Rusty nuts

[5quarter]

"Machinist's Workshop magazine actually tested penetrants for break out torque on rusted nuts. Significant results! They arranged a subjective test of all the popular penetrants with the control being the torque required to remove the nut from a "scientifically rusted" environment.
Penetrating oil ..... Average torque
None ................ 516 pounds
WD-40 ............... 238 pounds
PB Blaster .......... 214 pounds
Liquid Wrench ....... 127 pounds
Kano Kroil .......... 106 pounds
ATF-Acetone mix ..... 53 pounds
The ATF-Acetone mix was a "home brew" mix of 50-50 automatic transmission fluid and acetone.
Note the "home brew" was 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 about as good as "Kroil" for about 20% of the price. *
Your experience may vary."

[randygar]

Now, does it work if I use used ATF, as that's a lot cheaper, and anything involving the jeep needs about 20 gallons... :P

--Randy

[vacca rabite]

Wow. I would have expected PB Blaster to do better based on its reputation.

Did the study show how well each penetrant penetrated, of how they applied it? I might have to mix up some ATF and acetone and try this.

Zach

[Barrman]

Get you one of those HF fill it your self spray cans like Chris uses and you are good to go. Thanks for posting this.

[spgirard30]

Also did it say how long they let it sit before attempting to remove them?

[randyscycle]

Very interesting.

I've pretty much always used PB or Kroil with pretty good results. Not surprised at the WD-40. I don't think I've ever seen it work very well as a penetrant. Great for water-displacement though.

I am going to give the ATF-Acetone a whirl next time I need to get something rusty apart.

[Roy]

Soak some rusty parts in a Coca-Cola and see what happens....

[Fastfrankie]

Hit any rusty nut or bolt with some heat from a torch and it'll break easier than any spray oil or concoction of fluids...

[Swampthang]

G.M. heat valve lube is the best I have ever used. Nothing better on rusted exhaust studs.

[Maingear]

http://ep.yimg.com/ip/I/stylespilotshop_2054_341757783

Best kept secret in aviation. Literally drops is all that is needed. Oil on bolts placed in ziplock bags - oil will make it out of the bag. Just gotta give it time on severely rusted parts. If I have only one shot on a irreplaceable part, I use a hypodermic needle and place three drops every 12 hours for 3 days.

Shame it wasn't tested. Mouse Milk is MFG by Worldwide Filter Inc.

Justin