[ARC5] Penetrating Oils

[Richard Knoppow]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "J. Forster" <jfor at quikus.com>
To: "D C _Mac_ Macdonald" <k2gkk at hotmail.com>
Cc: "ARC-5 Mail List" <arc5 at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2013 10:21 AM
Subject: Re: [ARC5] Penetrating Oils


> Are you sure?
>
> I've used Fantastik for decades w/o issues. OTOH, 409 does 
> cause problems
> with some plastics.
>
> -John

    I don't know the difference between Formula 409 and 
Fantastic but have read similar warnings.  I have a 
household cleaner from the 99cent store that is quite 
effective but caused the labels on an old typewriter to run. 
Fortunately, I had used it in only one place. I have to 
agree with Mike that you must test anything you want to use.
    Probably the least harmful cleaner is plain liquid 
dishwashing detergent. Its also surprisingly effective.
    Other stuff in this thread are penetrating oils and rust 
removers. Most rust removers use a type of chemical called a 
reducing agent. These combine with the oxygen in oxidized 
metals. Similar substances are used as photographic 
developers.  The most common reducing agent in rust removers 
seems to be phosphoric acid, that's what's in Naval Jelly. 
Another is oxalic acid, used in cleaners like Zud and 
Barkeeper's Friend. Either can remove nickel or chrome 
plating if left for too long. The MSDS for some rust 
removers, such as Evapo-Rust, don't list any of the 
ingredients. Evapo-Rust claims none of its ingredients are 
hazardous.
    I have no idea about penetrating oils other than my 
experience is that WD-40 is not very effective. I have used 
Liquid Wrench and PB Blaster successfully.  Kroil and 
AeroKroil are frequently recommended but I have not tried 
either.
    None of these substances is a good lubricant, once the 
parts are free they should be cleaned and lubricated with 
some normal oil or grease.


--
Richard Knoppow
Los Angeles
WB6KBL
dickburk at ix.netcom.com