Found that the original article had a misprint. They didn’t use automatic transmission fluid (ATF), instead, they used power steering fluid (PSF) and since the fluids don’t mix well, you have to shake the solution while using it. Here’s the correction from the magazine.
February 2, 2008
Machinist's Workshop V20 number 2, April/May 2007, page 35
Article: “Testing Penetrating oils”
This reports a test of penetrating oils where they measured the force required to loosen rusty test devices. The details reported here were validated by the original article author. He also added some details on the methods. You must buy the issue if you want to see how they did the test. The back issue is available for purchase.
The table below extracts the results table. The lower the number of pounds the better. Interesting that a simple mix of acetone and power steering fluid (PSF) works the best!
February 2, 2008
Penetrating oil........Average load.........Price per fluid ounce
None.......................516 pounds
WD-40....................238 pounds............$0.25
PB Blaster...............214 pounds.............$0.35
Liquid Wrench.........127 pounds.............$0.21
Kano Kroil...............106 pounds.............$0.75
PSF-Acetone mix......53 pounds..............$0.10 (50/50 mix)
Note from original article author:
1) These are loads required to free the test piece after 8 hours of immersion in penetrating oil. This is probably not representative of a quick squirt just before a wrench is applied.
2) The original article states ATF was used in the DIY mix. It was actually PSF. I corrected the table to reflect this.
© Copyright 8 February 2008, [email protected]
Permission to print and post on the internet in this form received from the author 8 February 2008.
I corrected the below table also. Jer
Penetrating Oils
Machinist’s Workshop Mag™ recently published some information on various
penetrating oils. Some of you might appreciate this. The magazine reports they
tested penetrates for break out torque on rusted nuts.
They are below, as forwarded by an ex-student and professional machinist.
They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrates with the control being
the torque required to remove the nut from a “scientifically rusted” environment.
Penetrating oils ........... Average torque load to loosen
No Oil used ................. 516 pounds
WD-40 ......................... 238 pounds
PB Blaster ................... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ............. 127 pounds
Kano Kroil ................... 106 pounds
PSF*- Acetone mix....... 53 pounds
The PSF-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.
PSF - Acetone mix is best, but you can also use PSF and lacquer thinner in a 50-50 mix.
*PSF = Power Steering Fluid
February 2, 2008
Machinist's Workshop V20 number 2, April/May 2007, page 35
Article: “Testing Penetrating oils”
This reports a test of penetrating oils where they measured the force required to loosen rusty test devices. The details reported here were validated by the original article author. He also added some details on the methods. You must buy the issue if you want to see how they did the test. The back issue is available for purchase.
The table below extracts the results table. The lower the number of pounds the better. Interesting that a simple mix of acetone and power steering fluid (PSF) works the best!
February 2, 2008
Penetrating oil........Average load.........Price per fluid ounce
None.......................516 pounds
WD-40....................238 pounds............$0.25
PB Blaster...............214 pounds.............$0.35
Liquid Wrench.........127 pounds.............$0.21
Kano Kroil...............106 pounds.............$0.75
PSF-Acetone mix......53 pounds..............$0.10 (50/50 mix)
Note from original article author:
1) These are loads required to free the test piece after 8 hours of immersion in penetrating oil. This is probably not representative of a quick squirt just before a wrench is applied.
2) The original article states ATF was used in the DIY mix. It was actually PSF. I corrected the table to reflect this.
© Copyright 8 February 2008, [email protected]
Permission to print and post on the internet in this form received from the author 8 February 2008.
I corrected the below table also. Jer
Penetrating Oils
Machinist’s Workshop Mag™ recently published some information on various
penetrating oils. Some of you might appreciate this. The magazine reports they
tested penetrates for break out torque on rusted nuts.
They are below, as forwarded by an ex-student and professional machinist.
They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrates with the control being
the torque required to remove the nut from a “scientifically rusted” environment.
Penetrating oils ........... Average torque load to loosen
No Oil used ................. 516 pounds
WD-40 ......................... 238 pounds
PB Blaster ................... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ............. 127 pounds
Kano Kroil ................... 106 pounds
PSF*- Acetone mix....... 53 pounds
The PSF-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.
PSF - Acetone mix is best, but you can also use PSF and lacquer thinner in a 50-50 mix.
*PSF = Power Steering Fluid
