Penetrating Oil is Overrated!

[bryes]

I had been letting my oil cooler lines soak in penetrating oil (PB Blaster) since last april. Every last one of them were still rusted solid, so last Saturday I reluctantly had  to  heat them to break them loose.

I always use penetrating oil anyway, but the more time goes on the less useful I think it is in breaking free rusted fasteners. Once the fastener is loosened a bit, then the oil is thin enough to get in and it helps in backing it out. But in most cases heavy corrosion seems to seal out the penetrating oil altogether, which had to be the case with these oil lines. I've noticed before, even after soaking for long periods of time that basically any internal surface not sprayed directly with the oil will be bone dry.

[earlbrown]

I've never seen penetrating oil actually do any penetrating. Based on my experience you have to just put it on the exposed stuff then grab a handfull and just work it back and forth until you get it in.


I've seen a study pop up a few times over the years on various messageboards.  It tested a bunch of penetrating oil and a few home brews. It seems like the winner was something odd like brake fluid and ATF.  Oddly enough the winner was by a longshot.

[Steve Wood]

I have never had much luck...Kroil is one of the better rated ones and I use it for whatever value it may add.  50% ATF plus 50% acetone supposedly is the best working mix in tests

[tb3]

I tell ya whats not over-rated...
a cutting torch an a big hammer! 

[bryes]

Yeah, I can't remember ever having something that wouldn't loosen up after finessing it red hot with a big hammer


Awhile back I bought an old (preston) vice that was rusted solid. The main screw was busted and I assumed it was from the previous owner trying to free it up. I wasn't looking forward to freeing it up, so I threw some kerosene on it and just forgot about it. Well, years later I was cleaning up my place and was sliding the vice around on the concrete, I shoved on the jaw with my foot and to my amazement the slide was completely free

I always assumed that the kerosene had freed up that vice, but now I'm no longer sure.

[dyermullet]

PB blaster is junk.  Kroil works very good.  I have had rusty stuck fasteners that wont budge.  Give it a shot of Kroil and few second later come apart with ease.