Penetrating oil

[zonker5]

Got this from a friend...

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=

 

[rwsmith]

That is interesting....

ATF and acetone did far more than any others, huh? Appreciate that.

 

[BigDog48]

I'll stick with Kroil. Don't like acetone.

 

[Robenstein]

We used the ATF/Acetone mix in our auto shop to unstick engines as well as tackle any stubborn fastener. It really is the best I have ever used.

 

[i1afli]

I've got some exhaust pipe nuts that I can't break loose...looks like I need to mix up some aft/acetone.
Interesting.
Thanks for posting.

 

[6518John]

Interesting indeed. Especially since I just pulled some pricing and Kroil is $78 a gallon, ATF is $20 a gallon and acetone is $15 a gallon. So you can make twice the amount of Kroil for less than half the price and it works twice as well according the torque pressures!

 

[Racer X]

ATF and acetone are 2 of the main components of Ed's Red bore cleaner.

 

[chief38]

I have had such success with Kroil that I would not mess with anything containing Acetone. Kroil has never failed me yet - and the ONLY complaint I have is it SMELLS bad! Unless I've got no choice on the matter, I use it outdoors. If I HAVE TO use it inside I open all the windows in my Workshop area. Other than that - it's a FANTASTIC product!

 

[ACORN]

I assume the acetone is to thin out the atf. I wonder if a less volatile solvent would yield similar results?

 

[bdblk12v]

The best penetrating oil made is S'Ok. Nothing even compares to it. Its pricey as can be but when you have horrible rusted bolts or galled threads. This stuff will make it like new smooth. We use a lot where I work.

 

[Leslie Sapp]

My formula for Ed's Red:
1/3 ATF
1/3 Kerosene
1/3 Acetone
There's always gallon of this stuff sitting out in the barn where the tractor and other equipment is worked on, and a couple of old fashioned oil cans of it in strategic places about the farm. It's by far the best I've ever used.
My guess is the acetone thins the lighter oils out enough for them to seep into the cracks and then evaporates quickly, leaving the oils for a lubricant.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Some of the newer ATFs won't mix with Acetone, they just stay separated. I'm not sure how to tell which ones will work right.

 

[505Gibbs]

Allegedly a spray call Free All works very well.

 

[patrickd]

I assume the acetone is to thin out the atf. I wonder if a less volatile solvent would yield similar results?

Kerosene and ATF works pretty well.

 

[Robenstein]

Some of the newer ATFs won't mix with Acetone, they just stay separated. I'm not sure how to tell which ones will work right.

I just use the cheap Dex/Merc brands like the Wal Mart Super-Tech line.

 

[Racer X]

I just use the cheap Dex/Merc brands like the Wal Mart Super-Tech line.

I bet the issue is with the newer synthetic stuff. Just use the Dexron/Mercon III. Cheaper anyway.

 

[Old Arkansawyer]

I have used ATF, acetone and kerosene in various formulas and it may take awhile but it is effective on stuck tractor engines. If you need to use this on your guns use power steering fluid instead of ATF as the PSF does not have the red dye.

 

[Robenstein]

I have used ATF, acetone and kerosene in various formulas and it may take awhile but it is effective on stuck tractor engines. If you need to use this on your guns use power steering fluid instead of ATF as the PSF does not have the red dye.

It really is good for this. I remember using it last on a Ford Y block that was rusted up tight. Soaked it heavy for a week, and was able to bust it loose. Always makes it easier to tear down an engine when you can get it to spin over.

 

[kennyb]

another vote here for kroil

 

[iPac]

I wouldn't call this test "recent". The results you mention are an exact copy of a test that has been done at least 4 years ago if not longer and has been on the web for the same. A google search will yield it. Even so, it is good info and thanks for sharing because evidently some haven't heard about it before. I believe Kerosene can be substituted for acetone too.

I know because about a year ago I needed the best to loosen a very rusted anode rod on my water heater. Half acetone and half ATF is supposedly the best and everyone who has tried it usually agrees. It worked miracles on my anode rod with 18hrs time given. Before that, an impact driver wouldn't loosen it.

I am not sure what the old ATF was like, but the generic Dexron/Mercon does in fact separate. When you use it, you must shake it up well right before applying. To each their own though.

Playing with acetone is nothing to be afraid of, and this mixture is something you can do only when needed and doesn't need to be made in large batches requiring storage. Given the cost savings, Kroil wouldn't even be an option compared to this, which works better.