Homemade Penetrating Oil

[Stale Trooper]

For All of you Mechanic's and Self doer’s out there.
Penetrating Oil - interesting
This was in one of the Military Vehicle Club newsletters

Here is an interesting finding on Penetrating Oils
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): 50 lbs.

This last “shop brew” of 50% automatic transmission fluid and 50% acetone appears to beat
out the commercially prepared products costing far more.

NOTE: I can't personally vouch for the results, 'cause I haven't read the magazine or tried it yet.
But I am maybe going to mix some up to try before winter sets in.
Stale Trooper

[eth77]

I've read the same thing, and I've been using it for that. The mix of 50/50 ATF/Acetone is part of a version of the great gun cleaner "Ed's Red." You add kerosene, and mineral spirits to the original mix. Simply put, mix up a batch using a quart of each component. Mix the ATF with the kerosene then add the acetone and mineral spirits.

It not only does a great job on guns, but I find it an excellent machine tool, and general tool protecter. Store it in a high density polypropylene gas can - like a Blitz brand. Plastic milk jugs will let the acetone escape by evaporation through the sides of the bottle, so don't use them for storage.

[ltlvt]

Man those are awsome numbers. I like PB Blaster so much I have a gallon of it but I think I may try to mix some of my own. I wonder if it works equally well on heat seized bolts like exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes? Thanks a million for the post.

Terry

[gordini]

Man those are awsome numbers. I like PB Blaster so much I have a gallon of it but I think I may try to mix some of my own. I wonder if it works equally well on heat seized bolts like exhaust manifold and exhaust pipes? Thanks a million for the post.

Terry

Many thanks stale trooper for this recipe, i will certainly put it to use

[LORDDiESEL]

I've read the same thing, and I've been using it for that. The mix of 50/50 ATF/Acetone is part of a version of the great gun cleaner "Ed's Red." You add kerosene, and mineral spirits to the original mix. Simply put, mix up a batch using a quart of each component. Mix the ATF with the kerosene then add the acetone and mineral spirits.

It not only does a great job on guns, but I find it an excellent machine tool, and general tool protecter. Store it in a high density polypropylene gas can - like a Blitz brand. Plastic milk jugs will let the acetone escape by evaporation through the sides of the bottle, so don't use them for storage.

Hmmm... what do you suggest storing it in to prevent the evaporation of the acetone?

[pilotbraden]

Hmmm... what do you suggest storing it in to prevent the evaporation of the acetone?

I make it 2 quarts at a time. I pour a pint of atf in a bowl then top off the atf bottle with acetone. I then top of the acetone bottle with the remaining atf. I do not have evaporation problems.

[Moby Duck]

This comment of mine is several years too late but 'pilotbraden' has made a very good point here. If the acetone does not evaporate from the container that it is purchased in, then this is the perfect container to mix and store the home mix in.

[stillldoinit]

Hmmm... what do you suggest storing it in to prevent the evaporation of the acetone?

I have been using this for years. I store in glass jar like peanut butter container until I want to use, then just put into a pump style oil can. I do use a WD40 spray bottle to apply occasionally but put back in glass jar until the next opportunity arises. I mixed some when I first heard about it and the next day I saw where it had seperated. I just thought it must have been a special type of ATF that I had not gotten and dismissed the whole idea. I heard later the juice seperates and has to be shaken up before application. I am wondering if the Kerosene disolves the ATF which is why it needs to mixed before mixing with acetone. I will try it. Kroil is good, but this is much cheaper and only slightly less convenient to use. I have gotten into the habit of shaking the can everytime I pick it up for another shot.

[ragsflh]

yes.been using it fir years.going to try molasses on rust.

[DIYer]

I've known about the acetone/ATF mix for some time but the addition of kerosene and mineral spirits is new to me. Thanks for the tip!