Last Updated on October 11, 2023 by
Penetrating oils are a type of lubricant designed to dislodge rusted, corroded, or otherwise “stuck” fasteners or components. The freeing rate of a stuck bolt or nut is considered by penetrating oil producers to be a major performance measure for their best rust penetrant products. These low viscosity penetrating oils are used to remove corroded and stuck bolts or nuts.
How Does Penetrating Oil Work?
In the case of nuts and bolts, the oil finds its way into the bolts and nut threads by passing through the small crevices between them, making them easier to remove.
The penetrating oil leaves a protective coating behind to prevent further corrosion, but they’re not meant for applications where long-term lubrication is a top priority. These fluids evaporate quickly due to their volatile chemical constituents, and the residual coating is insufficient as a lubricant. Plastics can also be harmed or stained by them.
When Should a Penetrating Lubricant Be Used?
- Nuts and bolts that have become stuck. Whether they’re covered in rust or have been buried for years, this will release them.
- Taking out chewing gum (it occurs), removing adhesive stickers, and doing warehouse maintenance jobs.
- After machining with soluble cutting fluids or following cleaning processes, it quickly eliminates water from components.
- Rust protection for parts, tools, hunting, fishing, cycling, and other equipment
The following scenarios should not be used with penetrating lubricant:
- These products should not be used in place of other lubricants or on bearings or other moving parts. It’s only temporary, and it’ll harm your machine.
- Penetrating fluids are relatively volatile, so because of this, they should not be used as general-purpose lubricants. As a result, much of the penetrating oil will evaporate quickly, leaving very little lubrication behind.
