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I added some alternative brands of penetrating oil. I use PB Blaster because it comes in a spray can. I heard about ATF-Acetone so I did some more research and added some more info on penetrating oils to the basic mechanic's tips article:
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/auto-mechanics-tips.htm . Other tips on freeing stuck bolts inside.
In doing research, I found that almost every internet reference to this test passed on incorrect information. Only 2 sources had the correct information, 1 of which was from the author - so I consider my info correct.
Other brands of penetrating lubricant or a homemade mix - Machinist's workshop magazine did a test of loosening rusty pins with penetrating oil in April 2007. The results are below. Each pin was electrolytically rusted into a hole. If you search the internet, you'll see references to this rusty bolt test, the test was actually done with pins stuck in holes, not bolts. The difference is that a pin has a lot less surface area to penetrate than bolt threads. In addition, the table shows Power steering fluid-Acetone instead of ATF-Acetone because PS fluid was used. Although an ATF mixture works, the author of the test actually used PS fluid (they are similar). Most websites also spread these errors, the table below is correct. The author answered questions about this article and corrected the typo here: homemachinest bulletin board.
Because of these differences, I find that PB Blaster works better than the other brands of penetrating oil and eats rust. I haven't tried ATF-Acetone but I hear it works great and is cheap too. These oils penetrate better if you let them sit and tap them with a hammer. I would also keep Acetone off rubber or plastics. Most, if not all of these are flammable.
Penetrating oil------------Average load (lbs)
None---------------------------516
WD-40--------------------------238
PB Blaster----------------------214
Liquid Wrench-----------------127
Kano Kroil-----------------------106
Power steering fluid-Acetone---53
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/multi/auto-mechanics-tips.htm . Other tips on freeing stuck bolts inside.
In doing research, I found that almost every internet reference to this test passed on incorrect information. Only 2 sources had the correct information, 1 of which was from the author - so I consider my info correct.
Other brands of penetrating lubricant or a homemade mix - Machinist's workshop magazine did a test of loosening rusty pins with penetrating oil in April 2007. The results are below. Each pin was electrolytically rusted into a hole. If you search the internet, you'll see references to this rusty bolt test, the test was actually done with pins stuck in holes, not bolts. The difference is that a pin has a lot less surface area to penetrate than bolt threads. In addition, the table shows Power steering fluid-Acetone instead of ATF-Acetone because PS fluid was used. Although an ATF mixture works, the author of the test actually used PS fluid (they are similar). Most websites also spread these errors, the table below is correct. The author answered questions about this article and corrected the typo here: homemachinest bulletin board.
Because of these differences, I find that PB Blaster works better than the other brands of penetrating oil and eats rust. I haven't tried ATF-Acetone but I hear it works great and is cheap too. These oils penetrate better if you let them sit and tap them with a hammer. I would also keep Acetone off rubber or plastics. Most, if not all of these are flammable.
Penetrating oil------------Average load (lbs)
None---------------------------516
WD-40--------------------------238
PB Blaster----------------------214
Liquid Wrench-----------------127
Kano Kroil-----------------------106
Power steering fluid-Acetone---53
