

love liquid wrench and PB. tried Kroil and thought it sucked. never tried the ATF thing although it makes great practical sense especially since i don't know too many transmissions that take an exact amount with nothing left over.

that's why you keep beer in the garage....to drink while the penetrant oil soaks the bolt for a couple minutes

[.RJ]

Kroil is awesome. /thread.